Arthur believed that Kingpin's ability to deal with problems would not let him down.
During the following days, Arthur continued to live his life calmly.
The only difference was that now Gwen occasionally came to him with some questions.
For example: "My friend wants to participate in a more dangerous sport. What material would be most appropriate for sportswear?"
Or: "What kind of color combinations do you like?"
And so on.
Arthur was, in a way, indirectly involved in the birth of this universe's Spider-Woman.
But there was something that bothered him.
His eyes, once a deep, striking blue, now shone with a yellowish hue. Fortunately, his hair had not taken on that wild, disheveled look, reminiscent of Garou's mane.
Still, the mere change in eye color irritated him — losing that impressive blue, which had given him a commanding aura and evoked the vibe of Satoru Gojo, was something he could not easily tolerate.
While helping Gwen with her questions, Arthur also logged into the system and collected various items.
This made him feel as though the system was becoming less and less serious.
[Black whip that hurts less 1x]
[Magic rope that gradually gets tighter, does not pose a risk to life 1x]
All these "useless" items, Arthur stored in his system inventory.
Perhaps one day they might come in handy.
Of course, he also received some useful rewards:
[Shooting Skills]
[Photographic Memory]
[Mind Control Immunity]
[Senzu Beans 10x]
Among them, the one Arthur considered most valuable was [Mind Control Immunity], since there were many beings in this world capable of manipulating the mind—humans, mutants, aliens, and more.
People like Professor X, Jean Grey, and eventually the Scarlet Witch.
With this skill, he was now immune to their mental abilities.
After working on his book for an hour, Arthur went out to the terrace to relax.
He also prepared a cup of milk tea, which he improved using a skill he had gained from the system: [Cooking Skills].
Taking a calm sip, his eyes lit up.
"Well, that's really good."
"When Gwen comes, I'll let her try it."
What Arthur didn't know was that while he was enjoying a moment of peace, someone else in New York was deeply troubled because of him.
On the outskirts of New York stood the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters.
Founded by Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men, the school welcomed mutants and offered them a safe environment to grow.
In one of the classrooms, the bell rang just as Jean finished her lesson.
"Students, that's it for today. Don't forget your assignments, they're due tomorrow."
"Yes, Miss Grey!"
There were about thirty students, all mutants, who respected Jean deeply.
Many of them dreamed of becoming X-Men like her.
Jean watched the children leave.
For some reason, her conversation with Arthur that night returned to her mind.
Ever since coming back to the Institute, his words had lingered.
The more she thought about them, the more sense they seemed to make.
But Professor X's guidance over the years was also deeply ingrained in her, and the two ideas clashed constantly within her mind.
This inner conflict tormented her.
Distracted, she walked back toward her dormitory after class, nearly bumping into several students playing outside.
The scene was noticed by Professor X from his office window.
Behind him stood a middle-aged man in a brown leather jacket, his hairstyle resembling raised animal ears.
"Charles, why did you call me here all of a sudden?"
Professor X, seated near the window, turned his wheelchair toward him.
"Sit down first, Logan."
James Howlett—better known as Logan or Wolverine—one of the X-Men's core members, dropped lazily onto the sofa.
Charles got straight to the point.
"Some time ago, I asked Jean to attend a party at Stark Industries. Do you remember?"
Logan thought for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah, I remember. What about it?"
Though Logan looked middle-aged, he was actually over 200 years old—older even than Charles himself.
He quickly realized what Charles was implying.
"So? Did something happen?" Logan asked.
Professor X shook his head, then nodded slightly.
"Jean mentioned that she only had a drink with someone that night. Nothing more."
"That sounds fine to me. Given our current situation, the fact that someone was even willing to approach a mutant and share a drink is already a good thing."
"Perhaps… but I've recently noticed Jean behaving strangely. I don't believe it was just a casual drink."
Logan narrowed his eyes.
"So, you want me to keep an eye on her? To see if she's hiding something from you?"
"Exactly, Logan."
Logan frowned.
"Charles, is this really necessary?"
He didn't like the idea of spying on a fellow teammate.
"Logan, you know our current situation better than anyone. If something happens, the U.S. government will—"
Charles didn't finish the sentence, but Logan already understood the implications.
He had been with Xavier long enough to absorb many of his ideals.
"Alright, I'll do it. If I notice anything unusual, I'll inform you right away."
Without another word, Logan stood and left the office.
Professor X turned back to the window, watching the children play outside.
His expression was thoughtful, burdened.
Meanwhile, back in her dormitory, Jean finally collapsed onto her bed, unable to bear the turmoil any longer.
"I can't take this anymore… I'd better go find Mr. Morgan…"
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."