Welcome to the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. Please wait a moment—someone will come to meet you shortly.
The calm, measured voice echoed directly in their minds.
They stood at the gates of the estate in Westchester County, just outside New York City.
Rogue glanced around nervously.
Noah leaned slightly toward her. "Don't worry. That's the headmaster I mentioned—the telepath."
A moment later, the front doors opened.
Three figures stepped out.
At the front was a man wearing a pair of distinctive red-tinted glasses—Cyclops. Behind him were two women: one with striking white hair and dark skin—Storm—and another with deep red hair—Jean Grey.
All three studied Noah with open curiosity.
"So you're Noah Vale," Cyclops said. "Professor Xavier told us about you."
Jean's attention quickly shifted to Rogue.
"You must be Marie," she said gently. "You're safe here. Everyone here is like you."
Rogue hesitated, still half-hiding behind Noah.
Jean smiled and raised her hand slightly.
A coin lifted from her palm, floating in the air, spinning lazily before drifting in small, controlled arcs.
Rogue's eyes widened.
That simple display—someone using their ability so naturally—eased some of the tension in her shoulders.
Noah watched, thoughtful.
So that's Jean Grey…
They followed the three inside.
The grounds were expansive, peaceful. Students moved freely—some running across water, others casually using their abilities while playing games.
To Noah, it looked less like a school and more like a controlled environment for people who didn't fit anywhere else.
A containment zone, dressed up as a campus.
A group of teenagers playing basketball noticed them.
"Hey! New student?" one of them called out to Rogue. "What's your power? Come play!"
Rogue hesitated, watching them.
There was something in her eyes—envy.
Before she could respond, Noah spoke.
"Want to join them?"
She blinked.
Then felt a hand gently touch her cheek.
Warm.
Steady.
Power flowed into her again—controlled this time, deliberate.
She looked up in surprise.
Noah released her a moment later. "You'll be fine. Go ahead."
Rogue shook her head quickly. "No… I'm okay. I'd rather stay with you."
The exchange didn't go unnoticed.
One of the boys squinted at Noah.
"Wait—aren't you that guy from TV? The one—uh—Noah something?"
Recognition spread instantly.
Students gathered.
Excitement. Curiosity. Admiration. Suspicion.
All of it mixed together.
Jean sighed softly and stepped forward, her voice layered with a subtle mental push.
"Everyone, settle down. He's a guest."
The crowd quieted almost immediately.
"Let's keep moving," she added, glancing at Noah. "The professor's been waiting."
They stopped outside a quiet room.
Jean opened the door.
Inside sat a bald man in a wheelchair.
Professor X.
"Mr. Vale," he said with a warm smile. "It's good to finally meet you in person."
Noah stepped inside and took a seat without hesitation.
"I delivered her safely," he said, gesturing back toward Rogue. "But it looks like she's not planning to stay."
Xavier nodded calmly. "That's her choice. We don't force anyone to remain."
Behind Noah, Rogue visibly relaxed.
Xavier folded his hands slightly.
"There's something I'd like to ask you," he said. "Now that you've seen this place… has your opinion of mutants changed?"
Noah didn't even pause.
"No."
The answer was immediate.
"They were human before their powers showed up. That hasn't changed. Same thoughts, same instincts. Different abilities."
A few of the people in the room exchanged glances.
That was… better than expected.
But Noah wasn't finished.
"But I don't agree with how you handle things."
The room went still.
Noah leaned back slightly.
"History's full of examples. Groups that were treated as less—persecuted, wiped out, despite being no different at their core."
His gaze stayed fixed on Xavier.
"You're trying to earn acceptance. That's not strength—that's dependence."
A pause.
"Magneto's approach is extreme. But at least it's decisive."
The reaction was immediate.
"You're wrong," Cyclops snapped. "What Professor Xavier is doing is the only way humans and mutants can coexist. Magneto's path leads to destruction."
Noah stood up slowly.
"Maybe," he said. "But from where I'm standing?"
His eyes swept across the room.
"Most of you don't even register as a threat."
Silence.
Then—
"For me, the only one here worth paying attention to…"
He looked directly at Xavier.
"…is you."
A beat.
Then, almost casually—
"Professor," Noah added, "why don't you stand up for a second?"
The room froze.
Xavier blinked.
"…I'm afraid that's not possible."
Noah exhaled, almost disappointed.
"Right."
He glanced around again.
"Then let me put it another way."
His voice turned colder.
"Your ideals don't mean anything to me."