When Sebastian returned to Academy X, Wanda, Tony, and the others immediately rushed forward to check on him and ensure his safety.
Sebastian had been missing for five entire days. They had already contacted Eric and learned from him that Sebastian had traveled to investigate matters concerning Wanda. Although they were confident that there should be no danger in the world powerful enough to truly threaten Sebastian or prevent him from returning, they remained somewhat worried nonetheless. Now that Sebastian had returned safely, everyone felt their anxiety and concern fade into relief.
"I apologize to everyone for my sudden departure," Sebastian said calmly. "I went to investigate certain matters and was delayed longer than expected. I am sorry for causing you all concern."
Looking at Sebastian's composed expression, both Wanda and Tony—who knew Sebastian extremely well—immediately understood that Sebastian must have investigated something significant, which had consumed his time and kept him occupied. However, since Sebastian did not broach the topic or offer details about those investigations, Wanda and Tony tactfully pretended that nothing unusual had occurred and deliberately refrained from asking Sebastian what he had been investigating during those five days of absence.
After conversing casually for a while longer, Sebastian came to Charles Xavier's private office.
"Charles, how have matters progressed during the days I was away?" Sebastian asked, settling into a comfortable chair.
After pouring a glass of soda water for Sebastian and a glass of wine for himself, Charles responded with measured concern. "We have recently investigated Jean's whereabouts, and the findings were somewhat unexpected and troubling.
Originally, Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead went to help rescue a mutant we knew—a mutant named Deadpool—who was trying to rescue his lover from captivity.
But in the process, they accidentally discovered that this particular group of people were responsible for the mutant disappearances case we had been investigating. They engaged in combat with another group of operatives, but they ultimately retreated before a clear victor could be determined.
Regardless of which groups these various operatives belonged to, our investigation revealed that both were connected to Essex, a renowned British technology company. We began investigating Essex directly and discovered some highly unusual recent behaviour patterns.
Using my mind amplification technology to magnify and extend my telepathic abilities, I carefully delved into the memories of Essex employees without alerting them to my presence. Finally, I discovered that Jean appears to be staying at Essex voluntarily. It seems she has reached some sort of agreement with them regarding a specific plan.
If you have not returned yet, we were planning to go to Essex tonight to retrieve Jean and bring her back to safety. But since you are back now, we can undertake this mission together."
Hearing Charles' explanation, Sebastian took a measured sip of his soda and posed a careful question. "Who are you planning to take with us on this mission this time?"
"I spoke earlier with Scott and the others, and they made a valid point. We are family. Since Jean is in trouble and danger, we should face it together as a unified group.
Besides, Essex is not as straightforward as it initially appears. They appear to be conducting research on artificial mutants, so we need to mobilise the full X-Men team to properly handle any potential complications and threats that may arise.
I have also already informed Eric about the situation, and he will be bringing several capable members of the Brotherhood of Mutants to provide additional assistance and support.
I will need you to open a portal when the appropriate time comes for our assault."
Sebastian nodded in acknowledgment and replied with careful consideration. "That presents no problem whatsoever. It is just a small matter for me to manage. However, I do hope that you, Charles, can remain appropriately vigilant and aware. This battle will be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. I will do everything within my considerable power to ensure our safety and success. If there truly is no other viable solution available, then we will not hold back our full capabilities and strength."
Charles looked at Sebastian carefully and thoughtfully. He neither disagreed nor agreed outright with what Sebastian had just stated. He simply spoke from his heart. "I believe in Jean completely. She will not remain controlled by the Phoenix Force forever. She is a strong and resilient person, and she will definitely find a way to regain her sanity and self-control."
Hearing this expression of faith, Sebastian nodded slightly in acknowledgment and replied seriously. "I hope so as well. I also genuinely hope that Jean can recover fully. Additionally, regarding the matter of Essex Company itself, I believe we would be much wiser to remain vigilant and cautious. I have always felt that this so-called technology company is not nearly as simple as it appears on the surface. If we become too careless and complacent in our approach, we will definitely suffer a grave loss."
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