The arrival of supplies from SWORD caused the whole of Clarkia Island to erupt with excitement. Because it not only meant a better life, but also that they have finally gained recognition. The first step into the international community, they finally made it out there.

However, what followed was not only improvement but greater challenges. Zhengxian watched the construction of the port and shook his head, saying, "It’s enough as a trade port. But if it’s the only port of a country, serving both trade and military, I’m afraid it’s far from enough."

Charles understood as well. He said, "At this stage, we have no intention to build an army. The scale and level of trade shouldn’t provoke an attack, we can only take it one step at a time."

Zhengxian didn’t say much more, following the mutants to the Central Royal Court, but along the way, the beautiful scenery of Clarkia still moved him. It indeed looked like an ideal country.

"I really like your slogan," Weather Witch said, "Never abandon any mutant. Sounds pretty good."

Her English carried a bit of an Eastern accent and she spoke very slowly, making it sound uniquely charming. Charles smiled and said, "Erik came up with it. He’s an idealist. Now, he’s not far from achieving his dream."

"I hope so," Weather Witch said, "If you succeed, oppressed mutants in other countries will also have a home."

In the Central Royal Court, they talked a lot. Besides the subsequent cooperation, they also discussed Clarkia itself. However, Shiller and the others didn’t participate in the talks, firstly because they were outsiders, and secondly, because mutants still faced the biggest problem: they didn’t have a chef.

There were indeed chefs among the mutants, but there weren’t any professional chefs with the standard of a state banquet. Previously, they didn’t even have supplies to showcase their skills, everyone was gnawing on frozen foods. Suddenly needing to prepare a meal to entertain guests, it was quite a rush.

Fortunately, Erik was experienced in this aspect and quickly organized a team to start hosting work. Part of the team prepared the ceremonial band, another part prepared accommodations, and the rest were busy with the food. Since they often dealt with Chinese people, they knew that China valued food the most.

Erik had to find Shiller again, not because Shiller was a professional chef, but because only he understood the Chinese taste better. Shiller quickly listed a menu for him. They were simple home-style dishes that couldn’t go wrong: sautéed fish fillet, sweet and sour ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, smashed cucumber, and so on.

But even so, no one knew how to make them, so Shiller had to act as the head chef, while the other mutants with cooking experience assisted him.

"Why does it feel like I’m always cooking no matter where I go?" Shiller said while chopping ribs.

"It’s not your illusion," Steve was washing bok choy, "People who can cook always end up cooking wherever they go."

Matt was checking the fish in the tank, and after pulling one out, he almost got slapped by it, exclaiming, "It’s so fresh, it’d be a shame to make it into fillets. How about steamed bass?"

"You actually know that dish?" Shiller said, a bit surprised, "But for a state banquet, it’s better to avoid food with bones. It’d be bad if someone choked. Actually, I didn’t really want to make the ribs either, but Peter wanted them."

"Exactly!" Peter said while digging through a box of condiments, "I haven’t had the doctor’s ribs in ages. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."

"What’s all this about?" Strange was also looking through the condiments. He pulled out about twenty bottles that looked similar from a box, trying hard to recognize the Chinese characters on them. But actually, they were just some spices.

As for Stark, he was peeling garlic. In reality, he couldn’t do much else since he knew nothing about cooking; giving him garlic to peel was just to keep him from wandering around the kitchen and causing trouble for others.

The other mutants were also busy, some washing vegetables, some cutting meat. Shiller only needed to wield the spatula. Before long, the home-style dishes, with their excellent color, aroma, and taste, were cooked and served. As soon as they were placed on the table, Zhengxian and the Weather Witch both raised their eyebrows.

This wasn’t the stereotypical Chinese food in the Western mind, but authentic Chinese home-cooked dishes. Although they couldn’t compare with some state banquet dishes, they were quite genuine. Zhengxian glanced at Charles again. No wonder he seemed so knowledgeable about China; it turns out Clarkia also had someone well-versed in Chinese culture.

Since it didn’t qualify as a state banquet, the atmosphere was not serious. All the familiar members of The Avengers came. Seeing the familiar faces, Zhengxian clearly noticed something but didn’t say anything. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by hosts and guests alike.

Zhengxian and the Weather Witch had more inspections to conduct on the island, accompanied by Charles and Erik, while the others had no need to go. They all returned to their lodgings. However, they didn’t idle after returning. Stark built a drone and started observing the movements along the Jupiter Line.

It’s important to know that the vast army of the Shi’ar Empire is still in the Solar System. Now the mutants and two teams of The Avengers are taking turns barely keeping them at the Jupiter Line. Somewhat unexpectedly, the Shi’ar Empire hasn’t dispatched more troops. It seemed like they had their own issues to deal with.

In fact, that was indeed the case. Although Fire God Gabriel swiftly completed the beheading operation, the Shi’ar Empire was already a scattered entity. He wanted to rise to power, but others also wanted to kill him to rise, and now was the best opportunity. Hence, the entire nation was in constant turmoil.

If Professor X were persuaded by them to help suppress the unrest, it might have stabilized by now, but the problem is Professor X firmly refused. Therefore, the issue of internal unrest had already left Gabriel overwhelmed. Now, it wasn’t about conquering Earth, but rather whether he could keep himself alive.

Gabriel was in his office, checking on the rebellion around Ferocious Feather Star. Suddenly, a laser broke through his office window, and then Cyclops stormed in furiously.

"Gabriel!!!"

Gabriel turned his head to look at him, Cyclops stared at him intently and said, "How dare you... how dare you lay a hand on the Professor?!"

"Calm down," Gabriel said, "What would I gain from laying a hand on him? I was hoping you could persuade him to help me deal with this mess."

The red glow flickered in Cyclops’ eyes. He was deeply conflicted inside, unsure whether to trust Gabriel. Gabriel said, "I’ll say it again, I didn’t manipulate you. I wasn’t even eager to see you. It was you who insisted on compensating me, promising to bring in mutant support, so I allowed you to wander around the palace." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"... It wasn’t you who attacked the Professor?"

"I’m not that crazy," Gabriel said, "Attacking him would be detrimental and not beneficial for me. Firstly, he might be an ally. Secondly, he’s very strong, and angering him would be unwise. Finally, don’t you think I’d know that attacking him might provoke you? I can’t defeat you. In short, it wasn’t me."

Cyclops’ mind leaned toward believing him. Because what Gabriel said did make sense. He frowned deeply and said, "But it was your Royal Guard..."

"For heaven’s sake, if I could really control the entire Royal Guard, I wouldn’t be troubled by the rebellion! Who doesn’t know the Royal Guard is the strongest?"

Cyclops clenched his teeth. "Whoever it is, no one can harm the Professor!"

"You’ve finally decided to get involved?" Gabriel thought for a moment and said, "I think this might be part of your good Professor’s plan."

Cyclops looked up at him, Gabriel continued, "He knows he can’t stop you from joining the war, so better for him than for me."

Cyclops didn’t respond. Gabriel pursued, "Where did you hide him? Don’t get me wrong, the place you found might not be safe. If all else fails, send him back to Earth as soon as possible."

"Why don’t you withdraw the troops from the Solar System?"

"Because I can’t control them," Gabriel said, "Although I am their General, they went to the Solar System by Imperial decree. Now that I’ve usurped the throne, calling them back might not work, and might even cause more trouble."

"I’ll take the Professor back," Cyclops said, "then I’ll come back to help you deal with those guys. If we can’t control the entire Empire, then what if it’s split? This isn’t our home."

Cyclops turned to leave. But Gabriel suddenly called out to him.

"What is Clarkia like?" he asked.

"It’s a beautiful place," Cyclops turned to look at him, "If you go there, you’ll definitely like it. Ultimately, we need to return there, back to our own home."

After speaking, he walked out of the conference hall with large strides. Gabriel stood there, softly murmuring, "Home... is it?"

When the seriously injured Professor X was brought back, almost no one knew. It was Erik who secretly went to fetch him. To prevent panic, only a very limited few knew of his return.

Professor X’s injuries were by no means trivial. Fortunately, Cyclops acted quickly and placed him in a Shi’ar Empire Life Support Pod beforehand. This device could keep his body state unchanged. However, because it’s not fully compatible with mutants, he couldn’t stay long. Surgery had to commence immediately.

"Doctor!! Doctor!!!" Cyclops shouted. Of course, the doctors came without delay. But coincidentally, it was a very difficult operation, perhaps even hopeless.

Professor X’s chest was pierced by a laser. The damage extended to the heart and lungs. Due to the laser’s peculiar nature, the wound was in terrible condition. The doctors looked at each other helplessly, none daring to operate.

"What if we bring Doctor Strange back from the frontline..."

Doctor Strange from both the Central Universe and Prime Universe had already switched back. After returning from the Shi’ar Empire, Doctor Strange from the Prime Universe headed to the frontline, where he is now waging a fierce battle. Calling him back might influence the situation on the frontline.

Just as they mentioned this, Strange, fully equipped, arrived. He waved to the others and walked directly into the operating room. The other doctors and nurses exchanged glances and could only follow him inside.

The shadowless light suddenly lit up. Strange’s brow arch was sharper than a scalpel. He gently opened the wound on Professor X’s chest but sensed something unusual. Professor X’s brainwaves were not calm; he seemed to be experiencing something within his own Spirit Domain.

Picking up the scalpel, Strange said, "Go fetch Dr. Rodriguez. Perhaps there’s still a battle to fight in his Spirit Domain."