Just like that old saying—when absolute power is on the table, schemes and manipulation lose their edge. In front of someone like Levis, no amount of backroom strategy could force an outcome he didn't already accept.
"Since you've agreed, Mr. Weiss," Nick Fury said, moving quickly before anything could change, "then go ahead and sign this."
He slid the agreement across the table without hesitation, clearly intending to lock things in while the moment still held. It was a classic move—strike while the iron was hot.
Levis didn't waste time. He picked up the pen, gave the document a brief glance, and signed his name without the slightest pause. There was no need for drawn-out deliberation. He already understood the value of the deal.
"Mr. Weiss," Fury continued, watching the signature settle onto the page, "from this moment on, you're officially a member of the Avengers. If the organization has any missions—"
"Relax," Levis cut in casually, setting the pen down. "If something comes up, just call me."
His tone was easygoing, almost careless. What he didn't say out loud was just as important—that whether he actually showed up or not would depend entirely on his mood.
If it was something interesting, sure, he might get involved.
If not?
He had no intention of being anyone's full-time problem-solver.
Fury caught the implication but chose not to press it. Getting Levis to agree at all was already a major victory. Pushing further would only risk undoing everything.
After leaving Fury's office, Levis barely had time to step into the hallway before Polaris rushed over, clearly waiting for him.
"Weiss, what did you two talk about?" she asked, her curiosity obvious.
Levis smirked slightly, slipping his hands into his pockets as he answered.
"Nothing serious. The bald guy invited me to join his little superhero club."
Polaris blinked, then instinctively glanced back toward Fury's office.
"The bald guy?"
She pictured it for a second, then couldn't help the small twitch at the corner of her mouth. The comparison was… unfortunately accurate.
"You actually agreed?" she asked, turning back to him.
"Of course," Levis replied with a light shrug. "Sounds fun, doesn't it?"
He didn't bother explaining further. There was no need. For him, the decision had already been made based on what mattered.
Polaris studied him for a moment, then simply nodded.
"Alright," she said. "If you've decided, then that's fine."
She trusted his judgment. Whatever choice he made, she believed there was a reason behind it.
Not long after, the two of them returned to the academy.
Levis went straight to Professor X and explained everything—the conversation with Fury, the deal with S.H.I.E.L.D, and the conditions he had secured for the X-Men.
When he finished, Professor X sat quietly for a moment, then smiled.
"Well done, my boy," he said warmly. "You've handled this beautifully."
There was genuine pride in his voice, along with something deeper—relief.
At such a young age, Levis was already thinking about the future of mutants, not just his own strength. More importantly, he had taken real action to secure that future.
That kind of foresight wasn't common.
Since his awakening just a month ago, Levis had already accomplished several things that had directly benefited mutantkind. He had rescued Polaris, exposed the Hellfire Club's plans, located a powerful mutant, and helped stop Magneto's operation to save Rogue.
Each of those actions carried weight.
Together, they painted a clear picture.
Levis had the capability to lead.
Professor X's expression softened slightly as he looked at him.
"Weiss," he said after a brief pause, "I've seen what you can do. Your abilities, your judgment… your potential."
He took a slow breath before continuing.
"That's why I want you to take over leadership of the X-Men. What do you think?"
Levis froze for a moment, caught completely off guard.
"…What?"
That wasn't something he had expected.
"Professor," he said, frowning slightly, "you're the core of the X-Men. Without you, this team wouldn't even exist. And I'm still young—this kind of responsibility…"
More importantly, it sounded like a headache.
Managing people, handling operations, dealing with problems—none of that appealed to him.
Professor X shook his head gently.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "I'm getting older, Weiss. One day, I won't be here anymore. The X-Men need someone who can carry them forward."
His tone was calm, but there was a quiet certainty behind it.
Levis fell silent.
He could refuse. There was nothing forcing him to accept. But as he looked at Professor X, something in his expression made it hard to dismiss outright.
After a moment, he exhaled softly.
"…Alright," he said. "I'll do it."
It wasn't enthusiasm that drove the decision, but acknowledgment.
Professor X had spent his entire life fighting for mutants. If stepping in now allowed him to step back, even a little, then maybe it was worth the trouble.
Hearing his answer, Professor X smiled, the tension in his face easing immediately.
Not long after, he called the rest of the X-Men together and announced the decision.
At present, the team was still small—Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine, though Logan was currently away from the academy. The rest were either students or not yet ready to take on that role.
In truth, the X-Men were still in their early stages.
When they heard the news, their reactions varied.
"I'm fine with it," Storm said first, her tone steady. Jean nodded in agreement beside her.
Both of them had already seen what Levis could do during their last mission. His strength, his composure, his ability to take control of a situation—they were more than enough to earn their trust.
Cyclops, however, remained silent.
For him, the situation was more complicated.
Being passed over for leadership in favor of someone who had only just awakened—and someone who had technically been his student—not long ago… it wasn't easy to accept.
If Logan had been there, he probably would have spoken up without hesitation.
Professor X turned toward him.
"Scott," he said gently, "do you have any objections?"
Cyclops hesitated, then slowly shook his head.
"No," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "I don't."
There was a trace of conflict in his expression, but also something else—clarity.
"I know my limits," he continued. "I'm not the right person to lead the X-Men into the future we need. So… I agree."
Levis looked at him, genuinely surprised.
That wasn't the response he had expected.
Based on what he knew, Cyclops should have resisted, at least a little. Instead, he had chosen to acknowledge his own shortcomings openly.
That took more strength than most people realized.
Cyclops met his gaze, his expression firm now.
"Weiss," he said, "I hope you can make the X-Men stronger."
For a brief second, Levis didn't respond.
Then he smiled.
"Don't worry, Scott," he said confidently. "I will."
The certainty in his voice wasn't exaggerated. It was simply a statement of fact.
Seeing this, Professor X leaned back slightly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
At last…
He had found someone who could carry on his legacy.
And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to imagine what the future of Xavier's School might become.
....
Can't wait to read ahead. Then Join my P@treon and get 60+ chapters.
Even Free members can enjoy 2+ advanced chapters FOR FREE.
Link: [email protected]/Divine_Quill
Join Right Now