Marvel's New Magneto

Chapter 31: Chapter 30: Protecting the Children



Erik could feel the students' gazes fixed on his back. Even without turning around, he could sense their hopeful anticipation. That was exactly what he wanted. The road ahead was long, and he couldn't walk it alone. He needed devoted followers, and these young people were the perfect candidates. He had already made his plans—he was just waiting for the signal. As soon as the agreed-upon person appeared in his line of sight, nodded, and gestured, the opportunity would present itself. From that moment on, a new world would open for mutants.

This was his plan.

Despite the enormous risk of being discovered by that supreme being, he had repeatedly traveled to the world of the Main God for this purpose.

Those pitiful vampires, werewolves, and monstrous serpents—cast out and forced to flee—had all been part of this greater goal.

This was only the beginning. The curtain had yet to rise.

In the future, more beings—creatures that had once existed only in the Main God's space—would enter this world through him. They would step into the spotlight, exposing their monstrous faces and terrifying claws to the fragile human public. These new threats would replace mutants as the primary target of conservative forces. Fear would spread across the world, leaving an indelible mark on human memory. And in the darkness of the coming age, mutants would emerge as the brightest stars.

Those who follow me will prosper; those who oppose me will perish. It was not about good or evil—it was about survival. This was the mindset of a true reincarnator, one who had clawed his way out of hell.

Unlike Charles, who sought harmony with humans and was willing to sacrifice himself for coexistence, Erik believed that mutants owed nothing to humanity. There was no need to appease them. Why should mutants suppress their own kind for the sake of human interests? More effective methods were needed to achieve his goals.

Black and white could never be the same. Oil and water could not mix. If peace could not be achieved through patience, then let chaos do the work instead.

> "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother.

One's enemies will be those of their own household.

He who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

The words of Christ—now spoken once more by Erik.

If humans refused to accept mutants, then he would introduce an external force to shatter their world until they could no longer be separated.

That day was not far off.

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt. Chaos unfolded ahead—dozens of vehicles had stopped in the street, their drivers frantically opening doors and ducking between cars to escape.

Gunfire erupted from a nearby school. Flames raged, thick black smoke rising to darken the sky.

"Someone's shooting at the school!" The students gasped, memories of Stryker's attack flooding back. That day, Erik had been the one to save the academy.

He frowned, then swiftly issued orders.

"We can't stand by while children are being attacked. We must intervene. Peter, you're with me—we'll draw their fire."

Colossus nodded immediately.

"Bobby, once you spot the shooter, take him down with John. Stay alert for accomplices. Kitty, you're with them—if they need to bypass obstacles, help them through. Lorna and the others, protect Kitty. And remember, watch your own backs."

"The enemy is human, but we are their evolutionary successors. Today, I want you all to set aside your pride and work as a team to complete this mission."

With the plan in place, the team sprang into action.

It was almost laughable to go to such lengths over an ordinary criminal, but this was about more than just stopping a shooter. It was about fostering teamwork, building a sense of collective honor and responsibility. You couldn't let some members of a group remain passive observers forever. Every team had its standout talents, but if only the strongest were given opportunities, the rest would inevitably be left behind. Erik wanted a balanced team—one without glaring weaknesses, where everyone could contribute their strengths.

The gunfire continued, though it was slowing down.

Erik and Peter pressed forward, stepping over burning cars and bodies lying in pools of blood.

This was an elementary school. The sign above the gate read Sandy Duncan School.

A man in black tactical gear, covered in weapons and wearing a bulletproof vest, stepped out of a classroom, heading toward the next.

The moment he stepped into the open, they saw each other.

Peter growled, his skin turning to gleaming metal. Bullets would do little to harm him now.

The shooter hesitated for a second, then immediately raised his gun and opened fire.

The deafening gunshots sent the children inside screaming in terror. They had thought the nightmare was over—that the monster had left after taking enough lives. But now, he had returned.

Panic broke loose. Some of the terrified children bolted for the back door, their instincts overriding reason.

Luckily, the shooter was too focused on Erik and Peter to notice them.

Peter took the brunt of the bullets, sparks flying as they struck his metal skin. Each impact sent waves of pain through his body, as if his bones were being shattered by a hammer. But he gritted his teeth and pressed forward, shielding his face with his hands.

Somewhere in the distance, someone gasped, "Oh my God."

A camera lens peeked out from behind cover, capturing the scene.

Perfect.

Raising his fist, Erik shouted, "Protect the children!" and rushed toward them.

His cry alerted the shooter, who quickly shifted his aim—now firing directly at the fleeing students.

Bullets sprayed in every direction, indifferent to whether they struck boys or girls. To him, everyone present was an enemy. Gunfire mixed with screams and shouts.

Peter barely had time to react—he threw himself in front of the children, linking arms with Erik to form a human shield. The bullets ricocheted off his metal body, but the impact sent shockwaves of pain through him. He clenched his jaw, swallowing back the urge to vomit.

A camera crew had caught everything.

The footage spread across the media like wildfire—two mutants standing together, shielding children with their bodies as bullets rained down. The ground in front of them was littered with deformed bullet casings, evidence of the relentless assault they endured.

Meanwhile, Bobby and the others had successfully flanked the shooter, entering the next classroom undetected.

A sharp-witted journalist quickly turned their camera toward them—just in time to witness something unbelievable.

Three young mutants ran straight at a wall—only to vanish into the solid surface like ghosts.

On the other side, the shooter had just emptied a magazine and was switching guns when—

"Hey," John tapped his shoulder.

The shooter flinched.

In the distance, police sirens wailed, growing louder.

---

BREAKING NEWS: Gunman opens fire at Duncan Elementary, leaving 13 dead—including 8 children. Live updates from our reporters.

Under the glare of flashing cameras, police officers cordoned off the area. But the reporters were relentless, shoving microphones toward the cameras.

"CBS Reports: The suspect, 21-year-old Seymour Nero, entered Duncan Elementary this morning and began shooting, causing multiple casualties. Fortunately, a group of individuals intervened, saving the children and subduing the suspect. Authorities believe the heroes are part of a mutant organization."

"Mutants save children—who are they?"

The shooter had been handed over to the police, and Erik and his students were giving their statements.

This time, they didn't leave right away. They stayed, watching as paramedics carried out the wounded and covered the dead.

Among them was a pregnant teacher, her lifeless eyes staring at the sky.

Marie's eyes filled with tears. She turned to Erik, her heart pounding.

Could she do something to save her?

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