The president appeared slightly distracted.
Iron Man and the Hulk had already become two of the most troublesome subjects on the White House agenda, and their existence constantly weighed on the minds of the government.
"We can't act rashly against Iron Man," the president said slowly. "He's involved in far too many things."
Even the president himself had a headache whenever the name Stark Industries came up. Tony Stark's influence extended across military contracts, technological development, and international relations.
"Of course, Mr. President," Vane replied calmly.
"But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try."
He leaned forward slightly as he continued speaking.
"The Senate Armed Services Committee could hold a hearing. In the name of national security, they could request that he hand over the technology behind the Iron Man armor."
Vane's tone remained polite and measured.
"If he truly is a patriotic citizen, and if he really believes in justice the way he claims, then I believe he will not disappoint the American people."
The president gave a helpless smile and shook his head.
"We can try," he admitted. "But what about that so-called Hulk? He's far more terrifying than Iron Man."
"You don't need to worry too much about him."
Vane answered immediately.
"Since his rampage in New York, I've been tracking his movements. According to the latest information, he's currently living alone somewhere in the wilderness of western Canada."
He paused briefly before adding, "I plan to visit him personally."
The president looked at him with curiosity.
"You think you can persuade him?"
"I'm fairly confident."
However, in order to keep the president's attention focused away from the mutant issue, Vane decided to release another piece of information.
"I also have some good news for you," he said calmly. "After months of research, the Typhon Group has successfully restored Abomination's sanity. He's now on our side."
The president's eyes widened.
"What?" he exclaimed in shock. "You mean that yellow-skinned monster?"
"He's not a monster anymore," Vane replied calmly. "His name is Emil Blonsky."
"He lost control during the incident in New York, but now he's willing to atone for his mistakes. He intends to protect America by joining the Justice League."
Then Vane quickly added another sentence.
"However, his current condition is still somewhat unstable, both physically and mentally. My people are continuing research in order to stabilize him completely."
The president hesitated.
"This…" he said slowly. "The Justice League you're planning… if that yellow monster joins…"
He paused awkwardly.
"Isn't Blonsky a bit… unsuitable? After all, he destroyed an entire street in New York."
Vane shook his head.
"On the contrary," he said calmly. "I think this makes him the perfect candidate."
He continued explaining his reasoning.
"It shortens the distance between us and the public."
"If we present him as a victim rather than a villain, public opinion will shift. We can explain that he was manipulated, and that the real responsibility lies with General Ross."
Vane's tone became almost analytical.
"With the right media coverage, we can tell his story as a redemption arc. A soldier who lost himself, then fought his way back."
He smiled faintly.
"We can connect it to the American Dream."
"Freedom. Democracy. Humanitarian values. The United States as the beacon of the world."
"This approach reduces public pressure while promoting the universal values America claims to stand for."
The president stared at him for a moment.
Then he slowly nodded while stroking his chin.
"You…" he said quietly. "You have remarkable insight."
After thinking for a moment, he asked another question.
"You mentioned earlier that these heroes should be brought into a system. What kind of system are you talking about?"
"Superhero Registration."
Vane spoke the words plainly.
"For now, however, it's not the right time to implement it."
He continued explaining.
"When the time is right, we'll create certain situations to guide public opinion. Once the pressure builds, the demand for regulation will become overwhelming."
"At that point, they won't be able to resist."
He shrugged lightly.
"There's no need for extreme measures. As long as they believe we represent the will of the people, they'll cooperate willingly."
The president frowned slightly.
"Your ideas make sense," he admitted. "But tell me something honestly."
He looked directly at Vane.
"Will this kind of change really happen in the future?"
Vane sighed softly.
"Based on current observations, yes."
"In addition to the heroes you already know about, I've encountered several others."
He began listing them.
"A woman with immense strength."
"A man dressed in red with small horns, who operates at night."
"And a fighter who inherited ancient martial arts traditions."
He waved his hand slightly.
"But those aren't the real issue."
"The real problem is something else entirely."
Vane's expression became serious.
"We've already begun detecting individuals who use superhuman abilities for crime."
He paused before speaking the term clearly.
"Supervillains."
"The problem arises when extraordinary power is used without restraint."
The president sighed deeply.
"I've read some classified reports from Homeland Security and the CIA," he admitted. "It does seem like the world has changed."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Back when we only had Captain America, things already felt complicated enough."
Now he shook his head.
"Now we have mutated monsters and walking steel suits appearing everywhere."
"Mr. President," Vane said calmly, "there's no need to worry too much."
He began listing several new developments.
"The mutant detection system developed by the Department of Defense is currently undergoing testing. It should be operational soon."
"We've also completed the first-generation design of a mental suppression field."
"When activated, anyone within its range who lacks protective equipment will immediately become paralyzed."
"This device is specifically designed as a countermeasure against superhuman threats. It will greatly enhance the safety of high-ranking officials."
He continued.
"As for the shield generator used earlier today, we've already reduced it to the size of a suitcase."
"In the near future, we may shrink it further—to something as small as a briefcase or backpack."
"At that point, it will be capable of protecting you anywhere."
The president nodded slowly.
After a moment of silence, he asked the question that truly mattered.
"So tell me something," he said quietly.
"What do you think we should do about the mutants?"
Vane finally relaxed slightly.
They had reached the core of the conversation.
The president tapped the desk and slid a small piece of paper across the table.
"This was left behind by the attacker," he said. "Take a look."
Vane picked it up.
The message written on it was simple.
Long live the free mutants.
He smiled faintly and placed the note back on the desk.
"This framing attempt is far too crude," he said calmly.
"Before coming here, I received information that Professor Xavier was attacked and is currently missing."
"In my opinion, these two incidents may be connected."
He looked directly at the president.
"Therefore, I recommend we do not classify mutants as enemies yet."
"They may actually be victims."
The president nodded slowly.
"You know," he said, "before you arrived, I had just finished speaking with Colonel Stryker."
"He recommended immediate military action against the mutant academy."
"I refused."
"Thank you very much, Mr. President—"
"But."
The president's voice suddenly hardened.
"Mr. Vane, I'm giving you three days."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Use your Justice League and investigate this matter."
"I'll make arrangements to give you the authority you need. But in three days, you must provide a clear explanation."
His expression became serious.
"Otherwise, I'll authorize Stryker to proceed."
Vane remained silent for a moment.
After all, the president was still the president. Just because previous negotiations had gone smoothly didn't mean he would agree with everything.
Still, this outcome was already better than expected.
In truth, Vane could have revealed the entire truth right now.
But the explanation would sound too unbelievable.
"As you wish, Mr. President," he said calmly.
"In three days, I'll bring you the truth."
After leaving the White House, Vane went directly to Xavier's School.
With both Charles Xavier and Cyclops missing, the academy had effectively lost its leadership.
From a strategic standpoint, this was the perfect moment to take control of the situation.
When Vane arrived at the academy gates, he happened to encounter Logan and Colossus returning from outside.
The atmosphere at the school was tense.
As soon as the news of the presidential assassination attempt reached them, Professor Xavier had immediately used Cerebro to locate the blue-skinned mutant responsible.
After identifying a possible location, he sent Jean Grey and Storm to investigate.
With Charles gone, the responsibility for managing the school had temporarily fallen to Bobby Drake.
When Vane, Wolverine, and Colossus arrived together, the students finally felt as if someone capable had taken charge.
Inside the principal's office, Vane immediately made several calls.
He summoned Abomination, Bullseye, and an entire squad of enhanced soldiers.
His target was clear.
They were preparing to attack Stryker's base at Alkali Lake.
Logan sat on the sofa with Colossus beside him. Bobby Drake, John Allerdyce, and several others gathered nearby.
Logan took a slow puff from his cigar before speaking.
"Do you know who the enemy is?"
"I know he's the enemy of all mutants," Vane replied calmly.
Then he added another sentence.
"But he's your enemy even more."
Logan frowned.
"Who?"
"Colonel Stryker."
Wolverine froze.
Earlier, Vane had already explained part of Logan's past, mentioning that Logan once left the military because he couldn't tolerate the killing of innocent people.
But Logan had never investigated further.
Fragments of memory sometimes flashed through his mind, reminding him that his history was deeply connected to someone.
Now the name triggered something buried deep inside him.
"You should remember," Vane continued slowly, "that Stryker once took you to Lagos to retrieve something."
"Something that fell from the sky."
"Something called adamantium."
He looked directly at Logan.
"It's the metal now bonded to your skeleton."
Logan stiffened.
His fingers tightened unconsciously, snapping the cigar in half.
The cigarette butt fell to the floor, but he didn't even notice.
Everyone else in the room leaned forward, listening closely.
"What happened?" Logan asked.
His eyes burned with intensity.
Vane answered calmly.
"After you left the military, you tried to live a quiet life as a lumberjack."
"You even had a lover."
"For a time, your life was peaceful."
He paused.
"Until the day Stryker found you."
Vane's voice became colder.
"He told you someone was hunting your former teammates and that you were in danger."
"He offered to take you away for protection."
"You refused."
"Then the next day you discovered traces of your brother Victor."
Logan's breathing grew heavier.
"You realized something was wrong," Vane continued quietly.
"But when you finally reached your cabin…"
"Your lover Kayla was already lying in a pool of blood."
.....
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