Since the last round of the quiz game revealed how Wanda became the Scarlet Witch and obtained the Darkhold in a future video, the Multiverse Defenders and some of the Avengers began to doubt her.
At the time, people like Nick and Bruce had already guessed that Wanda would likely go rogue in the future. But their doubts weren't like those of cops eyeing a suspect—it was more like therapists trying to help a patient. Besides, the future hadn't happened yet, so all they could do now was take precautions.
After watching his own future video, Stephen gained a deeper understanding of Wanda's downfall: 'If she goes on dark path, and I go on dark path too, then what about the rest of us?'
Before that future comes to pass, it's not just Wanda they need to worry about. All the heroes in the Multiverse Defenders and the Avengers must be extremely cautious. Ideally, they need to find a way to eliminate the root cause of superhero corruption altogether.
Stephen didn't have the energy or interest to dive into the details, so he planned to bring it up with Bruce and Steve and let them figure it out. He was being honest with Pietro, admitting he had no right to judge Wanda for going on the dark side.
Just then, the countdown for the quiz began. Pietro stayed silent, so Stephen made the choice for the team and picked option A.
On the other side, Erik also firmly chose A. He had already witnessed Wanda's power and found her personality quite to his liking. Honestly, he was thrilled at the idea of Wanda defeating Charles.
Charles hesitated for a moment but eventually went along with Erik's choice and also picked A. This time, their team won the buzzer. The countdown ended, the correct answer was revealed—and both teams got it right!
[Congratulations to Team A for answering correctly. Player Erik lenhenserr, player Charles Xavier, and player Logan Howlett each earn 4 points.]
[Congratulations to Team B for answering correctly. Player Stephen strange, player Peter Parker, and player Pietro maximoff each earn 1 point]
Despite earning 4 points, Charles wasn't smiling. This meant the fallen Scarlet Witch had already wiped out Kamar-Taj and was now about to solo raid another multiversal guardian force—the Illuminati.
Worse still, in that world, he was one of its members.
"Doesn't matter which universe it is, danger is always lurking," Charles said seriously.
Erik, on the other hand, was delighted. Laughing, he said, "Nice! A clean 4 points! Charles, I can't wait to see you and Wanda clash. You both mess with people's minds—what would that even look like in a fight?"
Charles rolled his eyes. "A battle of wills may not be as visually brutal as fists and blood, but it's just as dangerous. From the outside, it might just look like one of us suddenly drops dead while standing still."
Erik nodded thoughtfully, then smirked. "Wait a minute, isn't future-you in a wheelchair? You wouldn't be standing up to begin with."
Charles glared and turned away, refusing to respond.
At that moment, the screen showed the continuation of the correct answer's video.
The Illuminati members were watching Wanda's rampage through the surveillance system. Peggy immediately stood up and said, "Keep an eye on her—we're heading to the front lines!" She left with Black Bolt, Reed, and Carol.
Clearly, Peggy filled the same role in the Illuminati that Steve did in the Avengers: the one who leads the charge and coordinates when trouble arises.
Charles, however, didn't leave with them. Instead, he turned to the Stephen of that universe and said seriously, "If you escape, you must guide America to find the Book of Vishanti!"
"What did you say?" Mordo asked in surprise. They were supposed to be judging Stephen, but Charles sounded like he wanted to help him escape.
Stephen was stunned too. "You guys have the Book of Vishanti?"
Charles nodded and then told a clearly unhappy Mordo, "I think we should trust him. Someone who's lost their way can still find it again. What kind of Doctor Strange you become—we'll have to wait and see."
Watching from outside the video, Stephen raised an eyebrow and smiled. "That Charles is a wise man."
Pietro rolled his eyes. "Oh please, just because he stood up for you?"
"Obviously. I'm the only one who can deal with your unruly sister… We're both sorcerers, after all." Stephen smugly raised his chin.
Erik took the opportunity to tease Charles again. "Charles, you really know how to talk! With your powers, you should go into politics. Who knows, maybe you'd become the first mutant president."
He paused. "Oh, wait. Last round revealed there already was a mutant president. You'd be second."
Logan chimed in, shaking his head. "You forgot one thing. Last round also showed your student Jean was in politics. Clearly part of your master plan—controlling the country from the shadows. Isn't that how America's real rulers operate?"
Charles frowned. "Logan, I didn't expect you to be so into politics."
"Come on. If you'd seen my future last round, you'd know I fought in the Civil War—and many more wars after that. Politics? Just a fancy cover for fists and violence. Trust me, I know more than both of you."
Back in the video, Stephen was sincerely grateful for Charles' trust and thanked him.
Meanwhile, Wanda's rampage had become unstoppable. She slaughtered mechanical soldiers on her way to the lab where America was being held—nothing could stop her.
Christine, noticing the spreading fire and the chaos, realized things were spiraling out of control. Bravely, she ordered the other researchers to evacuate while she tried to free a panicked America.
But the glass cell's system had malfunctioned, and she couldn't release her in time. Wanda was already at the door!
____
🎯 Goal: 200 Power Stones in 1 Week!
If we hit the target, I'll upload 2 extra chapters as a thank-you bonus! 💥
Let's power up this fanfic together! Every stone counts! 🙌🔥