Chương 46: The Reset Mutant Timeline

'Jean Grey's School for Gifted Youngsters?' Rosh blinked in mild confusion.

'Wasn't the mutant school always been named after Professor Xavier— Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters? When did it change to the Jean Grey?' Then it hit him. The X-Men films were split into two trilogies—the original with older actors and the younger trilogy starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. The second film in the younger trilogy, Days of Future Past, involved time travel.

In that movie, Wolverine traveled back in time, stopping the creation of the Sentinels and preventing Magneto from assassinating the President, altering the timeline. As a result, the events of the original trilogy were erased from existence. In this newly reset timeline, Magneto helped the X-Men stop Apocalypse and saved humanity, leading to his retreat into a peaceful life rather than becoming a fugitive. Professor X's efforts also bore fruit, with mutant acceptance rising in society.

In fact, the X-Men became so popular that even the President himself would call on them for help, such as during a space mission gone awry. During one such mission, an unknown force invaded Jean Grey's body, attracting the alien race known as the D'Bari. Their leader, Vuk, manipulated Jean, hoping to harness the Phoenix Force within her, which led to Jean's corruption. However, at the last moment, Jean regained control of herself and, alongside Professor X and Magneto, fought against the D'Bari.

In the end, Jean defeats Vuk but at the cost of her own life. In honor of Jean Grey's sacrifice, the Xavier Institute was renamed the Jean Grey School for Gifted Youngsters, and Professor Xavier retired. He and Magneto spent their days in a peaceful retreat, playing chess together. That had been many years ago, though. Judging by current events, Professor X had returned to the mutant academy.

Rosh recalled a scene from Deadpool, where Colossus took Wade Wilson to the mutant academy, and the Professor there was indeed the younger James McAvoy version. It became clear to Rosh that the Marvel universe he found himself in had undergone the events of Days of Future Past, meaning the mutant timeline had been reset! In this version of the world, the relationship between mutants and humans wasn't as hostile. Society had gradually come to accept mutants, though there were still pockets of hatred and fear.

However, mutant acceptance had become mainstream, and supporting mutants was the politically correct stance. Rosh realized this explained the subtlety of the mutant presence in this world. Mutants weren't a constant source of chaos, and their existence wasn't a point of major societal conflict anymore. That explained why he hadn't sensed much tension around their presence since arriving in this universe. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

For Rosh, this was great news. A world with less conflict between humans and mutants meant a more stable society. As he mulled over these thoughts, the familiar chime of the shop's bell interrupted him. A tall, striking woman with a cool demeanor entered the shop. Her figure was nothing short of impressive, and her expression exuded confidence and mystery. Rosh glanced at her, momentarily caught off guard. She looked incredibly familiar—a character from a storyline, for sure.

'Elektra.' It dawned on him. This woman was none other than Elektra, the famed assassin and Daredevil's complicated love interest. She was also the Black Sky, the dangerous weapon sought by the Hand and Stick's protégé. Rosh couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Elektra was no ordinary woman; considering her background, she probably wouldn't bat an eye at the steep price of a Devil Fruit. She was a potential top-tier customer.

"Welcome to my shop!" Rosh greeted warmly, his mind racing as he quickly evaluated Elektra as a potential buyer.

"Thanks," Elektra replied with a slight smile, her sharp eyes quietly scanning the shop's surroundings. Ever since her battle that night, Elektra had been haunted by Wesley's "hand-shot bullet." She couldn't shake off her curiosity, and her investigation had eventually led her to this unassuming store. Like many before her, Elektra's attention was immediately drawn to the Devil Fruits on display. The striking and unusual designs of the fruits made them stand out, demanding attention. There was no ignoring them.

"Shopkeeper, what are these... fruits?" Elektra asked, her gaze fixed on the vibrant array of Devil Fruits.

"These aren't just any fruits. These are Devil Fruits," Rosh said seriously, correcting her.

"Each one contains a mystical power that grants the person who eats it a unique superpower." Elektra raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback. Devil Fruits? She had assumed the store's name, "Devil Fruit Emporium," was just a gimmick, similar to restaurants named "Jack's Diner" or "Best Bud Pizza." But now she realized the fruits sold here were actually called Devil Fruits. Still, she had never heard of such strange, colorful fruits before.

"Devil Fruits?" she repeated, her tone skeptical.

"What kind of powers do they grant?"

"Each fruit bestows a different ability upon its eater," Rosh explained.

"Eat one, and you'll gain a superpower—anything from controlling elements to transforming your body." A cynical smile played across Elektra's lips. Such a thing couldn't possibly exist. Superpowers from a fruit? Really? But then the memory of Kingpin's glowing fists and Wesley's impossible hand-shot bullets flashed in her mind. The thought lingered, making her reconsider her disbelief.

Stick had already explained the origins of the "Iron Fist," but even he had no idea how Wesley managed to fire bullets without a gun. If fists could be imbued with "chi" to glow and bullets could be shot from bare hands, then perhaps fruits that granted superpowers weren't too far-fetched. Her expression changed slightly as she looked directly at Rosh.

"What kind of powers could I get? Could I shoot bullets from my hands, like Wesley?" Rosh's eyes gleamed with interest. This conversation was about to get very interesting. ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ Next Chapter: A Rose With Thorns Next Next Chapter: Kingpin is Definitely Not the Iron Fist! Next Next Next Chapter: Stick's Scheme Visit my P@tr3on or K0‑fi ''Isopuff'' page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates!