Facts proved that real combat was always the best teacher.
Although Eric and the others felt slightly embarrassed after being repeatedly beaten down by Rorschach, once they calmed down and thought about it carefully, they all realized something.
They had improved.
Significantly.
There was a clear difference between training without pressure and training under real threat.
"Well then," Charles said with satisfaction after observing the results, "if that's the case, we'll officially add practical combat sessions to everyone's training schedule."
A chorus of miserable reactions followed immediately.
"Ah?"
"Again?"
Several mutants instantly pulled long faces. Their heads shook instinctively like rattles.
None of them wanted to relive the terrifying experience of being dominated by Rorschach again.
"That settles it," Eric said decisively.
He didn't hesitate at all.
"Everyone go get some rest. Tomorrow I hope I won't be beaten as badly as today."
After saying that, he casually brushed off the dust on his clothes and walked away without another word.
"Did you hear him?" Charles said, spreading his hands.
"Good luck, everyone."
Then he also turned around and left, looking completely relaxed.
The remaining mutants stared at each other helplessly.
For a moment the group stood there in silence, like people abandoned in the middle of a storm.
Suddenly Darwin stood up.
Without saying another word, he began walking away.
"Darwin, where are you going?" Sean called after him.
"Training," Darwin replied simply.
"You heard what Charles and Eric said."
He continued walking without looking back.
The others watched him leave.
"What do we do now?" Havok asked.
"What else can we do?" Sean sighed. "Accept our fate."
The group exchanged helpless glances.
Deep down, they actually agreed with Charles's decision.
None of them wanted to admit it openly, but the brutal training had undeniably pushed them forward.
From that day onward, the mutants entered a long period dominated by Rorschach's terrifying sparring sessions.
Despite the suffering, the results were obvious.
Once practical combat became part of their training, everyone's growth accelerated dramatically.
In just ten days, the changes were remarkable.
The immaturity that once clung to many of them began fading away.
They moved with greater confidence and control.
They were beginning to resemble real fighters.
If the group had possessed this level of ability back when they went to Manhattan to capture Shaw, Charles might not have hesitated so much.
He might even have taken everyone along from the beginning.
—
On the training field, the mutants were scattered across the grounds.
Each person practiced their abilities in their own way.
Energy blasts flashed across the air.
Metal objects floated and twisted.
Sonic waves vibrated through the open space.
Standing at the edge of the field were Charles, Eric, and Rorschach.
The three watched quietly.
Their expressions carried clear satisfaction.
Moira was absent again.
Despite falling into Shaw's trap previously, she had not abandoned the investigation.
If anything, the experience made her even more cautious.
Still, Rorschach didn't think much of her chances.
The political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union was growing increasingly dangerous.
As the mastermind manipulating events from the shadows, Shaw would certainly be focused on pushing both sides toward open conflict.
There was no reason for him to expose himself now.
"Charles," Eric said suddenly, watching the mutants train.
"They're ready."
Charles nodded slowly.
"Yes. They're ready."
Even someone as cautious as him had to admit that much.
"And a large part of that is thanks to Rorschach."
Charles turned toward him with a smile.
"Without your 'whip,' everyone wouldn't have improved so quickly."
"That's definitely a powerful whip," Eric muttered.
As he spoke, he unconsciously touched his cheek.
A faint bruise still remained.
He had told Rorschach not to hold back.
But apparently Rorschach had taken that advice very seriously.
"Eric," Rorschach said immediately, looking offended, "don't look at me like that."
"I'm injured too."
He raised his fist.
"My hand hurts every time it hits your face."
Eric stared at him in disbelief.
"You little—"
Charles burst out laughing.
Moments like this were rare, and he enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere between them.
Unfortunately, he had no way of knowing that this calm moment wouldn't last forever.
"Eric, Rorschach," Charles said suddenly.
"I've been thinking about something."
Both of them turned toward him.
"These practical training sessions have been extremely effective," Charles continued.
"So I'm considering building a specialized training facility."
Eric raised an eyebrow.
"What, a room where we can get beaten more efficiently?" he joked.
Charles shook his head.
"No. I mean a simulation chamber."
He gestured as he explained.
"A place where we can recreate real combat situations."
"We could simulate battles against enemies like Shaw."
Eric frowned slightly, but Charles continued.
"Even though the current training works, it still has limitations," Charles explained.
"Everyone knows deep down that we won't truly harm each other."
"That limits how far people push themselves."
"In a simulated battlefield environment, the pressure would feel real."
"A place where everyone experiences the tension of life and death."
Rorschach couldn't help thinking privately.
So this was the early idea behind the famous Danger Room.
In the future, the X-Men would use that facility to simulate battles against enemies—even Sentinels.
Who would have thought the concept would emerge this early?
As the three continued talking, a small vibration came from Rorschach's wrist.
A notification appeared on the advanced watch he wore.
He glanced down.
A message appeared on the screen.
"Key clues regarding mechanical lifeforms discovered. Requesting a meeting."
In this era, a device like this would already qualify as advanced technology.
But considering it had been designed by Howard Stark, it wasn't surprising.
After all, Stark was a man who had built a working flying car during World War II.
A communication watch was practically trivial for him.
"Charles, Eric," Rorschach said calmly.
"You handle the training for now."
"I need to go out and take care of something."
He didn't hesitate.
This message clearly related to the investigation into the mysterious mechanical lifeforms connected to the Allspark.
Since Rorschach had been the one who originally pushed S.H.I.E.L.D. to begin investigating the Decepticons, it made sense for him to follow up now.
Besides, staying inside Xavier Manor all day wasn't going to trigger anything new.
It was time to move the situation forward.
.....
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