Superman Marvel Adventures

“You want to see Jean? But can she help you? You should know that when that cosmic phoenix left, she had already lost the qualification to become the most powerful mutant, and she hasn’t made any progress in the past year. She’s still a Level 3 mutant. I don’t think she can help you,” Professor X sighed.

“No, you’re mistaken. The reason the Cosmic Phoenix chose Jean Grey as its host was because Jean Grey’s abilities were closest to its own. So, the Omega-level potential wasn’t the Cosmic Phoenix’s original intention; rather, it was because she possessed Omega-level potential that she was possessed. I’m here today to verify this hypothesis. Once we can verify it and restore Jean Grey’s strength, I think finding Christine won’t be difficult,” Athena explained.

"Alright. I'll call Jean over right away." Professor X felt a surge of hope upon hearing this, hoping that Athena's prediction was correct and that his student Jean Grey could gain the same power as the Dark Phoenix.

Soon, Phoenix, Storm, and Logan walked in together. Logan was quite excited to see Athena there as well.

"Has Adam recovered?" he asked impatiently.

"Not yet, he's still the same as before, showing no signs of recovery whatsoever. It seems the situation at the time had a significant impact on his consciousness," Athena sighed.

"Really? Sigh, I thought he had recovered. So, did you come here today seeking help? Is there a problem with the Justice League?"

Logan married Storm six months ago, so he didn't return to New York. Instead, he stayed at Xavier's School of the Rising Sun to help Storm manage the school. Because of Cyclops' death and Jean Grey's depression, Storm was the one who took over the school from Professor X. So Logan chose to stay. Of course, if Spider-Man and Vanguard encounter any problems in New York that they can't solve, he will step in to help.

“No, I came here today to confirm something. If we can confirm this, then there will be a glimmer of hope for Adam to regain his original personality.” After Athena finished speaking, she looked at Jean Grey, who was standing there blankly, and said, “I came to see Ms. Jean Grey.”

"Looking for me? What help can a half-crippled mutant like me possibly offer?" Jean Grey chuckled self-deprecatingly. "There are many people in this school who seem more suitable than me."

“No, there’s no one else on Earth who can help except you, and I believe you can.” Athena said earnestly.

"Really? How can I help? Ever since Scott died and I had that one major outburst, it seems I've used up all the abilities the Black Phoenix left me. I'm completely powerless now."

"But you have this potential, a potential that doesn't belong to the Black Phoenix! That's why I came to find you."

"My potential was merely something that the Dark Phoenix changed incidentally when she was inside me. Now that she's gone, I'm back to normal, an ordinary mutant with no hope. Are you sure I can be of any help?"

“Of course, it seems that you are the only one on Earth who is suitable to do this,” Athena said with great certainty.

"Oh, Miss Athena, what exactly is this thing you've been talking about?" Storm asked curiously.

“A year ago, Christine and the Mayan sun god fought a fierce battle in outer space. In the end, both disappeared without a trace. After a year of research and speculation by Harry Osborn, the final conclusion was that it was the sun! Christine may be inside the sun,” Athena explained.

"You mean, let Jean leave Earth and go to the Sun to find Christine? That seems a bit..." Storm seemed quite skeptical of this method.

"Somewhat far-fetched? Is that what you mean?" Athena asked.

“Well, you have to understand, it seems that apart from Superman and the Sun Goddess, oh, that is, Christine, it seems that no one on Earth can survive in the universe,” Storm said, frowning.

“That’s right, that seems to be the case for now. As far as I know, none of the people who are willing to help us seem to have the ability to survive in the universe, but Ms. Jean Grey is different.”

"What's different?"

"I'd also like to know, what secrets do I hold inside me?" Jean Grey asked her stormy colleague.

“Ms. Jean Grey’s body has been tempered by cosmic energy, and she is the only mutant on Earth who has reached the Omega level,” Athena said.

“But that’s the Dark Phoenix, not me!” Jean Grey retorted.

"Don't forget that Dark Phoenix chose you to hide and heal your wounds. The fact that she chose you already proves that you are not an ordinary mutant."

"So what? I do want to help you, but the problem is that I don't have the ability right now. Even if I wanted to help, I'm powerless to do so."

"All I need is for you to regain your former confidence and become the Phoenix you once were. As for other things, I have a way to help you restore your strength, and even your peak strength. But I must say this first: if you choose to do this, you will be stuck at the Omega level for the rest of your life, and you will never have the opportunity to improve. So I don't want you to make a hasty decision. I have already waited a year, and I can wait any longer."

P.S.: Um, I really didn't abandon the project. It's just that this book went way off course, so I had to write it slowly like this. Sorry!

Chapter 247 Confessing

"An Omega-level watch for life? That's a good thing for me, right?" Jean Grey asked, somewhat puzzled.

“On the contrary, I do not recommend that you do this, because once you reach the Omega level, the Earth will subconsciously reject your power, and you will not be able to stay on Earth. Moreover, because of the forced advancement, the Phoenix Force will continuously consume your life force, and you will be worn down to death by the Phoenix Force.” Athena explained to everyone, and then said, “This is what the Black Phoenix secretly told my master before leaving.”

Logan asked, "So what do we do now? Can we just wait for Jean to awaken?"

"That's how it is for now," Athena said. "Because among the people we know, it seems no one is more suitable than Ms. Qin."

"Okay, I'll try my best, after all, he's helped us several times before."

Although Jean Grey had no clue what to do, she remembered Adam's support and help to Xavier's School of Thought and made up her mind to help him even if it meant risking her life. In fact, death seemed more suitable for her now. That's what she thought.

"Thank you. On behalf of my master, I thank you all for your help during this time. I will thank you together with my master once he recovers. Now, I must go back first, because there are some things about the Ten Commandments that suddenly appeared, and I still need to help them." Actually, there was something else Athena didn't say: Adam, who was tied up in the laboratory, also needed her to keep an eye on him, otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble he might cause. Of course, this was Adam's dark history, and she wouldn't tell these people.

"We've heard about the Ten Rings, but unfortunately, since it's an internal human affair, we X-Men can't get involved, and governments around the world don't seem too keen on us providing support," Professor X said to Athena with a hint of regret.

"I believe that with your efforts, one day humanity will change its mind. After all, there are more and more superheroes emerging now, and people's acceptance has greatly improved."

Athena could only comfort Professor X in this way. After all, she had also received some criticism over the past year. There were always some people who felt it was inappropriate to let an intelligent system manage a company. If Athena hadn't become so annoyed later, and hadn't demonstrated some strength, the Dawn Corporation wouldn't have belonged to the Starks by the time Adam woke up.

Professor X smiled and said, "Thank you for your comfort. We will try our best to change people's perception of us."

"Alright then, I'll be leaving now. Contact me again when Ms. Qin has made any progress." With that, Athena's image disappeared.

After Athena left, the other teachers also said goodbye to Professor X and left the office. Only Jean Grey seemed to have something to say to the professor and stayed behind alone.

"You're referring to what Lady Athena said, aren't you?" the professor asked.

“That’s certainly one reason, but the main one is what we’ve discussed before,” Jean Grey said with a slightly bewildered look.

"Qin, my child, you must know that what has happened recently is not your fault. You should not feel lost, nor should you deny your own value. Everyone in this world has their own unique value, which is not given to them by me or anyone else, but must be sought by themselves."

Professor X knew that Jean Grey had been feeling lost and escaping reality lately. After all, the person she loved most had died, and she felt that she had all the power but couldn't save her lover, pushing her to the brink of self-destruction. Therefore, Professor X had to use his abilities to soothe Jean Grey's emotions.

"I understand, Professor. Thank you for taking care of me all this time." Jean Grey's eyes were slightly red, and she managed a weak smile.

"Alright, alright. Go back and get some rest. As for what Athena said today, do your best, but don't push yourself to the brink." Professor X sighed, then told Jean Grey to go back and rest.

Jean Grey turned and left Professor X's office, returning to her bedroom. Staring blankly at the photos of herself and Cyclops, she murmured to herself, "What should I do? Scott, please tell me, can I still fight? Can my powers truly save others?"

Da da da

Jean Grey snapped out of her reverie after hearing the knock and said, "The door isn't locked, please come in."

The door opened, and Wolverine Logan walked in, a cigar dangling from his lips. "It's me," he said. "Don't worry, I didn't light this cigar. I've just gotten used to it and enjoy the smell."

"Logan? What's wrong?"

"Ah, I think I should talk to you. Well, you know, I also went to see my lover, right in front of me. The sad thing is that I was shot in the head with an adamantium bullet, and when I woke up, I had absolutely no memory of that girl."

"You mean, you want me to forget about Scott?"

Logan waved his hand and said, "Ah, that's not what I meant. I mean, although I've completely forgotten about that relationship and have only seen information about my past in some documents, I know that love was real and has always existed."

Jean Grey glanced at Wolverine with some surprise, as if to say, "Is this really you?"

Logan coughed and said, “I’m not asking you to forget Scott, because that would be unfair to him and to you. What I’m saying is that you can keep him in your heart and let him continue to live in your heart, just like me. Although I have absolutely no memory of my past, I believe that there were people who loved me back then. I have always believed in this, which is why I have been able to hold on until now.”

"Thank you," Jean Grey said softly. "Thank you for comforting me."

“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Logan shrugged, subconsciously took out a cigar and took a bite, then awkwardly prepared to put it in his pocket.

“I don’t mind,” Jean Grey suddenly said. “Go ahead and smoke. I don’t mind you smoking cigars. It was because he didn’t like them before.”

Logan paused for a moment, then lit a cigar, took a satisfying puff, and said, "So you're willing to tell me your story now?"

“I always thought I should love Scott very much, but recently I’ve found that I can’t remember the days we spent together at all.” Jean Grey sat on the edge of the bed and said slowly, “The first time I met him was on an island. It was like we got used to each other and naturally got together. Until the first time the Dark Phoenix erupted, the first time I realized that my heart was actually empty. During the time when the Dark Phoenix possessed my body, I gradually realized that between Scott and me, there was more familial affection than romantic love. It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? Scott loved me so much, and yet I was always confused about these things, and I wanted to break up with him more than once.”

Logan wanted to speak, but didn't know what to say, so he could only listen quietly to Jean Grey's outpouring.

"The first time I felt rebellious was after meeting you, when I examined your body. Heh, it's funny, isn't it? I, who usually seem so intellectual and dignified, was actually attracted to your body." Jean Grey looked up at the stunned Logan and smiled slightly, continuing, "In the days that followed, watching your interactions with Scott, I found it hilarious, but I also felt it was wrong. I shouldn't betray my lover. As a result, because my mind was so chaotic, I almost got possessed by the Dark Phoenix. So I consciously avoided being alone with you. Unexpectedly, Scott suspected me, and we had a fight."

"So that's how it is. No wonder he had a problem with me back then. So that's why." Logan nodded in realization.

"The second rebellion, and the most intense one, was when I first met Adam Stark. Back then, he wasn't the Superman we know today, but a fledgling Shadow of Death. Because of his speed, he kissed me in front of many people." Jean Grey's voice was very calm, as if she weren't telling her own story. "Dark Phoenix was attracted to Adam and controlled my body several times, doing some things. The worst thing she did was repair my body and then have a relationship with Adam. This had a huge impact on me, to the point that I was filled with guilt every time I faced Scott. I always wanted to tell him these things, but I never had the time until the day he died."

Logan was genuinely shocked, not even noticing that a cigar he was holding had fallen to the ground.

“It wasn’t me, it was the Dark Phoenix!” Jean Grey seemed to feel a sense of relief at finally speaking what she had kept hidden in her heart. “Although the Dark Phoenix used my body, she seemed to dislike it, so she used her power to reshape my body and then had relations with Adam. Remember that time when Christine suddenly disappeared? Adam was drunk by you guys.”

"Ah, sorry, I didn't know, but wasn't the Dark Phoenix resealed by the Professor?" Logan finally remembered what happened that day.

"No, you've all been fooled by Dark Phoenix. She wasn't sealed away by the Professor; instead, she escaped while he was resealing her and hid from him ever since. After all, she's an Omega-level being, no doubt about it," Jean Grey said calmly.

"So, what happened next?" Logan's gossip-loving mind seemed to be burning.

"After that?" Jean Grey smiled bitterly and said, "Because of that incident, I have been feeling terrible and have always felt sorry for Scott. But from that moment on, Dark Phoenix had the upper hand and kept hindering Scott and me until she fully recovered and left my body. Unfortunately, although she is gone, Scott and I can never go back to how we were before. Our feelings have grown weaker and weaker. Even until the moment he died, I never had a proper talk with him. He always avoided me with various excuses."

Logan didn't know how to comfort Jean Grey at that moment. He sighed and was about to speak when he heard the shocking news: "Actually, I killed Scott!"

Chapter 248 Awakening

"What?!" The series of bombshell revelations left Logan completely bewildered. He stared at Jean Grey in disbelief, wanting an explanation, wanting to confirm if he had misheard.

“That’s right, I hesitated at that time. Actually, if I had just put in a little effort, I could have rescued Scott, but I don’t know why, I suddenly hesitated at that moment.” Jean Grey continued with her head down, “I hesitated, and because of my hesitation, Scott was killed by Magneto. Because of my hesitation, I lost someone who loved me very much. Tell me, what right do I have to live in this world?”

“No, I don’t think so. I know you. I know you’re a good person. You’re a kind-hearted girl!” Logan was initially stunned by the series of shocking news, but he quickly recovered and looked at Jean Grey, saying, “Someone like you, someone so kind, I believe you didn’t do it on purpose. Besides, the scene was very chaotic at the time, and Magneto himself took action. It’s not surprising that you couldn’t save her in time. You can’t be blamed for that.”

Jean Grey shook her head and said, "No, you don't know, I hesitated at that time, otherwise Scott wouldn't have died. He died because I hesitated for just a moment."

Logan walked over and turned Jean Grey's head toward him, saying each word slowly and deliberately, "No, it's not your fault. The Jean Grey I know, the kind, happy, intelligent, and charming woman, wouldn't do this. Wake up, Jean, find the you you used to be. The woman standing in front of me now is just a terrified woman, not the Phoenix who gives so many mutants headaches."

Jean Grey looked at Logan and suddenly asked, "Have you ever had feelings for me?"

"Huh?!" Logan was a little confused. What did it mean to ask this question at this time?

"I want to hear the truth!" Jean Grey's eyes were filled with sincerity and a strange gleam.

Logan remained silent for a long time, then looked at Jean Grey and said, "Yes, I have!"

"Hehe," for some reason, Jean Grey suddenly laughed and whispered, "I knew you had feelings for me."

"What's wrong?" Logan looked at Jean with some confusion and asked worriedly, "What...?"

A sudden kiss made Logan swallow his next words. He stared wide-eyed at Jean Grey, but soon he saw that her eyes were completely black, clearly indicating that something was wrong with her.

Logan was startled and tried to push Jean Grey away, but suddenly found himself enveloped by a strange energy. Completely unable to move, he could only watch helplessly as Jean Grey continued her actions. Finally, he sadly wondered if he had really cheated on his brother.

"Don't worry, the person who had a relationship with Adam wasn't me, and even the body wasn't mine. It was the Dark Phoenix who took my body and recreated it, so this isn't betrayal. Besides, I've already restored my body to its original state. Don't worry, my body is clean!" After saying that, a huge amount of energy burst out from Jean Grey's body, turning into a black spherical energy shield that enveloped both her and Logan's bodies.

A secret floor of the Dawn Tower is the Justice League's new base, as the original secret base was destroyed by the Mandarin's men due to previous events. Of course, the two minor characters who had only appeared once, the masterminds of this incident, were also humanely dealt with by Athena afterward, causing the Mandarin to lose two key subordinates. This is one of the reasons why the Mandarin's forces temporarily withdrew from New York, only occasionally appearing to demonstrate his continued existence.

Around noon, Athena returned and first went to Adam's bedroom—well, it was basically a small prison—where she found Tony Stark, quite unusually, there. She casually made a few sarcastic remarks about Tony. Then she left the room to continue her research on how to save Christine.

Just then, Tony Stark, who had been inside before the door opened, came out and saw the documents Athena was studying. He said, "Perhaps I can be of help."

"Is that so? Then thank you very much." Athena's tone was full of malice. She said, "But I don't need your help. I warned you a year ago not to appear in front of me again. You know, although my computing power is very strong, I am still under ten years old, still a child, and I can do anything."

“Athena, I just want to help. The person inside is, after all, my brother.” Tony knew that Athena disliked him because of some things that had happened before, but she didn’t do anything because he was Adam’s brother. So he said very sincerely, “I have seen him several times in the past year. His strength and wisdom are almost approaching those of Adam himself.”

"That's because he is Adam. Although the thoughts in his head are not his master's yet, he has completely inherited his master's body and memories. If he hadn't given himself away on some details, I would have been fooled several times," Athena said calmly.