Doctor Octavius. [If he weren't wearing a mask, one might've seen a sudden twinge of annoyance.]

It was hardly cowardice - it was the only logical choice. I have too much left undone, too many important responsibilities to maintain, to leave this world. So I chose to 'co-opt' (yes, I like this description) Peter Parker's body, as he was not doing anything crucial with it at the time, using methods no other creature could possibly have devised or accomplished.

I'd invite you to probe his memories to see what I mean, but I've already removed them. Wasting his time by flitting about from one needless struggle to the next - most of them of his own creation.

So yes, your precious 'X-Men' will fight on. Only now, it will be against each other. I'm sure you're quite proud.