Chapter 7

Hawking valued the resources at the mutant school because they could significantly accelerate the development of his powers.

There, he could eat to his heart's content, train his body to its limits, and not worry about his unusual behavior attracting the attention of ordinary people.

He could spar with the skilled mutants at the school to unleash the potential of his Saiyan bloodline and utilize the school's advanced technology and the mutants' abilities to train more efficiently in the Turtle School techniques.

In Sokovia, developing his abilities at the current pace might take him ten years to match the full strength of Goku at thirteen. At the mutant school, he might achieve that in just two or three years.

He might even accrue some justice points, essential for his strength.

Ultimately, he believed that power was paramount. Only by quickly becoming more powerful could he handle anything that came his way.

However, if possible, he still wanted to bring Oleg and Irena, who had adopted him, to live with him. For ordinary people, Sokovia, with its frequent wars, was far too dangerous.

"Hawking, you are kind and mature. You must understand that if every student asked this of us, it would be a tremendous burden for our school," Professor X said, looking at Hawking with admiration and satisfaction.

The fact that Hawking had risked his life to use his powers to save a couple, leading to him fainting from overexertion, and now, given the opportunity to study in New York, he did not forget about the safety of his foster parents. This clearly indicated a very kind-hearted child.

As for his supposed amnesia, Professor X was not as easily deceived as Oleg and Irena; he knew the amnesia was feigned. This child must have had some tough experiences to be so mature and to show such a craving and appreciation for familial love. This was a plus for him; maintaining kindness despite early hardships was a true mark of character.

And given his combat talents and capabilities, Xavier was quite willing to grant Hawking's request because it didn't cost him much.

However, simply agreeing without any condition wouldn't be good for a child; things too easily obtained are seldom valued.

"I understand, and I'm not asking without offering something in return. According to you, Professor, the school was founded to guide mutants in using their abilities and to protect them from harm. That means the school certainly needs some mutants to take on the role of protectors.

You're offering my siblings and me free schooling, and help for my parents to immigrate and settle in New York. In return, I am willing to take on that protector role!"

Hawking looked at Professor X confidently.

Professor X was even more impressed by his maturity and courage at such a young age.

"Well said. I accept your request. But becoming a protector is not so simple; you'll need to grow up a bit more and pass some tests to qualify."

"Professor, you won't regret your decision today," Hawking said, his face breaking into a bright smile.

He wasn't sure if Xavier would agree; if not, he planned to first boost his power at the mutant school and then find another way to help Oleg and Irena move to a safer city.

"Ha ha ha, I believe so too," Professor X chuckled, responding in a light-hearted tone.

After leaving the room, Professor X proposed to Oleg and Irena to help them immigrate to New York, find jobs near the school, and settle there. Naturally, the couple saw no reason to refuse.

In a country like Sokovia, plagued by war, besides the wealthy and highly skilled individuals, it was nearly impossible for ordinary people to immigrate, especially to a place like New York. Who wouldn't prefer a safe life over staying in a place that could be bombed any day?

They would have doubted anyone else who offered such a promise, but there was something about Professor Xavier's words that made them instinctively trust him completely.

So, after brief preparations, the family of five left the chaotic Sokovia with Professor X, embarking on their journey to New York. Oleg and Irena had lost all their relatives and friends to the war, so they had little to hold them back.

In the northern Bronx area of New York:

"I have arranged for your parents to work at a company in the city. Now, I will take you to your new school. Don't be afraid, there are many children like you there, and you will make many friends," Professor X reassured from the front passenger seat of the speeding car.

Hawking, embracing his siblings, patted their backs and responded to Professor X:

"Thank you, Professor!"

The jobs Xavier arranged for Oleg and Irena were indeed excellent and suited their skills, a clear sign he had taken care with his arrangements.

Whether Xavier was genuinely kind or hypocritical, Hawking didn't know. He judged people by their actions, not their intentions.

Even if it was self-serving, as long as the professor delivered, Hawking was prepared to reciprocate in the future.

The car drove for about forty-five minutes from the Bronx to Westchester County, arriving at a vast estate that served as the school. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was actually his family mansion converted into a school, and Xavier himself was a super-rich second-generation.

The school boasted many high-tech devices, including an invisible jet, all funded by Professor X.

The car pulled directly up to the castle-like school building.

"Professor, you're back. There have been some developments that need your decision."

Just as they entered the castle, coinciding with the end of a class, a crowd of students, many of whom looked unusual, rushed out from their classrooms. They all stopped to respectfully greet Professor X upon seeing him.

At that moment, a slender, white-haired female teacher who had just come out from a classroom noticed Professor X.

"I've heard about it. Gather all the teachers in my office."

"This is Professor Ororo, your future math and physics teacher. She will also guide you on how to control your abilities more effectively," Xavier introduced her after using his telepathic powers to quickly grasp the situation.

(End of Chapter)