Chapter 15 : Terrible Rumors!

"West, my name is Max."

"Hello."

"West, I'm Seid. It's nice to meet you. The ability you demonstrated when you fought with the teacher was impressive."

"Thank you for the compliment. Your energy control is also very impressive."

As they exited the underground training room, the mutants took the initiative to approach Carl.

This was the impact of power dynamics.

Though Carl's ability might seem ordinary compared to the more fantastical abilities of others, when combined with his formidable physique, it was enough to overpower most present.

Consequently, the attitudes of those around him shifted, becoming far more enthusiastic than before.

However, being mutants of considerable strength, each had their own sense of pride, so after acquainting themselves with Carl, they dispersed.

Except for Shadowcat Kitty, who lingered, leaning over with a smile. "West, care to join me for a cup of coffee?"

Carl, catching a whiff of her delicate scent, didn't decline. "Sure."

Meanwhile, in the underground training room, after Carl and the others left, a middle-aged white man entered. Scott greeted him politely, "Mr. Jake, please."

The middle-aged man shook his head. "No need for formalities."

As he spoke, he squatted down, pressing his hands onto the ground. Under his touch, the previously ruined ground, spanning hundreds of square meters, rippled like water. 

Under the gaze of the trio, the ground rippled and healed at a visible rate.

Watching this scene akin to reversing time, Iceman Poppy couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Jake's ability is truly remarkable once witnessed."

In response to their admiration, the middle-aged man scoffed, "Don't mention it. You all know my ability only mends the foundation."

The conversation paused at that.

Mutants' abilities were peculiar, defying the laws of physics entirely.

Whether it was Cyclops' laser-emitting eyes, Iceman's ability to freeze water molecules, or Colossus' transformation into steel—completely altering the structure of matter.

Even the ability demonstrated by the middle-aged man restored the ground within a specific range, resembling a temporal regression, albeit limited to concrete surfaces. It was quite formidable, albeit with some limitations.

...

"The energy output of his ability spike is three times higher than during his entrance exam, and it maintains stability when used. It significantly boosts physical strength and offers some shielding capabilities."

"Moreover, his physical strength has improved remarkably, twenty times stronger than anticipated upon his enrollment, and it seems he has yet to reach his upper limit."

"I believe his Awakening Ability isn't an energy explosion, but rather a body enhancement. The energy explosion appears more like a side effect of his Awakening Ability," Scott reported to Professor X about Carl in the principal's office.

Listening attentively to Scott's detailed description, Professor X nodded with a smile. "Your deduction seems to be accurate. Initially, we all made an erroneous judgment."

"Based on the information at hand, his physical prowess will continue to escalate rapidly, and his potential has undoubtedly reached the Alpha level, categorizing him as a close combat specialist."

"Moreover, he possesses minimal weaknesses. With some training, he could indeed become a cornerstone of the X-Men team."

In this universe, Mutants are classified into five levels, ranging from highest to lowest: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Ipsilon. However, this classification pertains to status and potential, not combat capability.

As for the Omega level, it was a classification proposed by Professor X that signifies the ultimate and boundless potential. However, thus far, only the 'deceased' Jean Grey has been deemed to possess Omega-level potential, though not classified as an Omega-level Mutant.

Despite rumors suggesting that both Professor X and Magneto are Omega-level, Professor X knows they remain at the Alpha level. Over the decades, they have honed their abilities to an exceptional degree, giving the impression of great power.

Nevertheless, Professor X believes that Storm and Iceman may also harbor Omega-level potential. Yet, potential is just that—it hinges on their ability to develop their powers to that extent.

With another stable-status, powerful Ability Alpha-level Mutant at the Academy, Professor X couldn't help but smile.

"Next, we can focus on Carl West."

"Yes, Professor."

The following morning, as Carl entered the classroom and took his seat, the curly-haired boy behind him approached with curiosity. "West, I heard you had combat training with Mr. Scott yesterday. Did you win or lose?"

Without waiting for Carl's response, the girl with freckles on her right side turned her head, her eyes gleaming. "No, I heard that West defeated Mr. Scott."

"What! West is so formidable that he actually defeated Mr. Scott."

Suddenly, the junior high school students surrounding Roar were astonished.

"Yes, I heard that too."

"It's said that West used his abilities to create a shield and charged at Mr. Scott's Cyclops laser, knocking the teacher down with a single punch."

"Really! That's incredible."

Observing the excited junior high school students around him, Carl, who hadn't even had a chance to explain, opened his mouth, feeling a bit bewildered.

Clearly, he had only sparred with Cyclops yesterday. Although he had initially landed a punch on his opponent, he had been on the defensive throughout the entire exchange.

What was happening now?

Carl was unaware that this news had been circulated by a senior yesterday, embellished to some extent.

For instance, it emphasized the fact that he had knocked out Scott with a single punch.

Then, as it passed from one person to another, it became more and more exaggerated.

The level of exaggeration was akin to ancient times. If a man in the village stumbled at the head of the village, by the time the tale reached the village's end, it had transformed into a man who had fallen to his demise, and everyone eagerly awaited the unfolding...

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