Chapter 35 : Return!

Inside the fighter plane, Wolverine and the others were taking the opportunity to rest, their eyes closed.

Shadowcat was comforting the mutant children, though none dared to approach Mutant, who emitted a strong murderous aura, surrounded by an intense bloody atmosphere.

Unfazed, she held a sharp, long sword, squatting next to Carl, lost in thought, occasional flashes of tyrannical intent crossing her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

Just as Carl pondered over the repercussions of the three deaths, the female mutant beside him lifted her head slightly, a hint of inquiry in her dark red eyes, brimming with dominance.

"...I'm fine," Carl paused.

However, the female mutant's words also caught the attention of the others, including Wolverine, who glanced over.

Noticing this, Carl's gaze shifted slightly. "Professor Logan, I've heard from the instructors that you've been in countless life-and-death battles and possess extensive experience in close combat."

Though it seemed sudden, Logan nodded. "In school, my abilities weren't particularly strong, so I gained more combat experience."

"You're too modest, Professor Logan."

Carl complimented before continuing, "Do you know how to concentrate strength in your fists?"

"Concentrate strength? What do you mean?" Logan seemed puzzled.

The concept of 'strength' is abstract, merely a metaphor for physical power, not a tangible substance.

Carl gestured, "It means when you throw a punch, it feels like the force is condensed, akin to iron, stronger than usual."

Logan suddenly realized, "You're talking about focus."

"Focus?"

Logan nodded. "Yes, focus. This term originates from Eastern martial arts."

"As you know, my abilities include self-healing and a pair of sharp claws, so over the years, I've deliberately studied various melee combat techniques during my travels."

"Eastern martial arts emphasize skillfulness, like karate, taekwondo, and muay thai."

"And among the most potent are the boxing techniques of the China, such as the Five Elements, Bagua, Xingyi Boxing, etc. When mastered, they can concentrate one's strength to a formidable level."

"But such power is only for ordinary individuals."

"I've been to the China and battled against some obscure boxing masters with remarkable skills. They've already achieved this level of focused strength."

"I'm not their match until I unleash my superhuman strength," Logan admitted.

"But once I reveal my strength surpassing ordinary folks, defeating them becomes effortless."

"Because the essence of Eastern Boxing lies in harnessing the entirety of one's strength, channeling it with mental fortitude, harnessing it, and ultimately unleashing it throughout the entire body."

"The power coursing through every fiber of the body!" Carl mused.

"Yes, the power coursing through the entire body," Logan affirmed. "Ordinarily, when someone throws a punch, only about one-tenth of their total strength is utilized, merely the arm's strength behind the punch."

"With training, some individuals manage to harness around three-tenths of their total strength, capable of mobilizing upper body strength when punching."

"And then there are the martial arts masters who tap into the strength of their backs, and even harness a portion of their lower body's strength, enabling them to deliver punches utilizing five-tenths, even six-tenths of their entire body's strength."

"At this point, ordinary individuals cease to be a match for these masters, often getting incapacitated with just one blow."

"And then there are the Eastern boxing masters who manage to condense their strength, enabling them to channel it throughout their entire body. When they throw a punch, 100% of their entire body's strength is unleashed."

"Such boxing masters can take on more than a dozen ordinary people single-handedly, standing out as formidable opponents among the general populace."

Given Carl's display earlier, Logan found himself in agreement, thus patiently responding to his inquiries.

"I understand," Carl finally grasped why the middle-aged man's punches packed more power than his own.

Though their physical attributes were similar, every time their fists clashed, Carl felt his strength being overwhelmed by his opponent's, leaving his fists trembling and sore.

"Condensing, understanding, guiding, enduring, and maintaining consistency, ultimately imbuing the entire body with spiritual fortitude," Carl silently recited the boxing fundamentals Logan had imparted to him.

Two hours later, the Blackbird jet crossed the United States and returned to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

In the underground base, Professor X sat in his wheelchair.

Seeing the fighter plane's doors open and everyone returning unharmed, a smile graced his lips. "Welcome back, everyone. You've all done well."

Next to Professor X stood two doctors and several nurses.

As the students disembarked, the doctors hastened to examine their bodies.

The mutant children, immediately frightened, sought refuge behind Logan and the others, while the ghostly-horned mutant emanated a strong aura of menace and vigilance.

Shadowcat quickly reassured them, saying, "Don't be afraid. The one in the middle is the headmaster, and these are school doctors. They're here to check your health."

Carl also chimed in, her voice gentle, "You don't need to worry. No one here will harm you."

With the comforting words of Carl and the others, the mutant children gradually lowered their guard.

They would now undergo a period of recuperation and psychological therapy, lasting half a month, give or take a few days.

After all, these mutant children had endured various cruel experiments before, leaving them deeply scarred both mentally and physically.

For this reason, the school had established comprehensive procedures over the years.

However, these matters were unrelated to Carl. After their return, Professor X instructed them to rest. Any further discussions would take place tomorrow.

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