Chapter 53 : Clearing Simple Mode!

"After years of research, I've come to realize that the potential of each mutant's abilities is inherently locked upon awakening," Professor X began, his tone reflective.

"In essence, the strength of a mutant's awakened abilities is directly correlated to their individual potential," he continued, his gaze shifting among the attentive faces of his students. "A mutant with formidable potential will exhibit equally formidable abilities upon awakening. Take Scott, Jean, and Ororo for example; their abilities far surpass those of ordinary mutants by thousands of times."

"But when a rare mutant surpasses the upper limit of their potential, their abilities become exceptionally powerful, often exceeding their own limitations," Professor X explained, his expression grave. "Yet, utilizing these abilities comes at a cost—a sacrifice of one's own vitality."

"While vitality may seem intangible, it undeniably exists. Once depleted, there's no recourse; death becomes inevitable," he warned solemnly, his eyes scanning the room.

Professor X's words echoed a realization that Carl had long suspected—the post-evolution X-gene abilities were immensely potent. However, only he, possessing the resilience of Krypton and the ability to absorb sunlight for endless evolution, could withstand the strain.

For ordinary mutants, each deployment of their abilities exacted a heavy toll on their life force, inevitably leading to their demise.

"I understand," Carl nodded thoughtfully, his expression feigning surprise. "No wonder I felt weakened and drained after using my abilities."

He flexed his arm experimentally before adding, "Although, I seem to have recovered almost entirely, without any lingering effects."

Professor X acknowledged with a slight nod, "Your resilience, Carl, stems from your robust constitution. It allows you to endure the second awakening state for a brief period."

"Indeed, your physical fortitude and innate recovery capabilities play a significant role," he continued, emphasizing the importance of restraint. "But don't mistake this for invincibility. Avoid relying on the second awakening state during battles in the future."

Carl nodded earnestly in response, "I understand, Professor. I'll exercise caution and refrain from overexerting myself unnecessarily."

Relieved to see Carl's receptiveness, Professor X exhaled softly. His greatest fear had been the potential for hubris and recklessness in Carl, fueled by his newfound power and youthful vigor.

"After all, youth often teems with vigor, yet it's easily swayed by impulse," Professor X mused quietly, mindful of the delicate balance between power and responsibility.

During their conversation, they traversed several levels until they finally arrived at a unique white chamber.

Inside the room, several large pods with distinct characteristics were arranged, surrounded by numerous interconnected pipelines.

Within one of the pods lay a vaguely recognizable figure with red hair.

Observing Carl's gaze fixed on the pod, Professor X explained, "She has depleted her life force significantly and requires gradual restoration with the aid of the life support pod."

"Additionally, her mental state is quite unstable. I must utilize my psychic abilities to provide solace and gradually stabilize her consciousness."

Impressed, Carl remarked, "Professor, your efforts are truly commendable."

Professor X smiled tenderly, "It's all part of my duty."

Following the professor's instructions, Carl carried Scott into the leftmost pod and connected various medical and life support lines to him.

...

In the dimly lit virtual battlefield, Carl selected the simple mode. The middle-aged man, who had defeated him countless times before, reappeared, emanating an oppressive aura.

However, Carl now possessed the confidence to overcome him, thus he declared boldly, "Begin."

Boom!

As Carl initiated the battle, the ground beneath the middle-aged man erupted, transforming him into a blur that dashed forward with a powerful punch.

Instantly, the air resonated with explosive force as the fierce wind roared, displaying formidable momentum.

Reacting swiftly, Carl advanced, channeling the strength of his entire body, which converged into his fists.

Yet this time, the invisible energy within Carl's body seemed to possess a golden hue.

As the two fists collided amidst the roaring winds, Carl's punch exuded dominance, unleashing astonishing power.

Boom!

The middle-aged man's fist and arm shattered under the overwhelming force.

Seizing the advantage, Carl pressed forward, delivering a punch to the middle-aged man's chest. The explosive force caused the subdued opponent to disintegrate instantly.

The brilliance of the sky dissipated, leaving behind the aftermath of a fierce battle. The middle-aged man, who had once threatened Carl's life numerous times, now lay defeated by Carl's hand, subdued with just two powerful punches.

"Congratulations, host, for clearing the simple mode virtual battlefield. You have earned rewards: the essentials of boxing," the system announced.

"Huh? There are rewards?" Carl expressed slight surprise.

In that moment, a flood of information rushed into Carl's mind: the snake-shaped fist, the grabbing fist, and the arm fist—three distinct styles of boxing mastered by the middle-aged man.

After a moment of contemplation, Carl let out a deep breath. His gaze sharpened, and a surge of determination coursed through his entire being.

Guided by this newfound resolve, he harmonized the strength of his limbs and body, consolidating them into a singular force that permeated his entire being. This was the embodiment of mastering the essence of boxing—a complete alignment of body and will.

Indeed, as Carl harnessed the wisdom gained from the middle-aged man's boxing experience, his strength surged to new heights, resonating with the essence of his being.

However, despite the pervasive enhancement, the changes within him were not immediately apparent.

Since the advancement of his X gene power into energy fission, the once intangible "strength" within his body had transformed into a tangible, potent force. 

Though not as overwhelming as his fully activated second Awakening, this power possessed a condensed purity capable of punching through formidable obstacles with ease.

It was this newfound prowess that enabled him to dispatch the middle-aged man with a single, decisive blow.

****

Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/AniScout