Charles’ Shock

Three days flew by, and Johnny eagerly awaited Charles's arrival at the villa.

The helicopter's propeller roar grew louder, bringing a smile to Johnny's face as he stepped out of the villa toward the figures on the tarmac.

"Professor Charles, pleasure to meet you," Johnny greeted warmly, his smile widening at the sight of the young, long-haired man accompanying Medusa.

Though not conventionally handsome, Charles's affluent lifestyle lent him an air of nobility and confidence, accentuated by his bright eyes exuding charisma.

"Mr. Johnny, I hadn't anticipated that you were the head of Morgan Biotechnology. Initially, I assumed it was Mr. Morgan who wished to speak with me," Charles remarked, momentarily taken aback before returning Johnny's smile.

"Let me guess, this lovely lady is your sister, Raven, correct?" Johnny ventured, recognizing the figure trailing behind Charles, despite her disguise.

Raven, albeit surprised by Johnny's astuteness, nodded politely, impressed by his perceptiveness thus far.

"Mr. Charles, lunch is served. Shall we chat as we walk?" Johnny proposed, extending a gentlemanly gesture.

Observing Johnny's courteous demeanor toward Charles, Medusa couldn't help but feel surprised, yet maintained her smile as they all strolled together, engaging in light conversation along the way, fostering a harmonious atmosphere.

The villa boasted a dedicated reception and dining area, exuding simplicity and luxury. Following Johnny's instructions, the villa's skilled chef had prepared a lavish spread for lunch.

As everyone took their seats, the aroma of the delectable cuisine wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses.

"Professor Charles, Miss Raven, these are the culinary delights prepared by our chef," Johnny announced proudly, gesturing toward the dishes.

"Mr. Johnny, you flatter me. Professor Charles is the educator; I'm merely a humble researcher," Charles responded modestly, perplexed by Johnny's hospitality but offering polite gratitude nonetheless.

"Professor Charles, no need for formality. Just call me Johnny. I invited you here to simply make acquaintances and discuss intriguing matters. I hope you don't mind my forwardness," Johnny reassured, extending genuine warmth towards his guests.

Johnny raised his hand, signaling for attention, as the rich red wine swirled gently in his glass, gesturing to Charles.

"Of course, I don't mind," Charles responded, lifting his glass along with Raven.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Johnny gestured for all the unnecessary staff to leave the room.

Observing this, Charles realized that Johnny intended to have a serious conversation.

Intrigued, Charles awaited Johnny's next words.

"Charles, I'm curious about your thoughts on the universe. Do you believe there are other intelligent beings out there besides humans?" Johnny posed a question that left Charles and Raven momentarily taken aback.

This topic seemed trivial for casual conversation. They couldn't fathom why would dismiss the staff just to discuss such a speculative matter.

"The universe is vast, with endless possibilities. Earth's technology barely scratches the surface. We're but insignificant specks in the grand scheme of the galaxy. So, yes, I believe there could be other intelligent life forms out there pondering the same question," Charles replied, his scientific mind finding Johnny's question somewhat absurd, yet acknowledging its philosophical merit.

"Charles, what if I told you I hailed from another planet, or that I'm an alien? Would you believe me?" Johnny's subsequent words drew a smile from Charles.

"Given the infinite possibilities in the Milky Way, would you entertain such a notion?" Johnny pressed further.

"Well, I suppose I'd be honored to join you and Raven for lunch with my extraterrestrial friends, then," Charles responded with a smile, evading a direct answer, much to Raven's embarrassment and amusement.

"Charles, actually, as an outsider, I'd like to broach a different subject with you: mutation," Johnny's smile remained unchanged as he uttered the word, eliciting a spark in Charles's eyes.

"Mutation? Mr. Johnny, you're interested in this too? Back on campus, when I brought up this topic, many dismissed me as a fool," Charles remarked, immediately intrigued by Johnny's mention of mutation, his thoughts drifting to Morgan Biotechnology, which bore some relevance to his studies on mutations.

"No, no, Charles, the mutation I'm referring to isn't academic. It's about what's been happening around us," Johnny clarified, his expression inscrutable as he locked eyes with Charles.

"I see. Are you referring to... for instance, people around us having heterochromatic irises?" Charles inquired.

"Heterochromia of the iris is just one example. What I want to discuss is something deeper. For you, or the captivating Miss Raven here, genetic mutation is akin to a divine gift, setting you apart from ordinary folks, right?" Johnny shook his head slightly, swirling the wine in his glass as he addressed Charles and Raven.

Johnny's words carried weighty implications. While Charles managed to maintain his composure, his surprise was fleeting, whereas Raven beside him struggled to conceal her astonishment.

Until now, Charles had only encountered one mutant—Raven. So, when Johnny almost blatantly pointed it out, the shock coursing through him was palpable.

As Charles locked gazes with Johnny once more, he found the young man before him to be shrouded in mystery.

Instinctively, Charles attempted to delve into Johnny's mind using his psychic abilities. Yet, Medusa, with her ever-present sweet smile, emanated a formidable mental energy that swiftly thwarted Charles's attempt to probe.

"You..." It was the first time since his awakening that Charles found his powers rendered ineffective. His demeanor shifted momentarily as he struggled to regain control.

"Charles, your powers manifested when you were 9. Back then, you heard myriad voices in your mind, believing yourself to be going mad. It wasn't until you turned 12 that you realized these voices were actually other people's thoughts, correct?" Though lacking psychic abilities himself, Johnny, with a subtle smile, spoke, further unsettling Charles.

....

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