Chapter 21 : Material Transformation!

"Sure."

Colossus readily agreed, retrieving a piece of paper and repositioning it on the easel. He then slid the pencil and easel in front of Carl.

Simultaneously, Colossus provided instructions to Carl: "This pen is for outlining, this one is better suited for shading, and this fine-tipped pen is primarily for adding detail."

"The cornerstone of sketches and portraits lies in composition. Through the interplay of light and shadow, black and white, and various shades of gray, one can convey depth and precision through depiction. However, true essence and emotion stem from the artist's passion poured into the artwork."

"If you lack experience in drawing, you may start with simpler shapes, such as geometric figures, fruits, or eggs."

"Alright, I'll contemplate what to sketch first."

Carl nodded respectfully, anchoring the drawing board with one hand while grasping the pencil with the other, mimicking Colossus's posture. His gaze wandered around the room, pondering his subject.

Meanwhile, Clarice and Shadowcat observed Carl with curiosity, unsure of what he intended to draw.

Suddenly, Carl's gaze settled on Clarice, recalling her fondness for storybooks. Inspired, he began to sketch, a vision forming in his mind.

Carl's eyes narrowed slightly as he contemplated, his hand deftly executing his vision.

With physical prowess far exceeding that of an ordinary person, Carl effortlessly translated his thoughts onto paper.

Gradually, a figure resembling a child with Quill-like hair and a staff on his back emerged under Carl's skilled hand.

After more than ten minutes, Carl ceased drawing. Clarice, approaching with curiosity, glanced at the drawing and queried, "Carl, what's this?"

"It's a cartoon character. I've named him Son Goku," Carl replied with a smile, placing the easel on the table for the others to see.

"A cartoon character? That's an interesting style," remarked Kitty and Colossus, leaning in to inspect the figure on the paper with curiosity.

Despite Carl's proficient technique, his lack of formal training meant that even though he accurately depicted his memory's image, the resulting Son Goku could only be deemed satisfactory.

Indeed, this depiction of Son Goku resembled the character from Dragon Ball rather than the traditional monkey with fur covering its body.

In this world, Japanese manga and animation culture thrived, but the global phenomenon of Dragon Ball, as seen in Carl's original world, did not exist.

Certainly, Carl had no interest in becoming a mere transporter.

Compared to the Sea of Dead Fire, which he had only glimpsed and found little interest in, Carl held a much deeper connection with Dragon Ball.

As a child, he remembered stuffing one or two Dragon Ball comic books into his backpack during elementary school. In this moment, reminiscing about the past, those memories resurfaced as vividly as if it were yesterday.

This was the benefit of having a powerful spiritual connection.

However, at this moment, only a single cartoon picture adorned the space, leaving the trio unaware of this fact. Brushing aside the topic, Carl turned his attention to Colossus: "Peter, may I witness your abilities?"

"Kitty mentioned that you can not only transform yourself into a form of steel, but also others. I am curious to experience it firsthand."

"Certainly."

Colossus, being of good nature, didn't hesitate. He extended his hand to grip Carl's wrist, then with a single thought, manifested his Steel Ability.

In an instant, his entire body morphed into a silver-black metal at a speed discernible to the naked eye.

Guided by Carl's mental prowess, a peculiar force swiftly spread throughout his entire being from the grasped hand. Under its influence, his body underwent a transformation into another substance, becoming immensely robust while retaining the characteristics of flesh and blood, his strength skyrocketing several folds.

Boom!

With his newfound power, an overwhelming sense of pressure emanated from Carl's form, solidifying the air around him.

The imposing aura left Kitty and Clarice momentarily speechless.

Carl, now transformed into a metal entity, shifted slightly and remarked, "This peculiar ability not only morphs one into a steel material but also retains the traits of a carbon-based life form."

"I'm beginning to grasp why mutants are often met with hostility and ostracism from ordinary people."

Compared to conventional superheroes with their extraordinary abilities, mutants outnumber them by a hundredfold, each possessing unique and formidable powers.

Take Shadowcat, for instance, whose seemingly unassuming appearance belies her ability to transform her body into atoms and molecules, allowing her to traverse through any obstacle effortlessly.

And then there's Clarice, a mere ten-year-old, endowed with the power to manipulate space and open portals.

On the surface, these abilities may not seem overwhelmingly potent, but one must realize that atoms and molecules constitute the fundamental matter of the universe. Should someone gain control over them, bringing about cataclysmic events becomes trivial.

Likewise, the manipulation of space, the foundation of the universe's existence, represents an invisible yet tangible force.

Consider the telepathic prowess of Professor Xavier, Magneto's mastery over magnetism, or Storm's manipulation of weather phenomena. Each ability carries profound implications.

How could such powers not instill fear, awe, envy, and hatred among ordinary folk?

Why do they undergo mutation?

How do they come to master such formidable abilities?

Why am I not among those who mutate?

As long as most people harbor such a mindset, they will instinctively reject these mutants.

Indeed, envy often accompanies those mutants who possess extraordinary abilities while appearing normal.

Rather than those who have transformed into monstrous forms and lack strength.

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