Chapter 8

Moreover, Alessandro had seen individuals with similar abilities whose effects far surpassed the kid's, making Syd's powers seem remarkably weak by comparison.

It was only due to fortunate timing and the awakening of two new abilities, particularly the telepathic transmission, that they were caught off-guard.

Otherwise, had they known earlier, the kid wouldn't have even made it out of the base! With this thought, he shook his head.

A look of disdain appeared on Alessandro's face as he muttered, "He's nowhere near Charles and Magneto, not even comparable to Subjects No. 1 and No. 5. He really is a waste."

His expression then turned to one of awe, as if thinking of some perfect creation.

Even now, he couldn't help but marvel at those two experimental subjects.

Beside him, Captain Kenny also showed a mix of awe and a hint of fear.

Super-speed regeneration, energy blasts...

Bodily metallic transformation, enhanced strength, heightened senses, pulse interference...

These two were truly monsters among mutants!

Thinking of the powers these two mutants possessed, he couldn't help but remark, "Compared to these two, that kid really is much weaker, not worth mentioning."

"These two are what you call true mutants; that kid doesn't even deserve the title..."

In a sense, the numbers also represented the ranking of strength, which clearly showed the kid's inferiority. That he managed to escape was merely good luck.

"Enough." Alessandro cut off the continued lamentation, speaking coldly, "The kid might not be important, but we can't just let him escape like this."

"After all, he's an experimental subject. It'd be a pity to let him go just like that, and it would tarnish the base's reputation. If he causes some destruction in society, that would be bad too."

"Catch him as soon as possible. If it proves difficult, send more people."

"Yes." Captain Kenny nodded.

As they spoke, within the confines of the 23rd Experimental Base, both ordinary and mutant prisoners were all whispering among themselves.

"Did you hear what the guards said, my God!"

"Did he really escape?"

Suddenly, the faces of many prisoners were filled with envy and jealousy, especially a freckled young man whose expression was dazed.

He couldn't believe that the person he had advised not to run or struggle had actually managed to escape! His feelings were a complex mix of reluctance and envy.

In a nearby cell, several black men who had previously mocked Syd were now stunned, listening to the name of the escapee in disbelief.

How could he possibly have escaped?!

"Dave, you said if that guy escaped, you would..."

"Stop it, I'm about to lose it. Why wasn't it me who escaped!"

As they wallowed in resentment, envy, and jealousy, someone scoffed.

"Humph, I bet that guy won't get far. He'll be caught and brought back to join us soon!"

"Right!"

"Just like that, I bet that kid by tomorrow..."

...

While they were placing their bets, Syd was dodging and weaving, running towards a corner of a household's yard.

"Huff, huff..."

His face was pale, and his breathing was heavy, mixed with the sound of his weighty footsteps.

The sky was dim, and the heavy rain poured down, weakening him further.

Cautiously scanning the area to ensure he wasn't seen, he found a spot that was not easily visible yet illuminated by the moonlight and sat down.

Feeling the numbness in his left arm and the drained energy within, he looked up at the moon obscured by clouds and couldn't help but give a bitter smile.

It really is true—when it rains, it pours. Am I really going to fail?

As he drifted in and out of consciousness, he started to run a high fever, faintly hearing footsteps approaching in the distance.

Were the searchers coming?

He tried to open his eyes with great effort but failed, ultimately slipping completely into unconsciousness.

When he woke up again, it was already morning.

[Photon Energy +1]

Feeling the stuffiness on his body, Syd was somewhat astonished and confused.

"Where am I?"

He looked around the room in confusion.

The environment was cluttered, and the air was tinged with a sweaty odor.

Pulling back the covers and seeing his wound had been treated and bandaged, Syd was surprised.

As he began to suspect who might have helped him, he heard some movement in the house, and the homeowner knocked and entered the room.

With the light turned on, he could see the visitor clearly.

A burly and strong figure with a full beard, appearing somewhat rugged and handsome, likely a middle-aged man.

"Who are you?" Syd asked, puzzled. "Did you save me?"

He quickly checked his body and found no abnormalities. The documents hidden in his pocket were also intact, which slightly relieved him.

The middle-aged strongman nodded.

Looking at him lying on the bed, Chris spoke with a deep voice, "Kid, who are you, and why are people chasing you?"

What?

Caught off-guard by the question, Syd's eyes flickered, unsure how to respond.

"You're a mutant, right?"

"Uh..." Syd's face showed a bit of strangeness.

Seeming to anticipate his question, Chris explained, "Yesterday, those searching said a mutant criminal had fled nearby..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but both understood what he meant.

After a moment of silence, Syd asked, puzzled, "Then why did you save me?"

"Knowing I'm a mutant, and still..."

He was well aware of the local sentiment; for ordinary people, not detesting mutants was already fortunate. In severe cases, just a trip to the hospital, if a mutant identity was discovered, could lead to being reported and captured.

The middle-aged strongman spoke gravely, "Because I am also a mutant."

He stretched out his hands, which began to emit a red glow.

Syd's eyes showed surprise.

As he was taken aback, he didn't notice the profound look the middle-aged strongman gave him.

His reasons for helping this kid were not as simple as he stated, not just because of their shared mutant identity.

What he hadn't told the kid was that he had inadvertently seen the documents in his pocket while helping him.

Naturally, he knew the kid's identity.

Was he really a child with the genes of Magneto and Charles?

So, this kid was also Magneto's son?

As a mutant, he was quite familiar with these two figures; he had even been a member of Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants, only leaving due to certain circumstances.

He pondered whether to inform Magneto about this.

What would Magneto's reaction be if he knew he had a child?

However, the young man's mutant abilities seemed weak, and his body was still…

(End of Chapter)