Chapter 8

Upon seeing Hawking and his siblings, Ororo Monroe, also known as Storm, greeted them with a warm and welcoming expression.

"Welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. I'm sure you'll love it here." After the greeting, she went to gather the other teachers as instructed by Professor Xavier.

Hawking, having heard her name and recognizing her characteristics, identified her as Storm, a top-tier level three mutant capable of controlling weather phenomena like lightning, storms, and ice.

Mutants were classified into five levels, with level one being the lowest and level five the highest.

Typically, a mutant's level is determined at birth. Most cannot fully control their powers initially and do not manifest their full potential until they have developed their abilities over time.

For instance, a level two mutant has the potential to reach level two, and a level three mutant might only show level two powers initially but could grow to level three with training.

However, a lower-level mutant could still defeat a higher-level mutant depending on their powers, mindset, and combat experience.

For example, a level three support mutant might not beat a level two combat-focused mutant, and a level three office worker might not outfight a level two veteran soldier.

"Pieter, please take these three to find their rooms and show them around the school," Professor Xavier instructed a young man about seventeen or eighteen years old after Ororo had left.

The school building had seven floors, with various rooms converted into classrooms and spaces for special purposes, while others were used for accommodation.

Since the school catered to young mutants, there weren't many students—only about thirty-four including all the professors. Even if each person had their own room, there would still be many vacancies.

Students who graduated could choose to enter society, stay at the school as teachers, or join the X-Men, Xavier had explained.

"What's your ability, Pieter?" Hawking asked, seizing the opportunity to learn more about the mutant school as the friendly Pieter led them around choosing rooms.

Hawking had seen the X-Men films but remembered only the basic plots and character nicknames; details like Ororo's name had slipped his mind. However, he was familiar with prominent figures like Magneto, Professor X, Wolverine, and Jean Grey.

"I can turn my body into a steel-like substance, enhancing my durability, strength, and defensive capabilities," Pieter demonstrated, his body taking on a metallic hue.

"That's really cool!" Pietro exclaimed, unable to resist touching Pieter's arm. Wanda, hugging Hawking's arm, also peered curiously.

"I dream of becoming an artist like Picasso one day. I could even paint a portrait for you all when I have the time," Pieter remarked, unfazed by Pietro's curious touches.

"Ah, so you're Colossus," Hawking noted, mentally tagging Pieter as one of the toughest mutants.

"Let's pick these three rooms; they're all next to each other!" After settling into their rooms and briefly organizing their belongings, Hawking, Pietro, and Wanda followed Pieter to explore the school's amenities.

Classrooms, laboratories, a dining hall, gardens, a swimming pool, basketball and soccer fields, and even horse stables—Hawking was continually amazed by the school's resources.

...

Meanwhile, an urgent meeting was underway in the headmaster's office.

"This mutant attack on the president must have been orchestrated by Magneto!" Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, asserted.

Jean Grey, with her red hair, shook her head, "Scott, I don't think so."

"Even though Erik could orchestrate all this from prison, it doesn't make sense. It would only harm his agenda for mutant prosperity!" Professor Xavier agreed with Jean.

Storm interjected, "Now, the government will probably bring back that Mutant Registration Act."

"To find out what really happened, we need to locate the mutant who attacked the president. Jean and Ororo, go bring him back. I'll visit Erik in prison with Scott," Professor Xavier decided after a discussion.

In the evening at the school's cafeteria, Hawking asked, "Can we really eat as much as we want here?"

Seeing the students lining up for food, his eyes lit up. Pieter laughed and nodded, "Of course, all food, beverages, and daily necessities in the school are free. You can eat as much as you like."

At that moment, he did not realize the gravity of the situation.

"Let's go line up then."

"No rush, you go ahead with Pietro and Wanda. I'll eat after everyone has finished," Hawking suggested.

"There's no need for that. The cafeteria always has plenty of food, and our chef, Mr. Yurg, has the ability to quickly turn ingredients into meals. He always buys enough to feed the entire school for three days," Pieter explained, thinking that food scarcity in Sokovia had made Hawking cautious.

"You don't understand, Hawking is a super-eater; he can eat a lot!" Wanda explained, playfully gesturing with her hands that he's like a beast.

Hawking, in response, started tickling her, "Calling me a big bad wolf, huh? Then you must be Little Red Riding Hood, watch out, or the wolf might just eat you up!"

Wanda burst into giggles, and Pietro earnestly added to Pieter, "I'm telling you, Hawking's stomach is like a universe. I've never seen him full; maybe that's his mutant power."

"Then it's really unfortunate, come on, don't hold back and eat to your heart's content," Pieter, ever compassionate, urged them to join the line, still unaware of the true extent of Hawking's appetite.

(End of Chapter)