Chapter 18 : So Powerful?

Although their abilities were only similar, under Scott's guidance, Carl mastered the Heat Vision in just two days.

He could control 90% of the energy circuit switches at will, choosing the power to be released with a single thought.

Undoubtedly, mastering the Heat Vision ability so quickly was likely due to the fact that his ray power was still too weak while his mental and brain power were strong.

But it also made Scott quite envious.

His Optic blast was so powerful that without the ruby glasses on his face, he couldn't even open his eyes.

Because the moment he opened his eyes, the scorching laser beam would instantly erupt, obliterating everything in its path.

Observing Carl's eyes emitting rays that transformed from red threads like infrared light into a transparent fan shape like a flashlight, Scott gestured.

"Alright, I have nothing more to teach you. The next step is to practice diligently and master your own strength."

Upon hearing this, Carl retracted the ray and thanked him, "Thank you, teacher."

Carl felt genuinely grateful. While he might have been able to control the Heat Vision after a few days without Scott's teaching, there were certain aspects that required guidance.

Moreover, Carl realized that although he integrated the Superman template, he was not yet a real Kryptonian; he was slowly transforming into one.

Thus, there were some abilities inherent to Superman that would manifest as Awakening Abilities within him.

Sensing the sincerity in Carl's eyes, Scott smiled faintly, "No thanks necessary. As a teacher, it's my duty."

"By the way, West, your physical strength has improved a bit in the past two days."

Carl didn't conceal this, nodding, "Yes, teacher, I feel much stronger physically these days."

Scott held up a mirror frame thoughtfully, "It seems your true Mutant Ability is indeed a form of enhanced physicality."

Continuing, Scott remarked, "West, since you can control the rays perfectly, you should also be able to learn physical exercises."

"Physical training?" Carl looked at Cyclops with some skepticism.

Scott smiled, "West, aren't you curious why my Awakening Ability is Optic blast, yet I possess enhanced physicality?"

"Isn't that due to your ability's enhancement, teacher?" Carl was a little surprised.

Scott shook his head, "While Mutant Awakening Abilities do enhance physical fitness to some extent, this enhancement is limited after all."

"Unless it's a physical enhancement, like yours or a Mutant like Colossus, the strength is not exaggerated."

Scott sighed, "Many years ago, Professor Xavier observed that despite most of our Mutants possessing formidable abilities, they often exhibit physical weaknesses."

He couldn't shake the memory of his own temporary paralysis from an unfortunate accident, a sentiment reflected in his eyes.

Switching gears, Scott continued, "In response, the professor and the rest of us dedicated years to research, devising a training regimen that harnesses Mutant energy to fortify our bodies."

"That's why I possess considerable physical strength. Even without tapping into my abilities, I can handle dozens of special forces soldiers single-handedly."

"However, the effectiveness of this energy training is contingent upon the specific Mutant ability one possesses. The stronger the ability, the more pronounced the physical enhancement."

"And this method is only applicable to Mutants with energy-based abilities."

"Those with purely mental or physical powers won't benefit, as their mental prowess cannot be converted into physical energy."

"Of course, there are limits to this enhancement. Generally, it can amplify our muscles and bones by a factor of five to ten."

Scott's tone turned slightly regretful. If only there were a way to push this enhancement beyond its current boundaries.

In a hushed tone, Scott addressed Carl, "West, I will now instruct you on this training method. Hopefully, it will aid in bolstering your strength."

Carl responded with keen interest, "Thank you, teacher."

A five to tenfold increase in strength could prove invaluable to him.

Under Scott's guidance, Carl quickly grasped the intricacies of energy conversion and physical enhancement.

The technique, while sophisticated, had its own simplicity.

The key lay in precise control, a skill for which Carl's formidable mental abilities were well-suited.

With the method mastered, Carl and Scott prepared to test its efficacy, heading out to find a spot in the sun to gauge the results of their training.

As they stepped out of Scott's office, Carl noticed a familiar figure at the end of the corridor: a black-haired girl, seemingly lost in her own world with earplugs in, her solitude palpable.

Carl squatted down in front of her, a curious expression on his face. "Clarice, what brings you here?"

The girl lowered her head and whispered, "West, do you think I'm useless?"

Concern etched on Carl's features. "Why would you say that?"

Resting her hands on her knees, the girl spoke softly, "I've been in school for so long, yet I can't even grasp third-grade math, let alone understand what the teacher is saying."

"Do you think I'm too dumb? That's why my classmates avoid me, and the teacher ignores me," she added, her face reflecting loneliness that tugged at the heartstrings.

He hadn't seen her in class for the past two days. What could have happened?

Puzzlement filled Carl's mind, and he couldn't help but voice his frustration, "You always have your headphones on, with an expressionless face that gives off a cold vibe. When people talk to you, you only give monosyllabic responses. Who would want to hang out with you in such a state? No one likes being ignored."

As for the teachers, they understood that this was a Mutant School, where mastering and controlling abilities were paramount, not excelling in academics. So, even if your grades were poor, there was no pressure to perform.

Despite his internal complaints, Carl maintained a gentle smile. "You're not stupid, Clarice. You just need to work on your basics."

"Really?" The girl looked up at him cautiously.

Carl nodded reassuringly. "Absolutely. You're adorable, why wouldn't anyone like you? For instance, I'm quite fond of you, Clarice."

"Really?" The girl's cheeks flushed at Carl's words, her eyes widening with a hint of nervousness.

Seeing her reaction, Carl rolled his eyes. "Don't misunderstand, Clarice. When I say 'like,' I mean as a friend. You're only thirteen; you're still a child. I don't want to be misunderstood."

"Starting tomorrow, I'll help you with your studies so you can catch up with your classmates," he continued, trying to ease her embarrassment.

"Okay," the girl murmured softly, feeling a bit sheepish for her previous thoughts.

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