A Mutant Collector Quest

Although you got your release, weirdly it just made you much more pent up. Shaking off these thoughts, you refocus as you approach the main garden of the campus.

You spot Professor Xavier in his wheelchair under a tree. As you draw closer, you notice that his eyes are closed. They open just as you near him.

"I am sorry for being late, Professor," you apologize, knowing you are five minutes late as you were informed by D.A.I.S.Y.

"No, I am just here early, Mr. Watson. Is Ms. Frost not joining us?" Professor Xavier asks, noting Emma's absence.

"Emma had a class to attend, Professor, so she couldn't come. And please, call me Luke," you reply with a small smile.

"Oh, that's fine then. Luke, would you like to take a walk with me?" Professor Xavier asks, smiling as he manoeuvres his wheelchair forward.

"Sure, Professor," you say, walking beside him as he rolls by your side.

He leads you to a quieter part of the garden, with serene pathways lined with blooming flowers and shaded by ancient trees. "I must admit, I was intrigued to see you both in my lecture today," Professor Xavier begins, glancing at you. "Luke, your presence here is particularly surprising. I have heard a great deal about you."

"And I have heard a lot about you too, Professor," you respond, matching his tone of polite curiosity. "I have read your thesis, 'Analysing Genetic Mutations in Humanity.' It broadened my horizons. I was saddened to hear that the man behind that paper had gone into seclusion after suffering from paralysis due to an accident. So, I was happily surprised to find you back to teaching and that too at my own college."

Professor Xavier's face softens with a reminiscent smile as he looks ahead. "Yes, it was a tragic accident, but it gave me ample time to work on bettering myself and healing both physical and mental wounds," he says the last part quietly, but you still hear him perfectly.

"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger," you quote with a smile.

"Yes, you are very much correct, Luke," Professor Xavier agrees with a small smile. "Luke, what are your views on mutation?" he asks curiously.

"Human mutation?" you ask, and the Professor nods. "I think it's an inevitability, as change is the law of nature. Even now, humans have mutated significantly from their ancestors from some 2000 years ago," you reply, giving a less controversial answer.

"Yes, it is the law of nature, and as you said, humanity—or any species, for that matter—mutates constantly," Professor Xavier stops his wheelchair in front of a blooming flower, gently touching its petal. "But evolution itself is a very slow process. It gives ample time for those mutations to grow, to survive, to adapt, before becoming the new normal," Professor Xavier looks at the flower with a smile.

"But what if this natural cycle is accelerated suddenly? What if, instead of 2000 years, humans start mutating in bulk in a hundred years, or even shorter—in decades, or even months? What do you think will happen to those who are not given time to adapt to this other 'normal' population?" Professor Xavier asks, his smile turning bitter. "They will not be able to survive," he concludes sadly, caressing the flower bud.

You remain silent, knowing exactly what he was talking about, you are even aware that this was not a part of the natural cycle but rather the work of god-like beings just messing around with mortals.

Professor Xavier takes a deep breath and turns his wheelchair towards you. "I haven't invited you here for a chat about my lecture, Luke. It's because I have noticed something unique about you. Your mind… it's unlike anything I have ever encountered," he says with curiosity and seriousness.

You nod slightly. "I have also noticed something unique about you, Professor… about your mind," you speak softly, matching his gaze.

"I myself have a unique ability. From a young age, I was able to peer into the minds of other people. You could say it was a gift, a… mutation," Professor Xavier says, locking eyes with you. "By your lack of surprise, I can assume you somehow know about it?" he asks curiously.

"Yes… Professor," you nod slowly.

"There are very few people whose minds I can't read. When I couldn't read yours, I chalked it up to some form of technology shielding your mind. But my gut tells me it's not that. This power that is shielding you doesn't seem like the power that is gained by the likes of the Fantastic Four. It feels more… similar. It feels more like a mutation," Professor Xavier says curiously.

"X-Gene," you spell out slowly.

"So you do know about it!" Professor Xavier exclaims happily. "My life's work has been dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation among those with extraordinary gifts. Recently, I have opened a school—a school for gifted youngsters. It is a sanctuary of learning and safety for all those with similar mutations like us," he says animatedly.

"I would love for you to visit us and see it for yourself," Professor Xavier invites you with a warm smile, giving you a card.

"Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters," you read aloud as you accept it.

"A student of mine came up with that name," Professor Xavier clarifies with a wry smile.

"I will make time in my schedule and visit the school, Professor," you say with a polite smile.

Professor Xavier nods, pleased. "You can also bring Ms. Frost with you, as I assume you know about her too," he adds with a smile.

"I will try, Professor," you nod.

"That's all I can ask for. Now, if you have any questions or need assistance with anything, my door is always open. Or you can even give me a call," Professor Xavier says, extending his hand.

You shake his hand firmly. "Thank you, Professor. I will keep that in mind."

You walk away with the card in your pocket as the Professor watches you go.

You sigh mentally. You had tried to keep your responses minimal to pry out information from the Professor, but it seemed you had given away plenty while inferring little.

Still, this was a good start as you have confirmed that this Professor Charles, at least wasn't a mind-controlling villain. However, you still weren't ruling anything out as you had very little data on him.

It looks like you will have to pay the Xavier School a visit soon!

***

[Harem Managment Roll this Month: 113]

[Gained Power: Tier 2: Archmage (22/100) (Rule 34)]

[Gained Perk: Arcane Initiate]

[Unlocked Stat: Mana Pool: 69]

[Gained Perk: Apprentice Sorcery]

[Gained Stat: 20 MP]

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New Mechanic:

Mana Pool Calculation:

Intelligence Modifier: 2 mana per Intelligence point

Wisdom Modifier: 1 mana per Wisdom point

Character's Attributes:

Intelligence: 24

Mana Contribution: 24 * 2 = 48

Wisdom: 21

Mana Contribution: 21 * 1 = 21

Total Mana Pool: 48 (Intelligence) + 21 (Wisdom) + 20 (A.S. Perk) = 89

***

Updated Summary:

***

Archmage (from Gacha)

Gain new perks at each Tier.

[Tier 1]

Arcane Initiate (Perk): You take the first step into the world of magic, granting you basic magical abilities and the ability to sense magical energies.

a) Mana Sight: Ability to see and sense magical energies.

b) Basic Spell Casting: Cast simple spells for minor effects. Like the casting of rudimentary spells, such as creating small lights, minor telekinesis, or simple illusions.

[Tier 2]

Apprentice Sorcery (Perk): Enhances your control and efficiency with basic spells, making their magic more powerful and less draining.

a) Mana Efficiency: Reduce the mana cost of basic spells by 20%.

b) Spell Precision: Improved control over spellcasting, reducing the chance of backfires.

Mana Pool: + 20

***

[creus has bought a store item! Four Energy Points]

The Energy Points will be used to research Somnambulator (Rick and Morty)

Thank you for your support creus! :)

***