[ITS THE BONUS CHAPTER]
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Kurt drew the pause out with maddening precision, milking the suspense like a seasoned performer. His golden eyes darted toward Nova, as if daring him to interrupt. When Nova stayed quiet, that grin of his only grew sharper.
"…none other than Jean Grey herself."
The reaction was instant. Jubilee's gum popped loud enough to echo. Rogue's smirk turned into a full-blown laugh. Kitty's eyes went wide, bouncing between Nova and Jean like she'd just witnessed the beginning of a soap opera.
Jean blinked, clearly caught off guard. A faint pink rose to her cheeks, but she lifted her chin, forcing composure. "Kurt…" she said slowly, her voice calm but edged with warning.
"Oh, don't look at me like that," Kurt replied, waving his three-fingered hand innocently. "I am only the messenger. Nova is the one who made the declaration."
Four pairs of eyes shifted onto Nova like spotlights.
Kitty leaned in eagerly, grin spreading across her face. "Wait, wait, wait—you're making a move on Jean? Like, the Jean Grey? Mr. New Guy wasted no time."
Jubilee snorted, throwing a hand dramatically over her forehead. "Ooooh, bold. Ten minutes in the cafeteria and you're already swinging at the top of the ladder. Respect."
Rogue rested her chin on her hand, studying him like he was a puzzle she half wanted to solve. "You don't strike me as the type to chase rumors, sugar. So what's the play here?"
Jean's gaze hadn't left Nova. Her green eyes narrowed slightly, curious and cautious all at once. "Well?" she asked evenly. "Did you really say that?"
Nova leaned back slightly, completely unfazed by the attention. His expression remained calm, almost amused. "I said Jean was going to be my assistant in my personal laboratory. Kurt here," he gestured toward the blue mutant, "decided to interpret that as 'making a move on the campus belle.'"
"Because that's exactly what it sounds like!" Jubilee interjected with a laugh. "Nobody just casually announces they're getting the most sought-after girl in school as their 'assistant' without some kind of agenda."
"Maybe because it's not an announcement," Nova replied smoothly. "It's just a fact. Dr. McCoy arranged it himself."
That stopped the teasing cold. The girls exchanged glances, and even Kurt's perpetual grin faltered slightly.
Jean straightened in her seat. "Wait, what? Dr. McCoy arranged for me to be your assistant?"
"That's news to me too," Kitty said, looking between them. "When did this happen?"
Nova glanced at Jean, noting the confusion in her expression. "This afternoon, during my meeting with him. He said you needed practical research experience to complement your theoretical knowledge, and that I could provide that."
Jean's brow furrowed. "He never mentioned anything to me about this."
"Probably planning to tell you later," Nova said with a shrug. "Seemed like it was already decided from his perspective."
Rogue let out a low whistle. "So this isn't some smooth pickup line—you actually got permission from the principal to work with Jean?"
"More than permission. It was his suggestion."
Jubilee's eyes widened. "Damn, that's... actually kind of impressive. McCoy doesn't just hand out those kinds of opportunities."
Kurt's tail flicked behind him, his amusement returning. "Ah, so it is official business, ja? But still..." He waggled his eyebrows. "Working closely together, long hours in a private laboratory, sharing the pursuit of science..."
"Kurt," Jean warned again, though there was less heat in her voice this time.
"I'm just saying," Kurt continued with mock innocence, "many great romances have started with less promising circumstances."
Nova finally cracked a genuine smile. "You have quite the imagination, Wagner. But if it helps, I can promise my intentions are purely scientific."
"For now," Kurt added with a wink.
That earned him a collective groan from the girls, though Nova noticed Jean's cheeks had returned to their normal color, and she seemed more intrigued than embarrassed now.
"So what kind of research are we talking about?" Jean asked, her scientific curiosity clearly overriding any social awkwardness. "Dr. McCoy mentioned you have your own laboratory setup?"
"Focused on mutant genetics and ability applications," Nova replied. "I'm particularly interested in the intersection between biological enhancement and power manifestation."
Kitty perked up. "That sounds like it connects to your training potion work."
"Exactly. The potion was just the beginning. There are much more complex applications possible when you understand the underlying genetic mechanisms."
Jean leaned forward slightly, her interest genuine now. "That's... actually fascinating. Most of the research I've seen focuses on cataloging abilities rather than understanding how to enhance or modify them."
"Because most researchers don't have the resources or the theoretical framework to go beyond basic documentation," Nova said. "But with the right approach..."
He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.
Rogue observed the exchange with a knowing smirk. "Well, would you look at that. Kurt might've been onto something after all."
"What do you mean?" Jean asked, though she seemed to realize what Rogue was implying even as she asked.
"Nothing gets a girl's attention like a guy who can match her intellectually," Jubilee said with a grin. "Muscles are great, but brains? That's the real aphrodisiac."
Jean flushed again, but this time it seemed more from annoyance than embarrassment. "Could we please not turn my potential research opportunity into some kind of romantic speculation?"
"Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it," Jubilee replied, holding up her hands. "You went from 'who is this guy?' to 'tell me more about your research' in about thirty seconds."
Nova watched the exchange with growing amusement. Kurt had certainly succeeded in stirring up interest, though probably not in the way he'd intended.
From across the cafeteria, Scott Summers, who had clearly been listening to the entire conversation, the young man's expression was carefully controlled, but if one observed carefully they could see the tension in his posture, the way his hands gripped his tray just a little too tightly.
As the laughter settled, Kitty leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "So, what exactly is your mutant ability, Nova? I've heard some wild theories."
Nova considered the question, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's just say I can create things based on my understanding of their underlying logic and principles."
The table fell silent, eyes widening with intrigue. Jean looked particularly interested. "You mean you can essentially do whatever you know how to do?"
"Pretty much," Nova replied, standing up slightly. He glanced around, noting the attention he had drawn. "Want to see?"
"Definitely!" Jubilee exclaimed, her excitement infectious.
Nova took a deep breath, centering himself. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a small flame that danced above his palm, its warm glow illuminating his features. "Fire," he stated simply, letting the flame flicker and twist before snuffing it out with a snap of his fingers.
Next, he raised his other hand, summoning a stream of water that curled and flowed gracefully, forming a small orb that hovered above his palm. "And water."
The girls watched in awe as he demonstrated each element: he formed a small stone for earth and created a gentle breeze for air, each element responding effortlessly to his command.
"Impressive," Rogue said, crossing her arms, clearly impressed. "But what else can you do?"
Nova smirked. "You want to see something unique?"
With a focused expression, he gathered energy and manipulated light, shaping it into a beautiful red rose that shimmered in his hand. The petals glowed softly, capturing everyone's attention.
"Light," he explained, presenting the rose with a flourish.
The girls clapped lightly, and even Kurt looked genuinely impressed. But Nova wasn't finished yet.
He closed his eyes for a moment, summoning the darker energy within him. The atmosphere shifted as he conjured a fully dark black rose, its petals absorbing the light around it, creating an eerie yet captivating contrast to the vibrant red rose.
"And darkness," he added, holding it up for everyone to see.
Both Rose's but one created with light and other created with darkness.
The girls erupted into applause, their enthusiasm filling the cafeteria.
"Wait, so you created all of those just using your knowledge of the elements?" Kitty asked, her eyes wide with excitement. "That means you understand the basic underlying logic of each one?"
Nova nodded, a grin spreading across his face.
"Man," Kitty exclaimed, leaning back in her chair, "you could be a jack of all trades! While we're all struggling to control our own powers, you're over here pulling off everything!"
Rogue raised an eyebrow, a mix of admiration and envy crossing her features. "That's… kind of intimidating, actually."
Kurt laughed, his tail flicking with excitement. "Ja, and you've only just arrived! Imagine what else you could do with more time."
As the laughter and chatter settled, Nova smiled and offered, "I can help you all control your abilities."
The table went silent, the offer hanging in the air. Jean's expression shifted to one of intrigue. "Help us? How?"
Nova shrugged, his tone casual. "With my understanding of the underlying principles, I could guide you in refining your control. We could work together to explore your powers more deeply."
Jubilee exchanged glances with Rogue and Kitty, clearly considering the idea. "That could be amazing. But… are you sure you want to take that on?"
"Absolutely," Nova replied, his confidence unwavering. " Well one of my personal projects is understanding mutant powers of others. Since you all know basics of my abilities, helping you all would increase my knowledge. So it's a win-win situation."
Rogue smirked. "Well, if you can help us level up, count me in."
Kitty nodded enthusiastically. "Me too! This could be the start of something awesome."
Jean's expression softened, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "I'd definitely be interested. If you can help me control my abilities better, it would mean a lot."
As the excitement began to build again, Nova felt a sense of purpose. This was exactly what he needed to forge connections and solidify his role at Xavier's.
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→ 30 REVIEWS= 3 BONUS CHAPTER's
→ 200 POWER STONES= 1 BONUS CHAPTER
→ 400 POWER STONES= 2 BONUS CHAPTER's
CURRENT PROGRESS:↓
– FIRST OBJECTIVE:- 26/30 REVIEWS
– SECOND OBJECTIVE- /200 P.S
– THIRD OBJECTIVE- /400 P.S
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CHAPTER:- [97 - TRADER'S MOTIVE] IS AVAILABLE ON MY P@TREON