The laboratory was tucked away in the east wing of Xavier's School, filled with high-tech equipment that hummed with energy. Monitors blinked with complex data streams, and analysis stations were neatly organized, showcasing the latest in mutation research.
"Wow, the equipment here is all world-class," Nova said, admiring the setup as Jean stepped through the door. "McCoy really didn't hold back on the budget."
Jean whistled softly. "This is better equipped than most university research facilities."
"Exactly," Nova replied, settling at the central workstation. Multiple screens displayed the Xavier's student database.
Jean pulled up a chair beside him, noting the organized stacks of student files and the preliminary data Nova had already compiled. " Why are you looking through students files? And also why do you have them?"
Nova gestured toward the central workstation where multiple monitors displayed organized file systems." I requested files of various students from the principal, and fortunately he agreed to let me have them, as long as I help the students develop their mutant abilities."
He gestured to the screen where a spreadsheet was already taking shape. "I've been thinking about how to classify these abilities in a way that's actually useful for career matching and development planning."
Jean leaned forward, studying the emerging framework. "What kind of classification system are you thinking?"
"Functional categories based on practical applications," Nova replied, typing rapidly. "Support Type—abilities that enhance others or provide assistance. Attack Type—direct offensive capabilities. Sneak Type—infiltration, stealth, or reconnaissance powers. Agility Type—enhanced movement, speed, or positioning abilities."
"That makes sense for tactical applications," Jean agreed. "What about abilities that don't fit neatly into those categories?"
Nova smiled. "All-Purpose Type—powers that can adapt to multiple roles depending on the situation. And we'll probably need specialty categories as we dig deeper into the data."
They opened the first student file together. Bobby Drake's information filled the screen, complete with detailed power assessments and control evaluations.
"Bobby's a perfect example of versatility," Nova observed. "Ice manipulation—obvious Attack type for offensive applications, but look at his precision scores. He can create complex structures, regulate temperature by degrees, preserve organic matter through controlled freezing."
"Support type applications too," Jean added. "Medical preservation, environmental control, construction work. His ability spans multiple categories."
"All-Purpose type," Nova decided, creating a new column in their spreadsheet. "His cryokinesis has too many practical applications to limit him to one classification."
They moved through more files systematically. Rogue's power absorption earned her a complex rating—Attack type for draining enemies, but potentially Support type if she could learn to control the transfer rate without permanently harming allies.
"Her control rating is only 15%," Nova noted. "She can't regulate the absorption, which makes her dangerous to work with."
"That's why she keeps her distance from everyone," Jean said softly.
Nova nodded. Rouge's ability is very special and because of this she is soon gonna be visited by the Trader. He is very sure that she would accept the contract.
Next came Gambit's file. "Kinetic energy manipulation through objects," Nova read. "Primarily uses playing cards as projectiles. Interesting choice of focus."
"Remy's tactical," Jean explained. "Cards are small, portable, and he can control the energy release precisely. Attack type, definitely, but with Sneak type applications for infiltration."
Jubilee's energy plasmoid creation caught their attention next. "The file lists her as 'fireworks and light shows,'" Nova said, "but these energy readings suggest much more potential."
"She holds back deliberately," Jean confirmed. "Jubilee's afraid of what she might do at full power."
They continued through the database: Dazzler's sound-to-light conversion earned her Support type classification with Attack type secondary applications. M—Monet St. Croix—was clearly All-Purpose type with her combination of superhuman strength, speed, and telepathy.
"Psylocke is fascinating," Nova said, opening Betsy Braddock's file. "Telepathy combined with psychic weapon manifestation. She's essentially created a new hybrid fighting style."
"Attack type with Support type intelligence gathering," Jean agreed. "Her martial arts training makes her incredibly dangerous in close combat."
Magma's file showed volcanic manipulation capabilities. "Pure Attack type," Nova classified. "Lava manipulation doesn't have many subtle applications."
"Unless you need to create new landmasses," Jean pointed out with a slight smile.
They encountered more unique cases as they progressed. Skin's six extra limbs gave him enhanced strength and reach—Defense type with Support type applications for rescue work. Blink's teleportation was clearly Agility type, though her precision made her valuable for Sneak type missions as well.
"Wind Dancer's atmospheric manipulation is interesting," Nova noted, reviewing Sofia Mantega's file. "Wind control gives her flight, environmental modification, and crowd control capabilities."
"All-Purpose type?"
"Definitely. Weather manipulation is incredibly versatile."
Marrow's bone growth control presented classification challenges. "Defense type for armor applications, Attack type for weaponization," Nova mused. "But the medical applications..."
"Support type for emergency surgery or bone repair," Jean finished. "Another All-Purpose candidate."
They paused at Sage's file, both reading the detailed assessment with growing interest.
"Superhuman learning and skill replication," Nova read aloud. "She can master any skill or knowledge just by observing it."
"That's... actually similar to your ability," Jean observed. "Applied Knowledge Manifestation and perfect skill replication have significant overlap."
Nova made a mental note to have Sage as his subordinate or have her in his team. She have a good ability, she would be a very good researcher if she wants to.
"Support type," he decided. "Her value would be in enhancing team capabilities rather than direct application."
The final files covered students with highly specialized abilities. Wind Dancer's atmospheric control, Marrow's bone manipulation, and Kurt's teleportation—each required individual analysis to determine their optimal applications.
"Look at this pattern," Jean said, pointing to a cluster of data points on their screen. "Students with psychic abilities consistently show higher stress indicators and more variable control ratings."
Nova highlighted the relevant data. "Mental powers are more susceptible to emotional fluctuations. Physical abilities tend to be more stable—they're tied to muscle memory and instinctive responses."
"Which explains why telepaths often seem more distant or controlled. They have to maintain constant mental discipline."
"Speaking from experience?" Nova asked.
Jean hesitated before answering. "Sometimes. My telekinesis is fairly stable, but there are... other aspects of my abilities that are less predictable."
Nova leaned forward slightly, adopting a clinical tone. "What kind of unpredictability? Power fluctuations? Involuntary activations? Secondary manifestations?"
"All of the above, depending on circumstances," Jean admitted. "Sometimes I feel like there's something else there, something much stronger than what I can usually access. Like having a sleeping presence in my mind."
Nova made careful notes in her file, though he was cautious not to show excessive interest. "Have you discussed this with McCoy or the other faculty?"
"They're aware. Most think it's related to my overall potential—that I might be capable of much more than current assessments indicate."
"And what's your theory?"
Jean stared at the data for a long moment. "I think there are aspects of mutation we don't understand yet. Powers that don't follow predictable patterns or fit into standard categories."
Nova saved their classification work and leaned back. "That's exactly why this research matters. We're not just cataloging abilities—we're trying to map the fundamental nature of mutation itself."
"Is that your real goal here?" Jean asked directly. "Understanding mutation on a deeper level?"
"Among other things," Nova replied honestly. "The applications for enhancement, medical treatment, even evolutionary biology could be revolutionary."
Jean gathered her notes, nodding slowly. "I can work with that level of ambition. Just remember—if you discover something significant, especially about abilities like mine, I want full disclosure."
"Fair enough," Nova agreed. "Partnership means shared discoveries."
"Good," Jean said, heading toward the door. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Looking forward to it."
As Jean left, Nova reviewed their progress. The classification system was coming together nicely, and more importantly, Jean was beginning to think seriously about the mysteries of her own abilities. Soon she'd be ready for bigger revelations.
But now, it's time for a trade.
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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- 177/200 P.S
– THIRD OBJECTIVE- /400 P.S
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CHAPTER:- [101 - LEGACY UNBOUND] IS AVAILABLE ON MY P@TREON