"Even if he stops now, Wolverine's head will still slam into the ground at full speed," Storm said quickly, eyes fixed on the white whirlwind spinning across the yard.
Professor X clenched his jaw. This was supposed to be a spar, not a death match. But at the last instant, the blur of motion shifted—Ryuuto kicked Wolverine away mid-spin, separating before impact.
Boom!
Wolverine crashed into a wall, stone cracking and caving in. Dust filled the air.
Ryuuto landed lightly, calm as if he hadn't just nearly killed one of the most dangerous mutants alive.
Storm exhaled. Professor X finally relaxed. Mystique, disguised among the watching students, clicked her tongue. She'd wanted gore—what a letdown.
"Raaagh!" Wolverine sat up, dazed but grinning like a maniac. "That… that was incredible! Haven't felt that close to death in decades! Kid, you're the real deal. Maybe it's time an old relic like me retired."
I walked over, untying the belt from him. "My ability only awakened today. I got carried away."
"You reined it in at the last second—that's what matters," Wolverine said. "Adamantium bones are near unbreakable, but if my skull had hit the ground in that spin, even I'd need months to heal. You showed restraint. That counts."
I grinned. "So this was just a 'friendly discussion,' huh?"
Wolverine barked a laugh and clapped my hand in his. "Friendly enough. You've earned it. Here—my number. If you ever need backup, I'll be there."
I memorized it, then muttered, "Honestly, I wouldn't mind running a few more rounds."
"Forget it, kid. My old bones aren't built for that kind of punishment anymore. If you want a real test, go find the Hulk. Now that is a fight. Stronger than me. Angrier too. When he snaps, whole city blocks vanish."
"He's one of the Avengers now, right?"
"That's right. Not that I care much for Iron Man—cocky bastard."
My grin widened. "I'd like to meet them someday."
"You will," Wolverine said, patting my shoulder. "Don't let this school fool you into thinking the world is peaceful. Out there, battles rage across Earth and beyond. Your power's awakened, Ryuuto. Sooner or later, you'll be on the front lines. Be ready."
With that, Wolverine turned and left with Professor X.
I dusted off the cracked belt and handed it back to Rogue with a smile."Want this one back, or should I buy you a new one? Took a few hits during the fight."
Her gloved hands trembled slightly as she shook her head. "This one's fine… I don't wear belts much anyway."
"Why do you cover up so much, though? Long sleeves, cloak, gloves—aren't you roasting in this heat?"
Her expression stiffened. "My ability is… complicated."
"Complicated how?"
"Not here. Come with me."
We slipped into a quiet corner. Rogue lowered her voice. "If I touch someone with my bare hands, I drain them. Energy, powers—everything. Mutant or not. That's why I ran away from home. I'm like… a walking curse. Don't you think it's useless? That I shouldn't even be at this school?"
I stared at her, then laughed. "Useless? Are you kidding? That's broken as hell! If you tag an enemy, you shut them down instantly. Doesn't matter if they're mutant, superhuman, whatever—you can take them out. That's terrifyingly powerful."
Her cheeks turned red. No one had ever said that to her before. For the first time, someone called her ability strong.
And just like that, she decided—she wouldn't run anymore. She'd stay.
Storm eventually came over and told me to take Rogue back to her room. Since I'd promised her a new belt, we decided to head into town together.
What I didn't notice was Mystique, trailing silently in the distance.
[Ding! Reward Package Granted! Please check!]
Shion's voice chimed in my head, lazy and teasing.
"…Wait, what? I didn't finish any quest yet."
[Idiot Host. Beating Wolverine counts. Enjoy the bonus while it lasts.]
I smirked to myself. So that's it. Time to see what I pulled.
As Rogue and I walked toward the nearest store, I cracked open the system's reward package.