With previous experience, Peter's expression remained as usual, and he was not noticed by anyone, including Professor X, to be out of the ordinary.
The Wolverine mark above his wrist was initially transparent, then firefly-like specks of light flew from behind Scott and from above the heads of Logan and his daughter Laura.
The specks of light moved extremely fast, like moths in the dark drawn to a lamp, instantly merging into the Wolverine mark. The Wolverine mark, having absorbed the light, solidified at a visible rate, and finally seemed to swell in size by a few points before suddenly shooting into Peter's body.
Boom!
In an instant, a scorching and powerful energy surged from his heart, spreading through his limbs and bones. Every cell in his body cheered and groaned, his skin became tougher, and his muscle fibers seemed to be rewoven.
He could feel an unprecedented surge of vigorous vitality coursing through his body, which felt even better than being bitten by the mutated spider.
Unconsciously clenching his fists, Peter felt his whole body filled with explosive vitality. Could this be Wolverine's healing ability?
This feeling was simply amazing, as if his inherent healing ability had been super-doubled.
At the same time, learning from Charles that he was indeed a mutant, coupled with the X mark that had appeared on his wrist earlier, Peter couldn't help but wonder if his mutant ability might be something like "copy".
Charles, who was constantly observing Peter, keenly noticed the changes in his body and aura, but he only paused for a moment and did not show it.
The old man wearily rubbed his temples. Due to his aging body, even a small-scale use of his abilities made him feel some discomfort. Perhaps, as the doctor's advice suggested, he should rest well and try to use his abilities less.
Not far from them, Logan was impatiently stomping his foot, the Adamantium skeleton within his body seeming to emit a slight hum with each step.
"How long is Charles going to ramble on with that spandex kid and the tin can?" he mumbled, a cigar rolling back and forth between his teeth.
"I don't like being in this place at all. Since the vehicles to transport the children are ready, I'll go ask charles to leave quickly."
Ororo placed a hand on his shoulder, "Give Professor some time, Logan. The heroes who helped us save the children deserve this patience."
Logan exhaled a puff of smoke. His gaze involuntarily drifted towards the main building of the research institute—those cold white walls and narrow windows reminded him of the past at Alkali Lake, of William Stryker's hypocritical smile. Claws unconsciously extended an inch from between his fingers, only to be forcibly retracted.
"Professor, the transport vehicles are all ready. I think it's time for us to depart," Logan shouted impatiently.
Ororo shook her head at this.
The silent Scott turned to respond for the Professor: "Logan, we'll be right there."
"It seems someone is eager to go home," Charles's humorous voice still maintained the gentle elegance of a scholar, the metal frame of his wheelchair gleaming coldly in the afterglow of the sun.
When his gaze once again focused on Spiderman, his words held a hint of regret, "Child, I'm sorry, I just discovered another hidden danger you're facing, but you'll have to solve it yourself."
The fact that Spiderman was a mutant had been discovered by the people at the research institute, and even Dr. Rice knew about it. He would definitely face trouble later, but he currently had no ability to erase the memories of everyone, including Dr. Rice.
Having long worked for the peaceful coexistence of mutants and humans, Charles knew that the issue of mutants had weighed on the hearts of ordinary people for a long time. They had long formed a fixed image and would not change their minds because Spiderman was a mutant; instead, it would bring great harm to this child.
Peter stood before Professor X, his red and blue suit trembling slightly in the breeze. "You've done enough, Professor," he said, without a hint of complaint in his voice.
"I'm very grateful for your help. I think I can handle the rest myself, after all, I'm New York City's universally recognized friendly neighborhood—Spiderman, haha."
"Hmm," Charles nodded, smiling, "I hope you're not just New York City's friendly neighbor, but a friendly neighbor to everyone in the entire world."
"That's not easy. Let me see, there's French, Latin, Arabic, Russian... By the time I learn all these languages, I'll probably be white-haired. An old man as a neighbor sounds just right, doesn't it?"
Captain Lister, the temporary head of the research institute, who was peeking, was nervously rubbing his hands not far away. His gaze occasionally glanced at the skyline, fearing that a figure wearing a cape and a steel helmet might suddenly appear.
"God, please let these mutants leave," he prayed in a low voice, "It would be terrible if Magneto showed up."
Of course, he didn't know that Magneto wouldn't come, because Peter hadn't informed him at all.
After finishing his conversation with Professor X, Peter did not leave immediately, but instead helped the children board the two large transport vehicles.
A little girl shyly pulled Peter's sleeve while waiting for the car. "Mr. Spiderman, will you come to see us?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Peter knelt down, meeting the girl's gaze: "I promise I'll come if I get the chance, and you're going to the best school. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters has the best teachers."
He winked in Professor X's direction.
Charles smiled and nodded, then turned to Ironman in the air, raising his voice, "Mr. Stark, I once again invite you to visit our academy when you have time. Dr. Hank McCoy is very fascinated by your latest nanotechnology, and I believe you will have many common topics."
Tony Stark's armor mask, floating in the sky, lifted upwards, revealing his signature mocking expression. "I'll consider it, Professor, but I hope your academy has good whiskey. It's essential for academic exchange, isn't it?"
Charles chuckled. He knew Tony had no real intention of visiting but still appreciated his sense of humor. "We'll prepare a whole case, Mr. Stark."
Just then, Logan, who was about to get into the driver's seat, couldn't hold back. The more he looked at the research institute and those annoying mercenaries, the angrier he got, cursing, "F**k, leaving like this really sucks. At least I should give them a few scratches on their asses to teach them a lesson."
"Control your emotions, Logan," Charles said gently but firmly, "These children need a role model, not another beast to fear."
Logan clenched his cigar, forcibly suppressing the rage in his heart. "I'll listen to you, Charles."
When Peter looked over, he met Logan's gaze. Seeing this, he walked towards Logan and extended his right hand in a friendly gesture: "Spiderman. I've read your file, Mr. Logan, your experience... is impressive."
Logan raised an eyebrow, showing no intention of shaking hands. "Save it, kid. I don't need anyone's sympathy."
"Not sympathy," Peter calmly withdrew his hand, "It's respect. I know what you've done to protect mutants. Although our methods are different, we are both working to protect certain people."
These words made Logan pause slightly. He studied the young superhero in front of him and finally just grunted, turning to walk towards the transport vehicle's cab.
Peter didn't mind this either. Before Charles was about to board the plane, he hesitated for a moment, then still walked forward. "Professor, can I speak to you for a moment? It's a... story about a health issue."
Charles motioned for Scott to wait, looking at Peter intently. "Of course, child, what is it?"
Peter took a deep breath and recounted a vague "story": about an elderly wise man who, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, gradually lost control of his abilities and eventually unintentionally harmed the people he cherished most.
Peter didn't mention any names or specific details, but Charles's eyes perhaps indicated that he seemed to understand the metaphor.
"An interesting allegory," the professor said softly, a flicker of deep thought in his eyes. "I will remember it, child. Thank you for your concern."
As the Blackbird jet's engines roared deafeningly, the X-Men and the children began their journey. Peter stood still, watching the iconic plane cut through the sky and disappear into the horizon.
"Let's go, Pajama Boy." Tony's voice came through the external speakers, his gold and red armor gleaming in the sun. "Have you finished your summer homework?"
Peter couldn't help but laugh, shooting a web and swinging into the air. "Please call me Spiderman, Mr. Stark, and my homework is already done!"
-----------------------
To keep the chapters coming - Support with POWER STONES.
For Every 200 power stones - 1 BONUS chapter.