The apartment in front of them was neatly decorated.
After all, this was one of the more developed cities. The population of the United States was relatively small, so the environment and greenery were well maintained.
Charles took a moment to recover.
Having powerful telepathic abilities didn't mean he couldn't get carsick. Especially since he'd forgotten to upgrade the shock absorption system. That burst of acceleration would make anyone lose their composure.
"Creak."
The apartment door opened as the two walked in, chatting and laughing.
Charles looked around.
No one was there.
"Ryden, my friend is a bit... strange," Charles said apologetically. "Don't be surprised when you see them."
Ryden nodded.
"Wait. Is it a guy or a girl?"
"Does it make a difference?" Charles asked.
"Of course it does." Ryden replied shamelessly. "Girls are cute no matter what. Guys... well, I guess it's fine to get to know them."
A perfect example of valuing women over friends.
Charles fell silent for a moment, but he wasn't surprised.
Liking women was normal.
Even he had a girlfriend.
And it was normal for talented scientists to have a few... special hobbies.
"Raven, come out," Charles called loudly. "I have a new friend I want you to meet. Don't worry, he knows about my ability. He won't be shocked. We're good friends."
A girl with orange-red hair and blue skin appeared at the corner of the stairs.
To ordinary people, she would look like a monster.
To Ryden, she was stunning.
A primal male instinct surged.
He stared at her blankly.
Thinking Ryden had frightened her, Charles quickly explained, "This is Raven. She has special genes like me. Some... special abilities."
The little girl trembled slightly.
She tugged nervously at her clothes, looking pitiful.
It made Ryden feel a bit uncomfortable.
This was a girl with a tragic past.
She thought she had scared someone again. Inferiority crept in.
"Beautiful." Ryden spoke slowly. "She's beautiful. Perfect. Is she your friend, Charles?"
Whether he was sincere or pretending, even he didn't know.
Charles froze for a moment.
Then he smiled.
Acceptance was a good thing.
Especially for someone with special abilities.
For Raven, this was even more important.
Aside from Charles, this was the first person who hadn't rejected her appearance.
She was stunned.
When she was little, her parents had feared her. After they died, she became a stray.
She'd only been looking for food when Charles discovered her. Learning that he also had special abilities had calmed her.
Otherwise, ordinary people would either beat her or curse her.
Demon.
Monster.
If you thought about it, many villains were shaped by childhood.
Magneto. Erik. Mystique. Raven. Lex Luthor. Loki.
Compared to them, Superman and Batman had far better childhoods.
Clark had been raised as a human, guided toward kindness.
Bruce had been older when his parents died, already influenced by their values.
Upbringing mattered.
Raising someone was thrilling.
Ryden wiped the corner of his mouth.
Alright.
He'd take Mystique home and raise her properly.
As for whether she'd become a "friend with benefits"-no.
A girlfriend.
Or a wife.
That depended on the future.
"What? Be friends?" Ryden waved his hand. "Impossible. Only being girlfriends makes sense."
The three soon sat together, chatting like old friends.
Raven shared her experiences.
Ryden's excitement didn't go unnoticed.
But Raven was even happier.
Making a new friend was everything to her.
All she wanted was acceptance.
And freedom.
Being alone was unbearable.
Ryden got straight to the point.
"Charles, it's not good for Raven to stay here all the time. Why don't you let her live at my place?" He paused. "She'll have company. Raven, what do you think? I've got three little troublemakers at home."
Raven hesitated.
Trust didn't come easily.
She looked at Charles.
Charles understood Ryden's situation.
He was famous.
Hard not to know.
Three nannies took care of his house.
That wasn't a bad thing.
Scientists were often helpless in daily life.
"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses," Charles said calmly.
"He has three kids at home. One is thirteen. The other two are four or five. If Raven goes there, it'll be better."
He was still worried.
But an idea sparked in his mind.
Why some people developed special abilities.
"Will they accept her?" Charles asked again, concern lingering.
"Ryden," Raven asked softly, "are they your children?"
Ryden laughed.
"No. They're my nannies' kids. They're young, so I let them live with me."
Absolutely no other thoughts.
A good person wouldn't think like that.
At least not yet.
"Oh." Raven smiled faintly. "Then... I'll stay at your place for a while."
She didn't want to be alone anymore.
"To protect you," Ryden said thoughtfully, "I'll tell people you have a rare illness. I'm in charge of treating you."
"That way, no one will be disgusted. They'll pity you instead."
"What do you think?"
Joy flickered in Raven's eyes.
Acceptance.
That was all she wanted.
Charles let out a long breath.
With Raven gone, bringing girls home wouldn't feel awkward anymore.
This big problem-no, burden-had been taken away.
He was genuinely relieved.
"Then it's settled." Ryden smiled. "Raven, you're coming home with me. We're family now. Take good care of me."
He leaned closer.
"Can you show me your ability?"
Raven happily shook his hand.
The wheel of history shifted.
Her blue skin flowed like water.
In seconds, she became Ryden.
Same face. Same height.
Perfect.
If he hadn't seen it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.
"Hello," the transformed Raven said.
Even the voice matched.
Ryden stroked his chin.
"Amazing." He grinned. "If I use this properly, couldn't I face different women with a new appearance every time?"
"Pure evil."
Far away, in the magical sanctuary of Kamar-Taj in the Himalayas, the Ancient One opened her eyes.
The Eye of Agamotto pulsed softly.
"Time has changed again," she murmured.
"Every time... the trajectory is different."
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