"Clarice, do you want to go back and see them?" Liam asked, a faint smile on his face as he leaned slightly toward her.
Clarice nodded immediately, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah… I do. But we're not really allowed to leave the academy, are we?"
There was hesitation in her voice.
If she really wanted to, she could use her ability to leave on her own. But after finally finding a place where she felt safe, she didn't want to risk losing it.
"It's fine," Liam said casually. "Professor X is pretty easygoing. But if you go alone, it might be dangerous."
Clarice's expression dimmed a little at that.
She knew he was right.
"But don't worry," Liam added with a grin. "I'll go with you. I actually want to meet your friends too."
Clarice froze for a second, then looked at him in surprise.
"You… really want to go with me?"
"Of course," Liam said. "Wait here. I'll talk to Storm."
With that, he stood up and left the classroom.
…
Inside Storm's office, Liam explained everything clearly.
Storm listened in silence, her brows slowly drawing together.
Liam was someone Professor X valued highly. Letting him leave the academy—even temporarily—came with risks.
If anything happened to him outside, it wouldn't be a small matter.
"Liam, wait here," Storm said finally. "I need to speak with the professor first."
"Alright."
Liam nodded without hesitation.
Storm left the office and went straight to Professor X.
After hearing the full explanation, Professor X remained quiet for a moment before speaking.
"Let them go."
Storm frowned slightly. "Professor, the area they're going to is under strict mutant surveillance. It could be dangerous."
"It's alright," Professor X replied calmly. "These children shouldn't be confined here all the time. They're only going to see friends."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"If we don't allow even something like this, they may start to feel restricted. That wouldn't be good."
Storm considered his words, then nodded slowly.
"I understand."
…
When she returned to the office, Liam looked up immediately.
"Well?"
Storm let out a quiet breath before nodding.
"The professor agreed. You can go. But be careful out there."
Liam's expression brightened slightly.
"Don't worry. I'll handle it."
He felt a bit of curiosity as well.
Professor X had agreed surprisingly easily.
Still, the result was what mattered.
After receiving her instructions, Liam returned to the classroom and told Clarice the news.
"Really?" Clarice's voice lifted with excitement. "Professor X actually said yes?"
"Yeah," Liam said with a smile. "We'll leave tomorrow. Get ready."
Clarice looked at him, her expression softening with gratitude.
Then, before he could react—
She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"…"
Liam froze.
That was not something he had expected.
Clarice froze too, clearly realizing what she had just done. Her face flushed instantly, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed by her own impulsiveness.
…
The next morning, they were ready early.
Liam and Clarice packed light and met up before heading out. They had already told Rogue and Kitty about their plan.
"You're leaving the academy?" Rogue asked, her tone rising with surprise.
"Relax," Liam said quickly, raising a hand. "I'm just going with Clarice to visit a friend. We'll be back in a few days."
"Oh," Rogue said, though she still looked a little unsettled.
"So you're not running off together?" Kitty added with a playful grin.
Rogue glanced between them, then suddenly spoke up.
"I want to come too."
Liam paused slightly.
"That… might need Professor X's approval. You could ask Storm."
"Then I'll go right now—"
"No need."
Storm's voice came from behind them.
She had already arrived.
"Ms. Ororo, I want to go with them," Rogue said immediately.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Storm replied, shaking her head.
"Why not?" Rogue pressed.
"It's the professor's decision," Storm said calmly. "They're only going to visit a friend and will return soon."
Liam nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry, Mary. I'll take you out next time."
Rogue hesitated, clearly unwilling, but she didn't argue further.
"Alright. Hurry back."
Storm glanced at her briefly but didn't say anything else.
"Okay, we'll go now," Liam said.
"Bye, Mary. Bye, Kitty," Clarice added softly.
"Bye."
After saying their goodbyes, Liam and Clarice left the academy together.
But before leaving, Liam completed one last thing.
[Host, do you wish to sign in with Mutant Rogue, Marie?]
"Yes."
[Ding! Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the super ability 'Energy Absorption' with 100 experience points.]
Energy Absorption.
Liam felt a subtle shift as the new ability integrated.
Unlike Rogue's version, which required physical contact and lacked control, his was far more refined. He could regulate the absorption process, deciding when and how it activated.
At its peak, it could drain not only energy but potentially abilities themselves.
Another powerful addition.
With that, he stepped forward without hesitation.
The academy gates closed behind him as he and Clarice headed out toward the unknown.
....
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