Since there's money to be made, even if he didn't lift a finger for a month, the hefty salary of tens of thousands of dollars is hard for Carl to turn down. How could he refuse?
And so, from that moment forward, he became a proud member of the X-Men, entrusted with the noble duty of upholding world peace and safeguarding both humanity and mutants alike.
Sure, the slogan sounded grand, but whether he'd actually go through with it was another matter entirely.
Following this, Professor X delved into the details of the previous night's mission before adjourning the meeting.
Yet, Carl found himself detained by the professor, who intended to escort him to the base's control center for registration, including procedures like face recognition, fingerprint scanning, and granting certain permissions.
In the dimly lit corridor of the underground base, Professor X's wheelchair glided smoothly, with Carl trailing behind.
"Carl, the chain you retrieved yesterday contains a significant amount of Adamantium, enough to potentially extract a kilogram," Professor X remarked.
Although the chain appeared no larger than a thumb, it weighed over ten kilograms.
However, the real challenge lay in refining Adamantium, given its extraordinary properties—it could withstand temperatures of up to 500,000 degrees Celsius without melting, making the process of melting and refining it exceedingly difficult.
"This metal is incredibly resilient, the toughest known substance on Earth," Professor X explained in his gentle tone.
"Its core element originates from a meteorite, refined into a carbon alloy. The precise synthesis technique is exclusively held by the United States government."
"As a result, it commands an exorbitant price on the black market—twenty times that of gold per gram, with no established market value."
"Hence, the chain you retrieved is estimated to be worth around $20 million."
"Remarkable," Carl murmured in astonishment.
Professor X regarded him with a smile. "Indeed, it's quite valuable. The chain serves as your trophy, and you hold the authority to decide its fate."
"So, have you considered how to utilize it? If you wish to sell it for profit, I can arrange for $20 million to be deposited into your account."
After a moment of contemplation, Carl nodded, confessing, "...Professor, I must admit, I was tempted."
"But I've decided not to sell it."
Professor X's smile widened. "Ah, it seems you have other plans for these alloys?"
"Yes, Professor," Carl affirmed.
"After last night's battle, I realized some shortcomings in my abilities, particularly my overly simplistic fighting style and the lack of a proper weapon."
"I didn't expect you to have such a clear sense of self-awareness," Professor X remarked.
"Indeed, Carl, your fighting style differs from Scott and the others. Having an invincible weapon at your disposal could greatly enhance your abilities," Professor X acknowledged.
Carl smiled, expressing his intention, "That's why I'm proposing that half of the Adamantium acquired this time be used to forge a weapon integrated with other metals."
"Is that acceptable?"
"Certainly, as an X-Men, providing weaponry and enhancing your capabilities is a fundamental obligation," Professor X affirmed.
"Tell me, what type of weapon do you wish to create?" Professor X's admiration for Carl, the new X-Men, grew with each interaction.
Carl, demonstrating exceptional performance in strength and character, earned Professor X's appreciation. He won without arrogance, possessed self-awareness, and remained humble.
"For the weapon, I require durability, weight, and sharpness," Carl deliberated, specifying his criteria, then adding, "The heavier, the better, as I sense my strength is rapidly increasing each day. If it's too light, I fear it won't endure for long."
"I understand, a heavy weapon it shall be," Professor X acknowledged.
Transitioning to the matter of the remaining alloy, Professor X gently inquired, "And what are your intentions for the other half, Carl?"
"It's reserved for her," Carl revealed.
"For whom?" Professor X questioned.
"The mutant we retrieved yesterday, the one with small horns on her head, named Edith Lace. She excels in sword combat," Carl explained, "Her abilities are melee-oriented, with significant burst potential. Thus, I wish to allocate the remaining alloy for her to craft an unparalleled weapon, given that the alloy originated from the chains restraining her."
Professor X pondered briefly before agreeing, "Indeed, that girl possesses unique qualities. However, her mental state has been severely affected, posing challenges for treatment."
"No, her condition isn't solely unique," Carl disagreed, presenting a hard drive containing research materials. "Professor, you'll understand once you review this."
"This hard drive was retrieved from the research institute, Carl," Professor X noted, unsurprised, as the information corresponded with Shadowcat and Logan's mission report.
Carl nodded solemnly, his expression resolute. "Yes."
"What did you glean from observing it?"
Carl's tone remained detached. "Inhumans. They should be eradicated."
Professor X let out a soft sigh. "Indeed, I've encountered similar situations before. Whenever a Mutant laboratory is destroyed, similar data surfaces."
Carl understood that even Professor X was grappling with this issue as best as he could.
In a world driven by greed, where extraordinary power is coveted, countless individuals seek such power eagerly, especially those wealthy and influential.
Having surpassed the realm of ordinary people and possessing wealth that could sustain them for lifetimes, their desires naturally gravitate toward power.
They aspire to unravel the mysteries of Mutant genes, seeking to enhance their own abilities, even striving for immortality.
For instance, the recent destruction of the Chris Institute might have had the backing of the United States' official forces, considering their exclusive access to Adamantium synthesis materials.
****
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/AniScout