[Gwen's POV]
"Oh well, it seems that I'll have to face some trouble today."
This was my first thought after entering school. I mean, I knew that my new hairstyle would attract some attention, but still, I underestimated the consequences.
I couldn't help but recall that Avicii song where everyone gave that woman a weird look; that was exactly my situation. It felt as if I were no longer human but an alien.
In fact, I understood a little. If it were someone else, it wouldn't be worth mentioning, but the original Gwen was a schoolmaster after all, the kind who didn't apply makeup, change her style, or do anything like that.
And now, I looked like an adolescent in a rebellious phase. I could only sigh helplessly.
With my enhanced super senses, I could hear them whispering things like:
"Is that Gwen? The Gwen who never missed a homework deadline?"
"She looks like she belongs in a biker gang now. What happened to her?"
"But I know her father is a police officer. How could he let her go like that?"
An ancient saying popped into my mind: People love to watch a genius rise, but they love watching one fall even more.
Fortunately for me, when the professor entered the class, he didn't say anything. I did have the right to choose the style I wanted, but I could understand if he commented out of concern.
Of course, I could see the hesitation on his face, the desire to speak but the realization that he had no right to interfere in my life.
All my thoughts were interrupted when I heard Harry, sitting behind me, murmuring to himself: "Is she doing this because she wants to impress me?"
I swear, if not for having Mikasa's self-control, I would have laughed out loud in class. Seriously, does this man think he's some kind of young master? Oh, well—he is indeed a young master, so I'll let it slide.
I cleared my thoughts to focus on more important things. I had already gained a small foothold in the Fairy Tail world, which would be my main base. Why did I choose that world in the first place?
It was because I wanted bodyguards to help me travel to the One Piece world. I needed the Thunder Fruit, no matter what, it's just too practical for me right now.
Although I wanted to be an all-around fighter, I should specialize in something at the beginning.
With my Spider-Sense and Emperor's Eyes (after absorbing Akashi's soul), it went without saying that I should focus on speed. Obtaining the Thunder Fruit would definitely help me with that.
Even after becoming a superhero, it would be more practical.
Going from one end of New York to the other in seconds? Perfect. And when the Chitauri attack in the future, I could literally wipe them out in one go.
Not to mention, the modern world runs on electricity. With the Thunder Fruit, I could tap into power grids, monitor entire cities, and even interfere with electronic systems. Plus, let's be honest—the Thunder Fruit is just too cool.
As for my personal life, I think I've had enough of university, and it's time to graduate.
The problem is, I'm just a first-year student in the Biochemistry Department, which is specially funded by Oscorp.
There are different methods to obtain a degree, even as a first-year student, especially in the Marvel world, where geniuses like Banner, Tony Stark, and Reed Richards have multiple diplomas. I plan to use the most direct method.
Universities can grant special permission to a student to skip coursework if their invention demonstrates mastery of the field's required knowledge. That's exactly what I intend to do.
Even though this is the Marvel world, it's still 2002, and some technologies and medicines from my world in 2024 haven't been introduced yet. This is where I could achieve a breakthrough.
I could even travel to other worlds with advanced technology or the One Piece world, where biological technology like cloning is highly advanced.
The biggest setback I might face now is my current parents. The original Gwen, while not as brilliant as Stark or Banner, was qualified to skip grades and might have already earned a Ph.D. by now, if not for them.
They say that school isn't just about studying; it's about making friends and connections. They want me to live a normal life as a woman and not worry too much.
It's understandable since this isn't the 21st century where women are in every field. In the current age, some people still have traditional views. My mother is just a housewife herself.
Sigh. Although I want to enjoy my life and keep things simple, I'm a responsible person with many responsibilities.
...
At the same time, as Gwen was at school planning, someone was investigating her, holding all the information about her and MJ.
That gentleman, a man in his forties with a resolute demeanor like a soldier who had seen countless battles, appeared deep in thought.
Of course, if the President of the United States saw him, he might wet his pants because this wasn't just any man, it was Magneto, the strongest criminal in history. While the U.S. knew his whereabouts, they didn't dare to provoke him.
Over the years, due to his powers and the pressure mutants faced, Magneto had always been under stress, occasionally relieving it with women.
Among the many women he had been with, only two held a special place in his heart. Unfortunately, both were dead.
One of those women had given birth to a daughter before passing away. The second had been killed along with her daughter.
Magneto had always felt guilty about his first daughter. Not only had he failed to give her the home she deserved, but while she was alone, he had been enjoying life with a new family.
The least he could do was ensure she lived a normal life, giving her the freedom to choose her path and views on humanity. He had never wanted to influence her to follow his own.
Even so, he had always protected her in secret. Some knew of her existence but dared not touch her, knowing she was Magneto's bottom line. Those who tried had long since become forgotten tombstones.
Today, he received a report that his daughter had joined a music band under her adoptive sister's recommendation. He was happy Lorna was finally making friends. However, being cautious, he worried about potential hidden threats.
Fortunately, the report showed his fears were unfounded. Still, Magneto couldn't help but remain vigilant.
"Sir," a voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Mystique, her blue skin barely visible in the shadows of the room. "What do you plan to do about her?"
Magneto placed the file down and leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "Nothing, for now. Lorna has the right to choose her path. But I'll keep an eye on her and those around her."
Mystique folded her arms, skeptical. "You've always said mutants need to be prepared for the inevitable. What if she's not ready when the world turns against her?"
"She'll be ready," Magneto said firmly. "She's my daughter, after all."
Mystique arched a brow. "And what about the band? Are you sure they're not a threat? What if they're spies, trained in secret since childhood?"
Magneto's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've already vetted them. They're clean, for now. But if anyone so much as breathes a threat in her direction, they'll learn why the world fears me."
Mystique nodded, her expression unreadable. "And if she decides to follow a different path?"
Magneto's expression softened, just for a moment. "Then I'll support her, no matter what. But make no mistake, if the humans try to harm her, I won't hesitate to destroy them."
END OF THE CHAPTER