"X, are the analysis results ready?" Charles asked through gritted teeth.
"The results are in. Based on your recent battle, and cross-referenced with the data input into the system, this mutant's abilities have been preliminarily identified as telepathy and telekinesis. Her mutation level has been classified as Level 3," the X system replied.
Both Charles and Erik felt their hearts sink. Level 2 mutants were already formidable among the current mutants. As Han Yu had explained earlier, mutants are classified into five levels, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 5 the highest.
The distinction between Level 1 and Level 2 lies in the control of their abilities. Most mutants remain at Level 1, unable to control their powers. Level 2 mutants, however, can begin to understand and apply their abilities with basic control.
Level 3 and above signify an amplification of power. At this stage, mutants have developed their abilities to the point of mastering increasingly complex applications, which advances their classification.
According to Han Yu's analysis, the majority of mutants on Earth would likely be Level 2 or Level 3.
Above Level 3, however, are mutants capable of threatening entire cities, or even multiple cities—a terrifying prospect. If Charles and Erik encountered such a mutant and couldn't persuade them to join the academy, they would have to use special measures to neutralize the threat before it escalated into something catastrophic.
"This is indeed a tough situation. The two of us have been rigorously training our abilities recently. According to the X system's tests, we barely qualify as Level 3 ourselves. For that girl to already possess Level 3 mutant abilities upon first activation... her future potential is immeasurable. We must bring her to the academy before she causes greater trouble," Erik said, furrowing his brows.
He was wrapped in bandages, clearly having sustained some injuries.
His telepathic abilities had advanced to the point where he could infiltrate others' minds at will, creating illusions visible only to the target. In combat, this allowed him to disrupt opponents by tampering with their thoughts.
Charles, who disliked fighting, had also trained his powers after taking on the role of vice-principal at the academy. He could now manipulate fine iron sand with precision.
Han Yu had previously warned them, "If you agree to establish a mutant academy, I require your abilities to be at least at Level 4. You will inevitably encounter more powerful mutants. Not everyone can be persuaded through words, and you will face danger. If you lack the ability to protect yourselves, you'll perish long before you can bring mutants into the fold."
Now, they realized just how accurate Han Yu's warning was. If their powers hadn't reached Level 3, the injuries they sustained in the encounter with that girl would have been far worse.
"Call Han Yu. We're in over our heads here," Charles suggested.
Erik nodded, taking out his phone and dialing Han Yu's number. "No answer."
"No answer? He mentioned that if his phone isn't reachable, he's likely out of service. Try the number for his shop. Maybe one of his friends can help," Charles said.
Erik nodded again and dialed the second number. This time, the call went through quickly.
"Who's calling?"
"Hello, this is Erik, a friend of Han Yu. Is he home?" Erik asked.
The voice on the other end belonged to Ultron, who replied, "He's not home. He's out handling something. Is there something you need?"
"And you are?"
"Ultron."
"Oh, Mr. Ultron, here's the situation..."
Erik explained the problem. Han Yu had told them that anyone at his shop could be trusted. If he was unavailable, they could seek help from those there.
After listening to Erik's explanation, Ultron nodded slowly. His mind, still connected to a vast computational database, linked to the X system and directly accessed the data regarding the powerful mutant they were dealing with.
"Jean Grey. Preliminary analysis suggests she possesses telepathy and telekinesis. Her mutant classification is Level 3. Hmm... indeed, a formidable opponent," Ultron said thoughtfully.
Ultron mimicked Han Yu's habit of stroking his chin as he pondered for a moment before speaking into the phone, "Let's talk in person. I'll come to meet you."
This matter wasn't something that could be adequately discussed over the phone. Han Yu had always emphasized that the affairs of mutants were not to be directly interfered with by their shop. Mutants, after all, would eventually surpass ordinary mortals in many ways.
Of course, if Han Yu and his group were to claim divine status now, it wouldn't be far-fetched. Thus, when it came to Earth's affairs, unless it directly affected him, Han Yu preferred not to get involved.
That said, assisting the good side was another matter. As long as they didn't support evil, it was acceptable.
The issue of mutants was something Charles and Erik would primarily handle moving forward. Unless it involved an extraordinarily powerful mutant, the shop would not intervene. Over time, the shop had taken on the semblance of an arbiter.
After receiving the exact address, Ultron closed his computer and got ready to leave.
"Hey, where are you going? We just finished forming a team!" Pietro (Quicksilver) called out as he removed his headset, noticing Ultron's movements.
"Charles and Erik are in trouble. The boss said before that if even they can't handle a situation, the opponent must be quite troublesome. Since the boss isn't in this world right now, it's up to us to resolve this," Ultron explained.
"Charles? You mean the professor from the mutant academy the boss founded? I'm coming too! I've been saying all along I want to help. How could you leave me out of this?" Pietro protested.
"Alright."
Ultron didn't refuse. The two quickly prepared to head to Berlin to meet Charles.
After calling for a private jet, they headed to the airport. At this point, they were well-known figures, and there was no need to rely on Green Lantern rings for travel.
With plenty of money at their disposal, buying a few planes for transportation was a matter of practicality—and style.
By that evening, Ultron and Pietro met up with Charles and Erik.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Charles, and this is Erik," Charles introduced himself.
"I'm Ultron, and this is Pietro. We're both from Han Yu's shop," Ultron said with a smile as he shook hands with Charles.
Without indulging in much small talk, they got straight to the point.
"Regarding the mutant we mentioned earlier, I've come up with a plan," Ultron said, taking out a laptop he had brought along. Opening it, he began explaining, "Considering her telepathic abilities that can interfere with minds and her telekinetic power to manipulate external objects, I propose creating a suppressor. We'll use it to neutralize her abilities temporarily. Once she's calm, we can explain the situation to her. Jumping into a fight right away would only bring harm, not benefit."
"How do you plan to do that?" Charles asked.
"To create this device, I'll need help from the two of you," Ultron replied, fixing his gaze on Charles and Erik with a smile.
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