Ian opened his learning system.
[Physics LV4 (23%)]
[Chemistry LV4 (14%)]
[Metallurgy LV5 (36%)]
...
[X-Gene Studies LV4 (98%)]
[Elemental Mastery LV4 (99%)]
...
For ordinary disciplines, Level 4 is roughly the limit that real-world knowledge can reach.
Only metallurgy had reached Level 5, thanks to Ian's X-gene ability, Elemental Mastery.
Ian's X-gene ability allows him to manipulate matter at the atomic level—hydrogen, oxygen, iron, gold—whether naturally occurring or not. He can control all elements.
With Elemental Mastery combined with Level 5 metallurgy, Carnegie Alloy Company became the top supplier of specialized metals in the U.S. in under ten years.
The U.S. military, S.H.I.E.L.D., Stark Industries, and others are all major clients of Carnegie Alloy Company.
Though not large in scale or well-known, its influence rivals that of Stark Industries.
Ian's gaze fell on his Level 4 X-Gene Studies. His most important discipline had hit a bottleneck.
This was why he had risked opposing Magneto to rescue Rogue!
The next morning, Rogue's health had recovered. Ian led her toward the other side of the island, where the Mutant Academy was located.
After discovering the existence of mutants, Ian began actively searching for and training them.
Mutants were a rare resource with immense value for cultivation.
To this end, Ian requested the family's unused Cumberland Island and established Carnegie Mutant Academy on it.
Leveraging the Carnegie family's vast influence, he launched a worldwide effort to rescue mutant children and bring them to the academy for unified training.
"Ian, where are we going?" Rogue asked excitedly.
"Carnegie Mutant Academy," Ian replied.
"Academy?" The smile on Rogue's face vanished instantly.
"Don't worry. Everyone at the academy is just like us—mutants. And most of them, like me, are unaffected by your ability!" Ian reassured her.
"Really?" Rogue was skeptical. She was terrified of her own power.
"Of course!" Ian answered confidently.
The morning sunlight cast a glow on Ian's handsome face, making Rogue's eyes dazzle. She couldn't help but trust him.
At that moment, a voice interrupted the scene.
"Ian, this must be Anna, right?"
A stunning blonde woman approached, taking Rogue's hand without hesitation.
Rogue instinctively pulled her hand back and hid behind Ian. It was a conditioned reflex.
"This is Selene, a teacher at the academy," Ian introduced.
"Ms. Selene…" Rogue called out timidly.
"Call me Sister Selene!" Selene corrected, gently holding Rogue's hand again.
Her voice was so warm and soothing that it inspired trust. This time, Rogue didn't pull away.
"Don't worry, leave Anna to me,"
Selene said as she softly embraced Rogue.
"Alright. Help her integrate into the academy quickly," Ian instructed before turning to Rogue.
"Anna, go with Selene to the academy. I'll pick you up after class!"
"Mm!" Rogue was reluctant but did not refuse.
After Selene led Rogue away, Ian headed to the research facility behind the academy.
As soon as he entered the research base, he ran into an excited John Davidson—the chief researcher in mutant studies and a top-tier geneticist.
John's X-gene ability granted him Microscopic Vision, allowing him to see genetic sequences directly—an invaluable gift for genetic research.
"Ian! We were right! Anna's genes are incredible! If we fully understand her genetic structure and X-gene ability, we can fill in the biggest missing piece in our X-Gene Studies…" John spoke enthusiastically.
Seeing John's dark circles, Ian decided to hold off on telling him about Rogue. In his current overexcited state, he'd likely frighten her.
"John, how many days have you gone without sleep?" Ian asked.
"I'm not tired!" John waved it off. He was too hyped. "Where's Anna? She—"
"You need to sleep first!" Ian said, dragging John to his private sleeping quarters.
This room was specially designed for John. Aside from a large bed, there was nothing else inside.
As Ian shut the door, a mild sedative gas was released. Soon, John's excitement faded, and he drifted off into a deep sleep.
Ian glanced at John's progress.
[X-Gene Studies LV4 (99%)]
He had surpassed Ian again. Once Ian studied John's latest research, his own X-Gene Studies would reach 99%.
A perfect "tool" like John was too precious—he couldn't afford to let him burn out!
Ian's learning system allowed him to study without bottlenecks, but it required a constant supply of new knowledge.
Once existing knowledge was fully learned, further progress required either finding new sources of information or conducting independent research.
Real-world knowledge had limits, so in every field, one eventually had to pioneer their own discoveries.
However, with so many disciplines to master, Ian couldn't handle everything alone.
Thus, the system developed a mentor-student function.
Ian's students could also benefit from the system's learning bonuses, eliminating bottlenecks in certain fields.
Every teacher and student at the mutant academy was, nominally, Ian's student. Once they completed their training, they became the best "tools" for advancing his knowledge.
The research base wasn't for studying mutants—it was a place where all the researchers were mutants themselves.
Meanwhile, Selene brought Rogue to the academy and introduced her to the teachers and upper-grade students.
Each person shook hands with her, yet none were affected by her ability.
This discovery thrilled Rogue. For the first time, she felt a sense of belonging.
Living like a normal girl—this was her biggest wish!
Perhaps because her lifelong burden had suddenly lifted, Rogue's personality became livelier.
"Selene, why doesn't my ability affect you all?" Rogue asked curiously.
"Because we have better control over our X-genes," Selene explained.
"Once you complete the academy's basic training, you'll also be able to fully control your X-gene. Then, you won't have to worry about affecting normal people either!"
"Really?" Rogue was in disbelief but also full of hope.
"Of course!" Selene's voice carried a natural charm.
Rogue had no doubt and eagerly asked, "Ms. Selene, when can I start classes?"
At this moment, she had already considered herself part of the academy.
Selene subtly nodded—her mission was complete.
X-genes were unique. Many details could only be understood by the individual, making self-research essential.
Rogue's ability was the missing key to completing X-Gene Studies.
Everything Ian had done—from rescuing Rogue to carefully orchestrating her integration into the academy—was meant to ensure she fully committed to Carnegie Mutant Academy.
(End of Chapter)