The deal with the military went smoothly, without any unexpected complications.
Ian provided over a thousand genetic samples and, in return, received hundreds of genetic samples from the military along with a wealth of research data.
The number of X-gene samples was lower than expected, but that was understandable. Mutants were already rare, with a global awakening probability of no more than one in a hundred thousand. Mutations with truly valuable abilities were even scarcer. The hundreds of valuable X-gene samples the military provided were the result of decades of accumulation.
Among the over a thousand genetic samples Ian supplied, most X-abilities had no practical use. However, the hundreds of samples from the military contained abilities with considerable combat potential or unique effects.
The genetic samples were used to enrich the gene bank, while the research data supplemented the laboratory's foundational database.
This deal was fair—not a loss, but not as profitable as Ian had hoped.
At least, Ian didn't think it was profitable.
"These materials only deepen my knowledge, but they're not enough to advance X-Gene Studies to Level 5," Ian thought, somewhat disappointed. However, he had expected this outcome.
The key to breaking through Level 5 in X-Gene Studies still lay with Rogue. Unfortunately, she was still in training and wouldn't be able to participate in research anytime soon.
"No rush. It's only the year 2000. There are still a few years before the major events of the Marvel timeline unfold." Ian could only comfort himself with this thought.
Despite his disappointment, Ian found a pleasant surprise:
[Spacetime Studies LV3 (1%)]
The military's research data on spatial X-abilities unexpectedly pushed Ian's Spacetime Studies from Level 2 to Level 3.
More importantly, upon reaching Level 3, Ian gained a very special ability: Spatial Vision.
With Spatial Vision, Ian could directly observe spatial phenomena, such as traces of teleportation or fluctuations in space.
Unfortunately, since his Spacetime Studies at Level 3 focused mainly on spatial knowledge with little on time manipulation, his Spatial Vision couldn't evolve into Temporal Vision or allow him to manipulate spacetime forces.
"Where can I find knowledge related to time?" Ian wondered.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, a bald-headed figure appeared in his mind.
There were many hidden powerhouses on Earth, but few had a deep understanding of time. The Sorcerer Supreme was one of the few.
However, Ian wasn't ready to meet the Sorcerer Supreme just yet. He wasn't sure how she would react to an unpredictable factor like him.
"Ian!"
One day, Aisha suddenly rushed to find Ian.
Ian paused his experiment and asked, "What's got you so worked up?"
"The President was attacked by a mutant at the White House today!" Aisha replied, her tone laced with urgency.
The President, as the nominal leader of the United States, being attacked was never a small matter—especially when the attacker was a mutant.
Ian's Carnegie Mutant Academy was no secret. This incident would inevitably drag the Carnegie family into the controversy.
"Which mutant was responsible?" Ian asked. Not just any mutant could pull this off.
"A teleporting mutant," Aisha answered.
Upon hearing that, Ian immediately guessed the perpetrator. "Stryker finally made his move?"
It wasn't hard to deduce.
Neither Professor X nor Magneto would do something this foolish. That left only one likely suspect—William Stryker, the military's anti-mutant specialist.
Most importantly, in the original timeline, Stryker was behind this exact event.
Although Magneto hadn't been captured this time, Stryker still chose to act against mutants. Where did he get the confidence?
The Brotherhood was in hiding, but even the openly operating Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters wouldn't be easy to deal with.
Without Magneto's intel, there was no way Stryker could have gathered enough information on Xavier's School.
"Did the military give him greater backing?" Ian considered this possibility.
The U.S. military in Marvel was a force to be reckoned with. If they wanted to uncover the full details of Xavier's School, they had the resources to do so.
"Why would the military support Stryker?" Aisha asked.
"Because Magneto poses too great a threat. As long as Stryker claims he's dealing with Magneto, convincing them is easy," Ian explained.
Magneto's power was outright broken in modern warfare. He could easily shift the outcome of a localized conflict.
And knowing the military, they would never allow someone that powerful to exist outside their control. In fact, they were likely coveting his abilities.
"Let's go watch the show," Ian said, putting his laboratory work aside.
After a year of research, it was time to take a break.
Returning to Washington with Aisha, Ian met with several key figures to clarify that Carnegie Mutant Academy had no involvement in the incident.
Explaining the truth wasn't difficult. The President's circle might be in the dark, but many others had an idea of what really happened.
Ian's explanation was just a formality—his way of making a statement.
After that, he simply watched events unfold from the sidelines.
This time, Ian had no intention of getting directly involved.
After all, it was just Stryker. Professor X and Magneto could handle him.
Ian was merely curious—without Magneto as a bargaining chip, what moves would Stryker make?
To his surprise, before he could even settle in to watch the drama unfold, Professor X unexpectedly came to visit.
"Professor, please come in," Ian welcomed him.
Handing over the coffee that Aisha had prepared, Ian asked, "What brings you here today?"
"I'm here about yesterday's incident," Professor X stated directly.
"I didn't do it," Ian replied immediately, then added a logical explanation:
"For me, replacing the President with someone more obedient would be far simpler and more efficient than assassinating him."
Ian's reasoning was so compelling that Professor X momentarily didn't know how to respond.
In truth, the Professor had already known Ian wasn't behind the attack before coming.
However, he still had to check—even a one-in-ten-thousand chance couldn't be ignored.
"This incident affects the survival of all mutants. It could worsen our situation significantly—"
Before the Professor could finish, Ian cut him off.
"Professor, I believe you'll handle this."
"Alright, Ian," Professor X said, realizing Ian's stance. He didn't push further.
Before leaving, however, he made one last request:
"If you learn anything useful, please share it with me."
Ian did, in fact, know quite a lot.
But this wasn't just Stryker acting alone—the situation was far more complex. Ian couldn't reveal everything outright.
So, as he personally saw the Professor out, he offered one final warning:
"Professor, be careful. The assassination attempt might not be their true goal."
(End of Chapter)