"Now, let's test your superpowers."
Jean Grey led Zhou Yi deep into the lab, where they entered a massive tunnel resembling a wind tunnel.
"So far, what abilities have you discovered?" Jean Grey asked while adjusting the equipment inside the tunnel. The hum of moving metal filled the space as she made adjustments on her digital console.
Zhou Yi thought for a moment before answering. "Besides gravity manipulation and telekinesis, I also have some control over light. Additionally, I can generate flames. At first, my maximum temperature was around 2,500 degrees Celsius, but now I can exceed 3,000 degrees. Lastly, I can fly—at about the same speed as my running pace."
Jean Grey gave him another strange look but said nothing. Instead, she instructed him to demonstrate his abilities one by one for precise data collection.
Without hesitation, Zhou Yi took off into the air. He flew two laps around the tunnel at supersonic speed before firing intense energy beams from his eyes, slicing a test metal object clean in half. Then, he unleashed flames, gravity fields, and telekinetic bursts, bombarding every test target in sight. The destruction was so severe that the tunnel looked as if it had been hit by a series of heavy bombings, nearly breaching the floor.
Seeing the extent of the damage, Jean Grey quickly took a blood sample from Zhou Yi before sending him off. However, she gave him her contact information, promising to inform him of the test results. Zhou Yi had no objections but insisted that the blood sample be destroyed after analysis as a condition of his cooperation with Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Jean Grey agreed. Though she hadn't consulted Professor Charles Xavier, she understood that such a rare and valuable sample couldn't be kept indefinitely. Many powerful mutants—or those with tragic pasts—refused to let their genetic material be used for research, fearing it could fall into the wrong hands and be weaponized against them.
After leaving Jean Grey's lab, Zhou Yi—now fully conscious with the help of Professor Xavier—woke up Zhou Lan. The mother and son said their goodbyes to Cherise and departed from Xavier's School. With their recent arrival in New York, there was much to prepare for.
However, Zhou Yi's departure didn't mean Jean Grey's work was done. She immediately connected with Professor Xavier through telepathy to report the lab results before immersing herself in the analysis of Zhou Yi's blood sample.
Though her primary field was psychology, Jean Grey held doctorates in psychology, medicine, and biological sciences. Given her expertise, she took it upon herself to conduct the research.
First, she wanted to see the project through. Second, she was deeply intrigued by Zhou Yi's overwhelming power. If his abilities were linked to the X-gene, he could be the strongest mutant since Professor Xavier and Magneto. But if his abilities weren't from the X-gene, then where did they come from? This mystery fueled her determination.
Most importantly, with so many hidden spies within Xavier's School, security was a concern. A superpowered individual like Zhou Yi couldn't afford to have his data leaked. The safest way to handle the research was for Jean Grey to do it herself, ensuring the information remained restricted to only a select few.
Engrossed in her work, time passed quickly—so much so that she didn't notice someone tapping her on the shoulder.
"Jean, how are you holding up? Did that kid leave?" Ororo Munroe, who had returned to check on things, looked around at the wrecked lab with a curious expression.
Jean rubbed her temples and took a sip of coffee, her face weary. "Honestly, I don't feel great. And there's no way we could have let him stay."
"That bad?" Ororo picked up a file from Jean's desk, her eyes narrowing when she saw the prominent "X" classified label. "You filed this under top-secret?"
"You know the rules. You can read it, but don't discuss it." Given Ororo's high clearance, Jean didn't stop her from flipping through the document, but she did issue a stern reminder.
Ororo nodded and turned the page.
The first section contained basic personal information—Zhou Yi's name, birthplace, educational history, medical records, and family details. It was standard documentation, so she skipped ahead.
But the next page made her expression turn serious.
At the top, Jean had written in bold:
"A superpowered individual resulting from an unknown genetic mutation. Not a product of the X-gene."
Below this was a detailed analysis of Zhou Yi's blood sample.
Findings:
Zhou Yi's cells exhibited an abnormally high rate of division, growth, evolution, and mutation.
However, his cells appeared to be in a state of decline. More advanced cells consumed weaker ones to maintain stability.
This suggested that his body wasn't generating enough energy to sustain high-speed evolution, forcing it into a dormant state.
Exposure to Type-3 radiation enhanced cellular activity, accelerating evolution and stabilizing higher-level cells.
Further tests indicated a positive response to radiation, potentially enhancing his abilities.
His cells displayed extreme resistance to foreign substances, rejecting all injections by consuming them entirely.
Additional virus-based experiments were planned.
Accompanying these notes were photographs taken during the tests, serving as supporting evidence. Ororo knew Jean wouldn't fabricate results, but the conclusion was unexpected.
A naturally occurring superpowered individual unrelated to the X-gene? And with such overwhelming abilities? Even within the mutant community, that was unheard of.
Her first thought was to ask, "What does the professor think?"
"He wants us to maintain good relations with Zhou Yi. If possible, it would be ideal for him to join us."
"But he's not a mutant. We have no reason—or authority—to bring him in." Ororo set the file down, tapping her fingers on the desk.
"We can't recruit him as an X-Man, but we can call on him when needed. His sister is already attending Xavier's School, so perhaps she could eventually join the X-Men."
"Are you serious? She's only eight years old!" Ororo massaged her forehead in frustration. "There's no way the professor would agree to that."
"Of course not—not now, anyway," Jean admitted. "But in the future? Every bit of strength we can secure is essential—not for us, but for the future of mutantkind."
Ororo fell silent for a long moment before replying, "I just hope you're not making a mistake... and that this decision won't lead to disaster."
Jean nodded. With a flick of her power, she disintegrated the physical file while encrypting the digital records under multiple security layers, accessible only to Xavier's highest-ranking members.
Unless Xavier's School was compromised, Zhou Yi's data would remain classified. To Jean and the other elite mutants, Zhou Yi was now a potential hidden ace—one that could turn the tide against their enemies.
The only challenge left was figuring out how to build a strong relationship with him.
From what she had observed, Zhou Yi seemed like most teenage boys—greatly interested in the opposite sex. But using seduction as a tactic? That was a ridiculous idea.
Besides, if she tried, Scott would probably fire an optic blast at Zhou Yi's house the very next day. That would destroy any chance of a good relationship—if not start an outright war.
Sending Ororo? That was also unlikely. She wasn't one to take orders, unless there was a genuine connection between them.
Jean frowned, realizing she had been overthinking things. She cursed at herself for even entertaining such thoughts.
Meanwhile, back in New York, Zhou Yi suddenly sneezed.
Before he could say anything, Zhou Lan placed her hands on her hips, adopting a fierce stance.
"Don't even try to change the subject! You're not sleeping tonight until you explain everything you've been hiding from me!"
"But that's my personal business!" Zhou Yi protested weakly.
His argument fell flat under Zhou Lan's sharp glare.
In a traditional Chinese household, mothers reigned supreme. And in this home, the rules were clear—Zhou Lan was the undisputed authority.
With no way out, Zhou Yi resigned himself to his fate.
That damn bald Charles! Why did he have to open his big mouth?
Grumbling inwardly, Zhou Yi put on his best smile and braced himself for a long night of trying to appease his mother.