"Ugh, this is too difficult!"
Ryden shut off the switch, and in the next instant, he fell straight from the wall back onto the floor.
"Haha, this is already very good," Ms. Jennifer said. "At least it proves your genius idea is correct. Using magnetic poles to fly is an excellent concept. Keep going. I believe you'll succeed-no need to rush."
She was liking this student more and more.
Young. Motivated. Exceptionally talented.
A true rare gem.
"I know, I know," Ryden said. "I was just thinking... if I can use an electromagnetic field to interfere with metal, then I could form a bulletproof shield, right?"
His ideas were becoming increasingly fantastical.
But it wasn't impossible.
Just like humans going to the moon.
Was it possible?
Yes.
Was it easy?
Not in this lifetime.
Ring, ring, ring.
The doorbell rang.
Ms. Jennifer, of course, made no move to stand up.
She remained elegantly seated on the sofa.
Ryden glanced at her and cursed inwardly. Lazy woman.
He walked over and opened the door himself.
Next time, he was definitely installing an automatic door opener.
The lab door opened.
A kind-looking man wearing glasses stood outside, holding an envelope.
"Oh, Ryden. This is your mail," the man said warmly. "Thank you again for your help last time. I was at the post office picking up my own letters and noticed these were yours, so I brought them along. If you're free, come to my place for lunch. I'd like to thank you properly."
The professor's name was Bryan.
Who was he?
Ryden didn't know.
No-he really didn't.
Ryden took the envelope.
It was from his sister, Sera, filled with concern and greetings.
This old-fashioned way of communicating made it feel like she could actually see him.
"Thanks, Bryan," Ryden said. "Wait a moment. I need to let my mentor know."
He didn't mind the invitation.
The other party was a professor who had worked at the academy for many years.
It was said his son was quite smart as well.
As for Ryden only paying attention to men-
No, that was wrong.
He only paid attention to women.
Why would he pay attention to men?
Being able to remember Bryan's name was already impressive.
Ms. Jennifer waved her hand, signaling him to go.
She had been in an excellent mood lately.
Thanks to Ryden adding her name to his patents, she could practically hear golden Franklins dropping into her bank account every day.
Her attitude toward him had improved significantly.
Her monthly academy salary couldn't even compare to a single day of patent income.
Ryden put on his jacket and brought his magnetic pistol.
A weapon like that was essential for self-defense.
Even if the academy was relatively safe, it was better to be cautious.
Professor Bryan's house was also in the villa district.
It was said he came from a landlord family, and his work at the academy was just a hobby.
His real job was much more promising.
Landlord.
They soon arrived at the villa area.
Ryden's own house was also nearby.
Since they were passing through, he naturally went in to say hello to his wives.
Passing by your own home three times without entering?
Please.
Not everyone was that noble.
At the very least, Ryden wasn't.
Bryan's house was well-decorated.
Actually, that was putting it mildly.
Was there even a bad house in the villa district?
A middle-aged woman wearing an apron opened the door.
She had a delicate face and a gentle charm.
Well-maintained.
She looked about thirty, though her real age was hard to guess.
Rich people usually aged well.
"Sweetie, you're back! Oh-you must be Ryden," she said warmly. "Hello, I'm Sharon, Bryan's wife. Please come in and sit. Lunch will be ready soon."
She showed no shyness at all.
Ryden couldn't help but sneak a few extra glances.
Just looking.
Don't get the wrong idea.
Previously, Bryan had fallen into a self-contradictory argument in one of his papers.
Ryden had happened to pass by and offered a few words of advice.
The problem was resolved immediately.
The paper was published successfully and received good reviews.
That was why Bryan had invited him for a meal.
Footsteps sounded from the stairs.
A young man in his teens appeared.
Handsome.
Easy to like.
But he seemed slightly uneasy around people.
Bryan frowned.
"Charles! We have a guest. Greet him properly. Don't be rude. This is Ryden-Professor Jennifer's student. A very talented weapons inventor and scientist."
"Uh... hello. My name is Charles. Nice to meet you," the youth said, nodding stiffly.
Normally, Americans would shake hands.
He didn't.
Not out of fear, but as if he was worried about something.
There was a faint sense of distance, like he was looking down from a higher place.
Ryden froze.
"Wait," he said. "What did you say your name was?"
"Charles. Is something wrong?" the youth asked.
"No. Your full name."
The name felt far too familiar.
Sure enough, the youth answered slowly.
"Charles Xavier."
Ryden immediately covered his mouth.
He barely stopped himself from spraying tea everywhere.
"Ryden, is something wrong?" Bryan asked worriedly.
Ryden waved his hand.
He was fine.
Holy crap.
Professor X.
The telepath.
The guy who reads minds at the drop of a hat-
No, wait.
The guy whose head is full of thoughts about world peace.
Internally, Ryden was in shock.
Damn it.
This world is way too dangerous.
Charles, on the other hand, was surprised.
He wondered if the other man had sensed something.
Ryden finished his lunch with a straight face, though his gaze occasionally drifted toward Mrs. Sharon's figure.
For a brief moment, his thoughts wandered.
He cursed himself inwardly.
This was all Aunt Sarah's and Aunt Laura's fault for corrupting him.
After the hearty meal and Bryan's enthusiastic hospitality, Ryden spoke up.
"Charles, I think you're alright. Let's take a walk. It's rare for me to meet someone close to my age."
Bryan was delighted.
Even if it wasn't social climbing, making friends with a smart person was always good.
"Alright," Charles said, nodding.
They walked along the academy's tree-lined path.
Ryden suddenly stopped.
"Mutant ability. Telepathy?"
Charles spun around, his pupils contracting.
"Who are you?" he demanded. "How do you know that?"
Ryden smiled.
"I didn't know before," he said. "You just told me."
Charles's expression darkened.
This was his secret.
He had always hidden it, afraid of being seen as a monster.
Even his parents didn't know.
"Relax," Ryden said, waving his hands. "I have no bad intentions. You don't need to be so nervous. Just do what you think is right."
He shrugged.
"And don't use it to hurt people."
Charles's expression shifted back and forth before he finally let out a long breath.
"...Alright. Whoever you are, please don't tell anyone. I'm afraid it would cause a panic."
"Heh, it's fine," Ryden said. "Really, don't be so tense. I'm not a good person-no, wait, I am a good person. That's not right either."
He laughed.
"Just think of me as a friend. Having a friend with superpowers is pretty cool."
He didn't reach out to shake hands.
He didn't dare.
The last thing he wanted was someone digging around inside his head.
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