----
Inside the lab.
Nolan stared at the gene structure extracted from Erik's blood. The Magnetism Manipulation sequence was more intricate than even psychic abilities.
Though both Professor Xavier and Magneto stood at the helm of mutant leadership, equals in reputation, Erik's genetic potential far outstripped Charles'.
Yet, in contrast, Charles had developed his power with astonishing precision integrating it with cutting-edge technology to create the world's most powerful neural amplifier.
It augmented his brainwaves using magnetic fields, elevating his telepathy to terrifying heights.
Erik, meanwhile, remained a primal force—untamed, instinctive. He wielded one of the most elegant and profound forces in nature like a sledgehammer.
And yet, even like this, Erik could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Charles. That alone was a testament to the overwhelming might of magnetic control.
But under Nolan's unique talent as a "Master of Research," it had taken only three days to decode the gene structure.
What's more, his findings confirmed Nolan's earlier hypothesis: the X-Gene acted as a magnetic-field mutagenic amplifier.
If Nolan could master magnetic forces, his bodily mutation traits would evolve drastically both in raw power and in the ability to delve deeper into the mysteries of the X-Gene. Magnetism, after all, was the bridge between the physical and the arcane.
In the physical world, mysterious forces often manifest through anomalies in magnetic fields.
Take "demonic power," for example. It wasn't just raw energy—it altered cellular function by manipulating bioelectricity through exotic magnetic resonance.
So for Nolan, mastering magnetism wasn't just about power. It was the gateway to everything beyond.
"The structure's so complex… Nature really is incredible," Nolan murmured, rubbing his temples. "To think the Celestial genome embedded within the X-Gene could blossom into such a range of powers."
He had only seen something of this scale before—in Bobby and Erik.
Compared to Level 4 mutants, the X-Gene of a Level 5 was on an entirely different tier.
"But in front of me... it's just another puzzle."
Had Nolan received Erik's sample when he first started out, it would've felt like trying to read an alien language. Back then, his knowledge of bioengineering was paper-thin.
Even though he had a genius-level learning ability, it didn't mean he could instantly grasp the pinnacle of any new field.
But now? With fully upgraded equipment, and Otto assisting with the AI systems, Nolan's lab had become a dream factory.
"AL."
"Yes, Mr. Nolan!" came the synthesized voice from his terminal. Otto had recently added a voice recognition module.
If Nolan chose, he could easily develop full-fledged artificial intelligence but for now, all his focus was on cracking the X-Gene. AI could wait.
"Run the previous gene-editing model. Start calculating all the common mutation points."
Immediately, the computer launched into a rapid scan.
These formulas were built from the universal gene modification patterns Nolan had derived using his own genetic data as the template. Despite the X-Gene's immense diversity shaped by millions of years of evolution, all mutants shared a traceable origin.
Even bananas share 41% of the human genome. Shared traits existed, and Nolan knew where to find them.
Using his parameters, he streamlined the process minimizing workload and freeing himself to focus on real-time applications.
His fingers flew across the keyboard, a blur of movement. On a side monitor, a full model of Erik's X-Gene was generated, updating live with computed overlays.
Piece by piece, Nolan isolated the segments he needed for the DNA of magnetism.
Then came the matching data from the archive cross-referenced, validated, and aligned with his master model.
Before the sun had even set, Nolan had already extracted and synthesized a version of the "Magnetism Manipulation" gene tailored specifically for his own body.
That was the advantage of walking the path of science.
It wasn't linear it was exponential. Every step forward became a new foundation. Growth was like a supernova: slow to start, but once unleashed, impossible to contain.
Night fell.
The lab was bathed in silver moonlight. Nolan stood silently, holding a vial of deep crimson serum. The liquid shimmered and pulsed as if alive.
This wasn't something he'd inject into just any part of his body.
Magnetism would be the cornerstone of his entire mutant evolution.
Take his lungs, for instance. As he pushed their performance to the limit, they could only generate a finite amount of bioelectric charge. But magnetic control? It could act as a multiplier amplifying his field like a living magnetic engine.
Consider a formula:
Let the required magnetic force for ability activation be A,
bioelectric output be l,
and the amplification factor from the X-gene is α.
So: A = α × l
But if Nolan wanted even greater A, and l and α had hit their cap, he'd need a new parameter: β.
Then: A = α × β × l
Of course, neither α nor β were simple constants they were dynamic, wildly variable, and deeply complex.
The moment the serum entered his bloodstream, Nolan's body convulsed.
His mind ignited, a cascade of memories and hallucinations pouring in, overwhelming his consciousness.
The telepathic control he had maintained suddenly shattered, scattering like broken glass.
It felt like steel spikes were hammering his cortex.
Sweat poured from his brow. His vision distorted as wave-like patterns filled his view, infinite, like an ocean crashing into his mind.
Combined with his enhanced senses, the overload became unbearable.
His brain swelled with searing pressure so intense it felt like it might rupture.
Blood burst from his nose uncontrollably. His lungs and eyes throbbed violently as the entire system threatened to spiral out of control.
"Shut it all down!" he roared.
----
[Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter]
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon:
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!