Chapter 29

Scott was left speechless by Norin’s questioning.

During previous missions, they had witnessed children being captured and experimented on, but Scott always believed the X-Men could protect the school from such horrors.

Yet, learning about the future, where mutants were nearly wiped out—even powerful figures like Professor X and Magneto perished—shattered that illusion.

While their school offered some protection, Scott had to admit that preparing students for real combat went against societal norms, especially in the U.S., where freedom and individuality were paramount.

Despite his hesitation, Charles stepped in with a decision.

“Let’s do this. Middle and high school students will have one practical training session per week. Senior students will train daily. Those with combat potential can voluntarily join simulated combat drills after three months of training.”

Charles accepted Norin’s proposal, realizing he couldn’t guarantee the safety of every student. Instead, he would empower them to defend themselves and perhaps even contribute in the future.

Although Charles was a pacifist, he wasn’t blind to reality. Knowing the future, he understood they needed to adapt.

With Charles’ approval, the others, including Scott, stopped resisting the plan.

Next came assigning tasks, including forming the “Super Seven,” a team of mutants designed to promote mutant visibility and influence.

Charles handed this responsibility to Norin, reasoning that since Norin refused to lead the team, he could at least pick the best candidates.

Norin was intrigued by the challenge.

He knew his powers and appearance made him the ideal candidate for the leader of the Seven. In many ways, he resembled the Homelander from The Boys—a near-invincible figure.

However, unlike Homelander, Norin didn’t share the same twisted personality.

While tempted to take the spotlight, Norin ultimately decided against it. The Marvel Universe was far too dangerous to act recklessly.

Homelander might dominate his world, but in Marvel, beings like Thor, Hulk, and Doctor Strange could easily put him in his place.

Norin wasn’t interested in being a flashy figurehead. Instead, he preferred working behind the scenes, pulling the strings while others took the heat.

Still, forming the Seven required careful planning.

Norin considered including Wolverine. Logan’s healing factor and combat experience made him a strong candidate. His rugged looks and mysterious aura would also appeal to younger audiences.

But Logan’s personality posed a problem. He likely wouldn’t agree to be part of such a team.

Left with no better options, Norin decided to recruit from the school—picking the best among the “average.”

As he pondered his choices, he arrived at Kitty Pryde’s dormitory.

Having already spent time training her, he decided to check on her progress.

The Next Morning

“Norin! I feel stronger!”

Kitty’s excited voice jolted Norin awake.

He quickly covered her mouth, worried that nearby students might hear her excitement.

Kitty blushed but whispered eagerly.

“I was testing my powers earlier. When I phased through the wall, I realized I didn’t need to hold my breath anymore! It’s like I can completely merge with my surroundings!”

Norin congratulated her.

“That’s impressive! Anything else?”

Kitty nodded.

“I think I can do more. Let me try.”

She prepared to demonstrate her abilities, but Norin stopped her.

“Hold on. Let’s take things slow and run proper tests first.”

One Hour Later

After a brief “morning exercise” with Kitty, Norin returned to his office in high spirits.

Thanks to his contributions, Norin had been officially made a member of the X-Men, with the codename Dawn—a name symbolizing hope and light, fitting for someone with Kryptonian powers tied to the sun.

He was also granted an office and living quarters near the students, ensuring he could respond quickly to emergencies.

Norin appreciated the convenience, especially since his office was close to Jean’s room and the girls’ dormitory.

Norin dedicated time to evaluate Kitty’s abilities following her secondary mutation.

Improved Phasing: Kitty no longer needed to hold her breath while phasing. She could merge seamlessly with her surroundings, even suspending herself midair.

Energy Resistance: While phasing, Kitty became immune to physical attacks and could absorb energy-based attacks without harm.

Permanent Phasing: Unlike before, Kitty could maintain her phased state indefinitely, eliminating the need to revert back.

Time Travel Potential: Kitty demonstrated the ability to send her consciousness back in time, temporarily possessing her past self.

The last ability caught Norin’s attention the most.

While Kitty had only traveled three days into the past during testing, it hinted at far greater possibilities.

However, Norin warned her against altering past events.

Time travel in the Marvel Universe was tricky. Changing the past often created alternate timelines rather than fixing the present.

Norin referenced the Days of Future Past storyline, where Wolverine’s consciousness was sent back in time to prevent mutant extinction.

Despite his efforts, mutants still faced annihilation in the revised timeline, proving how difficult it was to truly change fate.

For now, Norin viewed Kitty’s time-traveling ability as a survival tool rather than a game-changer.

While Kitty’s newfound powers greatly boosted her utility, Norin remained cautious about their long-term effects.

Could prolonged phasing alter her biology? Would time travel damage her mind?

For now, he decided to monitor her closely and ensure she trained responsibly.

One thing was clear—Kitty’s evolution made her a prime candidate for the Seven.

With her abilities and popularity, she could easily win public support, especially with Norin guiding her development.

For the time being, Norin felt satisfied.

The X-Men were finally taking steps to prepare for the future, and with mutants like Kitty

showing significant growth, they stood a fighting chance against the dangers ahead.

But deep down, Norin knew this was just the beginning.

The looming threats—both from humans and other mutants—would test their resolve.

Still, with allies like Kitty by his side and plans to strengthen the X-Men further, Norin felt confident that mutants could carve out a brighter future.

For now, the Seven would serve as the public face of hope, but behind the scenes, Norin was already preparing for war.