----
Standing by the window, Nolan let the sun wash over him.
He felt it.
The power coursing through his cells was accelerating five tis faster than before. The mont he absorbed Sunspot's DNA, his Self-Evolution System rewrote his biology in real-ti. Energy absorption, previously limited to gamma radiation, now included solar radiation at full efficiency.
Not only that his [Spirit of Evolution] was optimizing those powers, rging the energy feed with his [Red Giant] enhancent to exponentially boost his physical output.
Energy was no longer a tool. It was fuel for perpetual evolution.
"This... is divine," he whispered.
Behind him, the room remained quiet.
Charles Xavier had sensed it earlier. For the briefest mont, Nolan's body radiated Sunspot's unique energy signature then just as quickly, it was gone.
Copied. Integrated. Deleted.
"That's the power of science," Nolan said, smiling as he returned to his seat. "I still have two more targets to find Johnny Storm and Sebastian Shaw."
He never believed power was ever "enough."
Erik was still visibly shaken. Watching Nolan absorb Sunspot's power with nothing more than a drop of blood had shattered his worldview for the second ti.
Were mutants really "gifts from the gods"?
Or were they just... editable code?
Monts later, Dr. Connors returned with a vial and a stack of docunts. Nolan nodded toward him with a satisfied smirk.
"Transaction complete."
Hank blinked. "W-What?"
Connors handed over the vial a glowing formula along with comprehensive research notes. Nolan spoke casually, almost dismissively:
"I cracked the X-gene suppression formula a while ago. It's not that complex. Just an insulating compound that blocks the X-gene's bio-magnetic frequency. Identify it, break it down, and synthesize the counter-agent. Simple chemistry."
Hank stared at the vial in disbelief.
"But—why didn't you tell us last ti?"
Nolan leaned back, shrugging. "Maybe because last ti we t... let's just say it wasn't the friendliest of etings."
He chuckled.
Xavier said nothing, but he rembered both prior encounters well one involving Logan, the other a tense debate about Mystique's geno.
If Erik hadn't lost his temper back then, they might've walked away with the cure already.
"You've got what you ca for," Nolan continued. "Now... about the Sentinels."
The ntion of those abominations soured the air.
Trask Industries had unleashed its latest models of governnt-funded, precision-engineered anti-mutant weapons. The footage Norman displayed was horrifying.
Sentinels adapting mid-fight. Mimicking mutant powers. Capturing and neutralizing them with ease.
Erik's eyes blazed red with fury.
But Charles had already warned him to control your temper if you want Nolan's help.
"These things are impressive," Nolan admitted. "They're built off the back of my early prototype research likely leaked or stolen."
He turned to them, all pretense gone.
"And like hell I'd ever let a weapon I couldn't neutralize get out in the wild."
A pause.
"But now? You've got nothing left that I need."
Silence.
Everyone in the room tensed.
Nolan's tone hadn't been hostile but it was absolute. He had no reason to help them unless they brought sothing valuable to the table.
Then... his eyes lit up.
"Actually, maybe not nothing."
He looked at Charles.
"There are two mutant abilities I still want: Rogue's absorption... and Kitty Pryde's phasing."
Charles narrowed his eyes.
Rogue codena: Rasputina possessed the ability to absorb mories, powers, and even life force. Her comic counterpart had shown incredible potential, but the films had underutilized her.
And Kitty Pryde?
On the surface, her phasing was physical. But Days of Future Past had shown it extended to consciousness ti travel. It wasn't just molecular—it was quantum.
"Kitty's powers... may as well be a portable Ti Stone," Nolan murmured. "Even if she doesn't know it yet."
Rogue's abilities, if refined, could beco a full-system replication tool—enhancing Nolan's existing absorption capabilities even further.
Charles and Hank exchanged a loaded look.
They were both scientists. Both drears. But both are now haunted by a single shared thought:
> "Are we empowering a savior... or creating a monster?"
Charles' voice rang in Hank's head: "If we give him those samples... can we live with what he becos?"
Hank replied telepathically: "I've tried pushing Kitty's powers. I've studied Rogue's mutations. I've never been able to unlock their potential."
"But Nolan could."
And then another voice.
Not Charles. Not Hank.
Nolan's.
> "If you can't open the vault, why not give the key to soone who can?"
Hank and Charles both turned toward Nolan in stunned silence.
He grinned, casually.
"Whispering behind soone's back? Not cool," he teased. "So... will it be a trade? Or are you going to try fixing this on your own?"
They had two options.
Rely on Nolan's genius... or walk away and risk extinction.
Charles took a breath.
"...We'll pass—for now."
Erik stared at him in disbelief.
Nolan arched an eyebrow. "So you've chosen soone else? Let guess Tony?"
He smirked knowingly. "I heard you two exchanged numbers. Looks like you're taking steps toward the Illuminati, Professor."
Charles offered a cryptic smile but said nothing.
"Your call," Nolan said, standing. "But don't co crawling back when Trask deploys Phase Two."
----
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