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What Mark valued most at this stage was the immense resources available at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, resources that could greatly accelerate the development of his strength.
There, he could eat to his heart's content, pushing his body to its limits without concern for alarming the average person. He could spar with other powerful students, awakening and honing the latent potential of his Saiyan bloodline. He could also leverage the school's advanced technology and access to mutant abilities to more efficiently undergo the rigorous training methods of the Turtle Hermit School.
By comparison, had he remained in Sokovia, the current pace of development would require nearly a decade for him to fully match the power level of a thirteen-year-old Goku. At Xavier's School, that same level might be attainable in two to three years. Perhaps, if things went well, he could even begin accumulating "justice points," the very foundation of his growing power.
Ultimately, Mark believed that strength was paramount. Only by enhancing his abilities as swiftly as possible could he hope to respond effectively to the many threats that lay ahead.
Nonetheless, if possible, he wanted to bring Olek and Iryna, the couple who had adopted him, with him. For ordinary people, war-torn Sokovia was simply too dangerous.
"Mark," Professor Xavier said, his expression warm and admiring,
"you are both kind-hearted and mature for your age. But surely, you must understand that if every student made such a request, it would place an unsustainable burden on our institution."
Professor Xavier had already formed a favorable impression of the boy. Risking his life to intercept a missile and save a pair of strangers, resulting in a loss of consciousness from overuse of his powers, was an extraordinary act for someone so young. Now, faced with the opportunity to study in New York, the child still prioritized the safety of his adoptive parents. Clearly, this was a child with a deeply compassionate soul.
As for Mark's amnesia, Xavier wasn't as easily fooled as Olek and Iryna. It was obvious that the memory loss was a façade. This child had undoubtedly experienced trauma in his past. Otherwise, he would not have developed such precocious maturity or such a visible reverence for familial bonds.
To Xavier, this was not a mark against him. On the contrary, maintaining such kindness in the face of a difficult past was the true measure of virtue.
Coupled with the extraordinary potential Mark had demonstrated in both combat and general aptitude, Xavier was inclined to grant the request. After all, it was hardly an inconvenience for someone of his influence.
Still, he hesitated. Granting such a substantial favor too easily might not be wise, especially for a child. Things obtained without effort are often not appreciated.
"I understand," Mark said seriously, "which is why I don't expect something for nothing.
"From what you've said, the school's mission is to help young mutants control their powers and protect them from persecution. That mission requires individuals willing to act as protectors.
"If you are willing to grant my siblings and me full scholarships, and if you help our parents relocate to New York and find stable work, then I'm willing to become one of those protectors."
His tone was unwavering, his eyes filled with determination.
Professor Xavier's respect for the boy deepened.
"For someone your age to have such insight and courage… very impressive.
"Very well. I'll agree to your request. But understand, becoming a protector isn't easy. You'll have to pass several evaluations, and only after you've come of age will you be formally eligible."
"You won't regret this decision, Professor," Mark said with a brilliant smile.
He hadn't been certain Xavier would agree. Had he refused, Mark had already resolved to go to the school, grow stronger, and then find another way to help Olek and Iryna relocate to a safer place.
"Hahaha, I hope not," Xavier replied playfully with a wink.
After their conversation, the two returned to the living room. There, Xavier informed Olek and Iryna that he would assist with their immigration process and help them secure stable employment near the school in New York.
Naturally, the couple had no reason to refuse.
In a war-torn nation like Sokovia, immigration, especially to a place like New York was virtually impossible for anyone without elite status, wealth, or political leverage.
If given the chance to live in peace, who would choose to remain in a country where a bombing could occur at any moment?
Sokovia's conflict wasn't even one of foreign invasion; it was internal strife, ethnic conflict turned into civil war. The politicians and warlords fueled the fighting for power, while they and their families remained safe, far from the battlefield.
Ordinary citizens cared little for who held authority. They simply wanted to live peaceful, stable lives.
Now they had the opportunity to do just that in New York, while also remaining near their children's school. Had any ordinary person promised them such a future, they would have been deeply skeptical. After all, nothing comes free.
But when Professor Xavier spoke, there was an almost supernatural quality to his voice, compelling trust and faith. The couple believed him instinctively.
And so, after some simple preparations, the family of five left chaotic Sokovia behind and embarked on a journey toward a new life in New York.
The war had already taken all of Olek and Iryna's extended family and friends. They had few attachments left to mourn.
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Bronx, Northern New York.
"I've arranged for your parents to work at a local company in the city," Professor Xavier explained, glancing back from the front seat of the speeding vehicle. "Soon, I'll take you three to the school itself.
"Don't worry, there are many children there just like you, and you'll make plenty of new friends."
In the backseat, Pietro and Wanda sat close to Mark, clearly nervous about the prospect of entering a new and unfamiliar environment.
Mark gently wrapped his arms around his younger siblings, patting them reassuringly on the back.
"Thank you, Professor," he said gratefully.
The job arrangements Xavier had made for Olek and Iryna were not only generous but well-suited to their skill sets. Mark recognized the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind it.
Whether Xavier's altruism was genuine or performative, Mark did not concern himself with that. He judged people not by their intentions, but by their actions. Even if the help came with strings attached or ulterior motives, he believed in repaying kindness with gratitude.
After about forty-five minutes, the vehicle reached Westchester County in the suburbs, where a sprawling estate came into view.
"Professor Xavier is truly wealthy," Mark murmured in awe.
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was, in fact, a renovation of his ancestral mansion, an enormous property with the feel of a private university campus. Professor Xavier himself was the heir to an immense fortune.
Many of the school's technological marvels, including a stealth aircraft, had been funded entirely by Xavier.
The car drove through the gates and parked directly in front of a massive, castle-like main building.
"Professor, you've returned. There's a matter that requires your immediate attention," a voice called out.
It was currently the end of a class period, and students of all kinds, some with unusual appearances were pouring into the hallway. Upon seeing Xavier, many of them respectfully paused to greet him.
Just then, a tall, silver-haired female instructor emerged from a nearby classroom and spotted Xavier.
"I'm already aware of the situation," Xavier replied, having instantly absorbed the relevant information via telepathic link.
"Please ask all instructors to meet me in my office."
He then turned to introduce her to the children.
"This is Professor Ororo," he said. "Your future mathematics and physics instructor. She'll also help guide you in mastering your abilities."