As soon as Ethan Young closed his eyes, he could see the bloody scenes that had unfolded in the research institute.
Many mutants were kept in cages with bomb collars around their necks.
They were treated like lab mice, beaten and abused by guards if they didn't cooperate.
Due to his special ability, he received slightly better treatment, but it was still just a larger cage.
Every day, his life consisted of replicating mutant abilities, followed by having his blood drawn for Sentinel research.
As the Sentinel program neared completion, mutants were used as sparring partners for the Sentinel robots.
No one came out of the combat room alive, which explained why the X-Men had only managed to rescue him.
Reflecting on this, he exhaled deeply and said to the Professor,
"Professor, the institute is conducting live experiments on mutants, researching a type of robot."
"That robot learns our abilities and seems to have no weaknesses; they call it Sentinel."
The Professor, usually calm and gentle, now looked fearful, like a child hearing a horror story.
He turned his head away, silent in the shadows, seemingly lost in thought.
Ethan noticed the Professor's reaction and sensed something was off.
If this was the first time the Professor was hearing about Sentinel robots, he wouldn't have reacted with such alarm.
He should have asked for more details about the Sentinels; instead, he seemed as if he knew them well.
This should be the period when Magneto was planning to transform humans into mutants, unrelated to the Sentinel program.
No, he recalled Wolverine meeting the Professor at the X-Mansion after reversing the future.
The Professor had read Wolverine's memories back then, learning about the Sentinels.
The timeline he was in should be post-future reversal.
However, his presence in this timeline led the US military to restart the Sentinel program.
The timelines before and after the future reversal had merged!
The Professor sighed, looking at him with a somber expression.
"Even if time is reversible, humanity's rejection of mutants will ultimately replicate suffering."
"Sorry, Ethan, I was distracted. Your arrival is timely, allowing us to know our future predicament in advance."
"Professor, the Sentinel robots are nearly complete. They might only need one more tube of my blood."
Ethan emphasized the urgency, thinking of gathering the mutants' strength now to destroy the Sentinel program.
It was a well-intentioned reminder; after awakening his Super Furnace, he only needed time to grow beyond the Sentinel threat.
But the Professor saw things differently.
"We will protect you, and I will communicate with the government to end the Sentinel program."
"Don't worry about the future; just study and live with the other young mutants."
"I have one more request: to clarify the military's plans, I need to read your memories."
Ethan was somewhat disappointed by the Professor's reliance on peaceful means to stop the Sentinel program.
Given the US government's nature, even if they agreed to the Professor's request, they would secretly continue it.
Humanity's threat is humanity itself; of course, mutants, expelled from humanity, are a greater threat.
"Professor, you can read them if it helps stop the Sentinels."
"Don't worry, I will only look at the parts concerning the Sentinels. I never abuse my abilities."
The Professor's eyes narrowed, and he made no other movements. Then he frowned.
He brought his index and middle fingers together, placed them on his temple, his expression strained, veins bulging on his bald head.
But it was futile; he lowered his fingers, breathing heavily, and asked in shock,
"What's going on? My mind can't access your memories at all; there seems to be a barrier."
"Ethan, you remind me of an old friend, except you're not wearing a helmet."
Ethan knew why the Professor's ability failed; he had turned his bones to iron.
With his brain protected by an iron skull, even if the Professor strained himself, it would be impossible to read his memories.
"Professor, I previously copied the ability of an iron-skinned mutant. Perhaps the iron is blocking you."
"You seem to know my abilities well. Never mind, knowing the Sentinels are nearing completion is enough."
The Professor returned to calm, no longer mentioning reading memories, then smiled gently.
"Join my X-Mansion. This is a sanctuary for mutants, offering excellent education and a stable life."
"Your abilities have great potential; you might one day become a protector of your fellow mutants."
Ethan's Super Furnace needed materials to melt, and the academy had many mutants with various abilities for him to assimilate.
Of course, it wasn't about melting people; the Super Furnace could acquire abilities by assimilating genes.
Just a single strand of hair could yield abilities like Wolverine's, Cyclops', Storm's, and others.
The efficiency of processing items was still low, so staying here would help him gain power faster.
He also had a score to settle with the US military.
"Of course, I'll stay. I can start classes tomorrow."
"Excellent, welcome to the team. However, one rule: self-harm is not allowed in the academy."
"Don't fight with classmates using your abilities. Mutants need to unite for peaceful coexistence with humans."
The Professor smiled and shook his hand.
Ethan felt some resistance hearing the Professor's ideal of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans.
Mutants never achieved peace, after all, this was the US, torn apart by ideological and class divisions.
Even gender had hundreds of variations; violence and oppression were everywhere, and people didn't know how to be human.
How could they tolerate mutants with powerful abilities?
"Professor, I have reservations about peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants. The US government has never hesitated to deal with mutants."
The smile left the Professor's face, and his clear blue eyes scrutinized him.
"I know your experiences have made you lose faith in the government, but we must always give hope to the future."
"I might have faith in humanity, but I will absolutely not have such thoughts about the US government. This might be our divergence."
The Professor nodded slightly, then turned his wheelchair towards the door.
A gentle voice came from his retreating figure.
"You are a very thoughtful young man. I haven't met anyone like you in many years."
"I'll come to chat with you in the future. Now, please get some rest."
After the Professor left, Ethan raised a pair of steel hands, flexing his agile fingers.
His first ability, Steel Body, was already under flexible control; now he just needed practical combat.
Before practical combat, he could assimilate more abilities. Wasn't there a light nearby?
He picked up the lamp on the bedside table, intending to unscrew the bulb and insert his hand into the socket.
Suddenly, laughter and playful noises came from outside.
**End of Chapter Two**