3 Chapter 3 : Clarice!

At Xavier's School, the student body is small, consisting of just over thirty students spanning high school, junior high, and elementary levels. Alongside the ordinary mutant teachers hired by Professor X and the X-Men, as well as school support staff, the total population barely reaches a few dozen individuals, mirroring the depiction in the movies.

During meal times, the canteen is frequented by the X-Men, such as the renowned Iceman, Bobby, and Cyclops, Scott. Among them is the mischievous Anna, who features prominently in the Men trilogy, a character Carl has encountered several times.

However, discrepancies exist between the movie portrayals and reality. For instance, the mischievous Anna is notably beautiful, with a peculiar charm lent by the tuft of white hair adorning her forehead.

"Thank you, I'll have a large fruit pizza, a large all-meat burger, and a cup of Coke," Carl politely requested from the canteen attendant.

Mutant school students enjoy free meals and lodging, reflecting Professor X's affluence. Holding his tray of food, Carl's gaze drifted to the corner of the cafeteria, where a teenage girl with black hair sat alone, quietly eating her lunch.

Despite the school being a sanctuary for mutants shunned by society, cliques and social dynamics still prevail. The black-haired girl, Clarice, observed by Carl for days, seemed ostracized by her peers, though not overtly bullied due to the strict policies of the staff.

Curious about her, Carl recalled Clarice's nickname, Blink, and her unique ability to create portals, reminiscent of the Shadowcat's power. However, unlike the Shadowcat's ability to phase through matter, Clarice's was teleportation. 

In the Days of Future Past conflict, she tangled with Sentinel robots before meeting a tragic end, shot through the chest by a flaw-finding Sentinel.

Yet, what piqued Carl's interest was not her ability, but rather his recollection of her potential beauty as she grew older, aligning with his Asian aesthetic preferences.

Approaching her, Carl politely asked, "May I join you here?"

Startled, the girl replied nervously, "Um, yes, of course."

As she raised her head, her palm-sized, oval face with delicate Eastern features came into view. Mutated, her eyes had turned light green, with purple markings resembling birthmarks between her brows, lending her an otherworldly allure.

Her bangs sported a faint hue of purple, likely due to a mutation, a trait that fascinated Carl deeply.

"Truly beautiful," Carl mused sincerely.

Yet, the girl remained young, raising doubts about potential disabilities in her future. After all, some individuals exhibit charm in youth but face adversity in adulthood, akin to the protagonist in Harry Potter.

With these musings in mind, Carl took the initiative, introducing himself, "Hello, my name is Carl West."

Upon hearing Carl's self-introduction, the girl felt an instant connection, drawn to his Asian features. She hesitated before softly replying, "Hello, my name is Clarice, Clarice Ferguson."

Observing her introverted and timid demeanor, so unlike the seasoned warrior she'd become in later years, Carl opted for a brief acquaintance.

After exchanging pleasantries, he smiled, nodding as he reached for a slice of pizza, beginning to eat.

Across the table, the girl, engrossed in her meal, remained silent, her gaze fixed downwards.

As she neared the end of her meal and glanced up, she found Carl, with his ebony locks, observing her intently, chin propped on his hand.

Anxiety crept back into her, prompting her to wipe her mouth reflexively, though finding nothing amiss. She voiced her confusion timidly, "Um, what's... what's wrong?"

Carl's smile widened. "Nothing at all. I just realized how exquisite you are, like a princess."

Blushing deeply, Clarice shifted uncomfortably, her voice barely audible, "R-really?"

"Absolutely," Carl affirmed with a nod.

Unlike the reserved demeanor of the East, Western culture embraced openness and directness, encouraging individuals to express their feelings freely.

For instance, a Westerner might approach a stranger on the street, offer compliments, and even ask for their contact details. As long as the interest is mutual and no significant others intervene, a fleeting connection could ensue.

However, Carl's admiration remained brief. He bid Clarice farewell and rose from the table.

His destination? The library, to delve deeper into understanding the world he inhabited – a realm distinct from movies or comics, where mutants faced hostility, superheroes roamed, and technological advancements abounded.

Moreover, he also sought out some literature on genetic evolution. After all, he possessed the X-gene ability.

Only through comprehending mutants can he gain deeper insight into himself.

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