76 Chapter 71.2 : Bride??

In reality, Superman's growth rate varied; there was no specific standard.

For example, when the original Superman arrived on Earth, he was quite strong as a child but not excessively so, and his strength didn't increase much over the twenty years he lived there.

Later, when Zod and others arrived on Earth, their strength increased significantly under the sun's radiation.

At this moment, Colossus Peter, who had been silent all along, spoke slowly, "Carl is right. We really can't afford to make mistakes now."

He recalled the conversation between Carl and Hank from that morning.

There seemed to be something implied in their words, suggesting that the situation at the school wasn't as peaceful as it appeared.

Kitty raised her hand. "I'm with everyone."

Iceman nodded. "Using a strategy of cautious restraint is a wise decision."

Observing this, Wolverine frowned but remained silent.

"Miss Orolo, wait a moment," Carl called out after the meeting, catching up with Storm in the corridor.

Storm regarded him suspiciously. "Carl, are you looking for me?"

Carl nodded. "I overheard the professor mentioning that he has a younger brother who has been in a vegetative state since childhood, and he's been seeking caretakers for him."

Ororo pondered for a moment. "Yes, there is such a thing."

"Do you happen to know where the professor's younger brother is?" Carl inquired.

Storm paused, then shook her head. "Not very clearly. The professor mentioned it briefly once before."

But he didn't mention the whereabouts of the professor's younger brother, so Storm was truly unaware of his location.

"That's all?"

Carl felt a bit let down. He had hoped to visit the comatose individual to search for any remnants of Professor X's consciousness transfer.

Storm, catching on to the situation, gazed at Carl with surprise. "Carl, why this sudden inquiry?" 

"Don't tell me..." Storm's eyes widened, disbelief etched on her face.

"Hush!"

Carl gestured discreetly, glancing around before speaking in a hushed tone, "Do you recall Professor's mention of consciousness transfer?"

Storm nodded eagerly.

Carl continued, "Considering the professor's expertise in psychic powers, it's plausible that even if his body perishes, his consciousness might endure."

"Perhaps, at the last moment, he'll opt to detach his consciousness and seek a new vessel through transfer."

"And the most suitable candidate would be..."

Carl paused, leaving the conclusion unspoken. Yet Storm already grasped his implication, her entire being trembling with anticipation.

"Miss Orolo, Miss Orolo..."

"Ah, yes, Carl, what else?" Storm snapped back to reality, her eyes brimming with excitement.

Carl cautioned, "This is merely speculation, with only a slim chance of reality."

"And to remain on the side of caution, we must keep this utmost secret. Not everyone desires the professor's survival."

"Carl, I understand. Rest assured, only you and I are privy to this." Storm affirmed, determination flashing in her eyes.

In that moment, Storm recalled fragments of the past, solidifying her belief in Carl's theory.

Observing Storm's newfound vigor as she departed, Carl remained where he stood.

Reflecting on the encounter, he decided to head towards the student dormitories.

He had sought out Storm partly to glean information, but also to infuse her with a glimmer of hope.

As the current authority figure within the school, she couldn't afford to falter.

Regarding their clandestine conversation, Carl was confident that it went unheard by prying ears or detected through any abilities.

As he had just now, he had heightened his senses to encompass the entire campus. If there was any anomaly, it would certainly not escape his notice.

Returning to the dormitory, Carl was rendered speechless as he opened the door.

Entering, Carl's gaze fell upon the black-haired girl nestled on his bed, prompting him to utter with a hint of exasperation, "Clarice, why have you taken refuge in my bed? What if someone were to stumble upon you?"

"Ah..." 

Seated on the bed, the black-haired girl, her hands clasped on her knees, responded feebly before casting an uneasy glance at Carl, her large eyes betraying her discomfort.

Sighing inwardly, Carl shut the door behind him, approached the bed, and took a seat, his voice softened, "Clarice, everything was fine this morning. What's troubling you now?"

In a hushed tone, the black-haired girl murmured, "This morning, rumors circulated that the school might be shutting down, with the teachers leaving as well."

"I was gripped by worry—where would I go if the school ceased to exist?"

"Eventually, I realized that without the school, I'd be adrift, with nowhere to turn. I'd have nothing," she confessed, lowering her head with a sense of desolation.

An orphan, she had wandered with her adoptive father since childhood. With his passing, she found herself bereft, hence her apprehension at the prospect of the school's dissolution.

Seeking to reassure her, Carl said, "Don't fret, the school won't be closing down."

"And even if it were to disband, you still have me. You're the woman I care for, and I intend to marry you when you come of age."

"As the saying goes, 'This is your bride, nurtured from childhood to adulthood,'" Carl added with a playful twinkle in his eye.

"Y-Your bride?" Clarice stammered, her cheeks flushing.

With a nod and a smile, Carl affirmed, "Yes, my bride."

As he reached out to tousle her hair, Clarice, overcome with trepidation, sprang from the bed like a startled rabbit, hastily flung open the door, and dashed out.

Observing her reaction with a smile, Carl remarked, "You're always lost in your thoughts, little one."

"If I didn't startle you, you'd never realize my true strength."