Chapter 11

Perhaps it was not an illusion, but as his Spatial Transfer ability reached level two, Syd noticed a significant enhancement in the quality of his internal energy.

His body even began to thirstily absorb sunlight, clearly increasing its upper limit.

With his internal energy now brimming, he could sustain the discharge of black particles about twenty-seven to twenty-eight times. "It's still not much, but it's enough to support me in a full-force battle for a minute or two," Syd thought to himself.

The enhancement in ability levels seemed to increase his energy too? It made sense—adding a second-level ability surely boosted his internal energy, just as gaining a new ability had done before.

Understanding this, he grew even more eager for the upcoming enhancement of his black particles in the evening.

After scanning his surroundings and finding no suitable place to practice black particles, he pushed himself to go downstairs.

On his way, he glanced at his left hand, now bandaged with white wraps—evidence of Chris's treatment of his gunshot wound.

Internally thanking Chris and mentally awarding him a figurative "good guy card," Syd made his way downstairs.

Chris, sitting on the sofa watching TV, turned with a puzzled look and asked, "What are you doing down here, kid? It's not mealtime yet, and your wounds aren't healed, are they?"

After a moment's thought and considering Chris's kindness, Syd decided to be honest. "Nothing much, just planning to practice my abilities a bit while I have time. As you know, I'm being hunted; I need to make every second count."

Chris seemed to understand and didn't notice anything amiss. He stood up and suggested, "Come on, I'll take you to the basement."

Surprised by the offer, Syd saw Chris smile and explain, "Don't look so shocked. As a mutant, I need to train too."

Soon, they reached the spacious basement, which was well-equipped with various training apparatuses and even had dummy targets.

After a brief introduction and letting Syd use the space as he pleased, Chris nonchalantly returned upstairs.

Once alone, Syd hesitated only briefly before pointing his right finger towards the ground.

[Black Particles Experience +1]

[Black Particles Experience +1]

Instantly, streams of black particles surged towards the ground, creating a deep hole. As he repeatedly used black particles, his experience bar rapidly filled.

When he had used up much of his internal energy, he used Spatial Transfer to return to his room upstairs unnoticed and began absorbing sunlight to replenish his energy. Then, he moved back to the basement to continue his practice.

[Ability: Black Particles (81/100) Level 1]

Time passed quickly, and because the basement was light-proof and he couldn't practice while absorbing sunlight, it was already six in the evening when the black particles finally advanced to level two.

Looking at the now level-two black particles on the panel and feeling the changes in his body's energy, a smile appeared on Syd's face.

Unable to resist, he tested his newly enhanced ability.

[Black Particles Experience +1]

A black wave, larger than an egg, emerged and rushed towards the ground, devouring everything in its path and leaving a fifteen-meter-deep hole. "The range and distance of black particles have increased quite a bit."

Though still somewhat weak, he was satisfied, knowing that the true strength of mutant abilities often didn't manifest until levels three through five.

Glancing at the now 500-point experience bar, Syd pondered. "Now that Spatial Transfer and Black Particles are both at level two, I can't enhance them further in a day or two. Rebound Shield and Divine Finger don't need upgrading right now..."

He then focused on unlocking progress.

(Unlock Progress 39%)

"The next ability should be unlocked soon, either at 45% or 50%..."

Filled with anticipation, Syd wondered about his next potential abilities. "Will it be Soul Pull, which extracts souls, or a Spirit Light Pillar, or even the terrifying Sunlight Strike?"

If it were the latter two, it would simply enhance his versatility in combat, useful against enemies with specific resistances. But if it were Sunlight Strike...

Known as a powerful finishing move in his arsenal, its effect could be devastating.

"At this rate, I'm eager to see if I'll gain flying abilities or mental powers."

Considering the prowess of mental abilities in Marvel comics, Syd was cautious yet hopeful. "With mental powers, at least I could resist or detect mental attacks and anomalies. Without them, I'm blind to such threats."

Now, without the need to practice abilities actively, his energy points naturally increased rapidly...

Thinking this, his gaze turned to the hole-riddled floor, and he frowned. "How am I going to explain this to Chris?"

"Should I say giant earthworms did this?"

Hoping Chris wouldn't notice, Syd sighed, "Better go rest for now."

The next second, he vanished from the basement, reappearing in the upstairs bedroom.

Opening the door, he shouted downstairs, asking if there was any food.

Just after shouting, his expression froze, realizing a mistake.

Accustomed to using Spatial Transfer, he had forgotten he was supposed to be in the basement! How could he appear upstairs all of a sudden?

Sure enough, the next second, he saw Chris coming upstairs, his eyes full of confusion.

"When did you come up?" Chris asked.

Syd awkwardly replied, "While you were in the bathroom."

Chris, touching his beard, though still puzzled, chose to believe him. After all, unless he had flown up, what other explanation could there be? Chris chuckled at the thought.

Then, Syd joined him for a meal downstairs.

After eating, Syd spoke seriously, "I think it's time for me to leave."

Chris looked grave at that. "Kid, are you sure? With so many people out there looking for you..."

Syd nodded, "It's because they're looking that I have to go. I don't want to cause trouble for you."

He didn't want to risk exposing Chris or implicating him.

"If I'm found here, at the very least, you'd be charged with harboring a criminal, and in the worst case, it might expose your mutant identity and lead to your arrest."

Believing Chris would understand, Syd added, "I've been a burden long enough. We're not even related, so I can't keep staying here for free. Thanks for everything."

Chris frowned, "Your wounds?"

"I can manage enough to escape," Syd said, then turned and walked towards a door he had scoped out earlier.

Watching him go, Chris considered whether to inform Magneto to rescue this potentially powerful young mutant, that was probably his son.

After a moment, Chris decided to go check the basement first, wondering if Syd had left a mess.

Upon entering, he was shocked by the sight of a very noticeable, deep hole in one corner.

"What is this?" he exclaimed, puzzled and unable to comprehend how it was made.

Unconsciously, his mind flashed with an image of Syd.

What had the boy done? How?

Outside, Syd cautiously looked around before running off. He figured the authorities must be closing in on his location.

Indeed, they had narrowed down potential hiding spots, including Chris's house. Had he not left earlier, he and Chris might both be in custody.

As Syd ran, an unmanned drone spotted him from the sky.

"Attention, suspected mutant suspect spotted!"

"Team, take positions!"

As the surveillance team notified the standby team, the drone moved closer to confirm the identity. Syd noticed it and didn't hesitate to shoot it down with a black particle.

[Black Particles Experience +1]

Boom—the drone crashed to the ground as Syd turned to flee into a shadowy alley.

Meanwhile, an armed team of ten, led by the stern, muscular Captain George, was closing in, prepared with sniper support and ready to confront Syd at a safe distance.

"Remember, the target has the ability to absorb sunlight and launch black energy orbs..."

George continued briefing his team as they moved into position.

Behind them, Chris, having just stepped out of the basement, saw the armed forces running and decided to follow, hoping to help Syd if possible.

Watching from a distance, Syd realized escape was futile with his weakened condition and decided to confront his pursuers head-on.

"If they want to die, I'll oblige," he muttered, preparing for what might be a final showdown.

(End of Chapter)