Marvel: The Gene Collector

After three days and two nights, Susan awoke feeling sore all over. As she opened her eyes, she saw Alex sitting beside her. Rubbing her aching head, she asked, "Where are we?"

"New York," Alex replied, handing her a slice of apple. Susan took a bite, savoring the cool moisture that soothed her dry throat.

Alex didn't mind that she bit into the apple, even whistling at the spot where she had taken a bite. Feeling a bit better, Susan sat up and tried to piece together the events leading up to her current situation.

"I remember we were caught in a solar storm and I felt dizzy. How did we end up back here?"

"I piloted the spaceship back. I'm not like you," Alex explained calmly.

"Right, you're a Mutant," Susan said, nodding as if this explained everything.

"No, you're the same now," Alex said with a slight smile as he reached out to hold her hand. The touch triggered changes in Susan's DNA. Instantly, she vanished from view, leaving only her clothes behind.

"My God! What happened?" Susan exclaimed, looking at Alex in shock, expecting him to explain.

"The solar storm altered your DNA sequence, granting you the same super abilities as a Mutant," Alex said.

Susan's eyes widened with realization. "So, you were keeping me from going into space all along because you were waiting for this to happen?"

"Yes, having super abilities isn't a bad thing. Just like our Mutants," Alex said with a reassuring smile.

"But I wasn't ready for this. Why didn't you tell me in advance?" Susan's voice wavered. She felt betrayed that Alex had known about the potential changes but hadn't prepared her for them.

"No, I'm here for your safety. The world is very dangerous. You were just an ordinary person before, without the ability to protect yourself. Now, with super abilities, you have the means to defend yourself. I won't limit you in any way," Alex said softly, touching Susan's cheek.

Susan felt a warm flow in her heart. Even though Alex had hidden things from her out of concern for her safety, it was comforting to know he cared.

"Okay, I'll check on the others," Alex said with a slight smile and walked outside.

Seeing that all three of them were awake, Alex didn't offer much explanation. Johnny saw Alex and quickly approached, his face full of concern. "Alex, are you okay?"

"Definitely fine, but you have something to deal with," Alex said lightly.

"We? We're fine! What's there to worry about?" Johnny shrugged, showing no concern.

"I mean, the solar storm altered your DNA sequence and gave you super abilities. Just like this," Alex said with a smile, extending a finger. The necklace around Johnny's neck suddenly levitated and spun in Alex's hand.

"Cool! Alex, can I be like you?" Johnny asked eagerly.

"It seems you're not worried," Alex said with a chuckle. Johnny seemed unaffected, much like the character in the original book who remained unchanged.

"Why should I worry? I haven't turned into a monster. Besides, not everyone with super abilities has to be a mutant. If they're not worried, why should I be?" Johnny shrugged indifferently.

"Okay," Alex agreed, noting Johnny's carefree attitude. It was clear the kid had a big heart, though Susan and the others were all Mutants.

"But, Alex, can I control the necklace like you?" Johnny asked eagerly.

"No," Alex replied, placing a hand on Johnny's shoulder. In an instant, a terrifying flame erupted from him.

"Cool!!!" Johnny exclaimed, his excitement evident as he watched himself surrounded by flames.

Alex released his hand, and the flames vanished instantly.

"Hey! Alex! I haven't had enough of this yet!" Johnny shouted, disappointed as the flames disappeared.

"Maybe you should find some clothes to wear first, and then learn to control your abilities gradually," Alex suggested, patting Johnny on the shoulder and pointing at his burnt clothes. "It's not a bad start, though."

Johnny quickly covered himself, yelling, "Hey, Alex, this is my new purchase!"

"I see. I'll send you ten good outfits later," Alex said with a wave of his hand as he walked toward the room.

"Wait, I'm not talking about that! Alex, you need to teach me how to control my abilities!" Johnny called after Alex, covering himself as best he could.

"I'll get to it later," Alex replied.

With Susan and Johnny taken care of, Alex turned his attention to Ben, the stone man. Despite his bald appearance, there was nothing about him to draw blood.

These individuals had good genes, but their reluctance to integrate was a drawback. It was almost a pity to discard them; they were, indeed, quite unremarkable!

(End of this chapter)

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