New York State, at the Howlett Superhuman Evolution Academy, in a special training room on the second underground level.
Jean Grey could barely hide her delight, but she still carefully straightened her little skirt before sitting against the training room wall. She and little Nightcrawler Kurt waited excitedly together.
So far, Jean's Evolution Technique lessons had always taken place alone in the Academy's most durable Vibranium training room. The principal, Emma, often came to give the little girl one-on-one guidance, but Jean still couldn't train with her classmates.
The Evolution Technique James had developed started with the most basic control of the body and emotions, then gradually taught students to master their mutant abilities. During this process, their powers often erupted uncontrollably, and Jean Grey was particularly prone to it.
The basic stances of the Evolution Technique caused some physical fatigue and soreness. This could hone a person's willpower, focus, and patience.
But whenever Jean felt uncomfortable during practice, restless whispers would surface deep in her heart, causing her powerful telekinesis to go out of control.
After she had sent the tables and chairs flying all over the room and twisted a camphor tree to pieces in the courtyard, Jean had finally been granted special permission to have the training room to herself for the time being.
Today, though, Laura had sneaked into the Vibranium training room to settle things once and for all with another of her "lifelong rivals." This made the lonely, bored Jean especially happy.
"Go, Laura! You can do it!"
Jean clenched her little fists, her cheeks flushed as she cheered her roommate on. Kurt had told her that Laura had never beaten Sharon Rogers, who was six or seven years older than them, but that didn't affect her confidence in Laura one bit.
"Hmph! Obviously!"