"As you can see, Mr. Xavier, these are indeed Devil Fruits."
Rorschach nodded from the side.
"I'm sure Dr. Cho already told you, right? Every single one of these fruits grants a different superpower."
"Yes, Dr. Cho gave me a brief introduction to these remarkable fruits. I never imagined something so extraordinary could exist in this world."
Professor X looked genuinely fascinated.
"In that case, Shopkeeper, would you mind introducing these Devil Fruits to me in a little more detail?"
"Of course."
Rorschach pulled out the catalog and handed it over.
"Mr. Xavier, why don't you take a look through this first? If any fruit catches your eye, I can explain that one in detail."
"Thank you, Shopkeeper."
Professor X accepted the catalog and began reading through it carefully.
And almost immediately, the look in his eyes changed.
His face filled with open surprise.
The wide variety of strange and miraculous Devil Fruits was enough to make even someone like him feel as though he were seeing the world all over again.
He couldn't help marveling under his breath as he flipped through page after page.
"Amazing."
"Truly unbelievable."
Rorschach said nothing.
He simply stood there with a faint smile, enjoying the rare sight of Professor X being just as stunned by Devil Fruits as every other customer who had come through his doors.
Honestly, it was pretty entertaining.
"A fruit that can inspire people... very interesting."
After browsing for several minutes, Professor X's gaze finally stopped on one particular fruit in the catalog.
He nodded with clear approval.
"You mean the Pep-Pep Fruit," Rorschach said at once.
"Just like its name suggests, the Pep-Pep Fruit can stir people's emotions and inspire them."
"Mr. Xavier, are you interested in the Pep-Pep Fruit?"
"I am."
Professor X looked up at him with a thoughtful smile.
"I'm a teacher. My daily work revolves around lecturing and educating others. So I was thinking... if I ate the Pep-Pep Fruit, perhaps the atmosphere in my classroom would become much more engaging."
"That would absolutely be the case."
Rorschach nodded without hesitation.
"Even though it's called the Pep-Pep Fruit, its abilities go beyond simple encouragement. Like I said, it allows the user to influence other people's emotions."
"And those emotions can be anything. A stronger willingness to learn in class. Courage. Confidence. Positive energy."
He paused slightly.
"But it can also stir darker emotions if the user wishes."
"In short, once someone eats the Pep-Pep Fruit, other people's emotions become something they can adjust as easily as flipping switches."
"A very fine fruit indeed."
Professor X smiled, clearly more than satisfied.
"It seems my future lectures are going to become far more interesting."
He closed the catalog and looked at Rorschach.
"Then, Shopkeeper, I'll take the Pep-Pep Fruit."
Professor X's natural ability was telepathy.
He could read minds, access memories, and even control thoughts.
But his control had always been rather direct and overwhelming. Once he truly took over, the target was little more than a puppet.
In other words, he could dominate a mind—
but subtle influence was another matter entirely.
That left him trapped between two extremes: either he completely controlled someone, or he did nothing at all.
Everything between those two states was difficult for him to touch.
But now, the Pep-Pep Fruit perfectly filled that gap.
From another angle, Professor X's telepathy made him exceptionally sensitive to the emotional state of others.
That meant he wouldn't even need much training to use this fruit well. He'd likely adapt to it almost immediately.
In terms of compatibility, the Pep-Pep Fruit and Professor X's mental abilities complemented each other perfectly.
"Mr. Xavier, this fruit really does suit your profession very well."
Rorschach smiled.
"The Pep-Pep Fruit will be two million dollars."
"Go ahead and run the card."
Beep.
The transaction was completed quickly and smoothly.
Rorschach then took out the Pep-Pep Fruit and handed it over.
Professor X wasted no time.
He bit into the fruit right in front of Rorschach.
"So this is what a Devil Fruit feels like..."
"How extraordinary."
As he sensed the strange change taking place inside his body, Professor X couldn't help marveling yet again.
He had a feeling that he'd expressed more amazement today than he had in the entire past year.
Once the transaction was finished, Rorschach added Professor X to the group chat as usual.
Shop Owner: @Everyone, our Devil Fruit Home has welcomed another new family member. Everyone, say hello.
Charles Xavier: Hello, everyone. I'm Charles Xavier. I'm a scholar specializing in genetic mutation research. It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Vanessa: Wade, whatever you're about to say, shut up first and think very carefully.
Vanessa: Wow, another intellectual in the group? And he specializes in genetic mutation research? He sounds incredibly impressive.
Helen Cho: Professor Xavier, I knew it would be you. Welcome to our little family!
Helen Cho: Also, everyone, Professor Xavier is being modest. In his field, he's an absolute authority. He was already a professor at Oxford in his twenties.
The whole group fell into stunned silence.
A man who had become a professor at one of the world's top universities in his twenties—
that was the real deal.
No argument there.
Wade Wilson: Holy crap, a professor in his twenties? That's insane. I seriously have to hand it to you. When I was in my twenties, I was still busy jacking off to—whoa, good thing I stopped in time. Boss, don't mute me this time, alright? I caught myself!
Vanessa Marianna: Professor Xavier is that much of a genius? That's incredible.
Charles Xavier: You're all too kind. I was simply fortunate enough to receive a little recognition.
Wade Wilson: Wow, Xavier, you're amazing! Alright, admiration complete. So, Xavier, new member rules—reveal your thre—cough, cough, reveal your fruit. What fruit did you buy?
Charles Xavier: Mr. Wade, I purchased the Pep-Pep Fruit. With it, my classroom atmosphere should become much more lively.
Vanessa: Professor Xavier really is a dedicated scholar. That's admirable.
The others in the group were equally impressed.
A miraculous thing like a Devil Fruit—
and Charles Xavier had bought one just to improve his teaching?
That level of dedication was hard not to respect.
After exchanging a few simple greetings with the group, Professor X exited the chat and turned back to Rorschach to say goodbye.
"Shopkeeper, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll come visit again another day."
Then, with a warm smile, he added one final invitation.
"If the opportunity ever arises, you'd be most welcome to visit Jean Grey Academy."
[Author Note]
More chapters available on Patreon: AbyssCrown