Ye Hai punctured the vein in his left arm with a syringe filled with mutant serum. The serum slowly flowed into his body, initially creating a cool sensation that spread throughout him. Gradually, it began to heat up, accompanied by waves of sharp pain, as if his veins and bones were being restructured.

This was the activation of the mutant genes. The process was painful, but Ye Hai could still endure it. Thanks to his optimization, he had slowed down the mutation process, which meant that he wouldn't experience the excruciating agony like Captain America.

The intense pain lasted for just over an hour before it gradually subsided. Ye Hai knew he had completed the initial stage of mutation, and the next phase would proceed slowly, finishing within three days.

He looked at his body; the muscles in his arms and thighs were taut and filled with a powerful aesthetic, yet they didn't appear overly mutated. Unless he took off his clothes, he seemed little different from before.

Moreover, he felt a distinct connection between his body and mind. He sensed that his spirit could control every cell in his body, making them stronger. Following this sensation, he focused on his cells, and with a light leap, he jumped over ten meters away.

Not only that, he felt a surge of power within him; he possessed great strength, agility, endurance, and beast-like sensitivity, along with the ability to sense impending danger. His five senses were remarkably enhanced; he could see scenes over ten miles away through the window, distinctly analyze the scents left by Gwen and Peter in the studio, and his hearing was heightened as well.

Finally, the ability that excited him the most was flying!

"Fly!"

Ye Hai spread his arms and began to float slowly. Then, like a nimble swallow, he zipped around the studio. His flight path was fluid and natural, devoid of any awkwardness of a beginner.

This was the system's doing, the result of unlocking 30% of his brain's potential. By experiencing the abilities of mutants, he quickly deduced the source of those powers using his extensive biological knowledge.

Mutant abilities stem from the mutated genes within their body cells. These mutated genes compose mutant cells, which possess various capabilities. However, it is the mental energy in a person's brain—often referred to as spiritual power in fantasy novels—that enables them to manifest and control these abilities. The unlocked brain potential encompasses this mental energy, and the higher the level of the brain potential, the stronger the mental energy, and consequently, the greater the mutant abilities.

"System, how strong will my physical power be now?" Ye Hai asked.

"Using the Quality Inspection System requires 100 scientific points. Would you like to proceed?"

"Yes."

"Ding! Quality Inspection System activated... After stabilizing the host's mutant abilities, Level 1 brain potential increases strength by approximately 120 Kg, Level 2 by around 1 ton, Level 3 by about 10 tons, Level 4 by around 100 tons, and Level 5 by roughly 1000 tons. However, the host's mutant cell strength is currently insufficient to unlock Level 6 brain potential."

"An increase to about 1000 tons? This body is truly formidable," Ye Hai remarked, looking at his not overly muscular physique, then sadly added, "Unfortunately, unlocking Level 5 brain potential requires 10,000 scientific points a day. That's too extravagant; my current 10,000 points aren't enough to expend."

"Ding! The host can use scientific points to solidify brain potential: Level 1 requires 3,000 points; Level 2 requires 10,000 points; Level 3 requires 30,000 points; Level 4 requires 100,000 points, and so on! Brain potential must be upgraded gradually, not leapfrogged!"

"Level 1 brain potential requires 3,000 points? With my 10,000 points, I can only solidify Level 1, which doesn't provide significant benefits. Moreover, unlocking Level 1 only costs 1 scientific point a day."

After contemplating for a long while, Ye Hai decided not to solidify Level 1 just yet. The Marvel universe was perilous, and he preferred to keep his 10,000 scientific points on hand for emergencies.

After frolicking in the air a bit longer, he returned to his computer, deleted all files related to mutant research, and drastically revised his recent findings on species gene fusion, ensuring that the results only reflected an initial stage—flawed and full of inconsistencies—so that no one could uncover the truth.

Once all was done, he left work.

"Ding!"

On the way, his phone rang; it was Gwen.

"Ye Hai, genius scientist, are you still laboriously researching that mutant gene? Have you made any progress?"

Ye Hai naturally denied it: "No, it couldn't possibly be that fast. Besides, I'm just curious; I don't plan to delve too deeply into this. You know, Gwen, mutants are too sensitive. I don't want to get into trouble."

"That's good," she responded, clearly relieved. "As long as you understand this, I was worried you'd get so caught up in your scientific research that you'd neglect everything else."

Ye Hai teased, "I'm not just a nerd who only knows how to study. At the very least, I can take the lovely Gwen out for dinner."

"When have you ever offered to take me out?" Gwen retorted angrily. "I remember you inviting me several times, but you've never followed through."

"Sorry, I've been too wrapped up in scientific research lately," Ye Hai chuckled. "Gwen, how about going out to dinner today? Consider it my apology."

"If you're still in the studio now, I won't even acknowledge your invitation," Gwen replied, dissatisfied.

"I'm on my way, crossing the Williamsburg Bridge. I think we can have a wonderful dinner in Brooklyn," Ye Hai said while driving.

"Boom!"

A violent explosion erupted, followed by a chorus of panicked screams from the bridge as many people abandoned their cars, rushing towards the sides.

"What's happening, Ye?" Gwen asked urgently.

Ye Hai opened the car door and jumped out, spotting a massive green figure rampaging across the bridge, unmistakably resembling a giant lizard.

"Oh, Gwen, it seems I might let you down again today!" Ye Hai apologized.