Marvelous Dragon ball

Instead of arguing, Rex asked, 'Lorna, why do most mutants lose control when their powers awaken?'

'It's because of how suddenly mutations happen,' Lorna explained. 'When the X-Gene awakens, the body changes drastically in an instant. It's like being reborn, having to learn to use a new body.'

'You're right, that's impressive,' Rex nodded. 'But it's not that complicated. When a mutant's X-Gene awakens, their Ki skyrockets. Imagine having a hundred times more Ki than a normal person, but the same level of control. It's hard to manage that kind of power.'

'Boss, I don't get it. Are you saying you can teach me to control my mutation by controlling my Ki?'

'Sorry, I can't do that,' Rex said. 'A mutant's Ki is unique, and they have strong wills. They have to learn to control it themselves.'

Lorna's face fell, but Rex's tone changed. 'I can teach you Ki Masking, which will help you hide your Ki.'

'Mask my Ki? So I can hide my mutant abilities and look like a normal person?' Lorna's eyes lit up.

'That's the basic idea.'

Rex nodded. 'At first, you'll only be able to completely mask your Ki, and you won't be able to use your powers while doing it. But as you get better at controlling your Ki, you'll be able to adjust how much you mask.'

'Why would I adjust the shielding? Shouldn't I just hide my Ki completely unless I need to use my powers?'

'You're right, but it's just a temporary solution,' Rex explained. 'Ki Masking is a step towards controlling your Ki. Right now, you have the Ki of a hundred people. Ki Masking will shield out ninety-nine of that, leaving you with the power of one. You'll be weak, but that has its advantages. Eventually, you'll learn to control how much Ki you mask, anywhere from one to ninety-nine. When you can fine-tune your Ki like that, you'll be doing Ki Control, and you'll be able to use the right amount of power whenever you need it.'

Lorna listened intently, her eyes widening with each word. 'Boss, please teach me!'

'Don't worry, I will, but there's one condition.'

'This is important, listen carefully!'

'I'm listening, Boss!'

'Ki Masking is a skill unique to Kame School,' Rex said, his voice turning serious. 'I'm making an exception for you, but it can't go any further. You can't teach anyone else without my permission. If you do, I'll hunt them down and kill them, no matter where they are.'

Rex's voice was low and dangerous, his eyes burning with intensity. Lorna was shaken. 'Boss, I swear, I'll never tell anyone about your secret techniques!'

'Great!' Rex said, his usual smile returning. 'Follow me!'

They went to the top floor and entered a soundproof room, Rex's training space. Lorna looked around in awe. The room was windowless, except for a wall with some family pictures.

Rex sat on the floor and pointed to a spot in front of him. 'Sit down on your knees here.'

Facing Lorna, he said, 'To learn Ki Masking, you have to be able to sense your own Ki. Can you do that?'

'Whenever I use my powers, I get this aura around my hands, like the Northern Lights. I feel like that light is my power. Is that my Ki?'

'Uh... kinda,' Rex said, relieved. 'That's just the outward sign of your Ki, not the Ki itself. Your Ki creates the aura, not the other way around. Do you understand?'

'I don't...'

Rex sighed. She was a Westerner, with no background in this. He couldn't expect her to grasp it right away. He extended his hand. 'Lorna, give me your hand. Let me show you my Ki.'

A moment later, Lorna stared at her fingers in shock. 'This... this...'

'This is Ki!'

'Remember this feeling, and try to sense your own Ki. It's like a sixth sense, beyond your other senses. Don't focus on sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste. It's something different.'

'Boss, I can't do it.'

'It's okay,' Rex said, extending his hand again. 'Let's try again.'

An hour later...

After ten failed attempts, Lorna's confidence was waning. 'Boss, how long did it take you to sense Ki?'