Mutant Minds | Stray Kids x X-Men

16: Trial

Logan sat in his room, the soft glow of the lamp casting shadows across the scattered files and papers on his desk. He had spent hours combing through information, making phone calls to old contacts, and pulling in favors. The idea of giving Changbin metal claws wasn't just a physical transformation—it was a massive, risky procedure with potential consequences that weighed heavily on Logan's mind.

Changbin was strong, no doubt about that. But was he ready for something this monumental? Logan's own experience with the adamantium bonding process was nothing short of hellish—a nightmare of pain, blood, and near-madness. If Changbin was going to go through with this, Logan wanted to make sure the kid was truly prepared.

He lit another cigar, leaning back in his chair as he stared at the ceiling. "Earn it," he muttered to himself. If Changbin was serious, he'd have to prove it—not just with words, but with actions.

There were a few possibilities, a few people who might be able to do it without repeating the same horrors Logan endured. But Logan wouldn't let anyone even think about putting Changbin through this unless he was sure the kid could handle it.

Training Grounds:

The next morning, Changbin was already in the gym, pushing himself through his usual routine. Sweat glistened on his skin as he moved through a series of intense drills, his muscles straining with each punch, kick, and lunge. His mind was focused, driven by the conversation with Logan the night before. If he was going to earn those metal claws, he had to be at his absolute best.

"Kid, you ready for some real work?" Logan's voice cut through the sound of Changbin's heavy breathing.

Changbin paused, turning to face Logan, who had his arms crossed and a serious look on his face. "Always," Changbin replied, his voice firm.

Logan gave a nod. "Good. 'Cause if you want this, you're gonna have to earn it. And I mean really earn it. You up for that?"

Changbin didn't hesitate. "Yeah, I'm ready."

"Alright, then. First things first—there's no guarantee this'll even work. What you're asking for isn't something I can just hand over. But if we're gonna do it, we're gonna do it right. And that means you've got to prove you can handle whatever comes your way."

Changbin nodded, his eyes narrowing in determination. "I can handle it. Whatever it takes."

Logan smirked, though there was an edge of concern in his eyes. "We'll see about that. Meet me in the Danger Room after lunch. We're gonna push your limits like never before."

Danger Room:

The Danger Room was set to a new level of intensity—one that even the older X-Men would have struggled with. The environment shifted constantly, from deep jungles to frozen tundras, each filled with hostile enemies, deadly traps, and relentless challenges.

For hours, Logan pushed Changbin through scenario after scenario, never giving him a moment to rest. The simulations were brutal—Changbin found himself facing down advanced Sentinels, savage mutants, and impossible odds. Each time he was knocked down, Logan demanded he get back up and keep fighting. The physical toll was immense, but the mental toll was even greater.

Changbin's bone claws were put to the test, stabbing through armor, slicing through dense foliage, and fending off powerful blows. But the longer they fought, the more Changbin could feel their limitations. In one scenario, a Sentinel's grip closed around his arm, and he could feel his claws beginning to crack under the pressure. With a furious roar, he broke free, but the damage was done.

Logan watched him closely, never stepping in to help, just observing. He needed to see how Changbin would handle not just the physical challenge, but the frustration and pain that came with it.

After what felt like an eternity, the simulation finally ended. Changbin stood in the middle of the room, breathing heavily, his body covered in bruises and scratches. His claws were extended, but they were chipped and splintered from the abuse.

Logan walked over to him, his expression unreadable. "You're still standing," he remarked.

"Barely," Changbin admitted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But I'm not done yet."

Logan studied him for a long moment before nodding. "You're tough, kid. Tougher than I gave you credit for. But if we're gonna do this, you need to understand what you're asking for. The metal claws—they'll make you stronger, but they'll also make you a target. And the process... it's gonna hurt like nothing you've ever felt before."

Changbin met Logan's gaze, his eyes blazing with determination. "I'm not afraid of pain. If it means I can protect the people I care about, then it's worth it."

Logan let out a heavy sigh, his mind still racing through the possibilities. "Alright. I'm gonna look into a few things, see if I can find a way to do this without turning you into a science experiment. But until then, you keep training. And you keep your head on straight. No letting the anger take over, got it?"

Changbin nodded, his resolve unshaken. "I've got it."

Logan clapped him on the shoulder, a rare gesture of camaraderie. "Good. Now get some rest. You've earned it."

Later that Night:

Back in his room, Changbin collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him. His muscles ached, and his mind was still reeling from the day's training. But despite the pain, there was a flicker of excitement deep within him.

He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. The trials Logan had in store for him would only get harder, and there was still the matter of finding a way to bond metal to his bones without the horrific process Logan had endured. But Changbin was ready. He would prove himself, no matter what it took.

As he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts drifted to the future. He imagined himself with metal claws, standing alongside Logan, fighting to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. It was more than just power—it was responsibility. And he was ready to take it on.

With a deep breath, Changbin closed his eyes, letting sleep take him. The journey ahead would be grueling, but he had never been more determined. He was going to earn those claws, and when he did, he would be unstoppable.