**Chapter 10** The DNA Test

The principal's office was tense, the air thick with unspoken accusations. Principal Bradley leaned forward in his chair, his hands steepled as he addressed James Maxford. "We will not house such madness. No child should be able to take down a grown man alone, much less one in a military grade suit of armour. Exalibar is a powerhouse, Mr. Maxford. You do know that powerhouses aren't allowed tuition here. I hope you can find another place for your… son to learn."

The principal's tone was firm, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. He wanted Exalibar as far away as possible, out of fear for his own life and the safety of his students. "In fact," he continued, his voice sharp, "I'm not entirely sure that the young man is your son. It's a well-known fact that you, sir, are barren and cannot have children. So, for a son to just pop up out of the blue is… questionable. Mr. Maxford, who really is this young man?"

James sat calmly, his expression unreadable. "Exalibar is my son. Nothing more, nothing less. I had a one-night stand with a woman a long time ago, and miraculously, she fell pregnant. To protect my child from the dangers of my life—and from those who might seek to harm him—I hid both him and his mother. However, due to his mother's death, I had to take him back. A growing young man needs a parent, a father to look up to. I couldn't hide him any longer, so I brought him home. It's as simple as that, Principal."

Principal Bradley narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced. "But you see, Mr. Maxford, that's where I don't believe you. For a boy this powerful to be hidden is quite a difficult task."

James leaned back in his chair, his tone calm but firm. "I have money and resources, Principal. You do know that, right?"

The principal hesitated, then pressed a button on his desk. "Bring him in."

The door opened, and a man in a black trench coat entered. He was tall and oddly slim for his height, with jet-black hair and eyes so dark they seemed to absorb the light. His presence was unsettling, his aura radiating despair and brokenness.

"Mr. Maxford," the principal said, gesturing to the man, "this is Kendrick. He has the ability to identify DNA with just a touch of his hand. He's a last resort for parents who believe a child isn't theirs, and trust me, he is never wrong."

Kendrick stepped forward, his voice low and monotone. "Mr. Maxford, if it's not too much to ask, could I have a sample of your DNA?"

James raised an eyebrow. "Will blood do?"

Kendrick nodded, pulling a switchblade from his coat. "Blood will suffice. Don't worry—it's new. Bought it just for you."

James reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He cut his finger with the blade, letting a few drops of blood fall onto the cloth. Exalibar, who had been silent up until this point, handed him a small cup. James let his blood drip into it. Exalibar didn't need a knife; he simply bit his finger until it bled and placed his blood in a separate cup.

As Kendrick prepared to analyse the samples, Exalibar's mind raced. He knew he wasn't James's son, and he could tell Kendrick's powers were genuine. He was in a tight spot, but James's composure kept him from speaking up. Kendrick dipped a finger into each cup, his eyes glowing red as he analysed the DNA. After ten seconds of silence, he pulled his fingers out and asked for a towel to clean his hands.

"Well?" the principal asked, his voice tense.

Kendrick's expression was unreadable. "DNA samples confirm that Exalibar is indeed Mr. Maxford's biological offspring."

Exalibar's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly masked his surprise. A wave of relief washed over him. He assumed James had paid off Kendrick in advance, but the truth was far more complicated.

The principal sighed, adjusting his glasses. "I see. Mr. Maxford, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I just had to make sure Exalibar is indeed your son before making a decision that wouldn't leave any… animosity between us."

James leaned forward, his tone calm but laced with authority. "Oh, there's no animosity, Principal. But let me remind you that the TIAAN organization—an organization I own—has been making sizable donations to this school. These donations are essential for the school's operations. If my son leaves, know that my money leaves with him."

The principal's face flushed with anger. "Mr. Maxford, this is blackmail!"

James smirked. "You call it blackmail; I call it white leveraging. So, what's your call, Principal?"

Principal Bradley sighed, defeated. "In light of this new information, Exalibar will be allowed to continue his education here. However, he is not permitted to use abilities beyond the regulated limits set by the school."

James stood, his expression smug. "Has he ever? Anyway, Principal, we'll be taking our leave. Exalibar will resume lessons as usual tomorrow. As for today, we have some father-son bonding to do."

The principal nodded stiffly. "Good day, sir."

As soon as they entered the limo, Exalibar turned to James, his blue eyes filled with curiosity. "Okay, I have to know. How did you do it? Did you bribe Kendrick in advance or something?"

James shook his head, his expression serious. "No, I didn't even know what the principal was planning."

Exalibar frowned. "You don't mean… he lied on his own? Why would he?"

James leaned back, his tone calm but firm. "He didn't lie, Exalibar. When you attacked Valery and Ronin after Aisha removed the microchip from your body, she ran tests on your blood. She created an algorithm to find the cause of your rules, your copying ability, and the source of the Mad Scientist's control. She didn't find the cause of all your abilities, but she did discover something else: your biological parents."

Exalibar's breath caught in his throat. "What are you saying?"

James met his gaze, his expression softening. "Somehow, Exalibar, I am your father. I don't know how it happened, but we made sure it wasn't another manifestation of abilities. You are my son, and together, we are the last of the Maxford bloodline."

Exalibar sat in stunned silence, his mind reeling. He had always felt alone, adrift in a world that saw him as a weapon or a monster. But now, he had a father. Actual family. A wave of joy washed over him, unlike anything he had ever known. For the first time in his life, Exalibar felt like he truly belonged.

**To Be Continued…**