Ch: 15-22
Chapter 15: A Trip to Empire State University
In the corridors of Empire State University.
"Classmate Gilda, I hope you understand your current situation."
Dean of Academic Affairs Dean was walking in front.
He adjusted his somewhat tight suit tie while speaking in a voice as harsh as a drake's.
He glanced back at Johnny, who followed with hands in pockets and a relaxed expression, causing the muscles at the corner of his eyes to twitch.
This kid, still acting like this when death is at his door?
Does he really think being handsome means he can use the school rules as toilet paper?
"You'd better pray Young Master Thompson gets out of the ICU soon and is willing to forgive you."
Dean stopped and turned around.
He pointed a chubby finger at Johnny's chest, spittle flying everywhere.
"Otherwise, you won't just be facing expulsion."
"The Thompson Family's legal team is enough to make you lose every bit of your pitiful inheritance, and then you'll be picking up soap in prison for the rest of your life!"
Hearing this, Johnny raised an eyebrow.
He looked at the fleshy, middle-aged bald man before him who was posturing with borrowed authority.
A disdainful sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Mr. Dean, did you forget to brush your teeth this morning?"
"Or did you just have your fill in the restroom?"
Johnny reached out and waved his hand in front of his nose in disgust.
"Quite the breath you have there."
"You—!"
Dean's face turned red with rage.
"Do I need to educate you on the term'self-defense'?"
"And about the definition of school bullying."
"I think the Board of Trustees would be very interested to see how the Dean of Academic Affairsthey pay so well is shielding a board member's son who led an assault."
Johnny looked down at him with a playful glint in his eyes.
"What do you think, Mr. Dean the Lackey?"
"You... you..."
Dean trembled with rage, his finger pointing at Johnny shaking uncontrollably.
Rebellious!
This is simply outrageous!
In all his years at Empire State University, which student hadn't been respectful to him, like a mouse seeing a cat?
Yet this Johnny Gilda not only didn't care...
...but even turned around to lecture him!
"Fine! Very well!"
Dean laughed out of sheer anger, his eyes venomous.
"I hope that when we get to the School Committee's office and face Mr. Thompson, your mouth will still be this tough!"
Johnny shrugged.
He followed behind.
He wanted to see what this School Committee was planning to do to him... Meanwhile.
Washington D.C., the Triskelion.
Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.) Headquarters.
Inside an office.
Agent Phil Coulson was holding a cup of steaming coffee.
He looked at an electronic report in his hand with a slight frown.
The screen showed a surveillance screenshot from that alleyway in New York City yesterday.
Although the image was a bit blurry, it was still clear.
How that black-haired youth had snatched the several-hundred-kilogram Vulture out of the sky like a little chick.
And... that kind of physical flight that completely defied the laws of physics.
"Alien meteorite fragments?"
Coulson looked at the transcript sent from the NYPD and couldn't help but laugh.
"This excuse they made up... is a bit too perfunctory."
"These days, even aliens might not use such a cliché script."
As a veteran Agent who had dealt with various supernatural phenomena for years...
...what kind of scene had Coulson not witnessed?
Ten years ago, this might have been brushed off.
But now?
Ever since that Tony Stark in his tin can started flying all over the sky...
...and a blonde hunk with a hammer started smashing floors everywhere...
...the World's vibe had long since gone completely off the rails.
"However..."
Coulson took a sip of his coffee, his gaze becoming profound.
"Nonsensical as the reason may be, this kid's strength is the real deal."
"According to the site survey, the force of that punch that knocked out the Rhino was at least fifty tons."
"And that flight ability shows no signs of thrusters or heat signatures."
"It's almost as if those legendary Superman comics have come to life."
Coulson set down his cup, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk.
The purpose of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existence is to deal with such unexplainable threats.
Normally, according to protocol, a metahuman of this level should be directly contained by a Rapid Response Team.
Then sent to the Sandbox Base for evaluation.
Which meant being sliced up for research.
But... "The Director has been fast-tracking that 'Avengers Initiative' lately..."
Coulson thought about what that one-eyed bald guy had been worrying about recently.
That egomaniac Tony Stark might have joined the Consultant Group, but he doesn't follow orders at all.
The Hulk is a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment.
Captain America is just a Super Soldier.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is currently too short on high-end combat power.
Especially one like this... who looks handsome (maybe even a bit like his younger self?).
A young man with a clean background and a sense of justice (at least he beat up criminals).
With a little guidance, he could become an excellent blade.
"Beep beep!"
Just then, the communicator on the desk lit up.
A S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent in charge of monitoring sent an emergency briefing.
"Officer, the target, Johnny Gilda, has just been taken away by the Dean of Academic Affairs of Empire State University."
"According to intelligence, the Thompson Family, who are on the board, intend to use their connections to sue him for 'intentional assault' and are pressuring the school to expel him."
"They might even resort to some unconventional means."
Seeing this message, Coulson's eyes narrowed.
A gentle smile returned to his face.
"Unconventional means?"
"On this land, besides us at S.H.I.E.L.D., who else would dare use unconventional means against a target of this danger level?"
This is practically pulling a tiger's teeth.
If they truly push this young man too far...
...given the combat power he displayed yesterday...
...forget the Thompson Family, he'd probably turn the entire Empire State University upside down.
When that happens, won't it be S.H.I.E.L.D. cleaning up the mess?
"Stupid capital and bureaucracy."
Coulson shook his head, stood up, and straightened his well-tailored black suit.
"It seems this is a good opportunity for contact."
"Providing help in an hour of need is always more impressive than adding flowers to a bouquet, isn't it?"
Rather than letting this young man be driven to the opposing side by the darkness of society and become an extremist like Magneto...
...it's better to lend him a hand now.
Let him feel the "warmth" of the authorities.
That way, if we want to recruit him into the Avengers later or have him help with some thorny troubles...
...it will be easier to ask, won't it?
What do you call this?
This is called the way of the World!
With that thought, Coulson picked up his car keys.
"Notify the Strike Team. Take three Agents and come with me to Empire State University."
"Also..."
Coulson instructed into the communicator.
"Help me contact the New York City Department of Education and the head of the Thompson Family."
"Tell them S.H.I.E.L.D. is conducting a classified mission involving national security."
"If anyone dares to cause trouble at this time..."
"...then invite them to have tea at Guantanamo."
Hanging up, Coulson strode out of the office.
"Let's go. Let's meet this lucky fellow who 'found an alien meteorite'."
Chapter 16: Thompson
Empire State University, Board of Trustees Meeting Room.
"Creak—"
As the door was pushed open.
Johnny walked in leisurely with his hands in his pockets.
That look.
He didn't look like a student coming to receive judgment.
He looked more like a leader coming to inspect the work.
"Hey you, close the door, there's a bit of a draft."
Johnny even had the leisure to turn back and give an order to Dean, the Dean of Students, who was following behind him.
"You—!"
Dean's face turned purple with rage, and he was just about to explode.
But thinking of the big shot sitting inside, he immediately put on a fawning expression and trotted in.
In the center of the meeting room.
Around a huge oval conference table, sat middle-aged men in suits and leather shoes.
And the one sitting in the main seat.
Was a bloated man with a face full of flesh and exceptionally sinister eyes.
Harrison Thompson.
The father of Flash Thompson, who was still lying in the ICU.
One of the largest board members of Empire State University.
"Bang!"
Seeing Johnny enter, Harrison slammed the table and stood up.
That fat face trembled slightly with anger.
"It's you?!"
Harrison rushed in front of Johnny in a few steps.
That finger with a gold ring almost poked Johnny's nose.
"It was you, you bastard, who injured my son?!"
Spit flew everywhere.
Johnny leaned his head back in disgust.
"Talk if you want to talk, but don't spray Water."
"Also, it was self-defense, thank you."
"Self-defense?!"
Harrison laughed out of extreme anger, a cold laugh that made one's heart chill.
"Crushing a person's hand bones, breaking three ribs, and even causing a severe concussion!"
"You call that self-defense?!"
"Exactly, this kid did it!"
Dean, the Dean of Students, immediately approached like a lapdog and shouted at Johnny.
"Mr. Thompson, this kid is a troublemaker in school!"
"Disrespectful to elders, ignoring school rules, he's simply a black sheep!"
"I suggest immediate expulsion! And he should be sent to prison!"
Looking at Dean jumping up and down.
Johnny couldn't help but click his tongue.
"Mr. Dean, your skill at guarding the house is quite well-practiced."
"You must eat a lot of bones usually, right?"
"You! You bastard!"
Dean's face turned blue and white from the insult, but in front of Harrison, he didn't dare to be too presumptuous.
He could only stare at Johnny with venomous eyes.
"Enough!"
Harrison roared, interrupting Johnny's sarcasm.
He stared at Johnny with ruthless eyes.
"Kid, you're pretty arrogant, aren't you?"
"It seems you haven't figured out the situation yet."
"Here, I am the rules!"
"Now, not only will you be expelled from school, but you will also have to compensate for all my son's medical expenses!"
"That's the best private hospital, the best ICU ward, burning money every minute!"
"That pitiful savings of yours probably won't even cover the change!"
"Wait for bankruptcy! Wait to spend the rest of your life in prison!"
Harrison's words were like a death sentence.
The other school leaders around also showed expressions of gloating.
In their view.
Having offended Harrison, this student with no background was already a dead man.
However.
Facing these overwhelming accusations and threats.
A strange smile appeared on Johnny's face.
"Bankruptcy? Prison?"
"Just by your word?"
Johnny shook his head and suddenly took a step forward.
Under everyone's shocked gazes.
He walked straight to the huge conference table.
Then.
He plopped down in the main seat that originally belonged to Harrison!
He propped his legs up on the table and leaned back.
That posture was as arrogant as it could be.
"I think you might have misunderstood something."
Johnny looked around at the stunned crowd, finally letting his gaze rest on Harrison, who was trembling with rage.
"First, it was your son who was openly bullying a classmate at the school gate."
"Second, I was acting out of righteousness."
"Finally, and most importantly."
Johnny extended a finger and tapped the tabletop lightly.
"If I hadn't stepped in to deal with those two supervillains."
"Your precious son would have been crushed into meat paste by the Rhino long ago!"
"So..."
Johnny spread his hands, looking like it was only natural.
"Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
"Expel me? Compensation?"
"What are you dreaming about?"
"I think, not only can you not expel me."
"Instead, you should hold a school-wide commendation meeting for me and award me some Outstanding Youth Award or something."
"As for the scholarship..."
Johnny rubbed his chin.
"Just as a token of appreciation, a full scholarship will do."
"And in the future, if there are any good academic resources, they must be prioritized for me."
"After all, a genius like me, who is both skilled in letters and martial arts, is the living brand of your school."
In the entire meeting room, one could hear a pin drop.
Everyone looked at Johnny as if they were looking at a fool.
This kid... is he crazy?
He beat up the board member's son, and instead of thinking about how to beg for mercy.
He actually turned around and negotiated terms with the board member?
Commendation? Scholarship?
How much fake alcohol did he drink?
"Hahahaha!"
Harrison suddenly burst into a fit of wild laughter.
He laughed so hard that tears almost came out.
"Good! Good! Good!"
He pointed at Johnny, laughing uncontrollably.
"In all my years, this is the first time I've seen such a reckless thing!"
"Who do you think you are?"
"Saved my son? That's what you should have done!"
"Injured my son? That's your crime!"
Dean and the other leaders also laughed along.
Their eyes were full of mockery and disdain.
"Gilda, have you not woken up yet?"
"This is the real World, not your hero dream!"
"If you hit someone, you have to pay the price!"
"Wait to rot in prison!"
Harrison stopped laughing, leaving only cruelty and coldness on his face.
"No need to talk nonsense with him."
"Security! Throw him out for me!"
"The notice of expulsion will be sent to your home immediately."
"As for the lawyer's letter..."
Harrison sneered.
"I will let you know what the power of capital is!"
"You can get lost now!"
Just then.
"Ring ring ring—!"
A sharp phone ring suddenly broke the silence of the meeting room.
Harrison frowned.
He pulled out his phone somewhat impatiently.
This was his private number, and not many people knew it.
"Hello? This is Harrison."
"What's the matter? I'm dealing with that ungrateful student..."
However.
The next second.
Harrison's originally overbearing face instantly froze.
The original anger and arrogance receded quickly like a tide.
It was replaced by an unbelievable shock and deep fear.
"Wha... what?"
"Homeland... Strategic Defense..."
"Protected person?!"
"This... how is this possible?!"
Harrison's voice was trembling, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.
The voice from the other end of the phone was very calm.
"I am Phil Coulson."
"Regarding Mr. Johnny Gilda, he is now a high-level protected person of our Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
"Any unfavorable charges against him must be withdrawn immediately."
"If Mr. Johnny suffers any grievance due to your foolish behavior, or if something as ridiculous as expulsion happens..."
"Then, the Thompson Family will face very serious consequences."
"This... this..."
Harrison felt like the sky was falling.
Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division!
That legendary mysterious organization that stood above everything!
Why would they step in for an ordinary college student?!
And it was such a dead-end order with no room for maneuver!
At the same time.
"Ding ding ding—!"
In the meeting room, the phones of several other school leaders also rang one after another.
"Hello? Director of Education?"
"What? Withdraw the punishment?"
"Must commend him? And it was personally instructed by the Mayor?!"
The sounds of answering the phone rose and fell.
Every person who finished the call had a face as ugly as if they had eaten a fly.
They looked in horror at Johnny, who was still sitting in the main seat, looking calm and even playing with a pen on the table.
Their eyes had completely changed.
How was this some poor kid with no background?
This was clearly a Great Buddha that one could not afford to offend!
Johnny watched this scene.
Although he didn't understand exactly what happened.
But judging from their expressions.
Something interesting must have happened.
"Interesting."
Chapter 17: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Donuts
Inside the conference room.
Harrison Thompson's hand holding the phone was still trembling slightly.
He looked at Johnny, who was sitting in the main seat with a calm expression and even a hint of a playful smile.
It felt as if someone had gripped his heart tightly; even breathing became difficult.
The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division... that privileged agency that only existed in legends.
They actually stepped forward for this student with no background?!
And it was even a top-level protection order!
What did this mean?
It meant that behind this seemingly harmless young man stood the entire state apparatus!
And he had just threatened to make him rot in jail?
And even demanded compensation?
Thompson felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
It's over.
This time, he had kicked a Titanium Alloy Plate.
"Mr. Thompson, what are you waiting for?"
Johnny toyed with the pen in his hand and spoke calmly.
"Didn't you just say you were going to have the security guards throw me out?"
"What? Are the guards lost?"
"No... no, no, no!"
Thompson snapped back to his senses, his face instantly plastered with a smile that looked worse than crying.
"A misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding!"
"Classmate Gilda, I was impulsive just now; I didn't understand the situation!"
"Please... please don't take it to heart!"
This face-changing speed was faster than flipping a page.
Seeing this, the other school leaders also tucked away their gloating expressions.
Each sat upright and focused, terrified that the fire would spread to them.
Except for Dean of Academic Affairs Dean, who was standing to the side.
This guy clearly still hadn't figured out the situation.
Or maybe the amount of information in that instant was too much, short-circuiting his already small brain.
"Director Thompson, what are you saying?"
Dean approached with a confused look and shouted at Johnny while pointing.
"Gilda! You disrespectful brat! Get out of that chair right now!"
"Is that a place where you're allowed to sit?!"
"Who do you think you are, talking to Mr. Thompson like that?!"
"I think you really don't want to stay here anymore!"
Thompson was trembling with rage; even at a time like this, this guy was still making trouble for him.
He pointed at the door and roared:
"Get out!"
"Now! Immediately! Right now! Disappear from my sight!"
"Huh?!"
Dean was completely dumbfounded.
This isn't how the script was supposed to go.
Weren't we just about to crush this kid?
Why am I the one being told to get out all of a sudden?
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Johnny shook his head with a look of pity.
"It seems no matter how hard the dog bites, the Master doesn't care."
"Mr. Dean, it looks like your career as a watchdog isn't going so well."
"You—!"
Dean was so angry he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
He glared at Johnny resentfully, but under Thompson's murderous gaze...
...he could only slink away with his tail between his legs.
Just then.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
The conference room door was pushed open again.
Four Agents in black suits and sunglasses, radiating an aura that warned people to stay away, walked in.
Leading them was a middle-aged man with a slightly high hairline and a gentle smile on his face.
Phil Coulson.
The nice guy of S.H.I.E.L.D., and also the most trusted confidant of that "Black Braised Egg" Director.
Johnny raised an eyebrow.
Here already?
They move pretty fast.
"Hello, everyone. I am Phil Coulson."
Coulson showed his ID and smiled slightly at the crowd.
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
"We have some questions regarding national security and would like Mr. Gilda to assist with our investigation."
"I assume no one has any objections?"
As soon as Thompson saw the Eagle Emblem on the ID, his legs went weak.
He hurriedly trotted over, bowing and scraping.
"No objections! Of course not!"
"Everything will be as you arrange!"
"About... what was said on the phone..."
Coulson glanced at him; his smile remained gentle, but his eyes were chillingly cold.
"Remember what I said."
"If Mr. Gilda receives any unfair treatment at this school, or if any accidents occur..."
...then we will conduct a thorough security audit of the entire Empire State University."
"I believe Mr. Thompson knows what that would entail."
Thompson broke into a cold sweat and nodded frantically.
"Understood! Understood! I will certainly comply!"
After warning Thompson, Coulson finally walked up to Johnny.
"Mr. Gilda, please come with us."
"There are some things we need to discuss elsewhere."
Johnny shrugged and stood up from the chair.
"Let's go."
"The air in here is a bit stale anyway; I'd like to get some fresh air."
Under the awe-filled gazes of the school leaders...
...Johnny followed Coulson and the others, swaggering out of the conference room... to the school gate.
A pitch-black Chevrolet Suburban SUV was parked by the roadside.
The windows were tinted with one-way film, making it impossible to see inside from the outside.
Johnny sat in the back seat, with Coulson right beside him.
"Want one? Just bought them."
Coulson pulled a pink donut out of a paper bag and held it out to Johnny.
"I won't mind if I do."
Johnny took the donut and took a large bite.
Mmm, strawberry flavored, and quite sweet.
"I've read the statement you gave at the police station."
Coulson looked at Johnny with deep, searching eyes.
"Alien Meteorite Fragments?"
"Mr. Gilda, as much as I'd like to believe that story..."
...I have to say, it sounds a bit like a sci-fi plot from the last century."
"Really?"
Johnny swallowed the donut in his mouth, looking perfectly innocent.
"When I was a kid, I thought it was a dream too."
"But art imitates life, doesn't it?"
"Who would have thought that even aliens would be so careless with their trash these days?"
Coulson stared at Johnny for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed.
"Fair point."
"In a World where even gods fly around with hammers, finding a meteorite fragment doesn't seem all that strange."
He didn't dwell on the matter.
As long as the person was under control, whether it was a meteorite didn't matter.
What mattered was whether this blade could be used by S.H.I.E.L.D.
"We've already settled things with the school board."
Coulson took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Johnny.
"This is your new file."
"In addition to keeping your enrollment, we've also applied for a full scholarship for you, along with some special academic privileges."
"You can consider this a small token of our appreciation."
Johnny took the document and scanned it, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
Good grief.
S.H.I.E.L.D. certainly knows how to do things right.
Not only was the trouble resolved, but they also threw in quite a few benefits.
What do they call this?
This is called 'it's good to have a big tree to lean on for shade'!
"Thanks."
Johnny closed the file.
"But I assume you're not doing this out of charity?"
"Of course not."
Coulson nodded.
"We hope you can maintain your current lifestyle and stay in school."
"If necessary, we will contact you for some ability assessment tests."
"Naturally, this would be under the premise that it doesn't interfere with your normal life and rest."
"After all, for a young man with such great power as yourself, it would be a loss for all of humanity if you were to go astray due to a lack of guidance."
Johnny rolled his eyes.
Guidance?
More like surveillance.
But he didn't care.
As long as it didn't stop him from wooing girls, everything else was fine.
"Fine."
Johnny stretched.
"Just don't take up too much of my dating time."
"After all, as you know, for a college student, dating is the most important thing."
Coulson smiled and handed Johnny a business card.
"This is my private number. You can contact me if you have any trouble."
"Have a pleasant life, Mr. Gilda."
...The SUV pulled over to the side of the road.
Johnny pushed the door open and got out.
It happened to be a break between classes.
People were coming and going on the campus boulevard.
Johnny had only taken a couple of steps when a familiar fragrant breeze wafted toward him.
"Hey there, big celebrity."
Felicia Hardy appeared out of nowhere.
She was wearing a tight black leather jacket that accentuated her impressive figure perfectly.
Her cat-like eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"Was that a S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle just now?"
"Not bad; you've already made contact with the authorities?"
"Gwen was worried sick, constantly messaging me to ask about you."
"So? You didn't get sliced up for research, did you?"
Johnny chuckled and shook the document bag in his hand.
"Of course not."
"We just discussed some academic issues regarding alien civilizations."
"And I offered some constructive suggestions to the school while I was at it."
"That's good."
Felicia breathed a sigh of relief and took out her phone to send Gwen a message saying he was safe.
Then.
She looked up, her seductive eyes staring straight at Johnny.
Her tongue lightly brushed her red lips with a faint hint of flirtation.
"Since you're fine, how about doing me a favor?"
"I know a very good Japanese restaurant nearby."
"I want to..."
Felicia leaned in close to Johnny's ear, her breath like orchids.
"I want to have a good taste... what exactly does the hero who saved the whole school taste like?"
Sigh... This boomerang.
It came back pretty fast.
Looking at Felicia's "yours for the taking" expression...
Johnny felt a secret surge of pleasure.
Why would anyone refuse a beauty of Black Cat's caliber when she offers herself?
Not to mention... the many children many blessings system is still waiting to be upgraded!
"The pleasure is all mine."
A wicked grin curled on Johnny's lips as he naturally wrapped his arm around Felicia's slender waist... Meanwhile.
On the S.H.I.E.L.D. SUV as it slowly drove away.
Coulson took out his phone and sent a sternly worded text to Thompson.
The content was simple:
Fulfill all of Johnny Gilda's reasonable requests.
Including but not limited to scholarships, commendation ceremonies, and any academic resources he might need in the future.
If you do not comply... face the consequences.
Thompson, who was currently wiping cold sweat in his office, saw the message.
He was so angry he nearly smashed his phone.
But what could he do?
Facing a behemoth like the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division...
...as a mere school board member, he could do nothing but rage impotently and eventually back down.
"Bastard..."
Thompson gritted his teeth.
"You win this round, kid!"
Chapter 18: Ten Thousand Worlds Shocking Palm
In the private room of the Japanese restaurant, the lighting was dim and ambiguous.
Johnny sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, with Felicia sitting opposite him, her face blooming like a flower.
"Come, try this. The sea urchin in this shop is the freshest."
Felicia picked up a piece of golden sea urchin but didn't put it in her own bowl.
Instead, she leaned forward and held it right up to Johnny's mouth.
In those cat-like eyes, there was an undisguised flicker of flirtation.
Johnny wasn't shy either and opened his mouth to take it.
The tip of his tongue accidentally brushed against the tips of Felicia's chopsticks.
Felicia pulled her hand back as if she had received an electric shock.
Two red clouds drifted onto her cheeks, but the smile in her eyes deepened.
"How does it taste?"
"Fresh, tender, and smooth."
Johnny commented meaningfully, but his gaze wasn't on the sea urchin.
Instead, it fell on Felicia's bursting neckline.
"Just like you."
"You're terrible~"
Felicia gave a coy huff and rolled her eyes at him.
But in that tone, was there even a hint of actual dislike?
She was clearly enjoying it very much.
After three rounds of drinks, Felicia put down her chopsticks.
Her long, slender legs lightly brushed against Johnny's calves under the table.
"Hey, Johnny."
"Yesterday in the alleyway, how did you actually do it?"
Felicia propped up her chin, a curious light shining in her eyes.
"The Rhino and the Vulture are both tough characters that give the New York Police a headache."
"Especially that Rhino; I heard even anti-tank missiles can't blast through his skin."
"And yet, you shattered his jaw with a single punch?"
"And the fact that you can fly..."
Felicia leaned in closer, her breath like orchids.
"I heard rumors that you're a Mutant, or some kind of super-soldier from a secret lab?"
Seeing Felicia looking like a curious child.
Johnny set down his glass, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"Want to know?"
"Mm-hm!"
Felicia nodded repeatedly.
"Actually, it's not that complicated."
Johnny shrugged and brought out the same excuse he used to fool George and Coulson.
"I got lucky when I was a kid and found a glowing meteorite in the backyard."
"I touched it, and then I became like this."
"Alien tech—if you know, you know."
"Really?"
Felicia's eyes widened in disbelief.
"It's that simple?"
"It's that simple."
Johnny spread his hands.
"Sometimes, life is even more magical than the movies."
"Wow..."
Felicia sighed in admiration, a hint of envy showing in her eyes.
"I really envy you; you're so lucky."
"Not only are you handsome, but you also have these superpowers."
"Unlike me, I can only rely on these hands to make a living."
Saying so, she stretched out her long, fair hands and made a couple of grabbing motions in the air.
Like a Little Wildcat sharpening its claws.
Johnny smiled but didn't take the bait.
He knew that this seemingly harmless school beauty before him...
...was actually the future master thief, Black Cat.
Those hands could indeed make a living, and a pretty good one at that... The meal was very pleasant.
Not only was Felicia beautiful, but she was also a smooth talker.
And that subtle, constant flirting was something Johnny enjoyed very much.
When it was time to pay, Felicia was the first to take out her bank card.
"This time is on me, as a thank you for satisfying my curiosity."
Felicia winked at Johnny.
"However, as a return gift..."
"...are you free tonight? I know a great bar where we can go for some 'in-depth communication'?"
This hint was practically an explicit invitation.
Johnny rubbed his chin.
Although he really wanted to agree immediately.
But considering he still had to deal with Gwen, and... well, slow and steady wins the race.
"Let's keep in touch by phone."
Johnny waved his phone, neither refusing nor agreeing immediately.
This tactic of playing hard to get made the interest in Felicia's eyes even stronger... Back at school, just as he entered the classroom.
Johnny ran straight into Gwen.
"Johnny! You're back!"
Gwen rushed over with a worried look, scanning Johnny from head to toe.
"How was it? The school board didn't give you a hard time, did they?"
"I heard people from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Divisiontook you away?"
"They didn't slice you up for research, did they?"
Seeing Gwen's concerned look, Johnny felt a warmth in his heart.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
Johnny reached out and ruffled Gwen's blonde hair, pulling her into his arms.
"They just invited me for afternoon tea and chatted about maintaining World peace."
"See? I'm perfectly fine."
"Phew... that's good."
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief and nuzzled her head against Johnny's chest.
"You scared me to death. I thought..."
Suddenly.
Gwen's movements stopped.
She scrunched up her nose and sniffed Johnny.
Then she looked up, a hint of suspicion flashing in her deep blue eyes.
"Johnny... why do you have a scent of..."
"...miso soup from a Japanese restaurant on you?"
"And... what is this perfume scent?"
"It's so familiar... like..."
Hiss... Johnny's heart skipped a beat.
A woman's intuition was indeed terrifyingly sharp.
Especially the daughter of a Police chief; her investigative skills were maxed out.
"Oh, that."
Johnny didn't bat an eye, his heart didn't even skip a beat as he proactively raised his arm to sniff it.
"On the way back, I ran into a perfume salesperson who insisted on spraying some on me."
"As for the miso soup... that was from the lunch boxes those Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division Agents were eating. The smell was too strong and some got on me."
"Is that so?"
Although Gwen was still a bit suspicious, she chose to believe him under Johnny's candid gaze.
After all.
In her heart, Johnny was a superhero who dared to face the Rhino for the sake of justice.
How could he possibly lie to her?
"Alright... then stay away from those salespeople next time."
Gwen muttered, helping Johnny straighten his collar.
"I don't like this smell."
...The afternoon classes were still boring.
He finally made it through until school was out.
Gwen originally wanted to drag Johnny to the park for a walk and enjoy some intimacy in the romantic twilight.
But just as they stepped out of the school gate, her phone rang.
"Hello? Dad?"
Gwen answered the phone, her expression changing.
"Huh? There's a party at home tonight? I have to go back?"
"But..."
Gwen glanced at Johnny beside her, hesitating.
"Then can I bring Johnny back with me?"
On the other end, Chief George Stacy's voice was inaudible.
But judging by Gwen's increasingly disappointed expression, he had clearly refused.
"Alright... I understand."
Gwen hung up and looked at Johnny apologetically.
"Sorry, Johnny. My dad said there are important guests at home tonight, so it's not very convenient..."
"Actually, I think he just doesn't want to see you."
Gwen grumbled helplessly.
"It's fine, I understand."
Johnny smiled and pinched her cheek.
"Father-in-laws are like that; they never like their son-in-laws."
"You go ahead. I also want to go back early and get some rest."
"Yesterday was too exhausting, and I haven't quite recovered yet."
Hearing the words "too exhausting."
Gwen's face instantly turned red.
She naturally knew why Johnny was tired.
"Then... then you should get some good rest."
Gwen stood on her tiptoes and pecked Johnny on the cheek.
Then she got into her car, looking back every few steps... After seeing Gwen off.
Johnny stretched and prepared to ride his vintage bicycle home.
"Hi, handsome."
A familiar figure appeared by his bike like a ghost.
Felicia had changed into an even hotter outfit.
A miniskirt, black stockings, and a midriff-baring camisole.
She was practically a walking hormone dispenser.
"What a coincidence."
Johnny raised an eyebrow.
"It's not a coincidence; I was specifically waiting for you."
Felicia leaned against Johnny's bike, her long legs crossed in a seductive pose.
"I saw your girlfriend leave just now. You must be lonely all by yourself, right?"
"How about it? Want to go for a walk by the river together?"
"The evening breeze is very pleasant right now."
"After the walk, we can go grab dinner together, and then..."
Felicia winked at Johnny, her tongue lightly licking her red lips.
"...do some 'exercise' that adults enjoy to help digest the food?"
This hint could no longer be called a hint.
It was a straight-up proposition.
[Ding!]
[Detected a significant increase in target Felicia Hardy's Favorability toward the host!]
[Current Favorability: 95 (Irresistible)!]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the stage reward: Ten Thousand Worlds Shocking Palm!]
[Skill Description: A secret technique of the Turtle Hermit School. It converts the Qi within the body into high-voltage electric currents to fire at the opponent, possessing extremely strong paralysis and lethality! Note: Master Roshi once used this move to nearly instant-kill the Great Ape form of Son Goku!]
Holy crap!
This is good stuff!
Johnny's eyes instantly lit up.
Ten Thousand Worlds Shocking Palm!
This is a powerful crowd-control skill!
Not only can it cause damage, but it can also render the enemy immobile.
It's practically an essential god-tier skill for any situation!
With this, when I encounter those thick-skinned enemies in the future...
...I can just blast them with a hundred thousand volts and zap them until they're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Wouldn't that be sweet?
And... Felicia's Favorability is rising way too fast, isn't it?
It's already at 95?
It seems tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.
"Since a beautiful lady has extended such a warm invitation."
Johnny got on his bike and patted the back seat for Felicia.
"Then hop on."
"Hold on tight; I'm taking you for a ride."
Felicia wasn't shy either and sat sideways on the back.
Her hands naturally wrapped around Johnny's waist, and her whole body pressed against his back.
Feeling the soft sensation against his back.
Johnny whistled, kicked off, and the bicycle shot out like an arrow from a bow... However.
Just as the two were heading toward the riverside, chatting and laughing.
They didn't notice.
In a dark corner by the school gate.
...a black Ford sedan had already started up silently.
Chapter 19: Cooling Down the Fire of the Young Lovebirds
The black Ford sedan followed twenty meters behind Gilda.
The car windows were covered with deep black explosion-proof film, completely isolating the interior from the outside World.
But inside this seemingly ordinary sedan.
It was currently packed with ruthless characters enough to make the entire NYPD and even S.H.I.E.L.D. break into a cold sweat.
In the driver's seat, Bullseye chewed gum while playing with a playing card in one hand.
His dead-fish eyes held a trace of impatient murderous intent.
"I say, isn't that fat guy being a bit too cautious?"
In the back seat, a guy in green armor with a hideous face let out a sneer.
Green Goblin, Norman Osborn.
Of course, he was still wearing a mask at the moment, so no one could see his arrogant face.
"To deal with a wet-behind-the-ears college student, he actually called all of us?"
"Is that fat guy Kingpin so rich he has nowhere else to spend it?"
"Cut the crap, Osborn."
In the passenger seat, a man enveloped in blue electric arcs spoke coldly.
Electro, Max Dillon.
Although he hadn't become a pure energy being like in the movies yet.
The unstable sound of electricity still made one's heart race.
"That kid isn't simple."
"That idiot Rhino might be brainless, but his durability is second to none."
"To be able to knock Rhino unconscious with a single punch..."
"The force of that punch—even your green armor might not be able to withstand it."
"Humph, that's because Rhino is too stupid!"
Green Goblin snorted disdainfully, playing with a Pumpkin Bomb in his hand.
"As long as I'm flying in the sky, he's just a sitting duck."
"Enough, everyone shut up."
The man who had been sitting in the corner, wearing a large spherical helmet that looked like a fishbowl, spoke up.
Mysterio, Quentin Beck.
His voice, processed by the helmet, sounded somewhat ethereal and eerie.
"The boss's mission is to capture him alive."
"Kingpin said he's very interested in this young man."
"He wants to sit down with him, have a nice cup of tea, and talk about life."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Bullseye spat out his gum, a look of disgust on his face.
"That fat guy, he wants to recruit anyone who's a talent."
"He's not afraid of biting off more than he can chew."
"However..."
Bullseye looked at the two figures strolling by the river in the distance.
A cruel smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Since the boss paid, we have to do the job right."
"Go easy on him later, don't kill him outright."
"Especially that woman..."
Bullseye licked his lips.
"She looks quite succulent."
The villains in the car glanced at each other and let out knowing, sinister laughs... By the banks of the Hudson River.
A gentle evening breeze blew, and the setting sun dyed the river surface a golden red.
Johnny pushed the vintage bicycle, and Felicia snuggled against his side like a lazy kitten.
Their shadows stretched long on the ground, intertwining.
"Johnny, what do you want to do in the future?"
Felicia kicked a small pebble by the road and asked seemingly casually.
"Will you be like Captain America, a superhero in tights saving the World?"
"Or like Stark, being a playboy?"
Johnny stopped and looked at the shimmering river.
"A hero?"
He smiled, his eyes deep.
"Perhaps."
"But I'd rather be a powerhouse who does as he pleases."
"Only by being strong enough can you protect what you want to protect, right?"
"For instance..."
Johnny turned his head and looked into Felicia's seductive eyes.
"Protecting a beautiful Little Wildcat like you."
"Tsk, smooth talker."
Felicia's face flushed slightly, but the joy in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
She stretched, her beautiful curves fully revealed in the sunset.
"I don't want to be any kind of hero."
"It's too tiring, and you're bound by all sorts of rules."
"I prefer being a free-spirited wildcat."
Felicia leaned into Johnny's ear, her voice dropping, carrying a hint of mysterious temptation.
"I heard that the Tiffany & Co. store on Fifth Avenue just received a sapphire called the Heart of the Ocean."
"Its luster is as enchanting as your eyes."
"I was thinking... if someone could steal it and give it to me one of these nights."
"Then I might just love him to death."
This was a blatant hint.
And a test.
She was testing Johnny's bottom line and seeing if they were birds of a feather.
Johnny raised an eyebrow.
Good grief.
Is she trying to recruit me to be a partner in crime?
This plot... is getting a bit exciting.
"Stealing is illegal, Miss Hardy."
Johnny said solemnly.
But a second later, he smirked again.
"However..."
"If it's to win a beauty's smile."
"Playing the part of Kaito Kid occasionally doesn't seem too bad, either?"
"I'll consider it."
Felicia's eyes lit up, and she grabbed Johnny's arm, pressing herself against him.
"Then you'd better think it over carefully."
"If you decide..."
"Tonight, I have a reward."
...An hour later.
An upscale Western restaurant in central Manhattan.
The same formula, the same flavor.
Red wine, candles, steak.
And the beauty across from him, whose eyes were becoming more blurred and whose face was growing more flushed.
Johnny felt like he was just an emotionless favorability-grinding machine.
However.
Looking at Felicia's "take me as you will" appearance, this mechanical labor seemed to become enjoyable.
After a few glasses of red wine.
The atmosphere had reached its peak.
Johnny naturally stood up and walked to Felicia's side.
He leaned down and kissed that chattering little mouth.
"Mmm..."
Felicia responded passionately, her arms wrapping around Johnny's neck.
After a long time, their lips parted.
"To my place?"
Johnny extended the invitation.
"My place is on the fifteenth floor, with a large floor-to-ceiling window."
"The moonlight is beautiful tonight."
"We can admire the moon while exploring the mysteries of the human body."
Felicia's eyes were bedroom-soft as her finger traced circles on Johnny's chest.
"Are you sure... you're still in the mood for moon-gazing?"
"Of course."
Johnny caught the mischievous little hand and gave it a kiss.
"As long as I'm with you."
"I'm in the mood for anything."
"Especially..."
"Doing the things we love to do."
...Twenty minutes later.
A vintage bicycle stopped in front of a luxury apartment building in Manhattan.
Johnny with his arm around Felicia, swaggered into the lobby.
At the same time.
Inside the black Ford sedan by the roadside.
Several heads crowded near the window.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, this kid's got quite the luck with women."
Electro watched the two disappear into the elevator, his tone full of jealousy.
"That girl, her body is damn impressive."
"If I could just give her a little shock..."
"Shut up, Max."
Bullseye interrupted his fantasy and pointed upstairs.
"Fifteenth floor."
"The lights are on."
Everyone looked up.
A warm yellow light came on behind a massive floor-to-ceiling window on the fifteenth floor.
Through the gaps in the curtains, two figures could be vaguely seen.
Soon after.
One of the figures' movements began to get a bit wild.
Clothes were removed piece by piece.
"Heh heh heh..."
A chorus of lewd laughter rang out in the car.
Even Green Goblin, who had been acting all serious, couldn't help but let out a weird laugh.
"Looks like this kid is ready for some heavy action."
"Such a nice bicycle, too bad he won't be pedaling it tonight."
"Boss Kingpin is getting impatient."
Mysterio adjusted his helmet, his voice full of mockery.
"What do you say, if we barge in right now."
"Will he be so scared he won't be able to get it up ever again?"
"Hahahaha!"
A burst of laughter echoed inside the car.
This prank-like pleasure filled the twisted villains with excitement.
"Don't rush, don't rush."
Bullseye slowly took out a few throwing knives and played with them in his hands.
"Wait a little longer."
"Wait until he's taken all his clothes off."
"Wait until his excitement is at its peak."
"Then we'll present him with a big gift."
"I think his expression then will definitely be marvelous."
The few of them sat in the car like that, staring at the lit window.
Watching the two figures get closer and closer, finally overlapping.
"It's about time."
Bullseye suddenly pushed open the car door.
"Action!"
"Let's go cool down the Fire of these young lovebirds!"
Chapter 20: The Evil Quartet
Outside the door.
Bullseye held several throwing knives in his hand, his ear pressed against the door.
Listening to the faint sounds coming from inside, a lewd smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Tsk tsk tsk, from the sound of it, the battle is quite intense."
"I'm almost reluctant to interrupt."
The Green Goblin next to him urged impatiently:
"Enough nonsense, get on with it!"
"What's the fun if we wait for him to finish and enter his post-nut clarity?"
"We want to give him a heart-piercing chill right at the peak of his excitement!"
"Alright, alright, you're just eager to watch the show, aren't you?"
Bullseye shrugged and took a step back.
He lifted his foot and violently kicked towards the expensive-looking solid wood door... Meanwhile, inside the room.
Johnny, who had been immersed in the gentle embrace, suddenly halted his movements.
"What's wrong?"
Felicia, still unsatisfied, wrapped her arms around his neck, her gaze dazed.
"Someone's coming."
Johnny's voice turned cold.
"And they mean no good."
He could clearly sense the several waves of undisguised malicious aura outside the door.
"Wha... what kind of people?"
Felicia instantly sobered up a bit, nervously grabbing the bedsheet.
"Don't know, just a few pests."
Johnny patted her smooth back, his tone calm.
"Hide first, get dressed."
"Don't let this filth dirty your eyes."
After saying that, he casually grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist.
Bare-chested, his toned muscles shimmered with a metallic luster under the light.
Just as Felicia had hidden in the closet.
"Bang!"
The door was kicked open.
Immediately after.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!"
Three throwing knives gleaming with a cold light shot towards Johnny's face, throat, and heart in a triangular formation!
Their speed was as fast as lightning!
However.
Facing this certain-kill strike.
Johnny didn't even bat an eyelid.
He simply casually raised his right hand, and at the moment the three knives were about to hit him.
He gave a light flick.
"Clink clink clink!"
Three crisp sounds.
The three knives, capable of piercing steel plates, came to a firm stop between his fingers!
"What?!"
Bullseye, frozen in his throwing posture at the doorway, almost popped his eyes out.
How was this possible?!
He was the hundred-percent-accurate Bullseye!
How could anyone in this World catch his throwing knives bare-handed?!
Before he could recover from the shock.
"Yahoo—!"
A strange cry.
The Green Goblin, riding his glider, charged in like a green mad dog.
"Kid! Taste this!"
He raised the pumpkin bomb in his hand, ready to throw it.
"Noisy!"
Johnny frowned.
His figure instantly vanished from the spot.
The next second.
He appeared above the Green Goblin's head.
Without any flashy moves.
Just a plain, straightforward downward axe kick!
"Thud!"
A dull thud.
The Green Goblin, along with his glider, was kicked straight down from mid-air.
Crashing heavily onto the floor!
The hard marble floor instantly cracked, dust rising everywhere.
"Cough cough cough..."
The Green Goblin curled up on the ground, feeling as if his internal organs had been displaced, unable to even let out a scream.
At this moment.
Everyone was stunned.
Bullseye was stunned.
Electro, who was just about to discharge electricity, was stunned.
Mysterio, who was preparing to create illusions, was also stunned.
Is this guy really a college student?
[Ding!]
[Detected that target Felicia Hardy witnessed the host's divine might, worship value off the charts!]
[Current Favorability: 100 (Willing to follow through life and death)!]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the full-value reward: Dodonpa!]
[Skill Description: The Crane School's secret technique, focusing ki on the fingertip to instantly release a high-penetration light beam! It kills whomever it points at, specialized in dealing with all sorts of defiance!]
Through the crack in the closet door.
Felicia covered her mouth, looking at the man standing like a war god in the center of the living room.
Her eyes were filled with infatuation and fervor.
So strong!
So handsome!
This was the man she, Felicia, had set her eyes on!
Hearing the system notification.
A cruel smile curled at the corner of Johnny's mouth.
Dodonpa?
Perfect timing!
He extended the index finger of his right hand, aiming it at Electro, who was crackling with sparks and preparing to launch a sneak attack.
"You want to electrocute me, right?"
A faint light flashed at Johnny's fingertip.
"Dodonpa!"
"Whoosh—!"
A thread-thin, golden-yellow beam of light, containing terrifying energy, instantly pierced through the air.
Electro didn't even have a chance to react.
The light beam directly pierced through his forehead!
"Pfft!"
The blue light in Electro's eyes instantly extinguished.
His corpse fell straight backward.
Instant kill!
"Max!!!"
Bullseye and Mysterio screamed in terror.
What the hell kind of skill is this?!
A laser?!
"Damn it! Fight him to the death!"
Bullseye frantically pulled out various weapons from his chest.
Shurikens, playing cards, even a pen.
He threw them at Johnny as if they cost nothing.
However.
Johnny simply stood in place, a faint white aura flaring up around his body.
Those lethal weapons, upon touching the aura.
Were all deflected!
"This... this is impossible..."
Bullseye was utterly despairing.
How could they even fight this?
Physical immunity?
"Illusions! Use illusions, quick!"
He roared at Mysterio behind him.
Only then did Mysterio snap out of it.
He hurriedly activated the holographic projection device on his person.
"Hum—!"
The scene in the living room instantly changed.
Dozens of Mysterio's figures appeared out of thin air, densely crowding the entire space.
Each one performed the same movements, making it impossible to distinguish the real one.
"Hahaha! Kid!"
Mysterio's voice came from all directions, carrying a hint of madness.
"Now let's see how you fight! You can't possibly find my real body!"
"Oh really?"
Johnny sneered contemptuously.
"Showing off your meager skills in front of an expert."
"Playing with clones in front of me?"
"Afterimage Fist!"
Swish swish swish!
In an instant.
Johnny's figure also began to multiply.
Ten, twenty, fifty... In the blink of an eye.
The entire living room was filled with Johnny's afterimages!
Their number was twice that of Mysterio's illusions!
Mysterio was dumbfounded.
What the hell kind of move is this?
"Your illusions may be realistic, but unfortunately..."
Dozens of Johnnys spoke simultaneously, their voices cold.
"...you can't sense ki."
In Johnny's perception.
Among those dozens of Mysterios, only one emitted a faint life force.
That was the real body!
"There!"
All the Johnnys simultaneously looked towards a figure in the corner.
The real body was instantly exposed!
"No!!"
Mysterio tried to retreat in terror.
But it was already too late.
Johnny's figures instantly merged into one, appearing before him.
He clasped his hands together, lightning flashing in his palms.
"Ten Thousand Worlds Shocking Palm!"
"Zzzz—!"
Terrifying high-voltage currents instantly engulfed Mysterio.
Without even time to scream, Mysterio was directly turned into a charred corpse.
The smell of roasted meat filled the air.
In the blink of an eye.
Only two members of the quartet remained alive.
One was the Green Goblin lying half-dead on the ground.
The other was Bullseye, shrinking by the doorway and trembling.
Johnny glanced at the Green Goblin on the floor.
The guy was tightly clutching a pumpkin bomb, as if wanting to go out in a blaze of glory.
"Want to blow up my house?"
"Did you ask for my permission?"
Johnny raised his hand and fired a ki blast.
"Boom!"
The Green Goblin, along with the bomb in his hand, was blasted straight out the window.
Now.
Only Bullseye remained.
Johnny walked leisurely up to him.
Looking down at this once arrogant King of Assassins.
"Speak."
"Who sent you?"
"What do you want?"
Bullseye trembled as he looked up.
Seeing the emotionless eyes of Johnny, his psychological defenses completely collapsed.
"It's... it's Kingpin!"
"He wanted to capture you... said he wanted to recruit you..."
"I... I'm just a hired hand! Please, spare me!"
"I have money! I have fifty million dollars in a Swiss bank! I'll give it all to you!"
"As long as you let me go..."
Johnny raised an eyebrow.
Kingpin?
That fat bastard?
It was him, as expected.
"I don't want your money."
Johnny waved his hand dismissively.
"However, I can give you a chance to live."
He pointed at the two corpses on the floor.
"Clean this place up."
"Take them away, throw them in the river."
"Don't dirty my carpet."
"Get lost."
Bullseye felt as if granted amnesty.
He hurriedly scrambled up, laboriously dragging the two corpses.
Stumbling and crawling, he fled out the door.
Afraid Johnny might change his mind.
The closet door opened.
Felicia, wrapped in a towel, walked out and looked at the empty doorway.
She asked somewhat puzzled:
"You just let him go like that?"
"That doesn't seem like your style."
Johnny walked to the balcony and took a deep breath.
Watching the figure downstairs who had just finished disposing of the bodies and was about to get in a car and flee.
A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Let him go?"
"Think too much."
"I just let him clean up the corpses for me."
After saying that.
He slowly raised the index finger of his right hand.
Across the height of fifteen floors.
He aimed at the black car that had just started.
"You disturb my fun and still think you can live?"
"Die!"
A golden light flashed at his fingertip.
"Whoosh—!"
A Dodonpa instantly pierced through the night sky.
Accurately hitting Bullseye inside the car, instantly blowing his head off.
Johnny turned to look at Felicia.
His gaze once again grew passionate.
"I'll settle the score with that fat bastard called Kingpin."
"But for now..."
He swept Felicia up in his arms.
"...we still have more important unfinished business."
"I'm a bit worked up from earlier, need you to help me cool down."
Felicia let out a delicate cry, obediently wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Then... no interruptions this time, okay?"
"Don't worry."
Johnny grinned mischievously, striding towards the bedroom.
"Tonight, even if God himself shows up."
"He'll have to wait outside the door for me."
"Unless he doesn't want to live!"
Chapter 21: Mary Jane Watson
The first rays of the morning sun spilled into the bedroom through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Johnny stretched and sat up from the bed.
Last night's battle could only be described as intense.
Even with a Saiyan physique and a combat power of 2200, he felt a slight ache in his lower back.
This was the so-called 'pain and pleasure' combined.
He turned his head to look at the side of the bed.
It was empty.
The Little Wildcat who had been clinging to him like an octopus last night was nowhere to be found.
"Left so early?"
Johnny raised an eyebrow and rolled out of bed.
Walking out of the bedroom, he saw that the living room had been tidied up perfectly.
Even the mess left behind from last night's battle had been cleaned up thoroughly.
Except for... the few cracks on the marble floor in the center of the living room, left behind when that unlucky Green Goblin was smashed down.
Those were battle scars that no amount of wiping could remove.
"Tsk, looks like I'll have to get the property management to replace a floor tile."
Johnny shook his head, picked up his phone, and dialed the property management's number.
After hanging up, he noticed a sticky note left on the table.
It bore a red lipstick kiss mark, with a line of elegant handwriting next to it:
"Good morning, dear Apollo."
"As much as I wanted to stay in your arms forever, that old fossil of a Professor for today's sketching class is just too difficult to deal with."
"I have to slip away first~"
"Last night was great, let's do it again next time."
"Love, your Little Wildcat."
Looking at the note, a wicked smile curled at the corner of Johnny's mouth.
"After tossing and turning until so late last night, she actually has the energy to go to class?"
"This Little Wildcat's stamina seems to be naturally gifted as well."
Just then.
[Ding!]
The system's wonderful notification sound rang out again.
[Congratulations to the host! Successfully completed the first deep exchange with the S-Rankcomprehensive rated beauty — Felicia Hardy!]
[many children many blessings system reward calculation in progress...]
[Reward: In view of the host's heroic performance last night, you are specially rewarded with the Turtle Hermit School's ultimate secret technique — Kamehameha!]
[Skill Description: A Turtle Hermit School technique that fires a concentrated energy blast. Its power depends on the amount of Ki injected. It can blast stars above and exterminate mosquitoes below; it is a must-have divine skill for home travel and silent elimination!]
Holy crap!
Kamehameha?!
Johnny's eyes lit up instantly.
This was the signature skill from dragon ball!
Although he had the Dodonpa before, that thing could only perform precision kills; its penetration was strong, but its destructive range was limited.
The Kamehameha was different.
This was a weapon of mass destruction that could blow the moon to smithereens!
With this move, if he encountered something like Thanos's fleet or the Celestials in the future...
He could just fire a full-power Kamehameha at them.
That scene... would be simply too beautiful!
"A pity..."
Johnny glanced at the system panel and sighed with some regret.
"I didn't trigger the 'One Shot, One Kill' achievement this time."
"It seems that if I want Felicia to get pregnant with a little Saiyan, I'll have to work hard a few more times."
"But..."
He rubbed his chin, a veteran driver's smile appearing on his face.
"The more of this kind of thing, the better."
...After washing up and changing into casual clothes.
Johnny pushed open the door and walked out of the apartment.
Just as he reached downstairs, he found that yellow Police tape had already been set up outside the apartment entrance.
Several Police officers in uniform were busy there.
There were even a few guys in black suits, obviously S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents, mixed in with them.
"Mr. Gilda, please wait a moment."
An Agent stopped Johnny.
"Regarding the disturbance last night, we need to perform a simple routine inquiry."
"No problem."
Johnny nodded with a cooperative look.
"I was sleeping very soundly last night and didn't hear a thing."
After dealing with these formalities, Johnny hopped on his bicycle and headed toward the school.
In the donut shop on the street corner.
Coulson held half a chocolate donut in his hand, watching Johnny's departing back through the glass window.
"Target is normal, emotions are stable, currently heading to school."
He reported in a low voice into the communicator on his collar.
However, a hint of hard-to-conceal amazement flashed in his eyes.
"Those four people last night..."
"Bullseye, Green Goblin, Mysterio, Electro."
"Which one of them isn't a tough character that gives S.H.I.E.L.D. a headache?"
"As it turns out, this kid alone took them all down in one night."
"He even disposed of the bodies completely."
Coulson swallowed the donut in his mouth, feeling a bit choked.
This combat power, this psychological quality... he's simply a natural-born superhero candidate!
"The Director is right."
"We must find a way to recruit such talent into the Avengers."
"Otherwise, if he's in a bad mood one day and turns to the dark side..."
"That would be ten thousand times more terrifying than those four unlucky guys combined."
...Empire State University.
In the classroom, Gwen was sitting in the front row, flipping through a book somewhat absentmindedly.
When she saw Johnny walk in, her eyes lit up instantly.
"Johnny!"
Gwen called out softly, patting the empty seat beside her.
Johnny walked over and sat down, naturally taking her hand.
"About yesterday... you're not angry that my dad rejected you, are you?"
Gwen looked at Johnny cautiously, her eyes full of apology.
"You know how he is, just an old stubborn man."
"Silly girl, how could I be angry?"
Johnny laughed and pinched her cheek.
"He's my Father-in-law; it's normal for him to find his son-in-law unpleasing to the eye."
"When we have a grandson for him to hold later, he'll definitely be smiling from ear to ear."
"You... what are you talking about!"
Gwen's face flushed crimson as she gave him a reproachful glare.
But she couldn't hide the upward curve of her lips.
"Let's have lunch together? To make it up to you, today is my treat."
"It would be my honor."
Johnny readily agreed.
This class was Professor Connors' biology class.
Professor Connors looked a bit off today.
His hair was messy, his eyes were bloodshot, and he seemed exceptionally hyperactive.
During the lecture, he couldn't go three sentences without mentioning the regenerative genes of reptiles.
He even drew a bunch of incomprehensible, complex formulas on the blackboard.
That fanatical look in his eyes made Johnny frown.
"Looks like this old man is getting ready to transform into the Lizard."
Johnny thought to himself.
However, he didn't plan to stop him right now.
You can't reason with a scientist in this kind of fanatical state... Noon, cafeteria.
Johnny and Gwen carried their trays and found a seat by the window.
The two of them ate while discussing the question about gene decay rates from the class earlier.
Just then.
Johnny's gaze casually swept across the cafeteria entrance.
It suddenly froze.
He saw a dining table not far away.
Peter Parker was sitting with a red-haired girl.
The girl had hair as dazzlingly red as fire, and her figure was incredibly hot.
Even though she was just wearing an ordinary T-shirt and jeans, it was hard to hide her model-like, proud curves.
Mary Jane Watson!
In the Marvel Universe, one of Spider-Man's most famous girlfriends!
At this time, the two of them seemed to be talking about something.
Although Peter still had that somewhat shy look, there was a smile on his face.
They seemed to be chatting quite happily?
"Well, well."
Johnny was secretly amazed.
"I just snatched Gwen away, and he turns around and hooks up with Mary Jane?"
"As expected of the Peter aura; this luck with women is second to none."
Johnny rubbed his chin.
While it's said that one shouldn't covet a friend's wife.
But this kid Peter hasn't even transformed into Spider-Man yet, and Mary Jane isn't his girlfriend yet either.
At most, they're just childhood friends or neighbors.
Besides... Mary Jane's figure is indeed top-tier!
That kind of vibrant, youthful aura was completely different from Gwen's intellectualism and Felicia's wildness.
She was practically built to Johnny's aesthetic preferences.
"If I could also..."
Before the thought in Johnny's mind could finish.
[Ding!]
[Detected Marvel classic high-quality female — Mary Jane Watson!]
[Target Identity: Future supermodel/actress, an important confidante of Spider-Man.]
[System Suggestion: The host should uphold the spirit of universal love and, for the prosperity of the family, include her as a pursuit target!]
[Pursuit Reward Preview: Ki Disc, advanced version of Bukūjutsu, and a massive combat power bonus!]
Pfft—!
Johnny almost couldn't help but laugh out loud.
This dog system.
It really understands me!
Ki Disc? That's a skill that can cut through anything!
And a massive combat power bonus... who could resist such temptation?
"Peter, oh Peter."
Johnny looked at Peter in the distance and sighed silently in his heart.
"Although I feel this is a bit dishonest."
"But..."
"For the sake of maintaining cosmic peace, for the sake of defeating Thanos."
"I can only wrong you."
"After all, you can't handle such a hot babe anyway."
"Better let me share this burden of pain for you!"
Chapter 22: Harry Osborn
Just then...
A handsome young man wearing an expensive custom suit walked into the cafeteria entrance.
His hair was meticulously combed back into a slicked-back style.
Holding a meal tray, his gaze scanned the room before he walked straight toward Peter's table.
Harry Osborn.
The crown prince of the Osborn Group.
"Hey, Peter!"
Harry sat down beside Peter with natural ease.
His innate aristocratic aura instantly made the ordinary dining table feel somewhat out of place.
"Harry! You came to eat at the cafeteria too?"
Peter was pleasantly surprised and hurriedly introduced both sides.
"Mary Jane, this is my best friend, Harry Osborn."
"Harry, this is Mary Jane."
"Hello, Mr. Osborn."
Mary Jane's eyes instantly lit up.
She reached out her hand, her smile significantly more radiant than when she was facing Peterjust a moment ago.
Johnny was all too familiar with that look.
It was the look of someone seeing hope for social mobility.
Then again, for a girl like Mary Jane who came from a terrible family and was desperate to make a name for herself...
The young master of the Osborn Group was practically a prince from a fairy tale.
Even if this prince seemed a bit gloomy.
"Tsk tsk, poor Peter."
Johnny sighed silently in his heart.
How was this introducing a friend?
This was clearly inviting a wolf into the house.
In the original story, you were cheated on by these two so much your head was glowing green.
Looking at it now, the wheels of history still had that familiar flavor.
However... since he was destined to be cheated on...
Rather than letting Harry, this mentally unstable rich kid, benefit...
It would be better to let me, a cheater dedicated to maintaining cosmic peace, benefit.
Keep the good stuff within the family, so to speak.
"Is that Harry Osborn?"
Gwen also recognized the newcomer and was somewhat surprised.
"I didn't expect him to come to school. I heard the Osborn Group has been making some big moves lately."
"You know him?"
"I don't."
Johnny wiped his mouth, stood up, and straightened his collar.
"But, I was just thinking of getting to know him."
He looked at Gwen with a sincere (deceitful) gaze.
"As you know, I'm researching that Genetic Decay Rate project, and the Osborn Group is an authority in that field."
"If I can get in touch with this crown prince, it would be a huge help to our research."
"After all, in this society, having more friends means having more paths."
Gwen was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
"True. Go ahead then, I'll wait for you."
The reason was flawless.
In the World of top students, academic exchange was always legitimate and noble.
The corners of Johnny's mouth curled up slightly as he took long strides toward Peter's table.
"Hi, Peter."
Johnny walked to the table and naturally rested one hand on the back of Peter's chair.
"What a coincidence, eating with friends?"
Peter looked up, saw it was Johnny, and smiled: "Johnny, you're here too."
"Johnny, you're here too."
"And this is?"
Johnny asked knowingly, his gaze falling on Harry.
"Oh! This is Harry, Harry Osborn!"
Peter hurriedly introduced him.
"Harry, this is Johnny Gilda, the one I mentioned to you."
"The tough guy who knocked out Rhino with one punch."
Hearing this, Harry, who had been somewhat indifferent, suddenly had sharp eyes.
He put down his knife and fork, stood up, and took the initiative to extend his hand.
"I've heard a lot about you."
"Your name has been spreading like crazy in New York's high society over the past two days."
"Even my father has been full of praise for you."
Although Harry was arrogant, he also admired the strong.
He gave enough respect to a powerhouse who could take on a supervillain solo.
"Mr. Osborn is too kind."
Johnny smiled and shook Harry's hand, applying a bit of pressure.
Harry's expression changed slightly, then he revealed a smile of even greater appreciation.
"Just call me Harry."
"Alright, Harry."
Johnny let go of his hand, and his gaze finally turned naturally to the red-haired beauty beside them.
"And who is this beautiful lady?"
Mary Jane had been unable to sit still for a long time.
From the moment Johnny walked over, her eyes hadn't left the man.
He was so handsome!
That confidence and dominance radiating from his very bones...
It was a hundred times more charming than Harry's gloomy aristocratic vibe.
Not to mention he was currently the most popular figure on campus, a mysterious superhero!
"Mary Jane Watson."
Mary Jane took the initiative to extend her slender hand, brushing the red hair by her ear.
She revealed a perfect smile that she had practiced countless times.
"You can call me MJ."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr... Gilda."
She bit those last two words very lightly, with a hint of a seductive lilt.
Johnny took her hand.
Soft and smooth.
As expected of a future big star, her skin maintenance was indeed impeccable.
"MJ? Good name."
"Your aura is very special; it reminds me of those actresses from Hollywood's Golden Age."
"Interested in exchanging contact information?"
"I've been investing in some film and television projects lately; perhaps there will be opportunities to collaborate in the future."
Investing in film and television?
That was pure nonsense, of course.
The only thing he was investing in was Human Genetic Engineering.
But for Mary Jane, who was desperate to enter the entertainment industry, this was a total knockout blow.
"Of course!"
Mary Jane's eyes were glowing as she quickly pulled out her phone.
"That's exactly what I was going to say."
The process of the two exchanging numbers was extremely smooth.
Seeing this, Harry beside them was not to be outdone.
"Since we're all friends, save mine too."
Harry took out his phone and smiled at Mary Jane.
"The Osborn Group also has entertainment companies under its umbrella."
Mary Jane naturally didn't refuse anyone, laughing so hard she trembled.
Watching this harmonious scene...
Johnny sneered in his heart.
This kid Harry was indeed a closet flirt.
Claiming to be a friend, yet his moves to pick up girls weren't slow at all.
However... sorry.
No matter how fast you are, can you be faster than my system?
[Ding!]
[Detected that the host has successfully established contact with the target Mary Jane Watson, binding successful!]
[Obtained initial binding reward: Basic Combat Power +200!]
[Host's current combat power: 2400!]
A familiar surge of heat flowed through him again.
Johnny felt his strength reach a new level.
2400 points!
This feeling was so damn good!
"Alright, I won't disturb you guys any further."
Having achieved his goal, Johnny knew when to stop.
After all, Gwen was still watching from over there; going too far would easily cause trouble at home.
"My girlfriend is still waiting for me over there."
He deliberately emphasized the word "girlfriend."
It was both for Harry to hear and to show his value to Mary Jane.
In an open country like America, being taken only made one more sought after.
"See you later, everyone."
Johnny turned and walked away coolly.
Looking at Johnny's back...
Harry took a sip of coffee, his eyes flickering: "Peter, this friend of yours is very interesting."
Peter gave a bitter smile and looked down at the pasta on his plate, which now tasted like wax.
He wasn't stupid; he clearly saw the undercurrents during that brief exchange.
Meanwhile, Mary Jane rested her chin on her hand, her gaze following Johnny the whole time.
She didn't look away reluctantly until he sat back down beside Gwen.
"Um... Harry, Peter."
Mary Jane seemed to suddenly remember something and smoothed her hair.
"I have a very important audition on Broadway tonight."
"If you're free, could you come and support me?"
"Of course!" Peter immediately looked up, his eyes full of anticipation.
"No problem." Harry also nodded gentlemanly.
Not far away...
Johnny, who had overheard everything, smiled.
A Broadway audition?
Well, it had actually been a long time since he'd been to Broadway.
It wouldn't be bad to go see Mary Jane's performance.
And while he was at it, see if there was a chance to develop their relationship further.
"Johnny, what are you smiling about? You look so happy."
Gwen looked at him curiously.
"Nothing."
Johnny cut a piece of steak and fed it to Gwen, his gaze deep.
"I just suddenly feel that the night scenery tonight will be very beautiful."
"By the way, Gwen, I have to handle some private academic matters tonight."
"I might not be able to accompany you tonight."