Ch: 8-14
Chapter 8: Successfully Conquering the First Marvel Goddess!
"Rumble—!!!"
A dull, massive roar approached.
The ground began to tremble violently, and ripples spread across the puddles in the alley.
"Wha... what is that sound?!"
The varsity team lackeys, who were originally holding switchblades...
...and preparing to charge at Johnny Gilda for a desperate fight...
...now froze in place.
They turned their heads in terror, looking toward the entrance of the alley.
The next second.
Everyone's pupils snapped to the size of needlepoints.
In the dust at the alley's entrance...
...a massive grey figure, as large as a small mountain, was lowering its head.
That single horn, powerful enough to pierce an armored vehicle, was charging fiercely toward the alley entrance!
Rhino!
The overwhelming pressure coming at them was suffocating.
"Oh my God! A monster!!"
"Run! Run now!"
The lackey who had just been shouting about killing Johnny was now so scared he couldn't even hold his knife steady.
With a "clang," it fell to the ground.
The boy who had been responsible for blocking the alley entrance to restrict Gwen's movement let out a strange cry.
He scrambled and crawled toward the other end of the alley as fast as he could.
As for Gwen?
Who the hell cared about anyone else?
Human nature was fully exposed at this moment.
Every man for himself when disaster strikes.
Only Gwen was left, standing all alone at the outermost edge of the alley entrance.
She watched the monster getting closer and closer.
She watched that horn glinting with a cold light.
Boundless fear flooded over her like a tide.
Even though she was the daughter of the Police Chief and was usually very assertive...
...at the end of the day, she was just an eighteen-year-old girl who hadn't even left school yet.
Facing such a non-human monster, her legs felt like they were filled with lead, unable to move an inch.
"Am I... going to die?"
Gwen's mind went completely blank.
Watching Rhino's hideous face rapidly enlarge in her vision.
In that moment, time seemed to slow down.
She could even see the rough texture on Rhino's armor and those eyes filled with bloodshot madness.
In despair, she closed her eyes.
At this critical juncture.
"Whoosh—!"
The sound of something cutting through the air suddenly rang out.
Immediately after.
Gwen felt her waist being suddenly grabbed by a powerful, large hand.
That palm was broad and warm, carrying a strength that was incredibly reassuring.
Then, a massive pulling force came.
Her body was instantly lifted into the air.
The world spun around her.
"Boom!!!"
Just as her feet left the ground.
Rhino's massive body brushed past her hair and slammed violently into the alley.
A gale whistled, and debris flew everywhere.
But Gwen didn't feel the slightest bit of pain.
Because her entire being was held tightly within a firm embrace.
It was... an intoxicating scent of masculine hormones.
Gwen tremulously opened her eyes.
What met her eyes was Johnny's profile, so close and breathtakingly handsome.
At this moment, his eyes were cold and sharp.
Holding her with one arm, he landed steadily to the side of the alley entrance.
"Are you okay?"
Johnny looked down at the girl in his arms, a smirk playing on his lips.
"It seems I've saved you once."
"Should you consider giving yourself to me in gratitude?"
Gwen's face turned beet red in an instant, all the way to her ears.
Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest, so fast it felt like it would jump out.
The relief of surviving a disaster mixed with the sweetness of being protected by the person she liked.
It made her legs go weak, and she slumped into Johnny's arms, not wanting to get up at all.
[Ding! Detected that the host has completed the 'Hero Saves the Beauty' achievement. Gwen Stacy is profoundly shocked and moved!]
[Affection +9!]
[Current Affection: 100 (Unwavering until death)!]
[Congratulations to the host! Successfully conquered the first Marvel Goddess!]
[Obtained First-Clear Rewards: Kaioken (x2) Trial Card x1, Afterimage Fist!]
[Kaioken Skill Description: A secret forbidden technique of King Kai. It burns blood and Qi to forcibly double all attributes. An overdraft God-tier skill for explosive desperation, killing enemies of a higher level, and taking out the enemy at the cost of one's own health!]
[Afterimage Fist Skill Description: A movement technique of the Turtle Hermit School. It uses afterimages to deceive the eyes, making the opponent attack the air wildly. An essential God-tier skill for teasing opponents, turning the tables with low health, and showing off maneuvers!]
[Next, please work hard to complete the interaction achievements!]
Hearing the system's prompt in his mind, a sharp light flashed in Johnny's eyes.
Nice!
This wave was a huge profit!
Kaioken!
That was Son Goku's signature technique from dragon ball!
Although it was only x2, and only a trial card...
...one must know that the effect of Kaioken is to multiply all of the user's attributes!
Strength, speed, defense, destructive power... all doubled!
Johnny's current base combat power was 110.
After activating x2 Kaioken, that would be 220!
What does a combat power of 220 mean?
In the early days of dragon ball, a powerhouse like Tien Shinhan, who could shatter a martial arts stage with one hit, only had a combat power around that number.
Placed on Marvel's Earth?
That was definitely a top-tier existence!
Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-Man...
...in front of Johnny with Kaioken activated, they would be nothing.
Even Wolverine with his super healing factor, or Venom who likes to eat brains...
...Johnny had the confidence to go head-to-head with them!
As for the Afterimage Fist?
That was even more practical.
Using high-speed movement to create afterimages and confuse the enemy.
Whether used for attacking or showing off, it was a God-tier skill.
"This is in the bag."
Johnny tightened his arm around Gwen's waist, feeling the amazing elasticity through his fingertips.
He was in a great mood... Meanwhile.
On the street across from the alley.
Chief George Stacy slumped against the Police car, gasping for breath.
Cold sweat soaked his back.
In that moment just now, he really thought he was going to lose his daughter.
"God bless... God bless..."
Chief George looked at the young man holding his daughter by the alley entrance.
His gaze was incredibly complex.
Gratitude, relief, and a hint of the bitterness an old father feels when he sees his precious cabbage being uprooted by a pig?
But now was not the time for such thoughts.
"Quick! Everyone! Surround the alley!"
"Support team, bring the heavy weapons and follow me!"
Chief George roared, drawing his sidearm and being the first to rush toward the alley entrance.
Inside the alley at this moment.
It was simply a living hell.
Those varsity team members who were once so arrogant...
...were now like bowling pins, scattered everywhere by Rhino's charge.
"Roar—!"
Rhino didn't care at all whether he was stepping on trash or people.
He only wanted to escape.
"Pfft!"
Flash Thompson, who had been so arrogant just moments ago.
Before he could even recover from the excruciating pain of his broken hand, he tried to struggle to his feet.
He was clipped by the edge of Rhino's massive foot.
He was sent flying, hitting the wall with a "thud."
Now look at him.
Not only was his hand broken, but several ribs were likely broken as well.
He passed out immediately, his fate unknown.
As for Peter Parker?
At the moment Rhino charged in.
Driven by survival instinct.
Peter made a twisting motion.
He slid along the wall.
Barely avoiding Rhino's direct impact.
"My God..."
Peter crouched behind a dumpster.
Watching the monster frantically destroying the walls, trying to find an exit.
Then looking at Johnny, who had rescued Gwen like a God descending to Earth.
The disappointment and inferiority in his eyes grew even heavier.
The gap between him and Johnny.
Was it really this large?
...The alley entrance.
Chief George arrived with a team of SWAT officers armed with riot shields and automatic rifles.
"Gwen! Are you alright?!"
George rushed up, looking his daughter up and down, his voice trembling.
"Dad... I'm fine."
Gwen stepped out of Johnny's embrace. Though her legs were still a bit weak, she tried her best to stand straight.
She held Johnny's hand tightly, her eyes full of pride.
"Johnny saved me."
George glanced at Johnny and nodded.
"Young man, thank you."
"It's too dangerous here. Leave the rest to the Police."
"Take Gwen away from here, now!"
George's tone left no room for argument.
He turned around, looking at Rhino, who was trying to lift a manhole cover in the alley, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.
"Everyone, prepare tear gas! We cannot let him escape!"
However.
"Escape?"
A light chuckle sounded behind George.
Johnny let go of Gwen's hand and patted her shoulder gently, signaling her to back up.
Then.
He unhurriedly rolled up his sleeves, revealing his lean, well-defined forearms.
"Mr. Chief."
Johnny looked at George, then at the big guy deep in the alley who was destroying public property.
A confident smile appeared on his face.
"With all due respect."
"With those fire sticks you're holding, you won't be able to keep that big guy here."
"The armor on him... even an RPG might not pierce it."
George frowned.
"Young man, what do you mean by that? Also, this is no time to play hero! That's a supervillain!"
"I know."
Johnny shrugged.
Of course he knew it was a supervillain.
But he knew even better.
This was the perfect stage to show off his strength in front of his future Father-in-law.
And even more, it was the perfect moment to completely solidify his image in front of Gwen.
This way, he could lay the groundwork for the future 'interactions' between him and Gwen.
Besides... that Rhino guy just had a very punchable face.
"As a law-abiding good citizen of America and a future flower of Empire State University..."
"...how can I just stand by and watch a criminal get away scot-free?"
Johnny wagged his index finger at George and the stunned group of Police officers.
"This kind of heavy lifting... you'd better leave it to me."
Having said that.
Under everyone's shocked gazes.
Johnny put his hands in his pockets.
Taking a leisurely, stroll-like pace.
Step by step, he walked into that dark alley filled with danger and violence.
His silhouette...
...looked incredibly cool.
Chapter 9: Guess Which One Is the Real Body?
"That boy! What is he doing?!"
Several SWAT officers had just finished setting up their riot shields.
They watched the back of the figure walking leisurely toward the depths of the alley with one hand in his pocket.
Their eyes were almost popping out of their sockets.
That was the Rhino!
A monster that could flip a SWAT armored vehicle like a toy!
Who did this person think he was?
Captain America?
"Quick! Pull him back! Don't let him go to his death!"
Chief George snapped out of it and roared, about to rush forward.
However.
Just as his hand was about to touch the corner of Johnny Gilda's clothes.
"Whoosh—!!"
A sharp sound of breaking air exploded from overhead without warning.
Immediately after.
A wild wind rose, blowing so hard that everyone couldn't keep their eyes open.
A huge shadow instantly enveloped the entire alley entrance.
Everyone subconsciously looked up.
Between the narrow gaps of the tall buildings on both sides, a green freak with wings on his back was circling in mid-air.
That pair of huge mechanical steel wings had a wingspan ten meters wide!
The Vulture!
One of the founding members of the Sinister Six!
"That's... another supervillain?!"
George Stacy's face turned pale instantly.
The Rhino alone had already given them a massive headache.
And now another one that could fly had arrived?
"Jie jie jie! Alexei, you piece of trash, can't you even handle a bunch of garbage in uniforms?"
In mid-air, the Vulture let out a sharp, owl-like cackle.
He swung his wings violently.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—!"
Dozens of steel feathers, sharp as knives, poured down like a torrential rain of pear blossoms!
"Take cover! Take cover quickly!!"
The Police shouted in terror, raising their shields and scattering to hide.
"Clang, clang, clang!"
The steel feathers nailed into the ground, walls, and Police cars, sending up a series of sparks.
Several officers who couldn't dodge in time screamed and fell to the ground, their uniforms stained red with blood.
Amidst this torrential rain of steel.
Only Johnny Gilda.
He still stood in the middle of the alley, without moving even half a step.
He looked up slightly at the arrogant figure in the sky, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes.
"Vulture? Heh, what day is it today? A zoo convention?"
"Johnny! Watch your head!!"
In the corner of the alley entrance, Gwen was being protected behind the Police.
Seeing the sky full of steel feathers heading straight for Johnny Gilda, her heart almost stopped from fear.
She wanted to rush out, but was held down firmly by the policewoman beside her.
However.
Facing an attack capable of riddling a person like a sieve.
Johnny Gilda just casually tilted his body.
"Shua! Shua! Shua!"
Several steel feathers grazed the edge of his clothes and nailed into the ground, sinking deep into the stone.
Yet not even a single strand of his hair was harmed.
That kind of composure, that kind of anticipation.
It was as if he had seen through all the ballistic trajectories long ago.
"Hmm?"
The Vulture in mid-air let out a light sound of surprise, his eyes narrowing behind his mask.
"Interesting, he could actually dodge? A lucky bug."
However, he didn't continue to engage.
His task was to provide backup, not to slaughter.
"Alexei! Stop playing! The boss is still waiting for us!"
The Vulture shouted toward the depths of the alley.
And at this time.
The Rhino, who originally only wanted to crawl into the sewers to escape due to the heavy fire suppression from the Police.
After hearing the Vulture's voice, his small, mung-bean-like eyes instantly lit up.
Backup is here!
Air support has arrived!
Since I have air superiority, why the hell should I run?
"Roar—!!"
The Rhino spun around abruptly.
His thick grey armor looked particularly hideous in the dim alley.
He abandoned the manhole cover that had been halfway pried open.
His eyes, filled with tyranny and killing intent, locked firmly onto Johnny Gilda standing in the middle of the alley.
"You blind little bug!"
"You still dare to stand in my way? Now die for me!!"
The Rhino launched a charge once more.
This time, in the narrow alley, there was no space to dodge.
He lowered his head just like that, that single horn crushing toward Johnny Gilda!
The power of this collision.
Never mind a body of flesh and blood.
Even a main battle tank would be smashed into a pancake by him!
"It's over..."
Outside the alley.
Chief George closed his eyes in despair.
He had seen too many scenes like this.
In the face of such absolute power, humans were so fragile.
That young man, although he had some skills and some courage.
But he was ultimately just a human!
"Sigh..."
George sighed heavily, clenching his fists so hard his nails dug deep into his flesh.
"Young people are just too impulsive! Especially in front of women, they always want to play the hero..."
"Unfortunately, the price is too high."
Gwen even covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
"Johnny!!!"
...Facing this certain-kill strike.
A cold smile curled at the corner of Johnny Gilda's mouth.
"This guy is indeed very strong. At my current level, if I take it head-on, I'll probably turn into a sheet of paper lying on the ground."
"After all, this guy is much stronger than Spider-Man, and stronger than the current him."
"But..."
"Who told you that fighting must be head-on?"
"Against a tank like this that has only brute force and no brains, the best way is to make him unable to even catch my exhaust."
Just as the Rhino's horn was less than half a meter from Johnny Gilda's chest.
At the very instant that foul-smelling wind pressure had even messed up Johnny Gilda's hairstyle.
Johnny Gilda moved.
"Afterimage Fist!"
The next second.
The Rhino felt as if he had crashed into a mass of air.
There was no resistance, no physical sensation of a collision.
He just passed straight through Johnny Gilda's body!
"What?!"
The Rhino braked violently.
Huge inertia caused his feet to plow two deep grooves in the ground until he hit the wall at the end of the alley and stopped.
"Boom!"
The wall collapsed, and dust flew everywhere.
The Rhino shook his somewhat dizzy head and turned around angrily.
"Bastard! Where did you hide?!"
However.
When he saw the scene before him clearly.
He, along with the Vulture in the sky, and all the Police and Gwen outside the alley.
Were all dumbfounded.
Completely stunned.
In the originally empty alley.
At some unknown point.
More than a dozen Johnny Gildas had actually appeared!
They were in various poses.
Some had their hands in their pockets, some were crossing their arms with a cold smile, and some were tidying their hair.
Each one was lifelike, and each one emitted the same aura.
They surrounded the Rhino completely.
"This... what is this?!"
The Vulture almost lost control of his flight apparatus and fell from the sky.
He had been in New York for so many years; he had seen mutants, he had seen technology, and he had even seen those who used magic.
But this kind of Clone Technique?!
Is this freaking Ninjutsu?
"Hey, big guy."
More than a dozen Johnny Gildas spoke simultaneously, their voices overlapping with a strange echo.
"Are you looking for me?"
"Guess which one is the real body?"
"There's a prize if you guess right, but if you guess wrong..."
All the Johnny Gildas revealed a bright smile at the same time.
"My fists are very painful, you know."
Chapter 10: One Punch KO!
"Roar—!!!"
Being surrounded by a dozen Gildas was clearly not a pleasant experience.
Especially for a single-celled organism like Rhino, whose brain capacity isn't even as large as his biceps.
This visual deception was practically more painful than killing him.
"Fake! They're all fakes!"
"I want to see how long you can hide!"
Rhino's bloodshot eyes looked as if they were about to spit fire.
Like a mad bull, he swung his massive arms.
He smashed frantically at the nearest afterimages.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The wind from his punches howled.
However...
Every single attack...
The Gilda standing there would dissipate the moment the fist touched him.
Then, in another corner, a figure with a mocking smile would reform.
"Oops, a bit slow."
"Tsk tsk, that punch had good power, too bad it hit thin air."
"Big guy, are your eyes just for show?"
A dozen Gildas spoke simultaneously.
That surround-sound mockery sent Rhino's blood pressure skyrocketing to the brink of exploding.
"AAAAAH! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to tear you to pieces!!"
Rhino roared in impotent rage, smashing the walls on both sides of the alley into a pitted mess, sending debris flying everywhere.
"Idiot!"
In the sky, the circling Vulture couldn't bear to watch any longer.
Though he was also shocked by this bizarre Ninjutsu...
He ultimately held air superiority and a wide field of vision.
Among those dozen flickering figures, he keenly caught a slight, uncoordinated anomaly.
"Alexei! Stop crashing around like a headless fly!"
Vulture shouted.
Simultaneously, the thrusters on his wings adjusted their angle.
A mechanical claw lunged toward a figure leaning against the wall on the right side of the alley.
"That's the real one! Three o'clock! Ram him to death!"
Hearing his teammate's tip, Rhino's wandering eyes instantly focused.
He stared fixedly at the Gilda leaning against the wall, who was looking down at his fingernails.
His mouth split into a cruel, wide grin.
"Found you... little mouse!"
Without any hesitation...
Rhino charged again.
This time, he held nothing back.
The jet ports on the back of his armor even spat out two streaks of blue fire!
Boost!
His entire person slammed toward the "real body" with a thunderous force!
"Die!!!"
The terrifying momentum caused the Police officers outside the alley, who were planning to assist, to subconsciously pull their triggers.
Bang bang bang bang!
Bullets hit Rhino's back, but other than sparking, they couldn't slow him down in the slightest.
"No!!"
Gwen, being held back firmly by George, closed her eyes in despair.
Even Chief George had his heart in his throat at this moment.
Even if his feelings toward this kid who had eyes for his daughter were complicated...
At this moment, he certainly didn't want to see a young man bursting with a sense of justice turn into a pile of mush.
However...
Just as Rhino's horn was about to pierce Gilda's chest...
The Gilda who had been looking down suddenly raised his head.
He flashed a row of neat white teeth at the charging behemoth.
"Wrong guess."
"That was me from a second ago."
What?!
Rhino's pupils shrank violently.
Before his brain could react...
The Gilda in front of him vanished!
Another afterimage?!
"Damn it! I can't stop!!"
Rhino tried to brake in terror.
But at this extreme speed, coupled with the thrusters, his inertia was staggering.
BOOM—!!!
A World-shaking explosion rang out.
Rhino's horn, along with his head and half his body...
Slammed solidly into the thick concrete load-bearing wall!
The entire building shook violently, as if a magnitude five earthquake had occurred.
Dust rose everywhere.
"Ugh... stuck... can't get out..."
From inside the wall came Rhino's muffled and embarrassed roar.
That horn he was so proud of was now firmly wedged in the reinforced concrete.
No matter how his two thick legs kicked the ground or how hard he pulled, he didn't budge an inch!
He looked just like an oversized gray rat with its head caught in a mousetrap.
"..."
In the sky, Vulture's mouth twitched violently.
"Sorry... I misjudged."
"Hahaha!"
In the alley, the real Gilda manifested behind Rhino.
He looked at the Rhino with his butt in the air, struggling to pull his head out.
He couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Well, this is awkward, isn't it?"
"I mean, why grow a horn for no reason? Are you trying to be a lightning rod?"
The Police officers outside the alley were also stunned.
Gwen opened her eyes and saw the scene.
Her tense body instantly relaxed.
"Now's the chance!"
Chief George was the first to react; his professional training made him immediately bark an order.
"While he's stuck! Attack!"
But Gilda was faster than them.
"Since you're stuck, don't bother coming out."
Ora ora ora!
Gilda's figure instantly appeared behind Rhino.
His fists fell like raindrops.
Bang bang bang bang bang!
Every punch carried the terrifying strength of 1.1 Captain Americas.
The muffled thuds were like beating drums, making the eardrums of those nearby ache.
However...
"Useless! Useless!"
"Hahaha! Attacks of this level are just like scratching an itch for me!"
Rhino couldn't get his head out, but his mouth was still tough.
This Rhino armor of his...
Was a specially modified high-molecular polymer that could even withstand two anti-tank missiles.
Ordinary physical attacks were simply negligible.
"Put some back into it! Didn't you eat today?!"
Rhino even had the leisure to mock him.
"Oh? Really?"
Gilda stopped his movements and shook his slightly warm wrists.
True.
This turtle shell was quite hard.
Even with a combat power of 110, trying to tear through this thick armor with bare hands would take quite some effort.
But who said he had to break the turtle shell?
"Since you don't like having your itch scratched..."
Gilda walked to Rhino's side, looking at his head which was forced to tilt because it was stuck.
Specifically, at that face which, although protected by a helmet, still had some exposed areas.
"Then let me perform some plastic surgery on you."
A smug, fierce grin curled at the corner of Gilda's mouth.
He crouched slightly, powered up from his waist, and delivered a precise and vicious uppercut.
From bottom to top, at an extremely tricky angle...
He slammed directly into Rhino's chin, which was exposed outside the helmet!
This punch condensed all of Gilda's Qi!
"Shoryuken!"
BANG!!!
Crack!
Rhino's chin shattered instantly.
The massive impact was transmitted directly into his brain.
Rhino, who had been shouting just a moment ago, fell silent instantly.
His eyes rolled back, showing a large area of white.
Following that...
The massive body twitched violently.
Then, as if his bones had been removed, he slumped down limply.
If his horn hadn't been stuck in the wall, he would have likely slid all the way to the ground.
One punch!
K.O!
Phew...
Gilda blew on his fist and straightened his slightly messy collar.
He turned around and flashed a bright smile at George and Gwen outside the alley.
"Done."
At this moment...
Everyone stood with their mouths agape, looking at the boy standing beside the giant beast.
It was as if they were looking at an alien.
"My God..."
The gun in Chief George's hand was almost trembling.
That was Rhino!
A monster the entire Police department was helpless against!
And he was... knocked out with a single punch?
Just who on earth was this young man?!
Gwen clutched her chest, and the look in her eyes as she watched Gilda was practically overflowing with love.
So cool!
So strong!
This was the man her, Gwen Stacy, had set her eyes on!
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"
In the sky, Vulture saw this and was so angry he nearly crushed his control stick.
Useless!
All of them are useless!
Defeated in a single encounter—how was he supposed to explain this to the boss?
"In that case..."
"Then none of you shall live!"
"Since I'm in the sky, this is my home turf!"
"Eat some bombs, you insects!"
Vulture suddenly pulled up, and the mounting bays under his wings opened.
A dozen pumpkin-sized micro-bombs dropped like dumplings.
They were tossed indiscriminately toward the Police gathered at the alley entrance and Gilda.
"Not good! Bombs!!"
Chief George's face changed drastically.
"Scatter! Scatter quickly!!"
He grabbed Gwen beside him and lunged desperately toward a distant cover.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
A continuous series of explosions rang out.
Flames shot into the sky, and heat waves rolled out.
Although the Police reacted quickly, many were still sent flying by the airwaves.
"Hahaha! Run! Scream!"
Vulture circled in the smoke-filled air, letting out a triumphant, mad laugh.
"This is air superiority! As long as I'm in the sky, you ants on the ground can only take a beating!"
Looking at the wretched crowd below, Vulture's sense of superiority was greatly satisfied.
He turned around and locked his gaze on Gilda standing in the alley.
"Kid, you're pretty good at fighting, aren't you?"
"Too bad you can't fly!"
"Now, it's your turn!"
Vulture grinned savagely, and the thrusters on his wings opened to full power.
He didn't dive down for close combat; instead, he hovered ten meters in the air.
He prepared to use all his remaining firepower to give this kid who ruined his plans a saturation strike.
However...
Just as he was about to press the fire button...
He saw the boy.
The boy standing in the dust slowly raised his head.
"Are those your last words?"
Gilda spoke indifferently.
"What?"
Vulture was taken aback.
Following that...
He saw a scene he would never be able to understand for the rest of his life, one sufficient to collapse his worldview.
He saw that Gilda didn't make any move to jump.
Around his body, a faint layer of white Qi suddenly flickered.
Then...
His feet slowly, defying all physical common sense... left the ground!
One meter, two meters, ten meters... no jet devices, no wings, not even any point of leverage.
He just stood there with his hands behind his back.
Straight, at a constant speed, and without any rhyme or reason... he flew up!
"W-What?!"
The savage grin on Vulture's face froze instantly, replaced by an extreme horror as if he had seen a ghost.
His eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets, and his mouth hung open wide enough to fit a lightbulb.
"F-Flying?!"
"How is this possible?!"
"No wings! No thrusters! Not even any mutation characteristics!"
"This isn't scientific!!"
Vulture's brain was a mess.
And it wasn't just him.
On the ground...
Chief George, who had just peeked out from behind cover...
Looking at that figure suspended in mid-air, the walkie-talkie in his hand fell to the ground with a 'clatter'.
"He... he can fly?"
Gwen covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
"Johnny... is also a superhero?!"
Even in the corner of the alley...
Flash Thompson, who had just slowly woken up from his faint and was preparing to crawl away in the chaos...
Looked up and saw the man who had given him a psychological shadow now floating in the sky.
"I must still be dreaming..."
Flash's eyes rolled back, and he very decisively fainted again.
Chapter 11: Chief George's Mood is Truly Complicated
Ten meters in the air.
Vulture's face, hidden beneath his flight mask, was now contorted with extreme shock.
He stared fixedly at the youth hovering in the air before him.
His mechanical steel wings were even trembling slightly because the operator's hands were shaking.
"You... you..."
Vulture's voice became sharp and trembling.
"How can you possibly fly?!"
"This is unscientific! No propulsion system, no anti-gravity equipment... what the hell are you?!"
This was completely beyond his scope of understanding.
Even those so-called Mutants, or that Captain America whom the Avengers hyped to high heaven—
It shouldn't be possible to defy the laws of physics to this extent, right?
Faced with Vulture's questioning, which was as if he'd seen a ghost,
Johnny Gilda merely adjusted his wind-blown bangs nonchalantly.
"Fly?"
"Is that such a difficult thing?"
"If you want to fly, don't you just... fly?"
"It's natural. I can't help it."
Pfft—!
Vulture nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.
Natural?
What the hell do you mean natural?!
Do you think you're a bird-man?
"Stop playing tricks!"
Vulture was, after all, an old hand who had survived the underground World for many years.
After the brief shock, he immediately realized his current situation.
He had to run!
This weird kid was too sinister!
As for that idiot Rhino, just let him go to jail!
But before running, he had to buy himself some time.
"So what if you can fly?"
"These wings of mine use the most advanced turbine propulsion technology! My top speed can reach 150 kilometers per hour!"
"In the sky, I am the king!"
Vulture roared.
The turbine engines on his back suddenly spat out a burst of blue flame.
Using the massive thrust, he instantly catapulted backward.
He did this to create distance.
At the same time,
the feather launchers on his wings opened fully.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—!
Dozens of sharp steel feathers shot toward Johnny Gilda, covering the sky.
"Die! Freak!"
Vulture was confident that even if this kid could fly, he couldn't possibly dodge such a blanket attack.
As long as he delayed him for a second, he could dive into the clouds and escape!
However,
the ideal was plump, but reality was skinny.
The very moment Vulture turned to accelerate away,
he suddenly lost sight of the youth on his retinas.
Disappeared?
"This is your speed limit?"
A voice tinged with a bit of disappointment rang out abruptly by Vulture's ear.
He stiffly turned his head.
He saw the youth, who should have been shot into a sieve by the steel feathers,
now flying side-by-side with him at the exact same speed!
On that handsome face, there wasn't even a drop of sweat.
He could even see a hint of disdain in those eyes.
"Too slow."
Johnny Gilda shook his head.
"Really, too slow."
"Even a fly has more passion in its flight than you."
Before Johnny Gilda, who had mastered Ki and Bukūjutsu,
this kind of flight speed reliant on mechanical power was practically like a turtle crawling.
"You..."
Vulture's pupils shrank to the size of pinpricks.
He just wanted to maneuver his wings to take evasive action,
but Johnny Gilda had clearly lost the patience to continue playing.
"Go down."
Johnny Gilda said indifferently.
His right hand, which had been in his pocket, was pulled out instantly.
Bang!
It smashed solidly onto Vulture's metal mask.
The massive force directly dented the mask inward.
Along with it, the nasal bone and several front teeth inside turned into fragments.
Vulture's brain instantly short-circuited; his eyes rolled back, and he fell unconscious.
The high-speed flying machine lost control.
It spun wildly as it plummeted toward the ground.
Johnny Gilda's figure flashed.
He grabbed Vulture's ankle.
Like carrying a dead chicken, he was relaxed and casual... Boom!
Another dull thud echoed in the alley.
Johnny Gilda descended from the sky.
He casually tossed the unconscious Vulture beside the Rhino, whose head was still stuck in the wall.
The two villains, one big and one small, were laid out neatly.
"Done and dusted."
Johnny Gilda brushed the dust off his hands and turned around.
By now,
the alley entrance was packed tight.
Countless dark gun barrels were pointed toward them.
But upon seeing that the one walking out was Johnny Gilda,
those SWAT officers subconsciously swallowed and took a step back in unison.
Their eyes were filled with awe and shock.
The scene just now had caused too great an impact on their worldview.
Physical flight!
A one-punch instant kill!
Was this something a human could do?
"Johnny!"
A graceful figure rushed past the Police line regardless of everything.
Gwen was like a startled fawn, crashing headlong into Johnny Gilda's embrace.
She hugged Johnny Gilda's waist tightly, her body still trembling slightly.
The moment Johnny Gilda flew into the sky just now,
she was both proud and terrified.
Afraid Johnny Gilda would get hurt.
Even more afraid that this boy would just fly away like that and never come back.
"I'm fine, silly."
Johnny Gilda gently rubbed Gwen's soft blonde hair.
Feeling the girl's attachment to him in his arms,
he felt incredibly satisfied.
This was the dividend of the hero saving the beauty!
"Ahem!"
An extremely deliberate cough sounded nearby.
George Stacy walked over with a dark face.
He looked at the two of them hugging tightly.
Especially seeing his own precious little cabbage,
wishing she could merge into that brat's body.
Chief George's mood was truly complicated.
Sour!
It was so damn sour!
Although this kid had saved his daughter and saved him,
and even helped the Police department solve two big troubles,
that... didn't mean he could so blatantly root up his cabbage right in front of him!
"Gwen, let go first."
George said with a stern face.
Gwen only then reacted, her face turning red like a ripe apple as she reluctantly let go.
But she still stood by Johnny Gilda's side, unwilling to move a single step.
That protective manner made George feel even more stifled.
Good grief.
She wasn't even married off yet, and her heart had already drifted all the way to the Atlantic Ocean?
"Mr. Gilda."
George took a deep breath, forcing himself back into the dignified state of a Police chief.
He looked at Johnny Gilda with sharp eyes.
"While I'm very grateful for your help just now,"
"However..."
"Regarding your ability to fly and this unscientific strength of yours,"
"I think it's necessary to invite you back to the station for a cup of coffee and to make a statement."
Speaking to this point, George paused, his tone softening slightly.
"Don't worry, it's not an arrest."
"Just a routine inquiry."
Johnny Gilda wasn't surprised by this.
It would be strange if George didn't ask.
After all, this was the Marvel Universe, not Harry Potter.
An ordinary college student suddenly being able to fly was big news.
"Of course, Chief."
Johnny Gilda smiled slightly, acting very cooperative.
"It's also the duty of a good citizen."
"But..."
Johnny Gilda pointed to Flash Thompson, who was still unconscious nearby,
and those few school team members who were so scared they'd wet their pants.
"These bullies should also receive fair treatment, right?"
George glanced at those school bullies.
And at the boy, Peter, who had been cowering behind a trash can covering his eyes.
He immediately understood what had just happened here.
A flash of disgust crossed his eyes.
"Rest assured."
"In my jurisdiction, no one is above the law."
"Even if he's the son of a school board member, it won't work."
...An hour later.
New York City Police Department, Chief's Office.
The blinds were drawn tight.
The room was filled with smoke.
George Stacy sat behind the desk, a nearly burnt-out cigarette in his hand.
Those sharp hawk-like eyes stared fixedly at the young man sitting opposite him.
And outside the door,
one could vaguely hear Gwen's anxious pacing and her constant questioning of officers, asking "Is he done yet?"
Johnny Gilda sat in the chair, composed.
He even took an interest in observing the furnishings in George's office.
"Mr. Gilda."
George stubbed out the cigarette, leaning forward slightly.
"Let's be blunt."
"I've checked your files."
"Orphan, parents deceased, inherited an estate, excellent grades, regular life."
"Aside from being excessively handsome, your resume is as ordinary as any of the millions in New York."
"But what happened in the alley today was not ordinary at all."
"Being able to create clones, knocking out a heavy-duty Rhino with one punch, and even flying without any external aid."
"Tell me, child."
"Who exactly are you?"
"A Mutant? An Inhuman? Or the product of some secret lab modification?"
George's gaze became incredibly serious.
This was not just a Police chief's vigilance toward extraordinary power.
It was also a father's scrutiny of someone who might become his future son-in-law.
If Johnny Gilda was a dangerous, unstable factor,
or a pawn of some evil organization,
then for Gwen's safety, even if it meant risking his old life, he would never let the two be together!
Seeing George's look as if facing a great enemy,
Johnny Gilda knew in his heart.
This was the critical moment.
This answer would directly determine whether he could smoothly clear Gwen's route in the future.
It even determined whether he could gain some kind of official tacit approval in this Marvel Universe.
He had to make up... oh no.
He had to state a reason that was both reasonable and showed he was harmless yet powerful.
Chapter 12: The Father-in-law's Approval
"Director, actually... this is a bit sci-fi to explain."
"Ten years ago, near my old home in the suburbs, I picked up a meteorite fragment glowing with purple light."
George's eyebrows twitched violently, and the ash from his cigarette fell onto his pant leg.
"A meteorite?"
"That's right, it was the wreckage of some alien technology."
Johnny began his performance, his tone so sincere he almost believed it himself.
"I was only eight years old then, and I touched it out of curiosity. As a result, that thing turned into a beam of light and drilled into my body."
"I was unconscious for three whole days. When I woke up, I had some inexplicable powers in my body."
Johnny sighed, with a look of "I'm also very troubled" on his face:
"As I grew older, these abilities became stronger. Flight, clones, and that kind of power that can punch through concrete..."
"I swear, I've never been to any secret labs. I'm just an ordinary genius college student."
George stared at Johnny for a full half-minute.
This kind of cliché alien encounter story would be thrown into the shredder by a Director even in a Hollywood script.
But in this New York, where supervillains popped up all the time, this actually became the most scientific explanation for now.
Even if he felt Johnny was talking nonsense, in the absence of any evidence, he could only choose to believe it for the time being.
At least, this kid's record was as clean as a blank sheet of paper.
"Alien technology, huh..."
George rubbed his temples, his voice carrying a deep sense of exhaustion.
"Johnny, although this sounds like something out of Star Wars, in this crazy World, I can only temporarily record it."
Johnny shrugged, but was laughing inwardly.
Tsk tsk, my Father-in-law's ability to handle stress still needs improvement.
If one day I transform into a Super Saiyan, with my hair turning yellow and flashing with lightning, wouldn't you be scared straight to see Jesus?
"But!"
George's tone shifted, suddenly becoming incredibly serious.
"This matter isn't over yet. Since you displayed supernatural powers in public, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division has already intervened."
Hearing this full name, Johnny's heart skipped a beat.
Good grief.
Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division?
Isn't that just S.H.I.E.L.D.?
These Agents who follow the scent are moving this fast?
That Black Braised Egg Nick Fury is probably already imagining cutting me into thousands of pieces for research, isn't he?
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division?"
Johnny raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion.
"What's that? Some kind of mysterious charitable organization?"
"It's a national agency that specifically handles unnatural events."
George gave him a dry look.
"However, I've already negotiated with them. Considering you're still just a student, and today was indeed a matter of self-defense and acting for justice."
"They've agreed to carry out an investigation without affecting your studies."
Johnny nodded, but couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
I hope that Braised Egg doesn't treat me like some freak and lock me up.
Otherwise, I wouldn't mind turning dark and first punching the Triskelion flat before skinning his black hide.
Before that, I still want to be a playboy in a New York penthouse, holding Gwen and Wanda and talking about life.
"As for the investigation, let them do what they want, as long as it doesn't stop me from getting my degree." Johnny looked indifferent.
The atmosphere in the office softened slightly.
George stubbed out his cigarette, his gaze softening but also becoming sharper.
That was the exclusive look of a Father-in-law looking at his son-in-law.
"Next, let's talk about private matters."
"I saw it at the alley entrance today. When you saved Gwen, that look in your eyes, and the way Gwen looked at you..."
Johnny didn't speak, just listened quietly.
Old man, you really understand. I haven't even started trying yet.
"Johnny, I've checked your resume. You're an excellent kid, even ridiculously so."
George stared intently into Johnny's eyes.
"Gwen is my only daughter. She is my life."
"I know young people like you with great power are always easily blinded by external temptations."
"I don't care what kind of person you become in the future, I only ask one thing of you."
"Be serious with Gwen."
Johnny let it go in one ear and out the other, but his face wore the solemnity of a "model student."
"Director, Gwen is my goddess. Of course, I will treat her well."
Johnny raised his hand in a solemn vow, but added in his heart:
But Director, I need to get stronger!
The System insists on me having 'Many Children, Many Blessings.' I'm also very helpless.
For the peace of the Universe, and to prevent Thanos from snapping his fingers.
I can only wrong myself and be a hardworking playboy.
I hope you all can understand my good intentions in the future!
Looking at Johnny's "sincere" face, George finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hmph, I hope you remember what you said today."
George patted Johnny's shoulder with great force, as if venting some emotion.
"Also, you did a great job taking down Rhino and Vulture today. If you hadn't stepped in, I don't know how many of my men would have been sacrificed."
"With Gwen by your side in the future, I can feel much more at ease."
George waved his hand, indicating the statement was finished.
Johnny stood up happily and straightened his collar.
The Father-in-law approved!
Doesn't this mean I've gotten a pass to Gwen's room?
Won't winning Gwen over happen tonight?
When I get out later, I must find a way to ask this girl out for a big meal.
Steak, red wine, candlelight, and then... hehe.
"Alright, you can go now. Gwen is waiting outside, and she's about to wear a hole in the floor."
George waved his hand dismissively.
Johnny nodded politely, pulled open the heavy office door, and walked out.
Right in front of him was Gwen's beautiful face, filled with anxiety and concern.
The halo of the setting Sun spilled over her blonde hair. At this moment, Gwen was as beautiful as an oil painting.
"Johnny! Are you okay? Did my dad give you a hard time?"
Gwen rushed over like a swallow returning to its nest, ignoring the strange looks from the surrounding officers, and once again gripped Johnny's hand tightly.
Johnny gripped her soft palm back and leaned close to her ear to sniff the faint scent of her shampoo.
"I'm fine. Your dad and I actually got along quite well."
Johnny chuckled, feeling Gwen's delicate body tremble slightly, and leaned close to her pink earlobe:
"You've had such a scare, you must be hungry, right? How about I take you somewhere quiet to calm your nerves?"
Gwen felt Johnny's burning gaze.
Under the gaze of those magical eyes, she felt a wave of numbness throughout her body.
That reserve that originally belonged to a goddess...
...had already turned into soft silk amidst the turbulent waves of this day.
"Mhm..."
Gwen's voice was as soft as a mosquito's. She lowered her head and let Johnny lead her away.
Chapter 13: Candlelight Dinner
Dusk in New York, the golden-red afterglow splashed wantonly through the streets and alleys.
Johnny held Gwen's hand, walking boldly along the edge of Fifth Avenue.
To be honest, the feeling was quite wonderful.
Not long ago, he was in an alley giving Rhino a facial reconstruction surgery.
Now, he was accompanying a goddess shopping like an ordinary college student.
This rhythm of jumping back and forth between violence and tenderness—tsk tsk, it was damn thrilling.
"Johnny, where... are we going later?"
Gwen asked in a small voice, her head lowered so far it was almost tucked into the impressive curves of her chest.
Right now, her heart was beating even faster than when she faced Rhino earlier.
Feeling the warmth from her palm, Johnny casually squeezed her soft, boneless knuckles.
Hiss... this texture was simply like kneading a piece of top-tier, warm suet jade.
As expected of a goddess with 100 favorability; even the scent of her sweat was sweet.
"Been busy all day, my stomach has been protesting for a while."
Johnny turned his head, giving Gwen a devastatingly sunny smile.
"I know a One-star Michelin French restaurant nearby; the chef's Truffle steak is decent enough."
"Shall we give it a try?"
Gwen didn't know anything about Michelin stars; her mind was currently a mess like a ball of yarn.
"French food? Won't it be... too formal?"
She looked down at her slightly messy skirt and the bit of dust she'd picked up at the alley entrance earlier.
"Formal? Gwen, in my eyes, even if you wore a burlap sack, you'd still be the only focus of the room."
Johnny casually pulled out his phone and skillfully dialed the reservation number.
In Manhattan, where money paves the way, as long as you act like a wealthy second-generation heir, a table?
You can get one whenever you want.
Hanging up the phone, Johnny noticed Gwen's footsteps had become somewhat stiff.
He looked down.
Good grief, this girl was staring intently at their tightly clasped hands.
Her fingertips were trembling slightly, and the blush on her cheeks was about to spread down her neck and deep into her collar.
Gwen's heart was currently in a frantic internal struggle.
Oh my God! Stacy, have you gone crazy?
How long have you known this boy? Not even twenty-four hours!
Holding hands—shouldn't that be a logical progression after at least three dates, two movies, and receiving flowers once?
How are we already... naturally holding hands now?
She wanted to pull her hand back, but then she wondered if doing so would make Johnny feel like she was rejecting him?
What if he doesn't pat her head anymore?
What if he doesn't save her anymore?
Caught in a dilemma—these words were practically tailor-made for Gwen at this moment.
"What's wrong, Gwen?"
Johnny stopped in his tracks and leaned in close with a wicked grin.
"Is the New York Sun too enthusiastic, making your face turn this red from the heat?"
He was asking despite knowing the answer.
As an experienced player, if he couldn't recognize this kind of maidenly reaction,
then those dozens of gigabytes of'study materials' from his past life would have been for nothing.
"Huh? Um... yeah, a bit. Today's Sun... is indeed quite strong."
Gwen nodded hurriedly, her eyes darting around guiltily.
Motherfucker.
Johnny couldn't help but complain in his heart.
Strong Sun?
The sunset is about to drop below the horizon, alright?
This little girl, as expected of someone inexperienced, turns red as a ripe tomato with just a bit of teasing.
"I think maybe it's not because of the Sun."
Johnny suddenly stopped, leaning forward slightly, his voice carrying a hint of improper magnetism:
"It's probably because my hand is quite warm, so it rubbed off on you?"
Gwen felt her brain go 'buzz,' and a surge of heat hit the top of her head.
He... he's definitely flirting with me!
He's doing it on purpose!
Damn it, why don't I hate this feeling at all?
Her mind involuntarily began to replay moments.
His focus when he praised her as a genius, his gentleness when he patted her head.
And his dominance when he snatched her out from under Rhino's horn.
It's over.
Gwen, you've completely fallen.
This man is not only unfairly handsome and ridiculously strong, but he's also so good at... "Johnny... you, don't say anymore."
Gwen's voice was as low as a mosquito's buzz.
Yet, not only did she not pull her hand back, she secretly snuggled it further into Johnny's palm.
Tsk tsk, the power of 100 favorability truly does not disappoint.
Before long, the two arrived at the French restaurant located at the top of a high-rise building.
With a wave of his hand, Johnny booked a private room by the window.
Candlelight, fresh flowers, and a prime view of the Manhattan riverfront.
Here, you could elegantly cut your steak while overlooking the traffic below, humble as ants.
Of course, the price for this atmosphere was 1,500 dollars.
This price might mean eating dirt for three months for an ordinary person, but in Johnny's eyes, it was worth every penny.
Was this just eating steak?
This was buying a ticket to a home run!
"Johnny, this wine... didn't we order a bit too much?"
Gwen looked at the bottle of red wine on the table with its complex French label, pursing her lips somewhat uneasily.
Due to her top-student rationality, she subconsciously calculated the price of this meal in her head.
1,500 dollars!
My God, this is practically burning money!
"It's fine, Gwen. Money only gains a soul when it's spent on you."
Johnny elegantly filled her glass, his eyes full of the generosity of 'drink as much as you want, I have plenty of money.'
However.
In his heart, he silently gave the system a thumbs-up.
To smoothly initiate 'academic exchange' tonight, he specifically chose a bottle of top-tier Bordeaux with a very strong kick.
This kind of wine tastes sweet like grape juice when you drink it.
But once the alcohol hits, that kick can definitely turn any reserved girl into a lazy little kitten.
Despicable?
No, this is called mutual consent.
Looking at Johnny's serious gaze, Gwen was deeply moved.
He spent so much money just to have a meal with me.
I can't be too wasteful either.
Since it's ordered, I'll try my best to finish it.
Thus, the two people, each with their own designs (one pure, one for 'exchange'), began to eat and chat.
They talked about interesting things at school, Professor Connors' eccentricities, and even their plans for the future.
Johnny was good at listening, occasionally inserting a deeply insightful or deadpan humorous comment.
It made Gwen's crisp laughter echo through the private room.
Red wine glass after red wine glass.
It had to be said, Gwen's alcohol tolerance was indeed not great.
After three glasses, a watery mist had already clouded her pair of azure eyes.
The light in the private room was dim, with only the cluster of orange-red candlelight flickering in the center.
Outside the window were flowing neon lights and cold moonlight.
And the man opposite her, under the filter of alcohol, was so handsome he looked like a Sun god stepped out of myth.
"Johnny..."
Gwen propped up her chin, looking at him with misty eyes.
"I used to think... boys should all be like my father said—stubborn and boring."
"But the you I saw today... seems different."
Johnny set down his wine glass and naturally walked around the table to stand behind Gwen.
He leaned down, bracing his hands on the back of the chair.
His warm breath blew directly onto Gwen's neck, which was as white as porcelain.
Gwen's delicate body shuddered violently, a tingling sensation climbing straight up from her tailbone.
"How am I different?"
Johnny's voice was husky.
His large hand had unknowingly rested on her shoulder, his fingertips lightly stroking her tender skin.
"You... you're very bad."
Gwen turned her head; the distance between them was so close they could count each other's eyelashes.
She could smell the scent of red wine and cedar on Johnny.
That aggressive masculine aura caused her last shred of top-student rationality to snap instantly.
Johnny didn't speak.
His response was a kiss that was both dominant and tender.
"Mmm..."
Gwen's pupils dilated instantly, then slowly closed.
She felt like a leaf fluttering in a storm.
She could only grip Johnny's collar tightly, letting herself sink into this vortex filled with the taste of red wine.
Hiss... Johnny also felt a surge of excitement in his heart.
This taste was indeed more than ten thousand times better than playing virtual interactions in that crappy game.
After a long time, their lips parted.
Gwen was slumped in Johnny's arms, her breathing ragged.
"Gwen."
Johnny whispered in her ear, his voice carrying an irresistible temptation.
"It's getting late. Queens is too far to go back to now. I happened to book a room nearby where we can see the stars."
"Shall we go there and continue our exchange on biology?"
Gwen buried her head in his chest in shame.
Her small hands tightly gripped the hem of his shirt as she gave a response as faint as a mosquito's buzz:
"Mm..."
A confident, wicked smile curled at the corner of Johnny's mouth.
He scooped Gwen up and led her out of the restaurant by the hand with large strides.
Tonight's academic research was destined to consume a vast amount of physical strength and energy... Meanwhile.
On the top floor of a Manhattan skyscraper.
In front of a massive floor-to-ceiling window.
A burly man weighing at least four hundred pounds, with muscles as hard as granite, stood expressionlessly.
Wilson Fisk.
Also known as Kingpin, the man who made New York's underworld tremble with fear.
Behind him, his confidant Wesley handed over a tablet with a grave expression.
"Sir, the latest news."
"Alexei (Rhino) and Toomes (Vulture) are already in custody."
"This situation is a bit troublesome; the police station says someone is preventing them from being bailed out."
Kingpin said nothing.
His eyes, sunken deep into his flesh, stared intently at a photo on the screen.
It was a surveillance screenshot from an alley near Empire State University.
In the photo was a young man in a black hoodie, his looks excessively handsome.
He was throwing a punch at Rhino's jaw with a faint, mocking expression.
"Johnny Gilda?"
Kingpin spoke slowly.
He squeezed the expensive cigar in his hand with force.
With a 'crack,'
the cigar, worth a month's salary for an ordinary person, instantly turned into a pile of debris under his monstrous strength.
Tobacco scraps fell from between his fingers.
"Find out everything about him."
Kingpin turned around, his entire figure shrouded in shadow.
"In New York, no one cuts off my, Fisk's, source of income and lives to tell about it."
Chapter 14: Combat Power Multiplied by Ten
In the early morning of New York, a trace of night's chill still lingered in the air.
At the entrance of the Hilton Hotel on Fifth Avenue.
Johnny walked out with large strides, holding Gwen's hand.
Today, Johnny still looked refreshed and radiant.
On that handsome face hung a satisfied smile that all men would understand.
He seemed like an Iron Man reactor that had just been fully charged, with energy radiating from every part of his body.
Gwen, on the other hand.
This top-student goddess, who usually walked with the wind, now looked like an injured kitten.
With every step she took, her beautiful legs, clad in stockings, trembled slightly.
There was a hint of fatigue between her brows, but more than that, there was the shyness and charm that follows a first experience.
"Slower... Johnny."
Gwen tugged at Johnny's sleeve, her voice a bit hoarse.
That was the aftereffect of last night's overly intense academic debate.
"Sorry, habit."
Johnny immediately slowed his pace, taking Gwen's soft, boneless hand into his palm.
His other hand naturally wrapped around her slender waist, supporting her like a human crutch.
"Does it still hurt?"
Johnny lowered his head, leaning into Gwen's ear to ask in a voice only the two of them could hear.
His tone carried a bit of teasing, but also a bit of concern.
"You... how can you still say that!"
Gwen's face instantly turned bright red, like a ripe tomato.
She irritably pinched the soft flesh at Johnny's waist, but couldn't bring herself to use any real force.
Johnny chuckled with a thick skin and hailed a taxi.
He gentlemanly shielded Gwen as she got into the car, not forgetting to considerately place a soft pillow behind her.
This smooth series of actions made Gwen feel warm inside.
This bad guy.
Though he was as overbearing as a Beast in that regard.
In normal times, he was as gentle as a prince.
Is this... the feeling of being in love?
...Empire State University.
When the two appeared on the campus avenue, they unsurprisingly became the focus of attention once again.
Especially Gwen's slightly unnatural walking posture.
In the eyes of certain experienced observers, it was practically the most obvious report of the battle's intensity.
"Yo, look who it is?"
A playful voice rang out.
Felicia Hardy leaned against a lamp post, twirling her car keys in her hand.
Those cat-like eyes scanned back and forth between the two of them.
Finally, they settled on Gwen's unusually flushed face.
"Morning, biology geniuses."
Felicia let out a whistle and walked over with a cat-like stride.
She leaned in to sniff Gwen, a playful smirk appearing on her face.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Gwen, your scent has changed."
"It's a... mix of hormones and... hmm, the sweetness of milk?"
"Last night's academic exchange must have been very intense, right?"
Felicia's words made Gwen want to find a hole in the ground to crawl into.
"No... no! Don't talk nonsense!"
Gwen waved her hands frantically, her eyes darting away, not daring to look at Felicia at all.
"We... we just happened to run into each other at the school gate! Right, Johnny?"
Looking at Gwen's adorable attempt at a cover-up.
Johnny suppressed a laugh and nodded solemnly.
"That's right, classmate Felicia."
"As upright college students, we spent last night in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a starry ceiling, discussing the possibilities of DNA sequence recombination throughout the night."
"As for the scent you mentioned..."
Johnny raised an eyebrow, his gaze scanning Felicia's hot figure without restraint.
"Maybe next time, you can come and smell it for yourself?"
"Tch, little pervert."
Felicia rolled her eyes at him, but the interest in her eyes grew even stronger.
A man who dared to flirt back like this in front of her was rare.
"But having said that."
Felicia dropped her joking attitude and looked at Johnny.
"You're a big celebrity in school now."
"The incident in the alley yesterday has spread like crazy."
"Using Rhino as a punching bag and being able to fly... tsk tsk, everyone on the forums is guessing which alien prince's bastard son you are."
"But you should be careful. While Flash Thompson is a waste, his father is a school board member."
"I heard that guy is still lying in the ICU, and his bone-setting surgery took eight hours."
"His family probably won't let this go easily."
Johnny shrugged with an indifferent expression.
"I was forced into self-defense."
"Everyone saw it; he was the one who insisted on dragging me into the alley to 'exchange feelings.'"
"As for the fractures... maybe he's just calcium deficient?"
Seeing Johnny's unbothered attitude.
Felicia burst out laughing.
"Alright, you certainly have a good mindset."
"Anyway, good luck, my Apollo."
With that, Felicia blew a kiss to Johnny and turned to walk away, swaying her hips.
Gwen watched Felicia's retreating back and subconsciously hugged Johnny's arm tighter.
Her vigilance was at its peak... The first class of the morning was English Literature.
For a science student like Johnny, it was practically a lullaby.
He sat in the back row of the classroom, propping his chin with one hand.
His other hand was busy under the table, playing with Gwen's small hand.
This caused Gwen to glare at him with a red face from time to time.
Just then.
[Ding!]
The long-awaited system notification sounded in Johnny's mind.
[Congratulations to the host! Successfully completed the first deep exchange with the S-Rankcomprehensive rating beauty—Gwen Stacy!]
[many children many blessings system reward settlement in progress...]
[Reward 1: Given the host's outstanding performance and high affinity base, the base combat power is doubled!]
Boom!
A surge of heat, more violent than before, instantly swept through his entire body.
His original 110 combat power points instantly surged!
220 points!
But it wasn't over yet!
[Ding! Special circumstances detected!]
[Congratulations to the host! Triggered hidden achievement—'One Shot, One Kill'!]
[Detected that the target Gwen Stacy has successfully conceived!]
[A new addition to the family, congratulations!]
[Triggered critical hit reward: Base combat power × 10!]
Pffft—!
Johnny almost spat out his own saliva.
What the hell?!
Conceived?!
This was too accurate, wasn't it?
This hit rate... a true sharpshooter!
Before he could recover from the shock.
A terrifying energy that made even his soul tremble erupted within his body like a tsunami!
220 combat power points... multiplied directly by 10!
2200 points!
Johnny suddenly clenched his fist.
He felt that he was now terrifyingly strong!
If the previous 110 combat power points were within the realm of human peak or low-level superhumans.
Then the current 2200 points... that was definitely Planet-level combat power!
You should know, in the original dragon ball.
That Raditz, who arrived on Earth and scared the life out of King Piccolo, only had a combat power of 1500!
And Raditz could flatten a city with a casual strike and even withstand the Special Beam Cannon!
The current him was even stronger than Raditz by a significant margin!
Johnny's eyes instantly became incredibly fiery.
He quickly calculated the power level comparisons in the Marvel Universe.
The current Iron Man Tony Stark, wearing the Mark 3 or Mark 4.
His combat power would be around two or three hundred at most.
Even that Hulkbuster armor built later to deal with Hulk would only reach a bit over a thousand.
As for others... Namo swimming in the water?
Those Super Skrulls who only know how to mimic?
Even the future Vision with a gem on his head, or Ronan the Accuser with his hammer... in front of the current him, aren't they all just little brothers?!
"Wuhu! Awesome!"
Johnny couldn't help but roar in his heart.
And this was just from winning over one Gwen!
If he were to take down Felicia, Wanda, Polaris, and the others... wouldn't he directly transform into Super Saiyan 4, tear Thanos apart, and trample the Celestials?
This many children many blessings system is truly amazing!
Johnny turned his head to look at Gwen, who was seriously taking notes beside him.
His eyes were filled with tenderness (and love for the experience points).
How was this just a girlfriend?
This was clearly his lucky goddess, his super power bank!
And... she might already have his little Saiyan in her belly.
At the thought of this, Johnny's hand unconsciously covered Gwen's flat lower abdomen.
"Hmm? Johnny, what's wrong?"
Gwen turned her head in confusion, and feeling the warmth on her abdomen, her face turned red again.
"We're... in the classroom..."
"It's nothing, I just suddenly thought you look especially beautiful today."
Johnny leaned in and whispered to her.
But in his heart, he was thinking: My dear son or daughter, you better grow well; whether your dad can transform into a Super Saiyan depends on you.
However.
Just as Johnny was immersed in the joy of his surging strength.
"Bang!"
The classroom door was violently pushed open.
The loud noise startled everyone.
The English teacher on the podium pushed up his glasses, about to get angry.
But after seeing who had entered, he immediately shut his mouth.
Standing at the door was a middle-aged bald man in a suit with a face full of flesh.
Behind him followed several burly school security guards.
The Dean of Empire State University—Dean.
He was also a notorious snob, a lackey who specialized in cleaning up the messes of the young masters and ladies from the board members' families.
Dean had a gloomy face, and his gaze scanned the classroom.
Finally, he locked onto Johnny sitting in the back row.
"Johnny Gilda!"
Dean roared, his saliva flying everywhere.
"Stand up!"
"Pack your things and come to the Dean's Office immediately!"
"Now! Immediately!"
The classroom instantly burst into a commotion.
All the students turned in unison to look at Johnny in the back row.
Whispers broke out everywhere.
"It's over, it's over, the Dean came in person!"
"It's definitely because of the Flash Thompson incident yesterday!"
"I heard Thompson's dad rushed into the Principal's office with a team of lawyers early this morning, vowing to make the guy who hit him rot in jail!"
"Sigh, what a pity. Such a handsome new school hunk is going to be expelled right after arriving, and might even go to jail."
Gwen's face instantly turned deathly pale.
She tightly grabbed Johnny's hand.
"Johnny..."
Her voice was trembling.
Although her father was the Police Director, in the face of the power of capital, the law could sometimes become pale and powerless.
Especially since Flash was indeed seriously injured; this qualified as a serious assault incident.
If the school insisted on pursuing it... "Don't be afraid."
Johnny gently patted the back of Gwen's hand, giving her a reassuring look.
Then.
He slowly stood up.
Facing the aggressive Dean and the security guards.
There wasn't a trace of fear on his face; instead, there was a playful smile.
Would a powerhouse with 2200 combat power points be afraid of a Dean?
Don't be ridiculous.
"Mr. Dean, is it?"
Johnny unhurriedly adjusted his collar.
"What's with the big temper?"
"Perfect, I also want to talk to the school about the definition of campus bullying and self-defense."
"Lead the way."