[Ding! Congratulations, Master! Task complete—ten Life Potions awarded! 20 System Role Fit points!]
Ryuuto's grin stretched impossibly wide. With Steve now officially his little brother, he hugged the stunned Captain America, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
Shion's teasing voice chimed in through the system:
"Points can be added directly to any character's data packet, Master! Boost proficiency and amplify their moves! If filled to the max… even direct attacks could obliterate enemies!"
"Perfect!" Ryuuto practically shouted. After a beat, his eyes gleamed with mischief and ambition:
"In that case… dump every point into Kakashi's data packet! Time to become the man with the strongest Sharingan!"
[Confirmed! Points added. Keep pushing, Master!]
Turning back to Steve, who looked sulky and embarrassed, Ryuuto softened slightly.
"How's it feel now?"
Steve waved him off nervously, still clearly flustered from the Thousand Years of Death trick.
"I'm fine…" he muttered, subconsciously inching away.
"Haha, I knew you weren't holding a grudge!" Ryuuto laughed, patting Steve on the shoulder.
"And hey… why'd you rush straight at me just now? Weren't you going to challenge me properly?"
Steve groaned, face scrunching. "Let's not talk about it… too much talking, and I'll cry."
Before they could continue, Ryuuto's phone buzzed. Snatching it up, he answered casually, while Steve, sensing a chance, tried to escape.
"Boss Ryuuto, I'll step back for now!"
"Go ahead, go ahead," Ryuuto waved him off, grinning at the thought of being called 'Boss' by Steve.
But then he paused, smacking his forehead. "Wait—don't run off yet! You haven't given me your number. How am I supposed to call you later? I can't have you hiding from me!"
Steve wiped sweat from his brow and reluctantly handed over his business card. Only then was he allowed to retreat.
No sooner had Ryuuto pocketed it than Gwen's voice rang in his ear, cheerful as ever:
"Hey, Ryuuto! You listening? I've got amazing news!"
"Of course! What is it?" Ryuuto leaned against the wall, eyes shining.
"Guess! Did I pass the interview and find a proper internship?"
"You did?" Ryuuto grinned. "I knew it!"
"I got hired at Osborn Company! Harry helped me a bit too—but mostly, it's because you've always supported me!"
Ryuuto's chest tightened with pride and excitement. "That's incredible! Go for it, Gwen. This is your moment. I'll back you all the way."
Gwen hesitated. "Would you… accompany me tomorrow? Harry said he could show me around the company."
"Absolutely. I'll pick you up."
"Okay! Thanks, Ryuuto!"
Call ended. Ryuuto relaxed, letting out a deep breath as he headed toward a nearby restaurant, stomach growling. But the calm wouldn't last. Danger was already on its way.
Boom! Boom!
The alloy door to the room nearby shook violently. The sheer force hinted at a threat beyond imagination.
"Ultron! How long are you going to hide? Open this door for me!"
A booming voice joined the chaos. Ice King Lauf swung a massive icicle, smashing the door repeatedly. Veins bulged on his forehead as he roared:
"If you're scared, fine! Go back to Magneto and report yourself! I'll handle Jiang Li alone!"
"Shut up!"
Through the cracks in the door, Ultron's silhouette appeared, bathed in electric sparks from his rapid tinkering.
"Busy! No time for a giant idiot! Stay out of my lab, or don't blame me when I turn on you!"
Lauf froze, chest heaving. But when the door finally splintered and opened, he froze entirely—speechless at the shocking scene inside Ultron's room.