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*****
As the swirling golden portal appeared in Eric's room, he paused for a moment, his attempt to sleep interrupted. A smile gradually spread across his face.
The moment he saw the two people on the other side of the portal, his smile could hardly be contained.
He strode towards the portal and, without hesitation, stepped through it.
The portal vanished, and the room seemed unchanged, as if nothing had happened—except for the inexplicably disappeared Eric.
"Dad!"
Eric excitedly hugged Mike.
Mike patted Eric's back, looking at the young man with a touch of sympathy.
Right now, Eric carried the heaviest burdens.
"Eric!"
Charles laughed dramatically, spreading his arms as though ready to embrace Eric.
"Heh!"
Eric scoffed, wrapping one arm around Charles's neck while the other hand repeatedly slapped the back of Charles's head, all the while muttering:
"Sweet and sour meatballs, huh? Braised pork, huh? Scallion lamb stir-fry, braised knuckles… I'll beat you to death."
"Ahhh!"
Charles screamed, casting a desperate look at Mike for help.
Watching the playful interaction between the two, Mike chuckled.
These two troublemakers made sure the house was always lively when they were around.
But...
"Shh!"
Mike made a quieting gesture. "Don't wake Gwen."
"Gwen? Who's Gwen?"
Eric blinked, giving Mike a strange smile. "Could it be…"
"She's your sister."
"Huh? A sister?"
Eric froze for a moment, then casually tossed Charles aside, his surprise evident. "When did this happen? Dad, whose child is this?"
Smack!
Mike slapped Eric on the forehead, his face dark with annoyance. "I adopted her."
Seriously, what was up with these two? Where did they learn all this?
Eric was a bit disappointed, but lowered his voice anyway.
Charles, fixing his disheveled hair, turned to Eric and asked, "You don't have any surveillance or anything like that in your room, do you?"
Eric stared at Charles as if he were an idiot. "Do you think something like that could exist around me? And who in their right mind would set up surveillance in their own room?"
(Nick Fury: Achoo.)
Charles rubbed his chin, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, true."
So, their family gathering without any traces of movement wouldn't be detected?
That was definitely a good thing.
"Alright then."
Mike waved at them, pulling out the dishes he had prepared for dinner from the dimensional space, even bringing out two servings of rice.
Thanks to the dimensional pocket, the food was still piping hot when it was brought out.
The two of them, smelling the familiar aroma and seeing the dishes they loved, felt warmth flood their hearts.
"Dad, do we have any alcohol? Let's have a drink together."
Eric smiled at Mike.
Mike reached into the dimensional space and pulled out a bottle of wine, also producing three glasses. "Already prepared."
Charles grinned as he poured drinks for the three of them. Father and sons clinked their glasses lightly.
Mike smiled. "Congratulations, you two!"
They both nodded, smiling in return.
For the next two hours, Mike didn't say much—he simply listened, letting them share their troubles and concerns.
It wasn't until the two were about to leave that he hugged them both and told them to stay strong.
After sending Charles off and closing the portal, Mike was about to see Eric off when Eric handed him a small, dark crystal.
"Dad, this is something the Black Queen gave me before. It absorbs life force. I don't know if it will be useful to you."
Mike took it and casually tossed it into the dimensional pocket, patting Eric on the shoulder. "Don't forget, I'll always have your back."
Eric nodded, and as Mike opened the portal, he ran through without looking back.
As the portal closed, Eric turned his head, looking at the spot where the portal had disappeared, and whispered, "Thanks, Dad."
…
On a mysterious island.
Inside the Research Facility on the Island
In the dimly lit room, two figures stood silently.
"How is it? Have you collected any valuable specimens?"
At the inquiry, a man with heterochromatic blue-green eyes pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, nodded slightly, and replied, "Sir, when will our plan begin?"
Hearing the anticipation and urgency in the other's voice, the man addressed as "Sir" smiled faintly and said, "Don't rush. I can sense that this world is about to undergo significant changes. Now is not the best time for us to make our appearance."
"Wait for it. Perhaps our plan will need some adjustments."
"Time... I have plenty of it."
"I understand, sir."
Jason Strike adjusted his glasses.
"Alright, you can go. Continue expanding our collection."
"Do you need them captured?"
"No, just collect their DNA."
"Understood."
Jason nodded, noticing the other wave him off. After a polite bow, he turned and left.
The room once again fell into silence, save for the faint, eerie crimson glow flickering in the darkness.
---
Host: Mike Kent.
Newbie Gift: Assassin's Time.
Ability: Memory Illusion Manifestation.
Level-up Rewards:
1. Eternal Cigarette Case.
2. Dimensional Pocket.
3. Kryptonian Bloodline.
Current Ability Level: LV4.
Current Upgrade Progress: 53%.
Son: Clark Kent (Kryptonian).
Son: Eric Kent (Mutant, Awakened).
Son: Charles Kent (Mutant, Awakened).
Daughter: Gwen Kent.
After a long time, Mike finally glanced at his system.
Noticing the progress of his ability's upgrade, Mike raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The progress had increased significantly.
It wasn't just because of Gwen—it was also due to Eric and Charles.
After the battle with S.H.I.E.L.D., the upgrade progress had increased slightly.
Never underestimate that small increase.
If calculated by the previous speed, this small increment would have taken Mike almost a year to achieve.
"Dad!" Gwen finished her breakfast, wiped her mouth, and said, "I'm heading to school."
"Do you want me to take you?"
"No need!" Gwen waved her hand. "I'm going with Luke."
Mike nodded. "Be careful on your way."
Gwen slung her backpack over her shoulder and ran out.
It was early spring, and the gentle sunlight fell warmly on her. The comforting sensation quickly spread from her body to her heart.
Standing at the door, Gwen looked up at the sun, flashing a bright smile as she watched Luke, who was running toward her, breathe heavily with his hand on his chest. "Don't worry, we have plenty of time. We won't be late."
"I'm just afraid of keeping you waiting."
Luke smiled warmly.
Beep beep!
His father pulled up in a car beside them. "Want me to give you a ride?"
"No thanks!" Luke quickly shook his head.
Gwen politely declined as well.
"Alright, take care then."
John smiled at them, gave his son a playful wink, and drove off.
(End of Chapter)