CHAPTER 5: THE MASTER'S GAZE
A month had passed since the Genesis Auction. For the world outside, it had been a month of frantic rebuilding, political fallout from the alien invasion, and a relentless, ultimately fruitless, hunt for the mysterious "Auction House" and its "Master." For Adam, inside the House, it had been a month of surreal adjustment, subtle manipulation, and the slow, often hilarious, process of watching his makeshift staff settle into their roles.
The House hummed with a quiet efficiency. It adapted to its inhabitants, manifesting new rooms, new amenities, and a general atmosphere of serene productivity. Adam, for his part, had perfected his "Ainz Ooal Gown" act. He moved with deliberate slowness, spoke in measured, resonant tones, and allowed his silence to be interpreted as profound thought or weary wisdom. Internally, he was still 90% panic and 10% pop culture references, but externally? He was pure, unadulterated, cosmic gravitas.
His first official staff meeting was, as expected, a study in contrasts. They gathered in a grand, circular room – Adam at the head of a massive obsidian table, Wanda to his right, Pietro to his left, and Natasha, ever watchful, directly across from him.
"Welcome, my esteemed staff," Adam intoned, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "A month has passed. The initial adjustments, I trust, have been… satisfactory."
Wanda, no longer as fearful, spoke first, her voice still soft, but with a growing confidence. "The House… it is truly incredible, Master. The artifacts in the care of my department… they speak to me. I feel them." Her eyes, once haunted, now held a glimmer of fascination. She was genuinely thriving in her role as Head of Artifact Care, seemingly possessing an innate connection to the magical energies some items exuded.
Good. That's the magical intuition kicking in. She's basically a cosmic antique appraiser. Just don't let her accidentally unleash an Elder God. Small ask.
Pietro, ever restless, nodded, a blur of motion. "The security protocols are… thorough. I've mapped the entire House, Master. No one gets in or out without my knowledge. Or my approval." He puffed out his chest slightly, clearly relishing his role as Head of Security. He was still suspicious of Natasha, often watching her with narrowed eyes, but his loyalty to Wanda, and by extension, to the safe haven Adam provided, was absolute.
Natasha, cool and collected as ever, offered a small, polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "The Guest Relations department is prepared for the next influx, Master. I have familiarized myself with the various universal protocols for welcoming… diverse clientele. Though a universal language translator would be helpful for some of the more exotic species, just as a suggestion." Her gaze was unwavering, analytical, constantly seeking to understand him.
Universal translator? Man, she's already making demands. Next thing you know, she'll be asking for a better coffee machine. Though, to be fair, a universal translator is probably a pretty good idea. I don't want to explain the bidding rules to a sentient gas cloud.
"Your suggestions are noted, Miss Romanoff," Adam replied, his voice calm. "The House will adapt. For now, let us discuss the upcoming auction."
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: NEW INVITATION CYCLE INITIATED. PRIMARY TERRAN RECIPIENTS DESIGNATED. SCANNING FOR SUITABLE RANDOM RECIPIENTS.]
Adam felt the familiar hum as the System began its work. This time, however, he had more control. He could consciously designate a certain number of recipients.
Right. Time to pull in some key players. Who do we need for the future? Scientists? Magic users? Someone who can handle a sword and isn't perpetually confused?
He internally selected a few names, drawing on his deep MCU knowledge: Stephen Strange (though he was still just a neurosurgeon at this point, his mind would be invaluable), maybe a Wakandan envoy (to start that connection early), perhaps even a few less-known but potentially powerful individuals from other parts of the world who could be developed. The other 10 were, as the System stated, random universal recipients, hopefully not too destructive.
While discussing the logistics of the next auction, a faint flicker of concern crossed Wanda's face. She paused, then looked at Adam. "Master… since being in the House, I… I feel strange. Like… the air here. It is alive. And my… my abilities… they feel stronger. More… awake." She looked genuinely perplexed, perhaps a little frightened by the raw power she felt stirring within her.
Adam, externally, remained perfectly composed. Internally, he did a triumphant fist pump. Yes! The House is boosting her powers! This is perfect! Less 'Hex bolts from nowhere' and more 'controlled, world-saving magic'. Just what the doctor ordered, especially when a certain purple grape comes knocking.
"The House is a nexus of energies, Wanda," Adam explained, his voice gentle, imbued with a deep, comforting wisdom by the System. "It nurtures potential. It cultivates power. Do not fear it. Embrace it. Under my guidance, and the House's influence, you will learn to master these gifts. To wield them with precision and purpose."
He extended a subtle, almost imperceptible hand towards her, a gesture of reassurance. The gesture, combined with his calming words and the House's ambient presence, seemed to soothe her. She nodded slowly, a look of profound understanding dawning on her face, interpreting his reassurance as deep, personal care.
Pietro, watching, looked from Wanda to Adam, a flicker of grudging respect in his eyes. He might not trust the Master fully, but he saw the effect Adam had on his sister, the way he seemed to stabilize her, to offer her solace.
Natasha, however, merely observed, her expression unreadable. She noted the "Master's" reaction to Wanda's emerging powers, the subtle gesture, the comforting words. He's cultivating her. For what purpose? What's his endgame with these enhanced individuals? She added it to her mental dossier.
The meeting continued, covering security protocols, guest lists, and item preparations. Adam watched his staff, his chosen few. Wanda, growing in power and purpose. Pietro, vigilant and loyal to his sister. Natasha, calculating, adaptable, and slowly, begrudgingly, becoming an integral part of the team.
As the meeting concluded, and his staff dispersed to their duties, Adam remained at the head of the table. He leaned back in his chair, the vast silence of the House settling around him once more.
This is it, isn't it? The beginning. The long, terrifying road of trying to steer the universe away from utter catastrophe. I've got a magic house, a system that won't give me a proper instruction manual, and a team of super-powered individuals who probably think I'm a god. No pressure.
He thought of Thanos, of Ultron, of the countless threats he knew were coming. The weight of that knowledge was immense, crushing, far heavier than any alien armor. He wasn't just surviving; he was building, cultivating, preparing. And the loneliness, the burden of being the only one who truly knew the full scope of what was coming, pressed down on him.
But at least I'm not alone anymore. Not truly. I have Wanda, and Pietro, and even Natasha. They might not know the real me, the nerdy, sarcastic guy who just wants to save the day without dying, but they see the Master. And for now, that's enough. Because the Master has a plan. A very, very stressful, completely improvised plan. And a lot of cool stuff to auction off. Maybe I'll get a real coffee machine in the next bonus item draw.
The next phase had begun. The Master's gaze, though internally panicking, was fixed firmly on the horizon, preparing for the cosmic storm that was inevitably brewing. And he would face it, not as Adam, the bewildered fanboy, but as the imposing, unshakeable Auction Master, leading his increasingly powerful, incredibly dysfunctional, cosmic family.