Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained S-Class Special Item [Absorbing Man Talent].
Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained S-Class Mystery Item [Wisdom · Biological Genes].
The system prompt echoed.
Two golden orbs the size of fists appeared in Saitama's storage space.
"This time they're not even physical items? What's with these two?"
Saitama examined them curiously.
——————————
Name: Absorbing Man Talent
Rank: S (Mystery)
Description: Dropped from David Banner, fully evolved due to certain reasons.
Effect: With this talent, you can actively absorb nearly any substance you come into contact with and temporarily wield its properties. The limit of absorption depends on the host's strength.
——————————
Name: Wisdom · Biological Genes
Rank: S (Special)
Description: An extremely rare orb, with a drop rate close to zero. Of course, you're lucky, so never mind.
Effect: Intelligence +1; Gain all first-level civilization biological genetic knowledge.
——————————
"Hiss—so it actually increases Intelligence too?"
Even salted-fish king Saitama couldn't help but take a sharp breath. This was the first time he'd ever received a stat boost to Intelligence. That alone made it worth it!
This wasn't like a video game stat—this was a direct increase on the attribute list itself. In the entire Marvel Universe, the highest Intelligence rating was only 7!
Of course, Saitama's Intelligence was already impressive—at a whopping '2'.
"System, what does 'first-level civilization biological genetics' mean?"
"Answer: Earth is classified as a standard first-level civilization. By absorbing this item, you will master the most advanced biological gene technology of Earth. In comparison, you will slightly surpass Bruce Banner's level."
"So that's it!"
Even Bruce Banner could stumble upon the Hulk formula by accident. If Saitama gained intellect far beyond his, his achievements in biology would be terrifying.
"Absorb?"
The system prompted.
"Absorb."
Without hesitation, Saitama confirmed.
After all…
His fight with David Banner had made one weakness painfully clear.
He couldn't fly!
Saitama's short-range leaps were insane (well… short-range meaning, oh, just Earth to the Moon distances). But against someone truly skilled in flight, it could be troublesome.
Especially in interstellar travel!
So these items might just be perfect for him.
Ding! Congratulations, you have absorbed S-Class Item [Absorbing Man Talent].
Ding! Intelligence +1. Acquired First-Level Civilization Biological Genetic Science.
The dual prompts sounded.
Saitama suddenly felt his mind sharpen. It was like his thoughts moved faster—like he was actually… smarter?
And then—
His stats shifted:
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Name: Saitama
State: [Normal State]
Hero Class: Caped Baldy
Intelligence: 2 + 1
Strength: 6
Speed: 6
Endurance: 7
Energy Projection: 5 + 1
Fighting Skills: 5
Justice Value: 3
Talent: [Absorption] — Effect: Can merge with nearly all energy and non-energy substances in the universe upon contact, temporarily gaining their properties, which indirectly enhances base stats.
——————————
At the same time—
The darkness around him suddenly lifted.
The black void disappeared.
And in front of him—
The familiar laboratory of Child Emperor reappeared.
"I'm back!"
Saitama muttered, feeling oddly relieved.
This place was still the most familiar to him.
"You! Who are you?! How did you appear here?!"
A sharp, trembling voice cut through the air—it was Fubuki's. Her telekinetic power surged, and a figure was lifted helplessly into the air.
It was Bruce Banner!
The biologist flailed, trying to explain, but Fubuki's psychic grip completely silenced him, as if sealing off every sound.
"Where's Saitama? Why hasn't he shown up yet?!"
Tatsumaki frowned, glaring at Bruce suspiciously.
Child Emperor was confused as well.
This was the first time someone else had appeared from the dimensional void—while Saitama himself was missing.
"What are you all doing?"
A familiar voice spoke from right beside Child Emperor. He turned—
"Ahhhhhh—!!"
The boy let out a shrill scream, echoing through the lab. If not for the soundproofing, the entire Hero Association would have heard it.
Child Emperor's face turned pale, backing away in terror.
Because right next to him—
Was a pitch-black figure.
To be precise—
A shadow.
A living shadow scratching its bald head.
Why… why did that shadow feel familiar?
Saitama blinked. Was he really that scary?
He looked at himself—
——————————
Name: Saitama
State: Black Hole Mimicry
Effect: Absorption talent triggered, simulating black hole elements. Resembles a shadow-like existence. Immune to most physical attacks. Possesses devouring traits. Can actively destroy nearby entities.
——————————
"Uh?"
Saitama slowly shifted back into his normal form.
So it turned out—because of the Absorption talent, he had unconsciously mimicked black hole energy!
David Banner's ability really was broken beyond belief.
Even just this Black Hole Mimicry was enough to rampage across the universe!
"I'm… Saitama. And this is my friend, Bruce Banner."
The shadow dissolved, revealing Saitama's true body again. He scratched his cheek awkwardly with a sheepish smile.
(End of Chapter)
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