Hotel de Rome, Berlin.
Vincent lounged on the sofa in his bathrobe, relaxed as if he hadn't just frozen 30 mutants to death.
Magneto was cunning. The oil tanker attack was a dirty move.
But Vincent's elemental reflexes were faster. He had shifted into his Ice Logia form to dodge the impact, then used Hydro-Kinesis to create a water-ice barrier against the explosion.
Fire countered Ice, yes. But with his Awakening, mere gasoline flames couldn't hurt him. Even Ace's Flame Emperor might struggle against him now.
"My theory was correct," Vincent mused. "I didn't need to wipe out the Brotherhood. I just needed to scare them."
[Mission Complete: Establish Prestige.]
[Reward: Blue Blind Box.]
[System Note: Second Round of Main Quest Complete. Critical Hit Multiplier Active (200%). Do you wish to roll over the reward?]
Vincent paused.
Two Blue Boxes = One Cyan Box.
Two Cyan Boxes = One Red Box.
His Ice Fruit (Purple tier) and Hydro-Kinesis (Red tier) were already potent. He had enough defense. What he lacked was raw physical dominance without relying on powers.
"No rollover. Open the Red Blind Box."
He wanted a body cultivation technique. Something to make his flesh as strong as his magic.
[Opening Red Blind Box...]
A glowing red orb appeared in his hand.
[Congratulations! You have obtained the "Dragon Elephant Wisdom Technique" (Complete Inheritance).]
[Do you wish to absorb?]
Vincent's breath hitched.
This was it. The legendary martial art from Jin Yong's novels. Each layer granted the strength of a dragon and an elephant. Thirteen layers total.
"Absorb."
Information flooded his brain. Muscle memory, chi flow, bone density restructuring.
[Current Level: Layer 1 (Entry).]
[Note: Host can use Wealth to purchase Cultivation XP. Limit: Layer 13.]
Vincent smiled. Layer 13 was the limit in the novels, but with the System's Desire Points, he could break that limit. Layer 14? Layer 20? He could become a god of physical strength.
This would be his foundation to fight entities like the Celestials in the future.
Knock, knock.
Vincent's Hydro-Kinesis scanned the visitor.
It was Mystique. Again.
"She's persistent," Vincent thought. "I can't let her know I know."
He opened the door.
"Natasha? What are you doing in Berlin?"
Mystique pushed him inside and kicked the door shut. She kissed him fiercely, venting her frustration.
After a long while, she pulled back, panting.
"You shouldn't have been so brutal at the bar."
"Do you think I hate mutants?" Vincent asked seriously.
"No," Mystique replied, eyes narrowing. "But you cut off our lead on Magneto. Now SHIELD can't track him."
"Relax," Vincent laughed. "I know who Magneto is hunting."
Mystique sat up. "Who?"
"Our deal stands," Vincent reminded her. "Information for... time."
"I'm here, aren't I?" Mystique pushed him back onto the sofa. "Tell me."
"The US Government found a mutant boy. A 'Cure'. His DNA suppresses the X-Gene," Vincent revealed. "Worthington Labs is weaponizing it. Magneto wants to kill the boy to stop the Cure."
Mystique's face went pale. The Cure. It was the ultimate threat to mutantkind.
"How do you know this?" she demanded.
"Ask Nick Fury. He's been hoarding Cure samples just in case," Vincent lied smoothly to stir the pot.
Mystique tried to get up, but Vincent held her waist.
"Not so fast. I offer installment plans, but payment is due."
Mystique glared at him, then smirked. This man was dangerous, but he was her best source of intel. And his performance in bed wasn't bad either.
She resumed her "Natasha" persona.
"Fine. I always pay my debts."
New York. JFK Airport.
Vincent returned to New York the next day. The Brotherhood hadn't retaliated—they were too scared.
As he exited the terminal, he saw a man in a suit holding a sign with his name.
It was Happy Hogan.
"Mr. Hall," Happy greeted him. "I'm Happy, Mr. Stark's bodyguard and... personal assistant."
"Personal assistant?" Vincent chuckled, handing over his bag. "Tony usually prefers women for that role."
"Times change," Happy said seriously.
"We all know what Tony went through in the cave," Vincent said, getting into the car. "Betrayal changes a man."
Happy nodded, respecting the young billionaire.
"Mr. Stark sent me. Tonight is the grand opening of Stark Tower. There's a gala."
Vincent smiled. "The Arc Reactor goes online tonight."
Stark Tower. Evening.
The new Stark Tower pierced the Manhattan skyline, a beacon of clean energy.
Vincent stepped out of the car, with Happy opening the door. Cameras flashed blindingly.
"Who is that kid?"
"That's Vincent Hall! The one who made $15 billion shorting Stark Industries, then bought back in!"
"The prodigy investor!"
Tony Stark himself walked out to greet him.
The crowd went wild. The Genius and the Prodigy, together.
Vincent adjusted his suit. The stage was set for the Battle of New York. But first, champagne.
Now Get The FULL NOVEL at Once!
@patreon.com/Authorizz