For Russell, this was his first visit to a luxury store, and the experience turned out to be quite different from his imagination.
Contrary to his expectations, there were no judgmental stares or condescending attitudes from the staff. Instead, they were polite and exceedingly enthusiastic—offering suggestions, explaining features, and swapping items as needed.
By the end, Russell found himself leaving the store with over 50 outfits and a receipt totaling nearly $200,000. He barely understood how it happened, but money was meaningless to him, so he didn't dwell on it.
What did catch his attention was the inclusion of a few... unconventional designs. He had never imagined clothing could be made that way. Rich people truly have unique tastes, he thought.
Some pieces were clearly meant for more "creative" purposes, and he couldn't help but feel nervous about Polaris's reaction. Would she think he chose them intentionally?
After sending the clothes home, Russell quickly returned to his timeline to buy food.
Inside the cave, the little wolf girl's eyes sparkled at the sight of the haul. "Wow, Russell! You really went all out this time!" she exclaimed, examining the high-end C. Gilson brand outfits—something she'd only seen on TV before.
"Ah…" Polaris muttered suddenly, quickly hiding a peculiar set of clothing behind her back.
The little wolf girl raised an eyebrow and pulled it out, only to freeze. Two thin ropes dangled from her hand. "What… what is this? A gift? Or is it... to tie something up?"
Her puzzlement didn't last long. She realized it was a "specialized combat uniform" and tried to appear nonchalant. "Hmph! Just watch. I'll show you how to use this tonight!"
But before she could finish her thought, Polaris revealed even more daring outfits, each one more outrageous than the last.
The little wolf girl's expression turned serious as a realization hit her. "Russell left so quickly earlier... Could it be? Hmph! Typical man. You're asking for trouble!"
When Russell returned with food, the little wolf girl and Polaris were waiting for him with unreadable expressions. Oblivious, he happily presented a feast of German, Chinese, and Italian dishes, meticulously reheated to perfection.
Over the course of three hours, they ate, drank, and chatted. Russell, impervious to alcohol, downed two bottles of cognac and vodka with ease, while the others began to feel the effects.
The little wolf girl leaned toward Polaris and whispered, "Let's team up tonight. No way we're letting him get away with this!"
Russell noticed their plotting but chose not to comment. Instead, he sent Polaris to her room before turning to confront the little wolf girl.
"You look ready for a fight," he said, smirking.
Laura smirked back, her new combat outfit in place. "Let's see if you can handle me!"
The sparring began.
At first, the little wolf girl was overwhelmed, unable to match Russell's speed and strength. Her self-healing ability kept her going, but it was clear she was struggling.
Hearing her cries of frustration from her room, Polaris finally decided to join the fray. Her hesitation melted away as she unleashed a burst of electromagnetic energy, entering the fight alongside her friend.
Now it was two against one.
Despite their teamwork, Russell held back to avoid causing real harm. His strength and technique outmatched theirs, but their determination kept the battle fierce.
For a while, it seemed evenly matched. The little wolf girl's spirits soared—finally, she wasn't fighting alone!
However, as time went on, fatigue caught up to them. Polaris's energy waned, and the little wolf girl's attacks grew weaker. Russell, on the other hand, seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.
Half an hour later, both girls surrendered.
Russell, victorious, felt a deep sense of satisfaction. As the girls recovered, he reflected on the experience. Sparring like this, where he could truly test his limits, had unexpectedly strengthened his divine and mental powers.
The next day, he spent a quiet, joyful day with them—playing video games, sharing fruit desserts, and simply enjoying each other's company.
Polaris, initially reserved, gradually opened up. For her, it was a rare taste of warmth, companionship, and happiness—a stark contrast to the hardships of her past.
Finally, after two weeks, Russell knew he couldn't delay any longer. With a mix of reluctance and resolve, he returned to the timeline of 2012, preparing for the final ritual to awaken his divine power.
But before he could proceed, he found himself in an unexpected place—the New York Sanctum Sanctorum.
"Please, sit," said a calm, familiar voice.
Russell turned to see the Ancient One seated at a small table, pouring tea.
Though wary, Russell sat down, curious about what the Supreme Sorcerer wanted from him.
The Ancient One smiled. "Mr. Russell, before you continue your journey, let's discuss something important. What do you believe is the relationship between the multiverse and the timeline?"