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Where is she?
Mike didn't see the unconscious Faora and looked at Clark beside him in confusion.
Clark's expression was a mix of worry and puzzlement—along with a trace of barely noticeable relief.
"She must have woken up and left."
Rubbing his chin, Clark said, "After I knocked her out, she fell right here."
Faora was a dangerous individual. Mike had come here intending to "send her off," but she was already gone.
Hopefully, she'd be smart enough to stay out of trouble. Otherwise, the next time they met would be her last.
Clark was still too kind.
Mike let out a thoughtful hum and gave Clark a slight smile. "If she ran off, then so be it. Just keep an eye out."
"Yeah."
Clark nodded. "Should we head home now?"
"Let's go."
With a word, Mike summoned a portal card. After activating it, a shimmering gate opened, and the two returned home—only to be startled the moment they arrived.
So startled, in fact, that their eyes glowed red—nearly firing off heat vision.
The house was packed.
The previously lively house fell silent for a moment. Everyone turned to look at the suddenly reappearing Mike and Clark, their eyes falling on the battle-worn suits they were still wearing...
Hiss—
Several members of the X-Men and both Natasha and Hawkeye gasped, having no idea about the connection between Superman and Mike.
These two showed up together? That could only mean...
And with Professor X in the picture...
They exchanged glances, all completely shocked.
They turned to Charles.
Charles walked up to Mike and Clark with a smile and gave them each a hug before turning back to the stunned onlookers and introducing them. "This is my dad, Mike. And this is my brother, Clark."
Everyone stood there, blinking, slowly nodding in response.
Mike reached out and pulled Charles closer by the neck, whispering, "Why'd you call all these people here?"
Clark leaned in as well. "And why did you tell them about our relationship?"
Charles tapped his head and said, "Trust me—I'm sure we can trust them."
The group was diverse—men, women, young, old—but Charles had faith in them all.
Logan puffed on his cigar and said, "After a victory like that, we figured this was the place to celebrate."
"Hold on!" Mike looked at the bloodied Logan, then at the others who looked equally roughed up. "You show up like this and aren't afraid of scaring the kids?"
Logan curled his lip and gestured to the side.
There, the four kids Mike had sent home earlier—Gwen and the others—were happily taking pictures, each carrying a notebook and posing for selfies with the superheroes, occasionally making cute faces while asking for autographs.
...Okay, so they clearly weren't scared.
Mike was speechless.
These little punks were braver than most adults.
Still, when the X-Men caught sight of Luke, their gazes turned a bit strange.
They had sensed Luke's unique abilities, but Charles had already explained everything to them—including how the boy's family felt about it. So while surprised, they kept their reactions in check.
"Ahem!"
Mike cleared his throat and said, "Scared or not, go clean yourselves up. I'll open another portal for you all in half an hour."
"You're kidding, right?"
Covered in dust, Remy LeBeau pointed at himself. "Can't I just go out and brush off a little?"
Yeah, right!
He looked like he'd rolled in mud up in northeast China and turned himself into a living clay statue. A pat-down wouldn't cut it.
Mike stared silently at him.
Remy gave an awkward smile, pulled down his ripped hat, and muttered, "Alright, alright, I'll go clean up."
Steve, Tony, and Bruce waved over Barton and Natasha, heading for the door.
"We'll be back soon."
Watching them go, the X-Men looked puzzled.
Thor explained, "They live nearby."
Logan and the others showed a hint of envy.
Mike summoned another portal. Charles waved the others off with a bright smile. "Go on."
Seeing Charles's cheerful face, the group rolled their eyes—but when they noticed Raven hadn't moved either, their curiosity returned.
Raven walked over to Mike, took his arm, tiptoed, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh no!"
"God, tell me that's fake!"
"My goddess!"
"Ugh! Is this what love feels like?"
"So... Raven's Charles's stepmom?"
The group each let out their own sighs of disbelief, then exchanged looks, and collectively booed before rushing into the portal.
Raven giggled softly and looked over at Charles.
Charles froze and quickly said, "Don't even think about it!"
Raven shrugged and laughed.
"Alright," Mike said as he tapped the watch on his wrist. His Kryptonian armor vanished, and he turned to Charles and Clark. "You two go clean up as well."
Both nodded and hurried off.
Raven let go of Mike's arm and headed upstairs toward his room. She blew him a kiss and said, "See you in a bit."
Mike chuckled. Seeing Gwen stifling her laughter, he waved the kids over. "Come help out. You're all my assistants today!"
"Yes, sir!"
The four responded in unison and saluted him.
"Good!"
Mike looked at them seriously. "Alright then, Team Mike—your mission: peel garlic, pick scallions, and wash the vegetables!"
"Roger that, sir!"
The four answered loudly, all looking very excited.
In their eyes, Mike—who could summon superheroes—was the ultimate superhero. And if they followed his orders, then by extension, they were superhero trainees!
They giggled at the thought.
"Move out!"
Mike waved his hand, then smiled and nodded at Thor and Loki before leading the kids into the kitchen and giving them their tasks.
When he came back out, he saw Thor and Loki waiting for him.
Smiling, Mike said, "Congratulations on regaining your powers."
Thor looked at Mike with sincere gratitude. "Thank you for everything during our time here."
Loki gave a soft snort, his eyes glinting. "Mike, if I ever need help, you've got to back me up."
Mike chuckled and tapped Loki on the shoulder. "That depends on what kind of help you need."
Loki laughed slyly. "You agreeing is enough for me."
"We're about to—"
"Let's celebrate first," Mike interrupted Thor. "Let's make a proper feast today."
Thor's eyes lit up. "Alright!"
He was determined to pick up some cooking skills today.
With that, he dragged Loki upstairs.
Watching them go, Mike smiled and rubbed his chin, muttering, "Time to go grocery shopping."
But with the current state of New York...
Mike snapped his fingers.
No problem. He could shop in another country.
(End of Chapter)