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*****
"A Superhero Association?"
The crowd murmured the name, looking at Mike with some confusion.
Mike smiled. "Yes. An organization composed of superheroes."
"Like the Stars Corporation?" Pietro asked softly.
"No, it's a completely different nature." Mike shook his head.
"Dad, do you mean..." Clark's brow furrowed slightly. "The Superhero Association would be a team similar to the Avengers?"
"To be precise, it's somewhere in between. Between the 'Superhero Registration Act' and a 'Superhero Team.'" Mike found a more accurate description.
The group looked at one another.
Charles smiled and said, "So, Dad, you're saying that while superheroes need a certain degree of restraint, they shouldn't accept the management and monitoring of the UN and various nations? Instead, the Superhero Association would take over that responsibility?"
"Yes, that's the general idea." Mike spread his hands. "The Superhero Association would be composed of superheroes and superhero teams. When facing thorny incidents, they can request help from the Association. Conversely, if a superhero becomes a threat, the Association must take responsibility for dealing with it."
Everyone pondered for a moment and nodded one after another. If it were like this, they seemed able to accept it.
"In that case, the Superhero Association would also need to take on the responsibility of guiding and training superheroes," Eric added.
"It's more than just that. There are many other issues, such as the work and daily life of some heroes, as well as providing them with equipment and so on." Steve thought more comprehensively, as these were problems he had encountered in his own life.
"If that's the case, the Superhero Association would become an organization independent of any nation. But I have a question..." Tony paused. "Will the various nations and the UN allow the establishment of a Hero Association?"
"They will," Mike said with certainty.
The crowd was momentarily stunned, but then their hearts relaxed involuntarily.
At that moment, Mike gave a faint smile. "Worst case scenario, we establish a special position for them, something similar to a diplomatic ambassador."
Hearing this, everyone nodded. With the support of Mike and Planet Kent, this might actually succeed.
"When did they tell you to sign the Act?"
"The day after tomorrow," Tony said quickly.
The day after tomorrow? So urgent—they want to settle this as quickly as possible.
"Then we'll go together the day after tomorrow," Mike said calmly. He smiled at everyone. "Now, for today's victory, you all need to celebrate."
The crowd burst into happy laughter, then turned their expectant eyes toward Mike.
Mike shrugged and arched an eyebrow. "Fine. My treat tonight."
"Ohhh!" The crowd cheered.
Because there were too many people, Mike didn't invite them back to his house. Since Avengers Tower had a kitchen, the group decided to hold the celebration there.
Today, all of them had put their lives on the line; they needed rest and relaxation. This celebration was not just for the victory, but also to soothe their frayed nerves and help them transition out of the mentality of war.
Seeing everyone excited yet unable to hide their exhaustion—and noticing some still had wounds—a card appeared between Mike's fingertips.
In the next instant, the card dissipated. A warm Chain Heal surged through the crowd, restoring their injuries.
"Alright, I'm going to prepare the ingredients." Mike smiled at them.
The crowd couldn't help but swallow their saliva.
While Mike went to prepare, everyone changed out of their combat suits and took a brief rest. When night fell, they all gathered in the banquet hall of Avengers Tower.
Smelling the faint, tantalizing aroma, everyone's stomachs protested in unison.
"You're all here so early?" Charles used his ability to sense the room, released his fingers from his temple, and said to Mike, who was preparing the meal, "Almost everyone is here. Aunt Raven and the two little ones haven't arrived yet."
"No rush. Carter and Maria are coming too. Once they've gathered, Joe can just open a portal for them," Mike said casually. His cleaver never stopped moving, striking the cutting board rhythmically, dicing ingredients into the desired shapes in the blink of an eye.
"Where are Eric and Clark?" Mike asked.
"They went to pick up Hela and Hope. They should be back soon," Charles replied with a smile.
"At a time like this, the whole family should be together," Mike said softly. He said to Charles, "Bring those washed vegetables over here."
"You got it!" Charles replied, happily bringing them over.
"Do you need help, Uncle Mike?" Jean stood at the door, her face slightly flushed as she asked.
Mike waved his hand. "No need. Just wait. Go out with Charles."
"Are you sure?" Jean blinked.
"I'm sure." Mike didn't look back. Once he heard the two leave the kitchen, he rolled his neck, put down his knife, and a Barrier Card appeared in his hand.
The card turned into light and dissipated, shielding the entire kitchen in a barrier. Then, several more cards appeared in Mike's hand.
As the cards dissolved into points of light, six figures appeared behind Mike.
Liu Mao Xing (Mao), Zhou Yu (Shell), and Leon from the world of Cooking Master Boy.
Yukihira Soma, Dojima Gin, and Nakiri Senzaemon from the world of Food Wars!.
These were the helpers who had appeared at the last gathering. Because Mike anticipated using them frequently, he had made their manifestations permanent. It seemed a very wise choice.
The six manifested and bowed respectfully to Mike. Mike smiled. "I'll be troubling you all again this time."
"Making food makes us happy too!" Little Mao shouted excitedly.
Just then, several more permanent cards appeared at Mike's fingertips. In the next instant, several kitchen utensils appeared before them.
Seeing these tools, the three from the Cooking Master Boy world cried out in surprise.
"These are the Legendary Utensils!"
"Legendary Utensils? What are those?" the red-haired Soma asked in confusion.
"These are kitchen tools that possess incredible power," Mao said excitedly. He touched the tools, nearly fainting with joy. With these, the food they prepared would bring people even greater happiness.
The Everlasting Knife (Ealing Dao): Specialized for seafood; it can restore the freshness of ingredients that have lost their flavor.
The Dragon Pot (Zhuan Long Hu): Specialized for accelerated cooking; ingredients placed inside are cooked instantly. (Note: Even special sauces that require one or two years of fermentation can be finished in a flash!)
The Copper Cauldron of the Sacred Demon (Mo Sheng Tong Qi): Specialized for accelerated rehydration; dried abalone, scallops, and other dried goods are ready immediately.
The Garuda Knife: Specialized for poultry and livestock; it purifies ingredients completely as it cuts. (Note: A pair with the Everlasting Knife.)
The Greedy Wolf Pot (Tan Lang Hu): Specialized for automatic processing; ingredients placed inside are sliced or minced immediately.
The Spiritual Treasury (Ling Zang Ku): Similar to a refrigerator; used to keep ingredients perfectly fresh.
A total of six Legendary Utensils were manifested by Mike, with the exception of the two Jade Dragon Pots. Little Mao excitedly introduced the effects to the three from Food Wars!, who were left in utter shock. To any chef, these were divine artifacts!
"I'll leave it to you all!" Mike said with a laugh, stepping away from the stove.
The six responded with enthusiasm. Mike smiled, his expression turning a bit peculiar.
According to legend, there are eight Legendary Utensils. If one eats food prepared using all eight at once, the consumer will gain eternal youth...
He wondered if it were true. He rubbed his chin and chuckled. If it were that easy to grant immortality through cooking, it would be a bit too ridiculous. But maybe he could try it sometime? Regardless, tonight's meal would be unforgettable for everyone.
As for him... Mike gave a "heh" and sat to the side to wait, checking the system he hadn't looked at in a while. After this incident, his system data had changed again.
Host: Mike Kent.
Novice Gift: Assassin Time.
Ability: Memory-Fantasy Manifestation.
Upgrade Rewards: Eternal Cigarette Case, Dimensional Pocket, Kryptonian Lineage, Increased Recovery Speed of Manifestation Power, Permanent Character Manifestation.
Current Ability Level: LV6.
Current Upgrade Progress: 99%.
LV1: Can manifest objects.
LV2: Can manifest skills.
LV3: Manifest the abilities of a single character.
LV4: Manifestation power increases with level.
LV5: Character manifestation.
LV6: Card strengthening.
Children: Clark Kent (Kryptonian), Eric Kent (Mutant, Awakened), Charles Kent (Mutant, Awakened), Gwen Kent (Ghost Rider Contractor), Lamb Kent (Kryptonian, Mutant, Awakened).
99%? That meant he was about to level up. Being stuck at that tiny bit was quite frustrating. Mike sighed and closed the system.
Watching the chefs work was a visual treat. But as plate after plate appeared, Mike began to feel the agony. Their skills were already top-tier, and with the boost from the Legendary Utensils... it felt like a swarm of stunning beauties rushing into the heart of a lecher, yet remaining out of reach.
The kitchen was filled with aromas, but because of the barrier, not a scent escaped.
"Did I build myself a 'prison cell'?" Mike shook his head with a bitter smile, and could only place the finished dishes into his personal dimensional space. Instantly, the pressure of the gourmet food decreased. Mike exhaled; resisting temptation was harder than fighting Black Bolt.
As time passed and everyone arrived, the dishes were nearly ready. This time, Mike didn't immediately dismiss the six chefs; he let them taste one another's creations before putting them away.
All the food was in his dimensional space, but the moment he deactivated the barrier, the seductive fragrance surged out. Everyone who smelled it swallowed hard.
Opening the kitchen door, Mike looked at the superheroes standing outside. Feeling their intense gazes, he felt like he was being hunted by a pack of wolves; it was hair-raising.
Mike cleared his throat and gave a dangerous smile. "Get ready to enjoy. Tonight's food will make every one of you feel like you're in heaven."
With the bonus from the Legendary Utensils... Mike could already imagine their faces.
Hearing this, the group's expectations hit the roof. Entering the banquet hall, Mike began setting the dishes on the tables. Instantly, the aroma swept through the room like a nuclear bomb of fragrance, pulling everyone into a gourmet paradise and making them smile involuntarily.
"I feel like I've reached heaven..." Tony murmured. In his eyes, it was as if bikini-clad beauties were surrounding him; he let out a joyful smile. It had been a long time since he felt this happy.
The others' expressions were similar to Tony's; within this intoxicating scent, they seemed to see visions of their happiest memories.
Seeing their faces, Charles—whose strong psychic power allowed him to resist the temptation—muttered, "This is practically a different form of attack." Curious, he used his telepathy to sense their thoughts.
Charles: (ω) I think I just discovered a lot of secrets!
Snap!
A crisp sound—Mike clapped his hands. The sharp noise woke everyone up. He said to the crowd, "Are you eating or not? If not, I'm taking it back!"
The crowd sprang into action immediately. If the smell alone was this intoxicating, wouldn't one bite send them to the afterlife?
Like hungry ghosts, they lunged forward. The banquet hall, which should have been filled with the atmosphere of celebration, was silent except for the sound of chewing. The superheroes' expressions were one of pure bliss throughout, as if their souls had floated out of their bodies.
The Fantastic Four, tasting Mike's food for the first time... (ㄒoㄒ) What is this?! It's too delicious! Can we join the Avengers now? Just let me eat a meal like this every day—no, once a week is enough!
The Kent family sat together, watching the heroes and shaking their heads with smiles. Because they ate his food often, their resistance was much higher.
"Cheers! To gathering together after every victory!"
Suddenly, Mike's voice rang out, bringing everyone back to the moment. They raised their glasses high and cheered.
(End of Chapter)