If this were an ordinary person, they would have gone into cardiac arrest on the spot.
Now that there was money, it was time to think about how to spend it. Earning money was meant to improve strength—and to enjoy it. What was the point of making money if you never spent it?
"System, open the mall. The exciting shopping session is about to begin."
"Let's start by upgrading the proficient skills first."
This time, Blaine wasn't rushing to find new abilities. The last time, he'd spent everything on new skills and gear, leaving his older abilities underdeveloped. He wasn't about to repeat that mistake.
"Hm? Soul Tracking Skill—let's boost that to level ten first."
The Soul Tracking technique was one of his best new abilities, and during the Ultron Legion battle, it had been a real showstopper.
"[Soul Tracking Skill]: upgrading from current level 5 to level 10 requires 30 billion. Proceed? Yes/No?"
"Yes."
Even though 30 billion stung a bit, Blaine knew skills were more valuable than equipment. Equipment could be lost or unequipped, but skills became part of him.
"Next, the Diamond Body—upgrade it straight to level eight."
Physique was crucial, always.
"[Diamond Body]: current level 6. Upgrading to level 8 requires 5 billion. Proceed? Yes/No?"
"Yes."
When it came to strengthening his body, Blaine never hesitated. Five billion was worth every cent.
At level eight, the Diamond Body was nearly maxed out. Its upper limit wasn't very high due to personal ability restrictions, but this was close to perfection.
Now, when activated, Blaine's entire body could transform into pure gold. Not just the flesh—his bones, marrow, veins, even his blood shimmered with indestructible energy. He could choose whether or not to hide the metallic glow.
If he didn't suppress the color, his whole body would radiate golden light—like a living beacon of power, or perhaps a diamond-skinned Arhat ascending to enlightenment.
His physical defense was now unparalleled. Even if Vision fired cosmic energy at him through the Mind Stone, Blaine could stand unmoved, letting him shoot for three days and nights without flinching.
"Upgrade Hawkeye next."
[[Hawkeye]: current level 3. Upgrading to level 4 requires 5 million.]
"Only five million? That's nothing. Let's raise it to level six."
[[Hawkeye]: upgrading to level 6 requires 35 million. Proceed? Yes/No?]
"Of course—go for it."
At level three, he could already survey all of Sokovia. With level six, his vision would reach an even higher level of precision.
"Hm? Shadow Stealth can be upgraded too?"
"With teleportation, Shadow Stealth isn't all that useful anymore… forget it."
In fact, Blaine was tempted to remove it entirely. With teleportation, he could instantly appear in front of an enemy—far more effective than creeping in their shadow for a sneak attack.
Besides, the last time he'd used Shadow Stealth to snatch Thor's hammer, no one had even noticed. At that level, the skill was practically self-deception. If someone with stronger mental power had been present, they would've seen right through it.
Better to save the money for physique upgrades. Surviving always smelled sweeter than stealth.
"Oh, right—the Copy Eyes! I almost forgot again."
When he opened his property panel, the first thing that caught his attention was the Copy Eyes. He'd nearly overlooked it—again.
[[Copy Eyes]: current level 3. Upgrading to the next level requires 50 billion. Proceed? Yes/No?]
"Pfft—cough, cough—what the hell?! Fifty billion just to level up once? Are you kidding me?"
Other skills cost only a few billion for multiple upgrades, and now this one jumped straight into astronomical territory.
[System confirmation: no error detected. Proceed with upgrade?]
"Damn it—fine! Yes! Let's do it. I've got the money, so bring it on!"
Once he thought about it, it made sense. The Copy Eyes were ridiculously overpowered—able not only to mimic other people's magic but even improve it. He'd already gained teleportation and time stasis from them—each alone worth more than entire worlds.
[[Copy Eyes]: upgrade to level 5 requires 120 billion. Proceed? Yes/No?]
"Let's go for it."
Blaine clutched his chest, gritting his teeth. "It hurts! One hundred and twenty billion gone—times have changed, fortune plays its tricks…"
He sighed dramatically, then pressed confirm.
"Now for the equipment. The Boots and Soul Pendant both need upgrades."
"Set them both to level twenty-five. Same as the Elemental Bow."
[Upgrading both to level 25 requires 150 billion. Proceed? Yes/No?]
"No problem. Let's go up."
Compared to skills, equipment upgrades were cheap. Only 150 billion to push two items from level three to twenty-five—honestly, a bargain.
"Next, the physique points. Can't forget those."
[Host's current physique: 375. Next upgrade requires 500 million per point.]
"No way—it's getting so expensive! I miss the days when it only cost tens of thousands."
"System, just tell me straight—how much to upgrade it by fifty points?"
[To raise physique from 375 to 425 requires…]
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