Ryuuto had no doubt — with a little push and proper training, Gwen would soon become a true hero.
But right as he thought that, a familiar electronic chime echoed in his head.
[Ding! Mission Released!]
Target: Eliminate the Lizardman attempting to turn all New Yorkers into reptiles.
Reward: Generous. Unexpected. Worth the trouble.
Ryuuto's eyes lit up instantly. Finally, some action.
"Yo, Shion," he muttered under his breath, "what kind of reward are we talking about here? Don't tell me you're pulling the mysterious act again."
[Hm~ this mission's special, Host. And that Lizard guy? Big boss material.]
Ryuuto blinked. "Really? That strong?"
[Yup. Complete it, and you'll get a Life Potion and a Hokage Data Pack. Pretty sweet deal, right?]
That was all he needed to hear.
He clenched his fists, excitement flaring like a storm. "Heh, then that lizard's head is mine."
Still, his brain worked fast even when hyped. Ryuuto coughed, forcing his tone into fake seriousness.
"Hey, Shion, if you could give me a hint or two, I'd clear this mission faster. And the faster I finish it, the sooner you evolve, right? Win-win~?"
He rubbed his hands together like some scheming anime protagonist, waiting for that teasing, honey-soft voice that always made his heart skip a beat.
[Hmph… no extra hints. The system's rules are absolute. Even a beautiful AI like me can't cheat, okay?]
A sigh, soft and almost human, slipped through the link.
Ryuuto dragged a palm down his face. "You're seriously becoming more human lately… but still just as useless."
[Rude.]
"Hey, wanna spar?" Gwen suddenly tugged on his sleeve, eyes sparkling. "Now that I've got the hang of my powers, I think I can actually keep up with you!"
Ryuuto's lips curved. "Oh? Confident now? Fine, let's see what you've got."
Gwen grinned. "Don't underestimate me — I'll show you what Spider-Woman can do!"
He stepped back, forming a seal with one hand.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Four clones burst into existence around him, each wearing the same crooked grin.
Ryuuto darted forward first. Though he wasn't using ninjutsu, his taijutsu alone — boosted by Rock Lee's data pack — was enough to leave afterimages.
Gwen reacted fast, firing webs and leaping from wall to wall. Her dodges were clumsy at first, but her instincts kicked in quick.
"Ha! Missed!"
The battle turned into a blur of fists and webs, of clones lunging and Gwen swinging. Her control, her speed — both growing by the second.
Ryuuto couldn't help but nod in approval. "Not bad, Gwen. You're actually—"
But before he could finish, a mocking voice cut through the air.
"Well, well, Red Mirage… living the good life, huh? Cute girl, rooftop training… looks cozy."
Ryuuto's smile froze. He turned — and sure enough, three familiar figures were walking toward them.
Gwen landed beside him, frowning. "Quicksilver. Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough for one lifetime? Magneto send you crawling back again?"
Ryuuto folded his arms, unimpressed. "Figures. You never learn."
Behind Quicksilver stood Mystique, silent and sharp-eyed in her usual combat suit — and a third, massive man glistening like he'd been dipped in cooking oil. His muscles bulged like concrete pillars, and his eyes burned red with fury.
"New guy, huh?" Ryuuto muttered. "Did Magneto start recruiting gym mascots?"
The big man's jaw tightened.
Quicksilver smirked. "Careful with your mouth, Ryuuto. This is King Kong, our new powerhouse. Unlike you, he doesn't do mercy."
King Kong cracked his knuckles, each step shaking the concrete. "You talk too much, kid. I'm gonna shut you up for good."
Ryuuto tilted his head lazily. "Tell me, big guy — did you come here straight from a construction site? You're still dripping with motor oil."
Even Mystique's expression twitched. Quicksilver's face darkened.
"You're dead."
"Yeah, yeah," Ryuuto said, rolling his shoulders. "They all say that right before I mop the floor with them."
King Kong roared, muscles bulging as he charged — the rooftop cracking beneath his feet.
Ryuuto's smirk sharpened. "Let's dance, chrome-butter edition."