"Ryuuto! You're not hurt? That's amazing!"
Gwen dashed to his side, her blonde hair catching the light as she practically bounced with relief. Her eyes shimmered, that rare mix of charm and innocence that made her the team's heartbeat. In her world, Ryuuto's safety mattered more than anything else — they were bound together now, and nothing could tear that apart.
Ryuuto grinned. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. But hold that thought — I've got a bone to pick with this guy."
His expression snapped from easygoing to razor-edged in an instant. His eyes narrowed on Hawkeye, and his voice cut through the air like a whip.
"You think that was enough to take me down? Don't make me laugh! You have any idea how close you came to turning me into a damn pincushion last time?!"
Hawkeye's smirk twitched. "But you're standing there, aren't you? Guess I didn't miss that bad."
"You what?" Ryuuto's brow ticked. "You just wanted to 'compare' strength? You nearly murdered me for a friendly spar?!"
Hawkeye scratched the back of his neck, looking unbothered. "Hey, you're the guy who beat Iron Man, Wolverine, Banner, even Captain freakin' America. Figured I'd see what all the fuss was about."
"That's because I'm blessed by both brains and fate, my friend! The universe itself can't keep up with me!" Ryuuto jabbed a thumb at his chest, full of sarcastic bravado. "And besides — what kind of moron interrupts a man when he's talking to a gorgeous girl, huh? You owe me compensation!"
Hawkeye groaned. "Fine. What do you want?"
"Simple. One-on-one. No gadgets, no arrows. Just fists. If I win, you join the X-Men as our new recruit."
The archer froze, then shook his head hard. "Nope. I surrender."
"What? Why?"
"I suck at close combat, and even if I didn't — Avengers don't transfer."
"That's a shame," Ryuuto said, cracking his knuckles. "Because I wasn't asking."
He lunged before Hawkeye could blink, his fist connecting with the man's face in a blur.
"AAAGH! My eye!"
Hawkeye stumbled back, clutching a quickly darkening bruise.
From behind Ryuuto, Gwen giggled, unable to hide it. "Serves you right! Guess all those fancy arrows can't save you from a good right hook."
Ryuuto smirked, his earlier irritation fading. "Tch. You're lucky I'm feeling generous. Next time, I won't stop at one punch."
Hawkeye sighed, slinging his bow over his shoulder. "Don't worry. There won't be a next time. You're stronger than I thought, kid. I've got training to do."
He walked away, shoulders heavy, pride wounded.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Hidden Mission Completed — Defeat Hawkeye!
Reward: Ten Life Potions, Five Ninja Flying Darts!]
Ryuuto blinked. "Wait, what? Hidden mission? For that?!"
[Hehe~ surprise update! The system's got a few new features since version 3.2. Hidden quests are one of them!]
"Hidden… as in, you don't tell me until it's done? That's rigged!"
[No, no, it's called exploration. You trigger them by accident, and the rewards depend on luck and timing!]
"So basically, you decide whatever you want and I just play along." Ryuuto rubbed his temples. "Sounds totally fair."
[Host, don't say that! The system and you are partners, remember? We're literally fused. Your growth is my growth!]
"Right. And I'm supposed to trust you not to pocket half my rewards behind the code?"
[Wha—?! The system would never cheat you!]
Ryuuto folded his arms, smirking. "Sure. That's what every suspiciously cheerful AI says before taking over the planet."
[Hmph! I'll ignore that insult. But fine, if it makes you feel better — I, Shion, swear on the system core itself that I'll only ever serve you. Happy now?]
Ryuuto chuckled. "That's more like it. Guess I'll let you live another day."
[Rude!]
He grinned wider. "And yet, true."