[Mysteries On Marvel] Chapter 61/70 (Patreon)

After dealing with the commotion in his bedroom earlier, Eren had hurriedly hidden the safe in the guest room following the police's visit.

Now, however, he wasn't in the mood to admire the pricey safe he'd bought.

Entering the passcode he had set, Eren opened the safe and retrieved his Osborne Group stock transfer contract.

Looking at the document, he chuckled to himself, a trace of self-mockery in his expression.

Looks like sudden wealth really has gone to my head.

Earlier that day, after receiving the stock transfer, he had been so exhilarated by his newfound riches that he had completely forgotten about the critical information he had obtained from Natasha, the "Black Widow."

SHIELD had already located and rescued Tony Stark from Afghanistan.

This revelation hinted at the next big event—Tony Stark's return to New York.

If Eren remembered correctly, the first thing Tony Stark did upon returning from Afghanistan was to hold a press conference, announcing the shutdown of Stark Industries' weapons development division.

That earth-shattering news sent Stark Industries' stock into a historic freefall, plummeting to rock-bottom prices.

It wasn't until Tony Stark declared his iconic line—"I am Iron Man!"—that the company's stock began its rapid recovery.

Although Eren's actions had expedited Stark's rescue, he was confident that Stark's personality and the inexorable pull of fate would still lead to the same sequence of events.

This presented a golden opportunity for anyone with enough capital and knowledge of future events.

When the mighty whale falls, all creatures thrive.

The collapse of Stark Industries—a titan of global military industry—would send ripples across the financial world, driving countless people into a frenzy.

For Eren, this was a chance to rake in an astronomical profit.

Of course, for the stockholders of Stark Industries, it would be an unmitigated disaster.

But then again, capital is never merciful.

With that thought, Eren picked up his phone and called Norman Osborne.

Once the call connected, Eren directly stated his desire to liquidate part of his Osborne Group shares for cash.

Norman's voice, tinged with curiosity, came through the line: "Mr. Eren, are you in urgent need of funds?"

After a moment of silence, Eren replied with a sigh, "Yes, I need a substantial sum for an investment opportunity."

"I see," Norman murmured. Then he continued, "I must admit, my personal liquid funds are rather limited at the moment, thanks to the considerable expenses I've incurred on experimental treatments for my family's genetic condition. I have about $100 million left in liquid assets."

"But if you need a larger amount, I suggest using your Osborne Group stock certificate as collateral for a bank loan. Given the company's current market value, 5% of the group's shares can easily secure a $10 billion loan. You'll only need to pay a negligible amount in interest, which can be covered by the annual dividends from your shares. This way, you'll have the funds you need without selling your assets."

As Norman spoke, Eren felt as though the man had opened a door to an entirely new world.

Wait, the world of capital works like this?

Following Norman's advice, a stretch limousine arrived outside Eren's home that evening. The vehicle whisked him away to a Manhattan branch of a New York bank.

Though the bank had long since closed for the day, it was brightly lit when Eren arrived.

A sharply dressed bank executive greeted him with great respect and personally handled the collateral arrangements.

Collateralizing 5% of Osborne Group shares was a massive transaction for any bank, promising substantial returns. It was no wonder the executive was so accommodating.

Perhaps due to Norman Osborne's influence or the quality of the assets being pledged, the entire process was remarkably smooth.

By the time the limousine returned Eren to Chinatown, the $10 billion loan had already been deposited into his account.

Back home, Eren couldn't help but marvel at the sheer convenience of capital in the Federation.

Reflecting on the night's events, Eren opened a trading account and poured his $10 billion into the stock market, leveraging heavily to short Stark Industries' stock.

Fortunately, thanks to his mother's teachings, Eren was familiar with the intricacies of the stock market. He had even pre-registered his account long ago, saving him the hassle of navigating the system.

After setting his investments in motion, Eren finally had time to meditate.

The day's repeated use of divination had deepened his understanding of the practice. Even the "Diviner" potion in his body felt significantly closer to being fully assimilated.

He estimated that with a few more similar experiences, he could completely digest the "Diviner" potion and advance to the "Jester" pathway.

The "Jester" potion would not only enhance his strength and agility but also significantly improve his physical coordination. It would grant him exceptional combat skills and allow him to integrate supernatural abilities into combat.

For instance, he could instinctively predict an opponent's next move, sense impending danger, or imbue paper cards with razor-sharp edges for throwing.

At that stage, Eren's combat prowess would see a dramatic improvement.

With visions of a promising future, Eren entered his meditative state.

However, this time, he had barely begun when white mist rapidly engulfed his vision, swallowing his soul.

In the blink of an eye, Eren found himself drawn into the familiar Balance Space.

Staring at the surreal scales before him, Eren's eyes flickered with confusion.

"What's going on? I was just starting to meditate. How did I end up here?"

(End of Chapter)

Eren scanned his surroundings in the familiar Balance Space, his eyes soon landing on an unusual sight.

In front of the eternal Scales of Fate, a crimson sphere of light had appeared, hovering silently.

As if responding to his attention, the blood-red orb floated toward him, its glow intensifying with each moment.

Soon, the glowing sphere was directly in front of him, suspended in midair.

Eren studied it closely. Apart from its blood-red hue, the orb was nearly identical in size and shape to the ones he had previously obtained from the Fate Compass.

Fixating on the orb, he felt a strange, mystical knowledge flow into his mind.

A few seconds later, his gaze on the sphere turned peculiar.

So that's what it was.

The crimson orb was a "reward" for eliminating Junior Abbott, the cultist of an evil god.

However, calling it a "reward" felt somewhat misleading.

The blood-red sphere originated from the sinister spider sigil that had once marked Junior Abbott. It was a token of favor granted by the unknown evil god he worshiped and offered sacrifices to.

This sigil had granted Abbott extraordinary abilities, though his rise was cut tragically short by Eren.

While Eren's Venomous Thread had severed and corroded the connection between the sigil and Abbott, it had not entirely erased the sigil.

When Abbott's body and soul were consumed by the Venomous Thread, the sigil, now ownerless, attempted to return to its god.

Unfortunately for the sigil, the Scales of Fate within Eren's soul intervened. The scales forcibly drew the sigil into the Balance Space and purged its malevolent influence, leaving behind only its pure, original power.

"Killing evil god followers comes with such benefits?"

Eren's initial shock gave way to excitement. Reaching out, he touched the crimson sphere.

Ding!

Congratulations! You have obtained a fragment of primordial essence!

Effect: Activation

This essence can be infused into an object, granting it the characteristics of a living entity.

Note: As an unclaimed essence, it will bond with the first being it encounters, recognizing them as its master.

Activation?

Eren blinked, puzzled.

If the essence had offered something more combat-oriented, he could have infused it into a weapon to boost his strength.

But activating an object?

If he used it on a gun, he worried the firearm might "come alive" and cause chaos during battle.

Wait...

There didn't seem to be any restrictions on the type of object he could activate.

Could he use it on his house?

Eren's home had been invaded multiple times in just a few days, leaving him frustrated and uneasy.

As his notoriety grew, he was certain more uninvited guests would come calling.

If this essence could truly "activate" his three-story building, it might turn out to be an unexpected boon. At the very least, it could make things more difficult for intruders.

With his decision made, Eren grabbed the glowing sphere and exited the Balance Space.

Back in the real world, Eren examined the crimson orb in his hand, its brilliance illuminating his palm.

"Let's see what you can do," he muttered before pressing the orb against the wall of his house.

"Activate!"

The essence, now imprinted with Eren's presence, flowed seamlessly into the wall.

A faint vibration rippled through the structure as the crimson light fractured into countless beams, spreading rapidly across the entire house.

In less than a second, the eerie glow vanished, absorbed into the walls.

Eren, still standing before the house, felt a pulse beneath his feet—a sensation akin to a heartbeat.

"Did it really come alive?"

Activating his spiritual vision, Eren immediately noticed a new layer of energy surrounding the house.

The aura was strikingly similar to the life force he had observed in sentient beings.

His lifeless home was now alive, thanks to the essence.

"Interesting!"

Curious, Eren approached the guest room door.

As he neared, the door creaked open on its own, seemingly responding to his presence.

Surprised but amused, he muttered, "Fascinating."

Leaving the guest room, Eren moved toward the staircase.

As soon as he stepped onto the stairs, they transformed into an escalator-like mechanism, smoothly carrying him up to the third floor.

Upon reaching the top, the stairs reverted to their original state.

Eren headed to his bedroom, and once again, the door opened automatically as if anticipating his arrival.

Stepping inside, he noticed the foul stench that had permeated the room earlier was gone, replaced by fresh, clean air.

"Air purification, huh? Not bad."

Nodding in approval, Eren continued to explore the house.

The changes were apparent everywhere. From the basement to the roof, the once-ordinary building had been transformed into something extraordinary.

The house wasn't just alive—it was adapting, reshaping itself to better serve its master.

As Eren stepped back into the living room, he couldn't help but marvel at the possibilities.

"This might be the best decision I've ever made."

(End of Chapter)

The previously haphazardly arranged furniture in Eren's home now looked as though it had undergone professional optimization, with a far more orderly and efficient layout.

The floors, scuffed and dirty from the comings and goings of numerous police officers, had somehow become spotless and gleaming.

Even the faded and peeling paint on the walls, which bore the marks of age and neglect, had been repaired. While the house still looked a bit old, the cleanliness and tidiness had improved dramatically.

Eren also couldn't help but feel that his home seemed more spacious, though he wasn't sure if it was due to an optical illusion created by the new arrangement.

As he wandered to the second floor, he noticed that even the previously cluttered kitchen countertops were now immaculately organized.

However, next to the refrigerator stood a massive trash can—so large it could easily fit a person inside.

Isn't this the same trash can that used to be in the basement for storing junk? Why is it here in the kitchen now?

Feeling a bit puzzled, Eren reached out to touch the oversized trash can. The moment his hand made contact, a stream of information flooded into his mind:

[Super Trash Can: Capable of consuming and disintegrating all living flesh and souls, transforming them into foundational materials to build and enhance your home.]

[Rating: Hey, want to vent to your trash can, buddy?]

[Note: Careful—it might just eat you!]

Consume? How could a trash can possibly consume anything?

As the thought crossed Eren's mind, the trash can suddenly sprang to life.

Its lid flipped open, revealing rows of jagged teeth. Moving with astonishing speed, it lunged at Eren, swallowing his head in one gulp.

Eren hadn't even had time to react before his head was enveloped by the trash can's gaping maw.

Yet, just as the sharp teeth were about to make contact, they softened and transformed into thick, squishy lips, wrapping snugly around his head.

From the dark, abyss-like interior of the trash can, a massive, slimy tongue emerged, enthusiastically licking Eren's head.

The sensation was akin to being greeted by an overly excited dog that hadn't seen its owner in ages—except much grosser.

Struggling against the sticky, slobbery assault, Eren flailed his arms and legs, eventually managing to wrench his head free.

Panting heavily, he staggered back, only to see the trash can bouncing in place like an eager puppy, ready to pounce again. Panicking, Eren quickly imbued his Venomous Thread with spiritual energy, binding the trash can tightly in place.

Finally catching his breath, Eren wiped the slimy residue off his face.

Curious, he sniffed the substance.

The next second, his stomach churned violently, his face turned pale, and he bolted to the sink, retching uncontrollably.

"Ugh!"

The stench was unbearable.

Disgusting!

The faucet seemed to respond to Eren's discomfort, releasing a gentle stream of water to help him clean up.

After rinsing his head thoroughly, Eren slumped into a dining chair, glaring at the oversized trash can, which now looked like a dejected puppy that had been scolded.

Through their brief encounter, Eren had pieced together the trash can's identity—it was the core of his newly activated house.

The trash can was responsible for breaking down flesh and souls into materials that could strengthen and expand the house. It could also control every aspect of the building, appearing anywhere within it at will.

While it had only licked Eren's head earlier, he was certain that anyone else in his position would have had their head bitten clean off.

In addition to its unsettling abilities, the trash can functioned as a highly advanced security system.

It could identify anyone attempting to enter or leave the house. If it deemed someone unworthy, it could lock all doors and windows, reinforcing them to match the strength of the walls, effectively trapping or barring entry.

Perfect.

Eren's earlier concerns about intruders seemed to melt away as he considered the trash can's capabilities.

Relieved, he softened his gaze and released the Venomous Thread binding the trash can. The thread coiled back around his fingers like a docile pet.

Freed from its restraints, the trash can bounced excitedly, attempting to leap toward Eren again.

"Stop!"

Eren held out a hand, issuing a firm command.

The trash can skidded to a halt, wobbling slightly as it balanced itself in front of him.

Placing a hand on the lid, Eren suddenly realized he could sense the trash can's emotions.

It seemed confused and a little... hurt.

Chuckling at the unexpected connection, Eren patted the lid gently.

The trash can responded with a burst of joy, its cylindrical body twisting and wriggling in delight.

"So, because I created you, I can feel your emotions?"

With this newfound understanding, Eren's expression softened further.

"I suppose you need a name."

Eren pondered for a moment, staring at the bizarre creature.

After much deliberation, he sighed and shrugged. "You're such a weird little thing. Let's just call you 'Little Oddball.'"

"Gwa!"

The trash can let out a raspy, grating sound, spinning in circles on the floor in what seemed to be an attempt at celebrating its new name.

(End of Chapter)

Little Oddball bounced around excitedly for quite a while before finally settling down.

Once it calmed, Eren spoke again:

"Alright, that's enough excitement. Now that you have a name, it's time for you to shoulder the mission I've entrusted to you."

"You're the spirit of this house and can control everything within it. From now on, I want you to guard this place—this home."

"This is the place I'm most familiar with in this world. It's my sanctuary, my safe haven, and I don't want anyone disturbing its peace."

"As the spirit of this house, you should know that in the past few days, several unwelcome visitors have broken in. I don't want that happening again. Keep them out, or deal with them however you see fit—whether it's driving them away or swallowing them as your nourishment to grow stronger. Just ensure they don't bother me again."

Hearing this, Little Oddball opened its jagged lid with a snap, slamming it shut as if to declare it would "eat" any future intruders.

Eren chuckled and patted its lid. "I'll leave it to you, then."

In response, Little Oddball gave a delighted wiggle, and its long, black tongue shot out, aiming to lick Eren's hand.

Eren's face fell as soon as he saw the tongue. "Stop!"

Little Oddball froze mid-action.

"Why are you so obsessed with licking people? Are you a dog or something? And do you even realize how horrible your breath is? It nearly knocked me out earlier!"

Eren took a deep breath to calm himself. "Listen, you are absolutely forbidden to lick me until you've cleaned that disgusting tongue of yours. Understand?"

Little Oddball's mood plummeted immediately. Its entire body drooped like a scolded puppy.

The pitiful sight reminded Eren of when he had forbidden a stray dog he'd adopted in his past life from eating trash—a lesson it clearly hadn't enjoyed.

With a sigh, Eren softened his tone. "Fine, you can lick my hand, but only after thoroughly cleaning your tongue. And no licking my face. Got it?"

Hearing this, Little Oddball perked up instantly. It hopped over to the sink and began scrubbing its tongue with great enthusiasm.

Eren couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and tenderness as he watched the creature lather its tongue with detergent and scrub it vigorously with a steel wool pad.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Eren felt a profound sense of relaxation.

Having a secure sanctuary and a creature that trusted him unconditionally eased the tension and vigilance that had gripped him since his arrival.

After thoroughly cleaning its tongue, Little Oddball returned to Eren, licking his hand with its now cool and smooth surface.

The rhythmic motions of its tongue lulled Eren into a deep sleep, his body finally succumbing to the day's exhaustion.

As he slept, the Cosmic Brain Meditation Method that he had previously struggled to advance began operating spontaneously.

Sections of the technique that had once felt incomprehensible now unfolded naturally in his mind, their intricacies revealing themselves as if by divine intervention.

As the meditation progressed, Eren's mental energy grew at an astonishing rate.

In the depths of his consciousness, the image of a white-robed man appeared, forming intricate hand seals with fluid motions.

The figure's voice resonated like thunder, a series of booming syllables that reverberated through Eren's mind.

Though asleep, the intensity of the sound caused his spirit to tremble, nearly jolting him awake.

But the thunderous chant soon transformed, becoming imbued with life-giving energy. It soothed Eren's rattled spirit, awakening latent potential within his mental sea and spurring a sudden surge in his mental energy.

The white-robed figure continued its demonstrations, merging the Cosmic Brain Meditation, hand seals, and chants into a unified system.

Gradually, within the depths of Eren's consciousness, a secret art called Thunder took shape.

Thunder was a high-level cultivation technique within the Cosmic Brain Meditation Method. It used the metaphor of lightning storms to activate cells, drive out mental distractions, and harness latent vitality.

According to the method, the electric fields generated during a thunderstorm could invigorate all cells in the body, while the mind, blank in the face of such overwhelming power, could reach a state of unparalleled focus.

Though immensely effective, the technique carried significant risks. Prolonged practice could damage neural pathways, potentially leading to mental deterioration or even insanity.

Yet, the rewards were equally substantial.

By mastering Thunder, Eren could rapidly enhance his mental strength while also improving his physical resilience.

This serendipitous encounter during sleep allowed Eren to make a massive leap in his spiritual cultivation, a fortuitous boon amidst his challenges.

The surge in his mental energy heightened his resistance to madness and significantly boosted the power and frequency of his psychic ability, Gaze of Despair.

When Eren awoke, his face was pale, a result of the meditation's demands on his body's nutrients. Yet, a faint smile played on his lips as he patted Little Oddball's head.

"You really are my lucky charm."

Though unaware of the specifics, Little Oddball sensed Eren's approval and radiated joy. Its now-clean tongue darted playfully, eliciting a chuckle from Eren.

(End of Chapter)

After playing with Little Oddball for a while, Eren mustered the strength to stand, intending to grab a few bottles of nutrient fluid from the fridge to replenish his depleted body.

These nutrient fluids weren't homemade; Eren had spent a small fortune purchasing them from specialized suppliers.

With no lab of his own yet, crafting his own was out of the question. The store-bought alternatives weren't exceptional but were easy to digest and served as a supplementary source of nutrition.

However, just as he stood up, his legs wobbled. Losing his balance, Eren tumbled back into the chair, landing hard on his tailbone.

"Damn it..." He winced in pain, rubbing his lower back.

Sensing his struggle, Little Oddball emitted a faint crimson glow.

The kitchen wall rippled like water, and the refrigerator smoothly slid out of its alcove, floating toward Eren as if carried on an invisible tide.

"Huh?"

Eren blinked in surprise. "It can do that too? That's... convenient."

Still marveling, he opened the fridge, retrieved a large bottle of nutrient fluid, and unscrewed the cap. Tilting it back, he gulped down the green liquid.

As the fluid settled in his stomach, a comforting warmth spread through his body, seeping into his cells. It was as though every cell in his body, starved and ravenous, pounced on the nutrients with feral hunger.

Despite the relief, an insatiable hunger clawed at his core, intensifying with each passing moment.

A faint, ethereal whisper brushed against his ears, a voice murmuring fragmented phrases:

"Corruption… barrier… descent… death… ascension…"

The whispers carried an almost magnetic allure, pulling at his spirit, coaxing him toward a dark abyss.

Without realizing it, small, pale nodules began sprouting on the back of Eren's neck, spreading ominously toward his face at a visible rate.

But just as the malign growths crept closer to his features, a spark of clarity flared in Eren's eyes.

"Shut up!" he snapped, his voice firm and laced with irritation. "I'm starving, not falling! If you've got the guts, hand me some food instead of playing these tricks!"

The sudden surge of self-awareness broke the spell. The pale nodules receded, melting back into his skin as if they'd never been there.

Eren's face darkened as he cracked open another bottle of nutrient fluid, pouring it down his throat to quell the gnawing hunger.

The experience unsettled him. He hadn't expected to encounter whispers of madness and corruption so early in his journey through the Divination Pathway.

It was a stark reminder of the dangerous dance between enlightenment and insanity in this mystical system.

The higher one climbed in the hierarchy of pathways, the closer they edged to the precipice of madness and corruption.

Though prepared for this eventuality, Eren hadn't anticipated facing such challenges while still at the Seer stage.

This is ridiculous, he thought grimly, his resolve hardening. He needed to accelerate plans to set up his laboratory. Without a controlled environment to anchor himself, it was impossible to proceed with peace of mind.

After downing bottle after bottle of nutrient fluid, Eren finally felt his hunger subside.

He retreated to the guest room, stretched out on the bed, and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

In this restorative state, his body rapidly metabolized the nutrients, mending the strain on his cells.

As he slept, the room seemed to come alive. Lights dimmed on their own, and a blanket gently settled over him, pulled snugly by an unseen force.

From somewhere within the house, Little Oddball's awareness stirred. Like a silent guardian, it watched over Eren, its presence a deterrent to any would-be intruders.

That night, under Little Oddball's watchful eye, Eren slept more soundly than he had in days.

By the time he awoke the next morning, pale sunlight was just beginning to creep through the windows.

Though his complexion was still a bit pale, the gnawing hunger that had plagued him was mostly gone.

"Finally," Eren murmured, stretching. "I feel... human again."

He grabbed another bottle of nutrient fluid, drained it, and glanced at the clock. Realizing he had time before school, he decided to take a jog through the park.

Before stepping out, Eren performed a quick divination for the day.

From his deck of Tarot cards, he drew The Wheel of Fortune – Upright.

A good omen, indicating the arrival of fortune and favorable opportunities.

His spirits lifted, Eren donned his workout gear, patted Little Oddball affectionately, and instructed it to guard the house.

Jogging through the streets, he noticed a marked change in how people interacted with him. Fewer greetings, more hesitant glances—some even avoided his eyes entirely.

"Guess last night's police presence left quite the impression," he mused, smirking to himself.

When Eren reached the park, Natasha Romanoff was conspicuously absent.

Looks like SHIELD has pulled her off the case, he thought. Can't blame them—she's already been exposed.

Returning home from his jog, Eren spotted two unexpected figures waiting by his front door.

(End of Chapter)

Eren quickened his pace toward the two figures waiting by his doorstep. Recognizing the taller one, he greeted warmly:

"Pepper, why didn't you come inside?"

Pepper Potts held up a key, a puzzled look on her face. "I tried, but my key doesn't work anymore. Did you change the locks?"

Eren blinked. "Change the locks? No, I didn't… Wait!"

He paused as realization dawned.

This must be Little Oddball's doing.

Scratching his head awkwardly, he explained, "Sorry about that. There was a break-in last night—a cultist sneaked into my room and left some creepy spider specimens to threaten me. I updated the house's security overnight."

Pepper's eyes widened. "A cultist? What happened?"

Before Eren could respond, the shorter figure beside her, none other than Tony Stark, interjected with exaggerated impatience:

"Hey, hey! Ladies and gentlemen, can we not have this riveting conversation out here on the street? There's a wounded man present—maybe show a little concern for me?"

He gestured dramatically toward his chest, where faint traces of blood hinted at his recent ordeal.

Eren caught sight of curious onlookers sneaking photos with their phones. Reluctant to attract more attention, he relented, "Alright, let's go inside."

Walking up to the door, Eren said aloud, "Open!"

The door responded instantly, swinging wide open.

Tony raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with condescension. "Voice-activated doors? Really? Kid, that's about as secure as a screen door on a submarine. There are dozens of ways to bypass a system like that. If you don't want your house cleaned out while you're sleeping, I'd suggest upgrading to a proper security system. Something like the Stark Industries smart defense suite—it's the best on the market."

Pepper shot Tony a sharp look. "Tony!"

Tony raised his hands in mock surrender, zipping his lips theatrically.

Pepper turned back to Eren, concern etched on her face. "As rude as that was, Tony isn't entirely wrong. Voice-activated systems do have vulnerabilities. Are you sure it's secure?"

Eren chuckled. "Don't worry, Pepper. My house is a lot safer than it looks."

He gestured for them to enter, leading the way.

As Pepper's heels clicked across the threshold, Tony attempted to follow—but the door abruptly swung halfway shut, nearly smacking him in the nose.

"Whoa! What the—?" Tony staggered back, clutching his chest dramatically.

Inside, Eren smirked. Little Oddball must be giving him a hard time.

Muttering curses under his breath, Tony managed to squeeze through the still-open half of the door.

But just as he stepped inside, the other half slammed shut with a deafening bang, making him jump again.

"See? Told you this system's trash!" he grumbled, his frustration spilling over.

Eren ignored him, walking into the living room to fetch coffee. Returning with two mugs, he handed one to Pepper.

"Pepper, what brings you here so early?"

Pepper accepted the coffee gratefully, setting down her bag and retrieving a glass jar. Inside was the familiar pink origami crane.

"I came to return this," she said. "Honestly, if I hadn't seen it fly across half the globe to find Tony with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed something like this was possible."

Eren smiled, taking the jar. "There are things far more amazing than this little crane. You'll see one day."

Tony's eyes locked onto the origami crane.

So this is how SHIELD found me, he thought.

Ever since learning about the crane's role in his rescue, his curiosity had been eating at him. If not for Pepper's vigilance during their return to New York, he would've taken the crane apart to investigate its mechanisms.

Unable to resist, Tony finally spoke up:

"Hey, kid, what's the deal with that crane? How does it work? What powers it?" He leaned forward, his tone laced with skepticism. "Don't give me any of that magic mumbo-jumbo—I don't buy it."

Eren handed Tony the other coffee and smiled. "Magic mumbo-jumbo, huh? What makes you so sure?"

Tony snorted. "Because magic doesn't exist. It's all smoke and mirrors—tricks to fool people who don't know better."

"Is that so?"

Eren's smile deepened. Locking eyes with Tony, he activated Dread Gaze.

(End of Chapter)

In the next moment, Tony Stark's dismissive smirk froze on his face. His entire body went rigid, as though gripped by the unseen gaze of a terrifying predator. Even his consciousness seemed to dim.

"Still standing?"

Eren observed Tony's trembling form with a tinge of surprise. Despite the overwhelming force of Dread Stare, amplified by Eren's recent surge in spiritual strength, Tony remained upright—a testament to his formidable mental fortitude.

"Tony?"

Pepper noticed his unusual stillness and called out to him. When he didn't respond, she turned to Eren with concern. "What's happening? What did you do?"

Eren smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Pepper. I just gave him a small taste of magic—sometimes, seeing is believing."

Pepper frowned but didn't push further. "You're sure he's okay? He came here to thank you, you know."

"Thank me?"

Eren paused, his mind drifting to the Wheel of Fortune card he'd drawn earlier that morning. So that's what it meant.

He smiled at Pepper. "Don't worry, he's fine. Right, Mr. Stark?"

"Yeah… fine," Tony muttered, shaking off the lingering effects of the stare. His usual bravado faltered as he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

Relieved, Pepper refocused on her earlier curiosity. "Eren, you mentioned something about a cultist earlier. What's going on?"

Eren recounted the recent events with clarity, detailing the encounter with the spider cultist, the threats he'd faced, and the subsequent chaos.

"Wow," Tony whistled when Eren finished. "Man-faced spiders, kidnappings, cultists—seems like I missed quite the party while I was stuck in that cave."

His eyes gleamed with curiosity as they landed on the pink origami crane in Eren's hand.

"Hey, how about selling me that little toy? I'll give you a hundred grand for it."

Eren chuckled and shook his head. "Not happening."

Even though the Seeker Crane had already fulfilled its purpose, its uniqueness made it far more valuable than money. Eren saw no reason to part with it, especially to someone like Tony.

Tony looked ready to haggle, but Eren excused himself, taking the crane upstairs to avoid further attention.

When he returned, he turned to Pepper. "I've added your information to the house's system. Next time you visit, just say 'open' at the door—it'll let you in."

Pepper tilted her head in confusion. "That's it? No voice recordings or scans?"

Eren smiled. "It's not the kind of system you're thinking of."

He refrained from explaining further; Little Oddball's recognition capabilities went far beyond conventional biometrics.

Pepper seemed to accept the explanation and nodded.

Eren turned to Tony next. "So, do you have any other business? If not, I need to get to school—I'm already running late."

Pepper shook her head, but Tony cleared his throat dramatically.

"Listen, kid. Even though I didn't really need your crane—I could've gotten out on my own—you did save me a lot of trouble. So, what do you want? A luxury car? A mansion? A date with a supermodel?"

He smirked. "Just say the word, and Uncle Tony will make it happen."

Eren raised an eyebrow. "Anything?"

Tony froze for a split second before hedging. "Within reason, obviously."

Eren rolled his eyes, seeing through Tony's act. He knew Tony was grateful, but his thanks likely ranked lower than his gratitude toward Pepper or SHIELD.

After a moment's thought, Eren replied, "Forget the cars and mansions. If you really want to repay me, how about helping me set up a lab?"

"A lab?"

Tony blinked, caught off guard.

"Yes," Eren continued. "I need a sterile lab for mixing compounds. If possible, I'd like my basement to be converted for the purpose."

Tony considered the request and nodded. "That's doable. Give me the layout, and I'll design something top-notch. I promise you'll love it."

Pepper raised an eyebrow. "Eren, what do you need a sterile lab for?"

"I've been experimenting with ideas for consumable nutrition products. The lab would make it easier to work on them."

Pepper nodded in understanding, satisfied with the answer.

With their plans settled, Tony and Pepper left in a hurry—Tony had a press conference to prepare for and couldn't afford to be late.

After seeing them off, Eren glanced at the time and decided to hail a cab to avoid being late himself.

Upon reaching school, he walked into his classroom just as the bell rang.

Spotting his arrival, a pudgy boy, Doug Wang, leaned over and whispered, "Man, you cut that way close. Old Tang hates it when people are late. You're lucky he didn't start early!"

(End of Chapter)

The chemistry teacher Mr. Tang, or "Old Tang" as the students privately referred to him, was one of the few Chinese teachers at Midtown High. However, his background didn't grant him any leniency toward his fellow Chinese students. If anything, it made him stricter with them.

His rigid demeanor and penchant for picking on minor infractions often left the students walking on eggshells around him.

For the Chinese students, this was doubly frustrating, as they found themselves constantly under his scrutiny, frequently called to his office for lectures, or even having their parents summoned for trivial matters.

In contrast to the other two Chinese teachers at the school, Old Tang's reputation was the polar opposite—resented by many.

Eren glanced at Doug and chuckled. "Well, I didn't end up late, did I?"

Like many others, Eren held no fondness for Old Tang. If the teacher had been fair and treated everyone equally, it might have been another story. But his double standards—turning a blind eye to the antics of wealthy, privileged students while nitpicking the Chinese ones—made Eren look down on him.

Doug grinned and gave Eren a thumbs-up. "You're something else."

After glancing around to ensure Old Tang was busy writing on the board, Doug leaned in and whispered, "Hey, by the way, Gwen came looking for you earlier. Still gonna say there's nothing between you two?"

"What did she want?"

"No idea, man. She waited for you for a while, but when you didn't show up, she left right before class started. Honestly, if I were you—"

Doug stopped mid-sentence, his expression shifting to panic. Eren followed his gaze and saw Old Tang glaring in their direction, his face stern as he began striding toward them.

Uh-oh.

Doug braced himself for a scolding, but just as Old Tang stepped off the podium, his foot slipped.

With a dramatic thud, the teacher fell into a full split.

Rip!

The sound of fabric tearing filled the room, drawing every student's attention.

The classroom was deathly silent for a heartbeat, and then every gaze zeroed in on the unfortunate teacher's compromised trousers.

Red-faced and clearly in pain, Old Tang clenched his jaw and quickly muttered something about self-study before limping out of the room, holding his shredded pants together.

Doug leaned closer to Eren, whispering with a laugh, "Man, did you see that? A split like that, and he didn't even scream. Respect."

Eren smirked subtly as he retracted the Poisonous Love Thread from his finger. "I guess he's tougher than he looks."

The incident felt like poetic justice—a small but satisfying payback for the trouble Old Tang had caused his original self.

"Ha! Serves him right. I was bracing for detention, and instead, he gave us the best show of the year!" Doug snickered.

The entire class buzzed with excitement, with students eagerly recounting the scene to one another.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Eren slipped a folded check into Doug's hand.

"Doug, do me a favor. Take this and split it between the guys who helped install the safe at my place yesterday. It's compensation for their time."

Doug glanced at the check and nearly choked on his spit. Eight hundred bucks?!

"Uh, sure thing," he muttered, tucking the check away with exaggerated nonchalance. After making sure no one else had noticed, he added, "Man, what even happened yesterday? I heard your place was swarming with cops."

"Just some lunatic making trouble, but it's handled now. The cops got him."

"Seriously? Since when did NYPD start getting things done so fast? Come on, spill the details!" Doug's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Nice try."

The class passed quickly as the students reveled in their unexpected free period.

As soon as the bell rang, the room emptied in a rush, leaving behind only a handful of students.

Eren was just about to pack up when a familiar figure approached his desk.

It was Gwen Stacy, looking slightly pale but still radiant.

"Got a minute?" she asked softly.

"Of course."

Eren followed Gwen out of the classroom, ignoring the buzz of gossip that erupted behind him.

The two of them walked to a quiet, secluded corner—ironically, the same spot where Gwen had thanked him once before.

Eren leaned against the wall, a playful smile on his face. "Let me guess. Another thank-you speech?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Gwen stepped closer, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him.

The kiss was long and lingering, leaving Eren momentarily stunned.

When she finally pulled away, she didn't step back but wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, holding him close.

"Thank you, Eren," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I heard what you did. You found my mom. I can't even imagine what I would've done if I'd lost her…"

(End of Chapter)

After confirming the demise of Little Abbott, the mastermind behind the recent chaos, George decided to explain everything that had transpired to Gwen.

With Helen hospitalized and severely injured, it was impossible for George to keep the events under wraps, no matter how much he might have wanted to.

When Gwen learned that her mother had been rescued unconscious from a cold storage room where countless lives had already been lost, she nearly fainted from shock.

Helen had endured severe abuse, with both legs broken. It was a harrowing thought—had George arrived any later, Helen might have become yet another sacrifice on that madman's altar to his dark god.

This overwhelming gratitude for Eren's timely help in locating her mother led Gwen to impulsively kiss him.

"Don't worry, it's all over now," Eren said softly, patting Gwen's back as he comforted her.

Though it wasn't the first time Gwen had kissed him, Eren couldn't help but marvel at the softness of her lips, which still felt so... mesmerizing.

After a long moment, Gwen calmed down, her face flushed with embarrassment as she released him.

Sensing her discomfort, Eren quickly changed the subject. "How's Helen doing? She seemed to be in bad shape yesterday."

At the mention of her mother, the light in Gwen's eyes dimmed visibly.

"The doctor said Mom was brought to the hospital just in time. The surgery went well, and if she recovers smoothly, she might be able to walk again in a few months. But…" Gwen's voice faltered, and her eyes filled with tears. "She might never be able to wear skirts again."

Helen's legs, already broken by blunt force, now bore the scars of surgery. The thought of the permanent marks left behind—a cruel reminder of the ordeal—was unbearable for someone who once loved dressing elegantly.

"I'm sorry," Eren said, his voice tinged with guilt. "If I had found her sooner…"

"No." Gwen shook her head firmly. "If it weren't for you, things would've been so much worse. Even Dad couldn't believe how quickly you found her. He said you were out for less than half an hour."

She looked at Eren with a mix of curiosity and awe, her eyes still shimmering with unshed tears.

"Want to know how I did it?" Eren asked, meeting her gaze.

Gwen hesitated for a moment. "Is it... something you're allowed to share?"

"Why not?" Eren shrugged. "It's a form of divination, actually."

He chuckled and added, "Didn't George mention I asked for items that carried Helen's aura?"

"Yes, he did. Does it have to do with your divination?"

"Exactly. I used those items to locate her. Of course, my method is a bit different from what most people think of as fortune-telling. If you're curious, I can show you sometime—maybe even try finding something to help remove Helen's scars."

Gwen's eyes lit up with hope. "You mean… that's possible?"

But just as quickly, her gaze shifted to Eren's pale face, and a new worry arose. She recalled the stories she'd read about how powerful seers often paid heavy prices for their abilities.

"Wait," she said, her voice tight with concern. "Does divination hurt you? Your face is so pale today... Is it because of yesterday? Did finding my mom cost you too much?"

Eren blinked, surprised by the depth of her understanding. It seemed Gwen had a broader knowledge of such matters than he'd expected.

In truth, the pale complexion wasn't from yesterday's divination but rather the Cosmic Brain Meditation Method he'd been practicing. Still, there was no need to explain that.

Eren gave her a faint smile, deliberately keeping his answer mysterious. "Just a small price. Nothing I can't handle. Besides…" His smile turned teasing. "You've already paid me, haven't you?"

"What?" Gwen frowned in confusion, only for her mind to replay the earlier kiss.

Her face turned bright red, the blush spreading rapidly across her cheeks. The memory of her impulsive act burned in her thoughts.

This jerk!

Flustered, Gwen shot him a glare, but despite her embarrassment, she found herself oddly comforted. The guilt she'd carried for being in Eren's debt began to ease, replaced by a sense of... balance.

Maybe... maybe it's okay that he helped me so much, she thought. After all, I've already paid him plenty, haven't I?

Eren's playful comment shifted the atmosphere between them, adding a subtle tension that neither could quite articulate.

The awkward silence lingered until the sharp ding of the school bell broke the moment.

Gwen exhaled deeply, her thoughts settling.

"My mom's still in critical condition, so I'll be spending my evenings at the hospital for now," she said apologetically. "But once she's stable, I'd love to see how your divination works."

"There's no rush," Eren replied with an easy smile. "Whenever you're ready. And next time, if you need to reach me, you can always just call. You still have my number, right?"

"Of course," Gwen said, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm the one who reminded you about dinner at my place last time, remember?"

Her smile faltered slightly. "But maybe… if Dad hadn't insisted on driving you home that night, none of this would've happened."

(End of Chapter)

As Gwen hurried to her classroom, her mind wandered.

Sometimes she wondered—if Eren had taken a cab home that night, would things have turned out differently? Would they have avoided the encounter with that terrifying creature in the underground garage? Without that, would her family have escaped the notice of the deranged cultist?

Would her mom still be unscathed, and their lives untouched by tragedy?

Eren, noticing her lingering guilt, interrupted her thoughts with a calm voice:
"Hey, I don't see it that way, Gwen. In fact, you should be thankful that George and I ran into that spider-faced creature that night. Things could have been much worse otherwise."

"Living next to a deranged cultist? That's terrifying and dangerous."

Especially one truly favored by a god of madness, Eren thought, keeping that last part to himself.

Gwen nodded, her expression somber. "Uncle Vinny told me they uncovered dozens of women's remains beneath the altar where my mom was kept."

"If you and my dad hadn't found that spider creature, my mom and I… who knows? We might've disappeared silently one night, becoming sacrificial offerings to that lunatic's rituals."

"Or worse, food for that monster," Eren quipped with a dry chuckle.

"No way!" Gwen said with a shudder, the faintest smile breaking through her gloom.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the school bell signaling the start of class. Gwen bid him a quick goodbye and darted toward her classroom, eager not to tarnish her reputation as a model student.

Watching her retreating figure, Eren chuckled softly, the faint scent of her perfume still lingering in the air.

But as he turned to head back to his own classroom, he felt something peculiar.

A piercing, angry gaze seemed to bore into him, filling the air with tension.

Eren paused, scanning the corridor. The sensation vanished as quickly as it came, leaving him puzzled.

"Was someone watching me and Gwen?"

His brows furrowed as he looked around, but the hallways were quickly emptying. Most students were hurrying to class, while a few curious eyes peered at him from classroom windows. Even passing teachers gave him questioning glances.

Realizing he stood out in the now sparsely populated corridor, Eren shrugged off the uneasy feeling.

"Forget it. Probably nothing important."

With a shake of his head, he strode toward his classroom, slipping in just before the teacher arrived.

Eren barely had time to settle into his seat before noticing the shift in atmosphere.

Male classmates glared at him with a mix of envy and hostility, while the girls whispered excitedly, their curious gazes darting between him and the door.

The cause was obvious. Gwen Stacy, the school's golden girl, had sought him out multiple times, stirring up rumors and resentment.

Eren, however, couldn't care less.

That is, until a note from his neighbor, Doug Wang, was discreetly passed his way.

"Lunch is on you, or I'll tell the whole school about you and Gwen. Let's see how you handle being every guy's public enemy," the note read.

Doug's clumsy attempt at blackmail only earned him an unimpressed eye-roll from Eren.

Do you think I'd fall for your little threat?

Grinning to himself, Eren scribbled a reply and handed the note back.

Doug, eager to secure a free lunch, opened it—and his face turned ghostly pale.

Eren's response was simple:
"I have photos of you reading Playboy in class."

Below the message was Doug's mother's phone number.

The implication was clear. If Doug pushed him, Eren wouldn't hesitate to ensure his mom found out. And knowing how strict Mrs. Wang was about her son's academics, Doug could kiss his freedom goodbye for at least a month.

"You win," Doug muttered, defeated.

Satisfied, Eren leaned back in his seat, his smirk growing wider. Nice try.

The rest of the morning flew by, with Eren focusing intently on class.

When the lunch bell rang, he prepared to head to the cafeteria. But as he packed his bag, a commotion erupted at the classroom door.

"What's going on?" he wondered aloud, moving to investigate.

Before he could, Doug burst through the crowd, grabbing Eren's arm in a panic.

"Run!" Doug hissed. "Flash brought his goons!"

"Flash Thompson? What does that have to do with me?" Eren asked, confused.

Doug gave him an incredulous look. "Are you serious? Flash has been obsessed with Gwen forever! And now you're all buddy-buddy with her? He's obviously here to pick a fight. He brought the whole basketball team with him!"

Eren sighed as Doug dragged him toward the back exit. "You're overreacting," he said.

But before they could leave, Flash and his cronies stormed in, cutting off their escape.

"Where do you think you're going?" Flash sneered, his voice loud and mocking.

The towering basketball players surrounded Eren and Doug, trapping them.

Ignoring Doug entirely, Flash stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Eren. "You think you can just walk away?" he taunted.

Doug's face turned white, but to his credit, he didn't abandon Eren. He stammered, "T-Teachers are still nearby, Flash. You don't want to get caught, do you?"

"Oh, I'm terrified," Flash mocked, his expression dripping with sarcasm. "Listen, fatty—this isn't about you. So keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you."

Without warning, Flash swung a fist toward Doug's stomach.

But before the punch could land, Eren caught Flash's wrist in midair.

The room fell silent.

Despite Eren's pale complexion and lean frame, his grip was like iron. Flash, for all his bulk and bravado, couldn't budge an inch.

"What the hell…" Flash muttered, his confidence wavering.

Eren didn't respond. He simply tightened his grip before shoving Flash backward with surprising force.

The so-called school bully stumbled and fell flat on his back, earning gasps and cheers from the onlookers.

"Holy crap!" someone whispered.

"No way! Flash got owned!"

The crowd erupted, their shock and excitement palpable.

Flash glared up at Eren, his humiliation feeding his rage.

But Eren remained calm, his pale face showing only mild disdain. You picked the wrong guy to mess with.

(End of Chapter)

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