MARVEL'S MONSTER HUNTER WORLD

Derick looked at Raven, who had closed her eyes, and thought about the system in his mind.

"System, why can't I absorb vitality and ability through her power?"

Ding! Because there is a system energy protection in place, vitality cannot be absorbed. Instead, only a symbolic amount of life force is reduced.

"Absorptive capacity is limited because the host's ability is derived from the dragon gene."

Derick nodded in understanding. So that was the case. But still, losing just 1% of his life force really did feel symbolic.

"Wait, system, are you saying that vitality and life force are separate? Will I age?"

Ding! At present, the host will age, but the host's lifespan will increase as the hunter's level increases.

The fusion of dragon genes will also inherit part of the dragon's lifespan.

"System, you're actually a great system! Amazing!"

Derick turned his head toward Raven and asked, "How is it? Can you gradually control it?"

"A little... I don't really know how to control it. This is the first time I've been in contact with someone for so long."

Derick tilted his head and said, "Close your eyes and feel the energy within your body. Take your time—there's no rush unless you're feeling really sleepy and want to rest."

"System, temporarily withdraw the protection. I want to see how well she's doing."

Ding! Protection has been revoked.

100%... 98%... 94%... 91%...

Watson watched as his health value changed every few seconds.

After two minutes, Watson had lost 45% of his life points before the system restored protection.

Time passed quickly, and the horizon began to glow with the first light of dawn.

"System, revoke protection again."

100%... 99%... 97%... 96%...

This time, his health was dropping every ten seconds, mostly by 1%, sometimes 2%. The progress was noticeable.

"System, restore protection."

Looking at Raven, whose eyes were now bloodshot, Watson suddenly pulled his hand away.

Still struggling to maintain control, Raven seemed to snap back to awareness and looked up at Watson.

"Alright. There's a saying: 'More haste, less speed.' Do you understand?"

Raven shook her head blankly.

Watson sighed. "It means you need to rest now. If you overuse your power for too long, it might become completely ineffective. Besides, I think you've made great progress. So now, you should sleep. You probably won't make it to class in the morning—I'll ask for leave on your behalf."

Raven nodded and walked toward her room.

Watching her disappear down the corridor, Watson suddenly said, "Professor, I didn't expect you to enjoy spying. Hahaha."

From the shadows, Charles stepped forward and said, "It seems you have many secrets, Watson."

"Aren't you the same?"

Charles was silent for a moment before speaking. "Thank you. When Raven first arrived here, the other children were wary of her. Although it's better now, she still feels isolated. We never knew how to train her effectively, how to help her control her abilities, because none of us could stay in contact with her long enough."

"It was nothing, just something to pass the time," Watson said casually.

Charles nodded. "If you have time, please continue to help her. Consider it a request between friends."

"No problem."

---

At the Gates of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Mark spoke first. "Mr. Watson, when will you come back? I still have so many questions to ask you. And I want to hear more about the Ice Queen's story!"

"Yeah, and about using fire too! You said we could spar," John added.

Watson nodded. "Don't worry, I promised I'd return. I just can't say exactly when."

As he scanned the crowd, he spotted Raven standing quietly at the back. He walked up to her and said, "Hey, I want you to promise me something, okay?"

Raven nodded, looking at him curiously.

"Have confidence. I believe in you. I'll continue your training next time."

"Okay... I will..."

Watson glanced at Charles and the others before turning toward his car.

As soon as he sat inside, his phone buzzed with a message:

"Dear~ Get ready for a little surprise tonight~"

Watson chuckled. "Surprises every day, huh?"

---

On the Road After Leaving Professor X's Mansion

Mutants first. Then, in the future, Odin will come knocking. After all, he's a snake, but… if I want to deal with Odin, I'll need enough power to talk to him on equal footing. That old man isn't easy to reason with—he conquered the Nine Realms through sheer force and even handed his daughter over to the ghostly father of Helheim.

Oh, right! I almost forgot. There's also Earth's greatest mountain—the Ancient One. Right now, I'm still a bit weak for these matters. I'll deal with them later.

Time passed quickly.

During the next few days, Watson didn't contact Coulson much. Instead, he spent time with Aunt Liya, Uncle Polk, and the little policewoman who stopped by his house every day.

---

Saturday, Queens, Forest Hills

"Hmm... Row 3, Building 4… This should be the place." Watson looked up at the house number and nodded.

Ding-dong~

A moment later, a young boy opened the door.

Peter Parker's eyes widened. "Are you... the Fire Knight?! It's really you!"

"Yup, that's me. So… are you going to let me in?"

"No—uh, I mean—of course! Come in!"

Peter turned and called out, "Aunt May! He really came!"

From the kitchen, Aunt May responded, "Peter, be polite."

A deep, familiar voice followed. "Hey, Watson, my boy! Hahaha!"

Uncle Ben stepped out and smiled. "Glad you kept your promise."

"Of course, Uncle Ben. A man's word is his bond."

"That's the spirit!" Ben laughed. "Dinner will be ready soon. Peter, didn't you say you had a gift for Watson?"

Peter nodded nervously and looked at Watson.

"Your name is Peter, huh? Can I see it?"

"Of course! Come to my room!"

Watson followed him inside and glanced around. A typical boy's room—except…

"Wait a second… Is that a poster of me?!"

Since when did I have posters?!

Peter grinned shyly. "Sorry about the mess… Ah! Here it is."

He pulled a small model from his desk drawer—a miniature version of Watson in armor.

"I made it myself… It's for you."

Watson examined the model. It was detailed—except for the face, which didn't quite capture his good looks.

So small, yet so skilled… No wonder he grows up to build his own web-shooters.