Melting Pot Concept in Marvel

Outside the door…

Felicia had taken Kate for a stroll and just returned. Hearing that familiar sound, Felicia's face blushed. She quickly grabbed Kate's hand and started leading her away.

"Huh? What's going on?"

Kate asked in confusion, but a flicker of shock shone in her eyes.

"The boss is busy punishing evil and promoting good. We'll come back later," Felicia said matter-of-factly.

Without any enhancement, this "battle" was complete one-sided domination. Adeline had gone nuts, trying to engage Aaron in close combat.

"Oh my God, I'm no match for you, I surrender!"

After a long while, Barbara finally collapsed in exhaustion.

Despite all her specialized combat training, she was no match for Aaron—she got steamrolled from start to finish, with the tempo always under his control.

She looked at Aaron with a mix of fascination and hesitation, her expression shifting constantly.

Meanwhile, Aaron tidied his collar and said seriously, "Miss Barbara, what do you think of my 'staff skill'? Compared to the baton you carry, who's stronger?"

Barbara rolled her eyes weakly, her voice hoarse. "You actually…"

"Miss Barbara, I never imagined you'd be like this. First time we meet, and you can't wait to drag me into a 'sparring match.' You'll have to take responsibility!"

That's supposed to be my line!!

Barbara now had a deep appreciation for Aaron's shamelessness.

But recalling it carefully, she had initiated the fight. After all, Kate kept saying "Aaron's number one, unstoppable at everything," and Barbara was unwilling to believe it. Yet…

Aaron put on a troubled look. "Now this is tricky. Kate's still out there. If she finds out that, on your first meeting, you just…"

Barbara: !!!

"Don't tell her!"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Barbara realized how bizarre it sounded—why was it suddenly her problem now?

"Barbara, you wouldn't want Kate seeing you differently, or to lose your job, right?" Aaron said earnestly.

Barbara thought the whole thing was fishy—unsettlingly so. Why did it all sound a little…guilt-trippy?

"Hey, it's not entirely your fault," Aaron went on.

Right. It's not my fault at all, Barbara thought. But then he continued—

"After all, I'm handsome and wealthy, with plenty of resources. It's natural you couldn't hold back."

"If word got out, people would understand. We're all adults—no need to be shy about it."

Barbara: ???

So basically you're saying I threw myself at you? Trying to climb the social ladder?

"That's not how it is!"

"I understand!!" Aaron nodded like he got the picture. "No one understands better than me how a fledgling is desperate to 'fly.' I get your thinking."

"Don't worry, I won't talk about it. You've got my contact info in your phone, so I'm leaving now. We'll be in touch."

Waving casually, Aaron turned and left. Barbara almost went mad—why did he sound exactly like some John pulling his pants on and leaving? He was PUA-ing her or something!

Yet she was too spent to even hurl insults. She'd been under Aaron's control the entire time, practically a rag doll tossed around at will. Over and over, she'd been flung into the air, recalling half the gymnastics she learned in high school.

At one point, Barbara suspected Aaron was taking revenge on her for receiving orders to infiltrate Kate's circle and spy on him. Indeed, his payback was brutal—like a raging bull. But she had no proof.

And in fact, she wasn't wrong. Aaron was punishing her. If she had accepted a mission to spy on him, that made her an enemy. And with enemies, there was no need to be gentle. He had to punish her harshly, so she'd know there were consequences. At the same time, though, Aaron had decided not to give up on Barbara's "line." She was too good a tool to lose. If he wanted to uncover S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hidden "treasures," he'd need her. Over time, she'd come around—time plus repeated "encounters" would eventually make her talk (or sleep) to his satisfaction. After all, women are emotional creatures. So he'd take it step by step.

Feeling invigorated, Aaron found Felicia and Kate nearby, having circled around the block three times.

"Felicia, we've already strolled around for four laps—how much longer?"

Kate muttered. She'd gone from excitement to numbness. Four laps! For a girl around ten years old, this was a nightmare. She was practically terrified of shopping now.

Felicia realized everyone's physical limits differed—she wasn't a normal human anymore, but Kate was still just a kid. "How about we take a break?"

Relieved, Kate was about to sit down when she looked up and spotted Aaron. Her fatigue vanished, and she rushed to him in excitement.

"Aaron, did the bad guy admit defeat? Felicia said you were busy 'teaching a lesson.'" Kate's face lit up eagerly.

Aaron caught on at once. "Of course. Do you know who I am? After a long session, the 'baddie' admitted wrongdoing and begged for mercy. Being a superhero is tough, you know—day and night work!"

Felicia nodded sympathetically. Exactly—day and night, over and over. That's not a job just anyone can handle.

Kate responded, "Then in the future, I'll help you punish baddies! When you're out of strength, I'll back you up!"

Back him up? Kate, you mean push him from behind when he's worn out? That scenario would never happen with Aaron, Felicia thought, shaking her head.

Aaron cleared his throat. "No worries, Kate. Also, I had a friendly spar with your teacher. She realized her mistake and won't be forcing silly ideas on you. If she ever does it again, let me know. We'll have a more 'practical' match."

Kate nodded solemnly, her wide eyes showing she'd heard every word.

"Oh right, your teacher said she's a bit tired, so she can't teach you combat this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow? Actually, maybe three days from now. She'll let you know."

Aaron wasn't sure. Felicia broke out in goosebumps—too savage!

Kate was confused again but didn't question it; she just nodded in acceptance. "So… are you coming shopping with us now?" Aaron invited.

Kate's face froze. Remembering Felicia's relentless shopping spree, she shook her head frantically. "No, I just remembered Mom wants me home for lunch. Gotta go!"

She called her bodyguards, hopped in a car, and took off.

Aaron didn't stop her. "Hey, Boss," Felicia spoke up. "While you were busy 'teaching lessons,' Norman asked if he can recruit more experts in biochemistry and physics from outside."

"Tell him yes," Aaron said decisively. Then, after a moment's thought, "And tell him we need more out-of-the-box R&D projects from within the company. I want those projects moved over as well, or any new ones. Doesn't matter how crazy they seem—everything needs checking."

Given that this was the Marvel world, weird "black tech" abounded. He didn't want to miss anything. Norman was smart enough to understand what he meant, while Felicia, unsure, just relayed the message verbatim.

On the other side, Norman was leading a team to clean up the traffic accident scene. Although the company shares had legally transferred to Aaron's name, this Rolls-Royce hadn't. Staring at the car that had accompanied him for so long, now a wreck, Norman felt complicated. "My poor car…"

But once he saw Aaron's email, he didn't complain—just faithfully carried out instructions. Especially the part about finding a "Wade Wilson," he practically hissed through clenched teeth.

"Boss said we must find him—ASAP!"

~~~

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