Chapter 12: new villas
Ethan soared through the night sky, his body shimmering in golden light as he sped toward his newly acquired luxurious villa. He had just left Stark Tower, successfully 'convincing' Tony to hand over two villas—one near a beach and another grand, palatial estate fit for a king. The thrill of having his own place, something that truly belonged to him in this new world, sent a rush of satisfaction through him.
As he arrived at the massive estate, he floated down onto the marble driveway, his eyes scanning the sheer magnificence of the place. The villa was nothing short of opulent. Grand pillars adorned the entrance, and the sheer size of the property made even billionaire mansions look modest in comparison. Beautiful gardens stretched across the land, and a massive fountain stood proudly in the center of the front yard.
"Now this is what I call a house," Ethan murmured, running his fingers along the smooth marble railing as he walked up the steps. The entire structure screamed royalty, with golden trims decorating the walls and massive chandeliers hanging inside. Ethan had always wanted a place like this, and now, thanks to Tony's 'donation,' it was his.
But he had no intention of leaving it in the outside world. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his Personal Verse, stepping into the vast yet small universe within him. The moment he entered, the scenery changed, and he found himself standing in the middle of a peaceful yet barren land, about the size of a small village.
"It's tiny now, but if I keep getting stronger, this place will grow," Ethan mused, placing his hand on the ground. With a thought, he willed the entire luxurious villa into his Personal Verse. Light enveloped the structure, and in the next instant, it vanished from the real world, reappearing within his private domain. The towering mansion now stood in the middle of his growing universe, making the barren land seem far more regal.
Ethan grinned. This will be my true base, my sanctuary. He knew that in the future, he would be traveling through the Multiverse, encountering gods, conquerors, and beings beyond imagination. Having a personal domain that would grow alongside his strength? That was beyond valuable.
With that settled, he exited his Personal Verse, returning to the real world. His next destination? The beachside villa.
Arriving at the beach, Ethan felt an immediate sense of peace. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore, the cool ocean breeze, and the sight of the moon reflecting off the water made this place feel almost surreal. His beachside villa was much smaller than the extravagant estate he had just visited, but it was perfect for relaxation. A modern, sleek design, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that gave a breathtaking view of the ocean. It was the ideal place to unwind after a day of battles and chaos.
Stepping inside, Ethan threw himself onto the soft couch, sinking into its comfort. He let out a deep breath, finally feeling at ease. This is nice... I could get used to this.
But even as he enjoyed the serenity, his mind wandered. Thanos. Darkseid. Two cosmic threats that could wipe out worlds with a flick of their wrists. He knew he was nowhere near strong enough to face them yet. His battle with Tony had proven that he was powerful, but against the universe's greatest threats? He still had a long way to go.
He clenched his fists. I need to get stronger. Fast. His Personal Verse would grow as his power increased, meaning it wasn't just a luxury—it was essential for his survival in this dangerous world.
For now, he would take it step by step. He had time. He would continue signing in, training, and preparing himself for the challenges ahead. Because sooner or later, he would come face-to-face with the monsters of this world, and when that day came… he would make sure he wasn't the one kneeling.
As the night deepened, Ethan stood on the rooftop of his beachside villa, gazing out at the vast ocean. The waves crashed against the shore, their endless rhythm calming yet powerful.
A smirk played on his lips as he turned into a burst of light, his body breaking into shimmering particles.
And then, he vanished.
Where was he going?
No one knew.
But wherever it was, it was bound to be interesting.