On the seventh-floor balcony of the bookstore, Lucas lay shirtless on a wooden rocking chair.
Basking in the sun and eating cantaloupe, he was utterly at ease.
[Lifespan +1]
[Lifespan +1]
...
After reaching the second stage, the efficiency of his talent, Energy Absorption, in absorbing physical energy significantly increased.
Lucas was now practically a walking, self-regulating air conditioner, warm in winter and cool in summer.
Regrettably, his physique could not improve dramatically by simply sunbathing like a Kryptonian. After all, their fundamental natures were different.
For Lucas, sunlight was an energy source.
For a Kryptonian, sunlight was a catalyst, stimulating them to develop their physical potential.
Even more regrettably, the efficiency of converting natural energy into stat points was still not as good as supernatural energy. But its advantage lay in its continuous, steady flow.
"Lucas, Mr. Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D. is looking for you."
"Hmm, let him come over."
Lucas responded lazily, still lying on the chair, with no intention of getting up to greet him.
"Mr. Coulson, please excuse my informality." Lucas spoke, expressing an apology, though there wasn't much sincerity in his tone.
As he spoke, he pointed to another rocking chair nearby. "It's too comfortable lying on this, do you want to try it too?"
"Just call me Coulson, Lucas." Coulson immediately narrowed the gap between them. "Here's a gift from S.H.I.E.L.D."
Before Coulson arrived, S.H.I.E.L.D. had already thoroughly investigated Lucas and Gwen. While many of Lucas's actions were incomprehensible to them, several points were certain.
First, Lucas's identity file had issues.
Second, he had a connection with Kamar-Taj.
Third, his powerful combat ability and controllability.
S.H.I.E.L.D. received information that a military experiment a few years ago had an accident, creating a powerful green Hulk.
However, this Hulk was almost uncontrollable. If deployed in combat, he might very well strike allies first.
Lucas accepted Coulson's gift.
A complete file, and U.S. citizenship.
"Lucas, may I ask your thoughts on S.H.I.E…"
Lucas interrupted, "Wait a moment. Today is Halloween, it's Sunday, it's holiday time."
Coulson, understanding the hint, took his leave. "Alright, then I wish you a happy Halloween in advance, Lucas. S.H.I.E.L.D. still has a lot to do, so I'll take my leave now."
He understood Lucas's meaning, this was a polite refusal to join S.H.I.E.L.D.
People from Kamar-Taj were indeed difficult to approach, but there was no rush. Even if a deal doesn't go through, goodwill remains.
As long as Lucas stayed in New York, S.H.I.E.L.D. would have plenty of opportunities to win him over.
Time passed and the sun set in the west, and dusk had arrived.
Gwen came to the balcony to urge Lucas, "Lucas, get up and get dressed for the party. Why have you slept for so long? Are you weak?"
They had participated in the Vampire encirclement battle in the early morning, their physical exertion was considerable, and their sleep was also affected.
But they were superhumans, their physical strength and recovery speed far exceeded ordinary people. They weren't weaklings like Tony, who would get weak from staying up late.
"What? Gwen, do you want to try?" Lucas got up and put on his clothes, eager to try.
He hadn't forgotten being "abused" by Gwen a few days ago.
Gwen shook her head, she didn't want to seek abuse.
Although she didn't know why Lucas had suddenly become stronger, his physical strength had surpassed hers.
"If you're fine, then let's go. Oh, have you prepared your costume and candy?"
Lucas said, "My costume is always ready."
"So you didn't prepare candy?"
"I trust the reliable Gwen has prepared it for me."
Night fell, and the party was held as scheduled.
This time, Lucas was dressed in the mage's three-piece set.
A wizard hat, a yellow robe, and a magic staff.
Gwen, on the other hand, wore her spider suit, portraying Ghost-Spider.
"Look, it's Ghost-Spider!"
Spider-Man was indeed a good friend to the citizens of New York. Gwen had only been in this world for less than a month and was already somewhat famous in New York.
Following the sound, Erin, dressed as a mage, was waving.
The Ancient One, as promised, cured her Vampire racial drawback, preserving her physique. By a blessing in disguise, Erin became a mini Superman.
"Trick or treat."
Lucas felt something bump his foot and looked down.
A little girl with long blonde hair, wearing a ghostly cape.
Mini Gwen!
"Here you go, little Gwen."
Lucas took out the candy Gwen had prepared and handed it to kid Gwen.
Taking the candy, kid Gwen looked up and asked, "How did you know I'm Gwen, and why do you call me little Gwen?"
"Because there's also a big Gwen here." Lucas reached out and pointed to Gwen beside him, indicating.
"Hello, little Gwen."
Gwen squatted down, her eyes level with little Gwen's, and smiled. "I'm also Gwen, Gwen Stacy."
"You're also called Gwen Stacy? Our names are the same." Little Gwen exclaimed.
"Oh? We look alike too!"
"Gwen, how did you end up here?"
Not far away, a young woman hurried over. The newcomer resembled Gwen, only she was more voluptuous.
Helen!
Gwen's vague impression of her mother quickly became clear in her mind.
She must be Helen!
"Mommy!"
Little Gwen pouted, "I heard Ghost-Spider was here, so I came to see."
"Then you should have told me or George." Helen criticized.
After a slight scolding of little Gwen, Helen looked at Lucas and Gwen, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Gwen… Oh, are you the niece George mentioned who looks a lot like me?"
Helen looked at Gwen, who was staring at her in a daze, and seemed to realize something, asking in a low voice, "You're Gwen, right? The Gwen from another world?"
Gwen stared blankly at Helen, her eyes welling up. "Yes, I'm Gwen. Mom."
Gwen couldn't help but step forward and hug Helen.
Helen gently patted Gwen's back, comforting her, "You've suffered a lot these past years, haven't you?"
More than ten years ago, Helen often had a dream.
In her dream, she had a warm family. Her husband was handsome and brave, a Police officer. Her daughter was sweet and lovely, with blonde hair.
Later, she met George and gave birth to a daughter.
That's when she remembered this and told George. They believed it was God's guidance.
Only now, seeing Gwen, did Helen remember the end of her dream.
She died, and George raised Gwen alone.
Watching Gwen and Helen embrace, Lucas silently left, giving them space for themselves.
And incidentally taking an unexpected guest with him.