Marvel: Father of Superheroes

Support me and be 30 chapters ahead of webnovel:

patreon.com/Draco_

*****

"According to reports, recent terrorist attacks have been erupting across the country with increasing frequency, but no leads have been found..."

Watching the news, Mike frowned.

After the explosion at Stark Industries yesterday, the number of bombing incidents in the last 24 hours had risen at an alarming rate.

And this time, it wasn't just suicide bombers—there were real bombs involved.

For a time, the cities experiencing these explosions were thrown into panic.

Why are Tony and the others moving so slowly?

Judging from the situation, this was clearly a retaliatory attack triggered by provocation. It needed to be stopped immediately.

Christmas was just around the corner.

Could something go wrong again this year?

Thinking of last Christmas, Mike couldn't help but frown.

"Dad!"

Gwen handed Mike a cup of tea and sat down obediently beside him. "Christmas is the day after tomorrow. Let's go shopping tomorrow. Our holiday has already started!"

Gwen was officially on winter break.

"Christmas? Holiday?"

Mike paused for a moment, rubbing his chin. "So tomorrow is Christmas Eve?"

"Exactly!"

Gwen nodded, then sighed dramatically. "Looks like you forgot to get me a present."

Mike playfully tapped Gwen's nose and smiled. "Don't worry, I didn't."

Gwen giggled mischievously.

Of course, she knew her dad wouldn't forget. She was really just trying to remind... her brother.

She turned her head toward Clark, who was heading upstairs, and said deliberately, "Hey, did you hear that, bro? Dad said he won't forget my gift!"

Clark paused mid-step, waved his hand, and replied to Mike, "Dad, I have a work trip tomorrow. I might not be home for Christmas this year."

"What?!"

Gwen was shocked. She jumped off the couch and, her eyes gleaming, teased, "Who are you going with? Sister Carrie? Or Sister Lois? Are you planning to spend Christmas in another city?"

"I—"

"Has Sister Hope left already? You've been spending so much time with her lately—do you like her the most?"

"You—!"

"Oh, I get it! You want all of them!" Gwen crossed her arms and huffed. "Men are all the same—so fickle!"

Clark rubbed his forehead helplessly. "You better shut it. I'll have Dad pass your Christmas gift to you."

"Yes, sir! I'll be quiet now!"

Gwen quickly sat down, looking innocent.

"Hey, Clark."

Mike turned to him. "About your relationships—"

"I'll handle it myself," Clark said quickly, scratching his head. In the next instant, his body flickered and disappeared.

Seeing this, father and daughter looked at each other in silence.

As Gwen sighed, Mike suddenly whispered, "So Gwen, do you like anyone? I could give you some advice!"

"Dad!"

Gwen shrieked in embarrassment.

"I'm not talking to you anymore!"

She made a face at him and ran upstairs.

You know how annoying this is? And yet you did the same to me!

Mike chuckled smugly, clearly satisfied.

"Christmas, huh... Raven should be coming this year."

Rubbing his chin, Mike began to plan out the holiday.

"Dad, I'm heading out."

Clark was stuffing food into his mouth while dragging his suitcase toward the door.

Mike waved a hand and said habitually, "Be careful on the road."

Clark nodded, while Gwen rolled her eyes. "What danger could he possibly run into?"

Mike ruffled Gwen's hair, then slid his hand down and pinched her cheek. "When you're a mom one day, you'll understand how I feel."

"Be a mom?"

Gwen blinked in confusion, then suddenly blushed as if she had thought of something. "No way!"

"Haha!"

Mike picked up a steamed bun and placed it on Gwen's plate. "Eat up. We're heading out after breakfast."

They were always a bit late with their Christmas preparations.

Their neighbors—Peggy Carter, Maria, and the Lukes across the street—had started decorating early.

A little while later, after finishing breakfast, Mike and Gwen got dressed, put on their hats, and stepped outside.

First on the list: a Christmas tree.

Just as they opened the door, a hand that was about to knock landed right on it.

Mike stepped aside, looking at John standing at the doorstep, his eyes falling on the Christmas tree on John's shoulder.

"Perfect timing. This is for you."

John stood the Christmas tree up at Mike's door. "I saw it being sold at a discount while I was out shopping and figured I'd pick one up for you."

As he peeked into Mike's house and saw it was still undecorated—just like last year—he breathed a sigh of relief.

Good, they hadn't bought one yet. Otherwise, it'd be a little awkward.

"I was just about to buy one. This saves me the trip." Mike picked up the tree and smiled. "Want to come in and sit for a bit?"

"Nah, I've got to get back and prepare Christmas gifts."

John winked at Gwen. "There's something for you too."

Gwen's eyes lit up. "Really? Thanks, Uncle John!"

John cleared his throat awkwardly. "Luke's at home. Want to come over and play with him?"

"Nope, we're heading out soon!"

Mike squinted at John, then turned to Gwen. "Go grab some snacks."

"Okay!"

Gwen ran off cheerfully.

Mike set down the tree, walked to the door, and hooked his arm around John's neck. He whispered, "You sneaky guy—trying to create an opportunity for your kid?"

John chuckled. "Gotta act early. Gwen is amazing."

Not only was she beautiful, she was a top student, emotionally intelligent, kind…

"Heh heh!"

Mike grinned proudly. "Well, that'll depend on your boy's skills. But first—he's gotta pass my test."

John's smile froze.

Damn… pass your test?

Even with ten lives, it'd still be a death sentence.

"Uncle, here!"

Gwen ran back with a bag of snacks—homemade cakes and cookies from Mike.

"Thanks, Gwen!"

John took it, finally breaking free from Mike's grip. After saying goodbye to them, he turned and left.

Gwen sighed and looked at Mike. "Dad, are we still going out?"

They already had the Christmas tree…

"Of course!"

Mike grabbed Gwen's hand. "Dad's taking you shopping."

"Yay!" Gwen cheered, waving her arms. "Let's go!"

As father and daughter stepped out, their superhero neighbors were also being summoned to Avengers Tower by Tony.

Because of what happened yesterday, Tony was busy collecting evidence on AIM. What surprised him, though, was that AIM's CEO, Aldrich Killian, had proactively contacted him—and handed over information and evidence.

This evidence provided detailed insight into the recent bombing incidents.

It included names like the Mandarin, Strucker, and even the Extremis soldiers.

(End of Chapter)