MARVEL'S MONSTER HUNTER WORLD

Derick looked at the mischievous girl who had closed her eyes and pondered 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, her power will not be absorbed. It will only symbolically reduce a certain amount of life force.

Absorptive capacity is restricted because the host's abilities originate from dragon genes.

Derick nodded in understanding. So that's how it worked, but 1% of his life force was truly symbolic.

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

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

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

System, you're really an amazing system! Awesome!

Derick turned to look at the mischievous girl and asked, "How is it? Can you gradually control it?"

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

Derick raised his head and said, "Close your eyes and feel the energy inside you. Take your time. There's no rush unless you're feeling sleepy."

System, temporarily withdraw the protection. I want to see her current control level.

Ding! Protection has been revoked.

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

Watson watched as his health value fluctuated every few seconds.

After two minutes, his life force had dropped to 45%, prompting the system to restore protection.

Time passed quickly, and dawn began to break over the horizon.

System, revoke protection.

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

This time, the depletion slowed significantly, with only 1–2% decreasing every ten seconds. Progress was evident.

System, restore protection.

Noticing that the girl's eyes were bloodshot from exertion, Watson suddenly withdrew his hand.

Still struggling to control her power, she seemed to snap awake and looked up at him.

"Okay, there's an old saying—'More haste, less speed.' Do you understand?"

She shook her head blankly.

Watson sighed. "It means you need to rest. Overusing your power without breaks will only make it harder to control. Besides, I think you've made great progress. You should sleep now, though you might have to miss class in the morning. I'll ask for leave on your behalf."

She 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 out. "It seems you have many secrets, Watson."

"Aren't you the same?"

Charles remained silent for a moment before saying, "Thank you. Since the first day she arrived, the children here struggled to accept her. Although things have improved, she still feels isolated. And we never figured out how to effectively train her to adapt and control her abilities, since we can't make long-term contact with her."

"It was nothing. I was just bored." Watson waved dismissively.

Charles nodded. "If you have time, please help her more. This is a request between friends."

"No problem."

---

At the Gates of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Mark was the first to speak. "Mr. Watson, when will you come again? I still have a lot of questions to ask. And I want to hear more about the Ice Queen's story."

"Yeah! And about using fire—you said we'd spar!" added John.

Watson nodded. "Relax, I promised I'd return. But I can't say when exactly."

He suddenly noticed the mischievous girl standing behind the crowd. Walking up to her, he said, "Hey, I want you to promise me something, okay?"

She nodded, looking at him attentively.

"Be confident. I believe in you. And next time, we'll continue your training."

"Okay, I will…"

Giving Charles a nod, Watson turned and stepped into his car.

Ding!

Watson checked his phone. A text message read: "Dear ~ Get ready for a little surprise tonight ~"

He smiled. Every day was full of surprises.

---

Reflections on Power

As Watson drove away from Professor X's school, his mind wandered.

Mutants have their own world. One day, Odin will come knocking. After all, he's a god, and gods don't care much about knocking on doors politely. But… before that, I need the strength to hold a conversation with Odin. The old man isn't easy to deal with—he waged bloody wars across the Nine Realms and even gave his daughter to the devil just to secure his rule.

And then there's the Ancient One, the strongest force on Earth. Right now, I'm still too weak to challenge that level of power. I'll think about it later.

The days passed uneventfully. Watson kept his distance from Coulson, instead spending time with Aunt Liya, Uncle Polk, and the policewoman who visited him daily.

---

A Man's Agreement

Saturday. Queens, Forest Hills.

"Hmm… Building 4, Row 3. This should be it." Watson checked the house number and nodded.

Ding-dong!

"Coming~ Who is it?"

Click.

A cute little boy opened the door. Peter's eyes widened. "Are you… the Fire Knight? It's really you!!!"

"That's me. Are you going to let me in?"

"No! I mean, of course! Aunt May!! He really came!"

Aunt May emerged from the kitchen. "Peter, be polite."

Uncle Ben followed. "Well, well, if it isn't Watson! Hahaha."

"Hello, Uncle Ben. A man's promise must be kept."

"That's right! Dinner's in a while. Peter, didn't you say you had a gift for Watson?"

Peter nodded nervously, looking at Watson.

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

"Of course! Come to my room."

Watson entered Peter's small room, the typical setup of a young boy. Then he saw it—his own poster on the wall.

Wait, when did I have a poster?!

"Sorry, my room's a bit messy… Ah, here it is!"

Peter pulled a model from his desk drawer—a figure of Watson in armor.

"I made it myself. It's for you."

Watson examined the model. Aside from lacking his full handsomeness, it was incredibly detailed. No wonder he grows up to build web-shooters himself.

Watson smiled. "It's amazing."

Peter blushed at the praise. "I made it after I saw you last time! Uncle Ben told me about you when you visited."

"You've got talent." Watson nodded, then pointed at the poster. "Oh, and this poster…?"

Peter looked nervous. "I, uh… traded my pocket money for it. Please don't tell Aunt May."

Watson chuckled. "Don't worry, it's our secret."

Peter grinned. "Yes! Our secret!"

---

"Peter, if you ever get special abilities, like me, what would you do?"

Peter hesitated before answering. "I… I wouldn't let anyone bully me again! I'd fight back!"

Watson nodded. "That's fair. But power isn't just about protecting yourself—it's about responsibility. A true strong person uses power wisely."

Peter listened intently.

"You have the potential to be great, Peter. Just remember—when you have strength, use it to help others. But first, take care of your family. That's your responsibility."

Peter's eyes burned with determination.

"I can do it."

"Good. A man's agreement."

Peter raised his fist.

Watson bumped it with his own. "A man's agreement."