Superpowers in the Marvel World

The alarm clock buzzed incessantly, its sharp sound waking Alex from his deep sleep. He rubbed his eyes and turned off the clock, which read 7:30 a.m.

"Ahh!"

Stretching lazily, Alex slipped on his slippers and walked to the bathroom. The cool stream of water on his face immediately washed away his drowsiness, leaving him refreshed.

Standing before the mirror, he examined himself: about 178 cm tall, with a youthful yet strikingly handsome face, resembling a boy around sixteen or seventeen. Coupled with the astonishing wealth he had seized from underground criminals during his travels, Alex now fit the perfect mold of a "tall, rich, and handsome" young man.

"In my previous life, I never knew wealth. At least in this life, I can indulge in the luxury of the high life!"

He smirked smugly at his reflection, wiped his face, and walked out of the bathroom to wake up Vanessa Amelia, the little girl sleeping in another room.

Last night, after teaming up with Hit-Girl and the Punisher in a fierce battle, they had finally avenged the Punisher's family. Upon returning home, the Punisher and Hit-Girl left immediately, not even staying to celebrate. The Punisher was off to continue his crusade against criminals, while Hit-Girl was dragged away by her unreliable father.

Thus, after a thrilling night of action with his friends, Alex had to bid them farewell. Fortunately, they would still operate around New York, so meeting up wouldn't be a problem.

For now, the large house was left with only Alex and the newly arrived Vanessa Amelia.

Determined to help Vanessa adjust to her new environment, Alex forced himself—a habitual late riser who rarely got up before 11 a.m.—to wake up early.

Whether it was due to the unfamiliar surroundings or her naturally light sleep, Vanessa responded as soon as Alex knocked on her door. Moments later, she emerged, fully dressed but with messy hair and dark circles under her eyes. Alex could tell she hadn't slept well.

"Good morning!"

Vanessa greeted Alex before heading straight to the bathroom to freshen up. Alex smiled and refrained from asking about her condition.

From her stories, Alex knew that Vanessa had lived a turbulent life after fleeing her village, constantly on the move, often going hungry, and waking at the slightest noise in fear of danger. Even during sleep, she stayed ready to escape at any moment. Quality rest was a luxury she had never known.

"Humans are truly more terrifying than demons."

Whenever Alex thought about the hardships Vanessa had endured, a surge of anger rose within him. He wished he could reduce those who hurt her to minced meat. "How could anyone harm such a sweet little girl? You better hope I never find you—because if I do, you'll all die!"

After venting his rage internally, Alex resolved to provide Vanessa with a safe and peaceful environment, helping her gradually return to a normal life.

---

When Vanessa finished freshening up and stepped out, a cute, timid blonde girl with twin pigtails appeared before Alex.

"Hmm, definitely has that anime heroine vibe," Alex thought with satisfaction.

Picking up his wallet and slipping an adamantium knife into his pocket, he led Vanessa out of the house to grab breakfast.

Being a lazy otaku, Alex had no habit of making breakfast, and Vanessa, who had been living a wandering life, didn't know how to cook either. Naturally, neither of them was equipped to handle meals. But with plenty of money, Alex figured they could just eat out every day and vary their choices. Wealth had its perks.

Walking hand-in-hand with Vanessa, Alex soon found himself on the bustling streets.

The streets were already alive with people and vehicles. Traffic lights flashed red and green, while vendors called out their wares, and deafening music filled the air.

"Wow!"

For the first time, Vanessa gazed at the world not with fear or desperation, but with curiosity and excitement. Her childlike wonder, as though discovering a new world, made her exclaim in joy.

Smiling faintly, Alex led her onward.

---

Chinatown lived up to its name, presenting a vibrant display of Chinese culture. From restaurants to storefront signs in Chinese characters, everything exuded a distinctly Chinese flavor. Even the fresh produce in the markets resembled a typical Chinese morning market.

Unfortunately, along with its charm, Chinatown also inherited some of China's less desirable traits—crowded streets, chaotic traffic, and cluttered signage. These issues likely stemmed from the deeply ingrained cultural belief that "prosperity equals bustle, and bustle means crowds."

Amidst the bustling street, Alex quickly spotted a shop window filled with steaming buns.

"This is the place."

Stepping into the small restaurant, a wave of Chinese-style nostalgia hit them. The menu boasted soy milk, congee, spicy soup, steamed buns, fried dough sticks, dumplings, potstickers—everything one might find at a traditional Chinese breakfast spot, all at surprisingly affordable prices.

"Good morning, Alex!"

"Morning, Sister Li."

As soon as Alex sat down, the middle-aged Chinese woman who owned the shop greeted him warmly.

---

Sister Li, the shop owner, often helped out when her staff was busy. Having frequented the place, Alex had become friendly with her over time, their relationship resembling that of old friends.

"And who's this?"

Sister Li glanced at Vanessa curiously. Seeing her timid demeanor, Sister Li's maternal instincts kicked in, and she smiled kindly, hoping to ease Vanessa's nerves.

"She's a relative's child—my cousin, let's say," Alex replied with a smile before turning to Vanessa. "Vanessa, greet Sister Li."

Whether it was Sister Li's motherly smile or Alex's reassuring presence, Vanessa mustered the courage to say, "Hello… I'm Vanessa Amelia."

"What a shy little girl," Sister Li chuckled warmly. "Breakfast is on the house today for this little one."

"Thanks!" Alex responded cheerfully.

Though he didn't lack money, Alex graciously accepted the gesture, knowing it was a heartfelt kindness.

"Thank you!"

For the first time, Vanessa spoke without Alex's prompting, her voice soft but audible.

"This little one is really shy!" Sister Li remarked in a low voice to Alex, who merely chuckled in response.

After placing an order, Alex gently patted Vanessa's head. "Vanessa, you'll be living here from now on, so get to know the area well, okay?"

"Mm!" Vanessa nodded, lowering her guard just a little.

"Good!"

Alex felt reassured. Though it would take time for her to fully adapt, he was prepared for the long haul.

---

Get early access to advanced chapters and faster updates by joining the Superpowers in the Marvel World membership for just $5! ln my p@tr3on:

[email protected]/KZ478

Your support helps keep this alive and going. Again thank you for reading.