5: The Evolution of X-Ray Vision
Rhodes swiftly adjusted to the address, instructing, "Amora, remain in Asgard, exercise caution, and await my orders."
"Amora obeys," she responded with deference.
After exchanging contact information, Amora's form levitated before swiftly vanishing from the alley in a vibrant green streak.
In reality, her combat skills and witchcraft were formidable. In a life-or-death struggle, even with Rhodes' present strength, subduing her would have been an arduous endeavor.
Fortunately, Rhodes seized the initiative, sensing the opportunity as Amora's mental defenses faltered. He subdued her in a single, deft move, averted a potential altercation.
"Click!"
Rhodes snapped his fingers.
Varys, Raymond, and Tessa glanced simultaneously, recovering from their prior trance.
Unaware of any anomalies, the three were oblivious to Amora's presence. Rhodes had deftly manipulated their memories, attributing the pause to a momentary respite in the alley to avoid the bustling crowd.
"I believe it's time to depart. The streets are less crowded at this hour, folks," Tessa remarked, wiping sweat from her brow and surveying the alley.
"Agreed. We must return to the mansion before sunset," Raymond concurred, latching arms with Varys as they strolled out of the alley, whistling. Tessa waved farewell to Rhodes.
Satisfied that his companions had retained no memory of Amora's presence, Rhodes followed suit.
With such an ability, he could practice his combat skills without apprehension of being discovered.
Upon returning to the princess's mansion, Rhodes parted ways with Tessa and the others. Given their distinct responsibilities, mingling was impractical.
"Sunset remains distant. I shall bask in the sun once more to enhance my strength," Rhodes mused.
Re-entering his room, he donned his new boots and collected his cleaning implements before heading to the park to begin his tasks.
—[Power +1000]...
—[Power +1000]...
—[Power +1000]...
Continuous prompts danced across his vision.
Rhodes sensed his physique growing mightier, bolstered by a steady current of energy coursing through his limbs, invigorating his body.
"By swiftly intercepting Amora's escape attempt, I demonstrated considerable reaction speed. Nonetheless, I'm undeterred by the prospect of a confrontation."
Rhodes tended to the park, devoting himself to refining his fighting prowess.
As perspiration cascaded down his cheeks, his once-fair visage exuded determination.
Three days elapsed in the blink of an eye.
Rhodes had gained an additional three centimeters in height, and his musculature had fortified.
His appearance had transformed from the slender frame he'd entered with, marked by a newfound strength.
That evening, Rhodes immersed himself in study within the study, engrossed.
After a while, his brows furrowed, his gaze drifting towards the doorway. "Why does it persistently feel like someone is observing me?"
This sensation had plagued him intermittently, akin to the perception of being shadowed by Amora.
To date, Rhodes had deduced the likelihood of someone surveilling the princess's mansion.
"The distance remains too great, thwarting my spiritual perception, and my heightened senses fail to engage."
Rhodes stroked his chin.
Alas, this impeded his capacity to identify the culprits behind the surveillance.
If only I possessed superpowers like X-ray vision~
"Ding! The host [Rods] has evolved a superpower [X-Ray Vision]!"
In response to his thought, Silver Superman's genes underwent swift evolution, accompanied by the system's voice.
"This superpower proves advantageous. I must experiment with it."
A subtle smile graced Rhodes' lips. His irises metamorphosed into a vibrant laser red, penetrating every obstacle.
In an instant, walls, brickwork, trees, and throngs posed no hindrance.
Rhodes' gaze alighted upon a bustling tavern situated a distance away.
Within a room on the tavern's second floor, two wide-open windows beckoned.
A green-skinned, pointed-eared individual of the Skrull tribe stood by the window, surveying the princess's mansion.
Accompanying them were members of various races, seemingly united.
"... When should we proceed?" One impatient figure inquired.
"Patience, as a seasoned hunter, timing is key. We'll act when the old man emerges," the green-skinned Skrull responded.
Rhodes caught snippets of their conversation.
"These individuals have been monitoring the princess's mansion."
Within the study, Rhodes reverted his gaze to normal, murmuring to himself without outwardly expressing his thoughts.
He harbored no intention of engaging further.
The oddities these beings presented seemed inconsequential.
Courageous guards protected the princess's mansion, amply equipped to address any threats.
Flipping a page of his tome, Rhodes recommenced his reading.
...
The following day.
Elt, the aged butler, meticulously groomed his white hair and beard, ensuring his appearance remained pristine. Once satisfied, he retrieved his purse and departed his room.
Given the princess's prosperous estate, expenditures for sustenance and attire were substantial. Consequently, monthly bulk purchases were necessitated.
As the venerable butler, Elt oversaw the mansion's affairs, including these acquisitions.
"Master Butler."
En route, several servant deities saluted respectfully.
Elt merely nodded, setting foot beyond the princess's mansion's gate.
He presumed today's shopping routine would transpire as smoothly as prior instances.
Until, while traversing a secluded intersection, he was abruptly shrouded by several imposing shadows.
Four or five strapping men encircled Elt, their imposing figures compelling him towards a dead-end alley.
"What is this? What do you intend?" Elt exclaimed in alarm, hastening to correct his disheveled hair and attire.
Swiftly, he regained composure, challenging their intrusion with conviction, "You ruffians! I'm the mansion's butler! You best flee before my anger ignites! Cross me, and your fates shall be dire!"
These imposing figures, concealed beneath cloaks, remained unperturbed.
None spoke a word.
Elt's apprehensions heightened, an ominous premonition gnawing at him.
"Old butler, we're well aware of your identity."
Several men shifted to create a path.
A cloaked green-skinned figure materialized before Elt.
A sinister grin emerged, etching malevolence across their visage.
"Skrulls? Impossible!"
Elt's realization struck him, trembling, he pivoted and attempted to flee.
A resounding whoosh heralded an abrupt gust.
Elt perceived an intense impact against the back of his head. Before he could register the pain, his vision dimmed, surrendering him to unconsciousness.
A few minutes later.
The elderly butler, now Elt, emerged once more.
Presenting a dignified countenance, he bore no indication of prior turbulence.
Sporting a faint smile, he departed the thoroughfare.
"Master Butler."
Within the princess's mansion, the two sentinels stationed at the gate saluted the returning butler.
Elt acknowledged their salutations with a nod, departing their presence.
The two guards exchanged quizzical glances.
Why did the venerable butler's shopping expedition conclude so swiftly this time?