Rethinking the whole plan (chapter 6)

A/N like I said, (I think) this is a slow burn, with slow power progressions, I want to try not to make my mc quickly overpowered, while also keeping in mind that this is EARTH 616 as you are going to find out in the next chapters, (spoilers, it's a big character, like I mean one of the biggest characters in 616, this is just to give him a wake up call to try even harder), so yeah, I hope you enjoy the following chapter.

---------------------------------------

Back in his hideout, Oliver, bare-chested and sporting scratches on his side, examined the left side of his bleeding head. He sighed in relief, "Thankfully, there are no burns," as he applied a bandage emitting a calming blue energy.

[ Name: Healing Bandage ]

[ Grade: White ]

[ Description: A simple white cloth bandage, carefully wrapped and ready to provide comfort and aid. ]

[ Option: Minor Healing Aura (Rank: D) (Active) - When applied to a wound, the bandage emits a gentle, magical aura that accelerates the natural healing process. ]

[ Durability: 87% ]

As he laid down on his mattress, images of destruction replayed in his mind—dead bodies, crushed victims from the villains' thrown cars, casualties from Stilt Man's bombs, and those pierced by Bullseye's knives. "Looks like I'll need to rethink my whole plan," he sighed, adjusting his position.

"Improving my living conditions can wait; first, I need better equipment, higher-ranking ones." The cogs turned in his brain as he delved into his memories for places to purchase items. One place stood out, though the previous Oliver vowed never to return due to its high level. "If I ask Terry after selling most of the jewelry, he should get me an invitation," he considered, sitting up and surveying his surroundings. "But first, I need to fortify my personal security," he mused, picking up the jewelry box nearby.

[ 2 months and 5 days later ]

Hell's Kitchen, in the middle of the night, at a nearly empty shipping dock, a few guards patrolled. Wearing tactical gear, they moved strategically. Oliver, now in a sleek black suit, observed them through a Porro Binocular emitting a blue hue.

[ Name: Porro Binocular ]

[ Grade: White ]

[ Description: Precision-crafted binoculars with a 3.4-degree angle of view, designed for celestial observation. ]

[ Option: Enhanced Zoom Clarity (Rank: F) (Passive) - Enables the user to zoom in further with increased clarity, revealing more details during observation. ]

[ Durability: 72% ]

Yet, that wasn't his only optioned item. His attention shifted to a black box on the back of an open van. "He really wasn't joking when he said this would be harder than stealing from a rich snob," Oliver remarked, taking a deep breath. The rings on his fingers emitted hues of energy, signifying that every item on him was optioned out.

His eyes lingered on the expensive-looking gold ring with a captivating red ruby adorning his hand. The ring, a family heirloom, bore the marks of time, each scratch telling a story of wealth and history.

[ Name: Heirloom Ruby Ring ]

[ Grade: White ]

[ Description: This old gold ring, passed down through generations in a wealthy family, is adorned with a beautiful ruby. Each scratch on its surface tells a tale of the family's history and prosperity. ]

[ Option: Minor Fortune Blessing (Rank: F) (Passive) - Grants a subtle, luck-infused aura that brings small but positive moments into the wearer's life. ]

[ Durability: 72% ]

"Hopefully, you can grant a minor luck in this situation," he thought, turning his attention to the guards. After observing them for a couple of hours, he noticed a pattern. "One of them guards the place, while the other two patrol and check the surroundings for five minutes." He paused, focusing on the guard on duty, especially noting the movement of his lips.

"Regular communication, perhaps reporting their situations," he noted, realizing the risk of his original plan to take out both scouting guards. "If the one on guard duty doesn't hear from them, he would likely report or raise an alert," he mused, calming his beating heart. "This is more dangerous than I thought," he admitted, thinking about the payoff.

"However, the pay is worth it, allowing me to complete the funding I need for my hideout." Oliver's plan to sell all the stolen jewelry had shifted. He used most of the expensive pieces to craft items with options, enhancing his security. Notably, he carried a golden ring with a lion symbol, boasting an active skill.

[ Name: Golden Lion Ring ]

[ Grade: White ]

[ Description: A delicate ring adorned with the intricate design of a majestic lion. Crafted with care, this golden ring exudes an air of regality. ]

[ Option: Roar of Courage (Rank: F) (Active) - Once per day, the wearer can unleash a magical roar that boosts their confidence and courage, granting +10% bonus to charisma for 10 minutes. ]

[ Durability: 75% ]

Boosted by the ring's courage-enhancing effect, Oliver calmed his heart. He waited until the scouting guards returned, watching them leave before activating the active skill on his body suit. Melding into the shadows, he nearly erased his presence, moving stealthily toward the van.

Quick as a whisper, he approached the remaining guard and reached into his glowing crossbody bag. Retrieving a yellow stun gun, also emanating a hue of energy, he aimed at the guard's neck. The stun gun had an active skill option, ensuring the guard remained stunned without making a sound or alerting his colleagues.