Chapter 139: Want to Learn? I'll Teach You

The grandeur of the house that stood before Jon was something he had never encountered, even in the vast expanse of the main Marvel universe.

Without a moment's delay, Jon's eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and resolve as he responded to Luke's offer. "Your generosity is overwhelming. If it wouldn't impose, I'd be honored to accept your offer," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

Luke, with a dismissive flick of his wrist and a warm chuckle, replied, "Impose? Nonsense! Mr. Vinson, after the heroics you displayed in saving my life, this is but a small token of my immense gratitude."

Jon's lips curled into a knowing smile, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Well, in that case, I suppose I'm entitled to a little spoiling," he quipped. His gaze then shifted, settling on Nancy with a thoughtful intensity. "However, when it comes to the formalities of the property transfer, I'd like you to put it under the name of my apprentice, Nancy."

Nancy, who had been quietly observing the exchange, felt a jolt of surprise at the mention of her name. Her eyes widened as she processed Jon's words. The trust he placed in her was unexpected, and a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. Did he not fear the possibility of her claiming the house for herself?

Luke's reaction mirrored Nancy's initial shock, but it was quickly replaced by a dawning understanding. "Is there a particular reason for this arrangement?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Jon offered a helpless shrug, his expression turning sheepish. "Well, it's a bit complicated. My line of work doesn't exactly allow for the... usual paperwork, like an ID card," he admitted with a wry grin.

"I see," Luke said, his laughter echoing in the room as he slapped his chest confidently. "Worry not, my friend. I have the means to navigate these tricky waters. I can secure you a legal identity that's watertight. That is, if you're willing to place your trust in me."

The offer caught Jon off guard, but the sincerity in Luke's eyes was undeniable. "That would be an incredible relief," Jon said, the tension easing from his shoulders. "I'll gladly entrust this matter into your capable hands."

Luke's smile broadened, and he extended his hand, the gesture full of camaraderie. "As a lawyer, I've built a network that spans the good, the bad, and the ambiguous. Mr. Vinson, should you ever find yourself in need, consider me your go-to ally."

Jon's laughter joined Luke's, the sound rich with genuine appreciation. "Then it's settled. I accept your offer, and I do so with the deepest gratitude," he said, sealing their newfound partnership with a firm handshake.

***

Jon settled into the expansive residence with an ease that belied the grandeur of his new surroundings. The inheritance from Justify and Cecily was now his, and with Luke Matthews' legal expertise, it was only a matter of time before Jon's presence in this world was as legitimate as the roof over his head.

Nancy, dragging her luggage across the threshold, couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the house. "I never imagined I'd set foot in a place like this, let alone live in one!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the vast foyer. She glanced around, a shiver running down her spine. "Though, I must admit, there's an... unsettling vibe here. Reminds me of this haunted house I visited back in Texas."

At the mention of Texas, Jon's demeanor shifted, his interest piqued. He turned sharply to Nancy, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "You've been to Texas before?" he inquired, his tone carrying an urgency that hadn't been there moments before.

Nancy, taken aback by the sudden intensity, shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, a while back. Why? Is that important?"

Jon clapped his hands together, a plan forming in his mind. "Actually, it is. I need your assistance with something," he said, striding over to her with purpose.

Nancy's brows furrowed in confusion. "With what, exactly?"

Without warning, Jon reached out, saying, "I need one of your hairs," and plucked a strand from her head.

"Ouch~!" Nancy winced, instinctively reaching up to soothe the spot where the hair had been taken. She eyed Jon warily, her curiosity piqued as to what he intended to do with it.

Jon carefully stored the hair away, then, with a swift motion, summoned the Yoriichi Type Zero doll into existence. The six-armed swordsman-doll materialized on the floor, its presence as enigmatic as it was imposing.

Nancy recognized the doll immediately. She had seen its like at the motel, where Jon had explained its formidable capabilities. It was a force to be reckoned with, capable of overpowering most supernatural entities they might encounter.

As Jon chanted an incantation over the doll, he waved his hand, and the figure was engulfed in flames. Nancy watched, transfixed, as the doll underwent a miraculous transformation. The fire didn't consume it; instead, it served as a catalyst, softening the rigid joints and reducing the number of arms to two. The wooden visage gave way to a human-like appearance, and when the flames died down, the doll had become indistinguishable from a living, breathing young man.

This was the culmination of Jon's arcane research—a spell that breathed life into the inanimate, a technique derived from both his own innovations and the dark knowledge contained within the Darkhold. The Yoriichi Type Zero, now animated and lifelike, could mingle among humans, executing Jon's commands with precision.

Nancy, who had thought she had a grasp on the extent of Jon's powers, was once again reminded of the depths she had yet to witness. The transformation of the Yoriichi Type Zero was a testament to Jon's mastery over the mystical arts.

"Now, Nancy," Jon said, turning to her with a serious expression, "I need you to recall everything you can about your trip to Texas. It's crucial." His voice carried the weight of the unknown, hinting at the importance of her memories to the task at hand.

Nancy's curiosity was piqued, her eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and wonder. "What are you planning, Jon?!" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.

Jon's smile was enigmatic, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Patience, Nancy. All will be revealed in due time," he assured her, his tone both calming and cryptic.

Taking a deep breath, Nancy focused on her memories of Texas, the images and sensations flooding back to her. Meanwhile, Jon deftly manipulated the strand of her hair, his fingers working with the precision of a skilled artisan. He slipped on a ring, and with a flourish, the hair was transformed into a glowing fuse, spiraling into a circle that erupted into a fiery portal.

Nancy's eyes snapped open at the sight, her breath catching in her throat. The portal shimmered with an otherworldly light, framing a scene from her past—a hauntingly familiar Texan landscape.

Jon's attention then shifted to the Yoriichi Type Zero, now a living, breathing entity. "Your task is to locate a man named Hewitt Tommy, known to some as Leatherface. Once you find him, eliminate him." he commanded, his voice resonant with authority.

The Yoriichi Type Zero, its expression unreadable, nodded once before stepping through the portal, which snapped shut behind it, leaving no trace of its existence.

Turning back to Nancy, Jon's smile softened. "Want to learn? I'll teach you!" he offered, his tone warm and inviting.

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