Dream Life

[well guys if you find any mistake today, just ignore it for today. Due to fever, I'm hving a killer headache even now. Can't quite think straight, do enjoy today's chapte.]

. . . . . . . . .

During the meal, everyone enjoyed chatting with each other, savoring a rare moment of peace. These dinners were treasured, especially since they didn't got to enjoy moments like this even before they were captured by HYDRA, so everyone tries to not miss any dinner.

In truth, they don't have any schedule to follow for their activities. Instead, driven by their anticipation and competitive spirit, they rose early each morning for training sessions. While the younger ones had lighter training, the older members trained extensively, fueled by the addictive feeling of getting stronger quickly.

After eating, they took turns cleaning up and washing the dishes, then gathered on the living room sofa with desserts, waiting for everyone to gather. Noah paused the TV with a remote control and switched the conversation to report the important events. He nodded to Wanda, signaling her to start the report.

"Over the past two months, we've ventured into the city to replenish our supplies," Wanda began.

"We took extra precautions, purchasing goods discreetly through intermediaries to avoid drawing attention. Currently, local gangs are engaged in territorial disputes. We've been carefully selecting targets each week for raids, leaving no traces. However, some gangs have somehow identified us and started targeting our operations."

"Additionally," Wanda continued, "agents from HYDRA have located us."

"Then I guess HYDRA has ties with certain gangs," Noah interjected, "prompting them to act swiftly when they found that I was not sighted anywhere near you. They seem to have focused on targeting other experiment subjects, rather than me."

The reason was simple: despite their efforts to conceal their activities, the increasing purchase of daily necessities had begun attracting unwanted attention. Fortunately, their use of intermediaries had kept most eyes away, except for HYDRA, who are launching operations after operations at any clues they get which suggests that they are getting desperate.

"Baron Strucker's influence within HYDRA may be small compared to the other heads," Noah reflected, "but his connections and resources still pose a significant threat, especially in restricting our movements."

Noah took a sip of coffee and set it down on the table.

"For now, don't worry about HYDRA. Our location is well hidden. I've even masked it from satellite surveillance, so we're safe for the time being. Their focus on suppressing our news through Bloodscream will keep them occupied for the time being."

"Our priority now is to continue strengthening ourselves."

As he spoke, he glanced at each person seated around him—Wanda, Sergey, and the others.

"Each of you have trained diligently in your respective Breathing Techniques, and many of you have achieved Total Concentration Breathing. But that alone isn't sufficient to face the upcoming challenges. So we still need more time to grow."

"Armament Haki, Observation Haki—these are foundational elements for our growth. There should be no slacking off."

After two years of rigorous training together, a group of once ordinary children now possessed extraordinary powers. While Breathing Techniques had significant potential, their limitations were clear. Now, with the addition of Haki, thanks to Noah's Nexus Sharable power, their combat power surged exponentially. Though no one among the children had yet awakened Conqueror's Haki, they swiftly mastered the other forms, elevating their strength significantly.

Breathing Techniques enhanced their physical prowess, while Armament Haki provided an additional layer of strength to the mix. Complete mastery over these could make them capable of single-handedly destroying entire towns—a true mark of their newfound standing among the ranks of heavy hitters like Captain America, Wolverine, Beast and many others. Although they still don't have the combat experience to go against them for now, it can be slowly covered by overwhelming power instead.

But for that to happen, they need to have relentless dedication and time. Noah himself recognizes that even after two years, he's not ready to face all challenges. His cautious nature from his mercenary days guides his decision to remain hidden for now.

So He decided that they won't leave this base until he have secured ample resources and information of the outside world and their strength is more solidified.

Not to mention there's also two years worth of Tokens, ready to be used anytime, which are guaranteed to feedback invaluable rewards—a prospect that excited Noah, despite the randomness over their nature.

None among them objected to Noah's plan. Over the past years, he had earned their trust and respect, cementing his leadership role. For these children, who had endured loss and darkness from a tender age, the camaraderie and shared purpose in their current life is a solid anchor for them.

Together, they trained, grew stronger, laughed, and sometimes cried—their dream life, once thought impossible. They weren't eager for more, knowing anything extra in the future would just be a bonus.

Noah gently rubbed the heads of the two ten-year-old girls seated beside him, who leaned against him with grins on their faces. After a moment's thought, he turned to Wanda and said, "We're in the prime of our youth, which means our bodies are more adaptable to change. But to achieve the results we want, we'll need a lot of energy supplementation."

"Just food won't cut it. I raided the HYDRA base before and found the formula for the nutrient solution."

Wanda's eyes lit up with joy, nodding eagerly. "Okay, I'll look into getting the materials for the formula next time we're in town."

"No need to go to Yekaterinburg for now. Pick another city, Pietro, you can handle it."

"Yeah, no problem, I can finish it seconds" Pietro chimed in grinning, along with nods from Sergey and the others.

"Meanwhile, For the next days I'll keep a close eye on your training. Raw strength is crucial, but developing your own skills and techniques is equally important."

As Noah spoke, the group's expressions varied—complex mixtures of giddiness for Noah's innovative ideas and fear over his rigorous training methods.

Only Wanda's eyes shimmered with anticipation.

"I've got some shows to catch up on. I'm off," one announced.

"Heh, then I'll hit the bed. Today's training wore me out," someone else added.

"Same here. Good night, everyone," echoed another.

Seeing the group scatter like cats in the rain, Noah chuckled softly. Over the past two years, besides regular training, he had pushed them hard—sometimes even worrying they might develop PTSD. If that happened, he knew he could rely on our favorite Doctor Victor Blane to help them recover.

"Aren't you heading to bed, Wanda?" Noah asked gently, noticing her lingering.

"I... um..."

"It seems something's on your mind," Noah observed with a smile, standing up and leading Wanda towards the balcony.

Out on the backside balcony, Noah and Wanda stood side by side, gazing into the distance together. Moonlight bathed them as rain lightly fell, while the warm glow from inside the wooden house dispelled the darkness. It was a peaceful scene, momentarily shielding them from the dangers from outside their sanctuary.

Neither of them spoke, absorbing the drizzle and distant sounds of nature. After a while, Wanda broke the silence.

"I never imagined I'd have days like these, especially with Pietro."

"Mmm," Noah murmured.

"Sometimes I'm really glad that we were in the same base as you, Noah." Wanda confessed, turning to look at him. Two years had transformed Noah, with his shoulder-length white hair adding to his charm, causing Wanda's heart to flutter.

"I can see Pietro moving past his past traumas and becoming more cheerful," she continued.

"And you?" Noah turned to her with a smile.

"I... I feel the same way," Wanda admitted softly, turning away slightly, unable to meet Noah's gaze.