He's Back

"Alright, stop staring at me and start eating," Zane said, picking up his chopsticks first.

His position in the family was unquestionable. If he didn't start eating, no one else would move. It wasn't out of fear but respect.

Seeing Zane start eating, Rocket, who was practically drooling, eagerly grabbed his little spoon and began shoveling food into his mouth.

"I am Groot!" the small Groot urgently said to Rocket.

But Rocket, now lost in his food and forgetting everyone else, replied nonchalantly, "Groot, just drink water. This food isn't good for you."

Groot didn't believe Rocket. After merging with the World Tree's sapling, Groot could root himself in lava and absorb nutrients, so how could this food harm him? With human-like senses of smell and taste, Groot was also eager to try the delicious spread.

Realizing he couldn't rely on Rocket, Groot extended his vines, jumped onto the table, and clumsily began scooping food into his bowl with a spoon twice his size. Not yet adept at controlling his form, Groot could only shift between his current adorable 11 cm height and a towering tree capable of draining planets.

Seeing little Groot's incredibly cute antics, Anna's maternal instincts kicked in. She gently picked him up, cradling him while she and Lorna took turns feeding and playing with him.

The rest, however, were not as refined. They transformed into a bunch of ruffians, stuffing food into their mouths by the handful.

"Skeleton, you only drink milk! Why are you fighting me for the fish?" Bastis angrily glared at Bone, who didn't even glance back.

Elegantly and swiftly, Bone snatched another large piece of fish from Bastis's grasp and put it in her mouth. The golden hellfire in her eyes ground the fish into nutrients, nourishing her bones. She then shot a smug look at the furious Bastis, her eyes full of disdain as if to say, 'Pathetic weakling!'

Over the years, Bone had grown mischievous, no longer the innocent girl she once was.

"Yaaah!" Bastis screamed, going berserk and engaging Bone in a fierce battle with spoons and chopsticks.

Seeing the chaotic but joyful scene at the table, Constantine's initially stiff expression relaxed into a comfortable smile. Like a big kid, he joined the food fight, using his semi-divine physique to secure his share amidst the flurry of hands.

Watching the mayhem, Zane, at the head of the table, laughed heartily. It had been so long since things were this lively...

This is great!

Meanwhile, at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury received the news of Zane's return!

As for how S.H.I.E.L.D. discovered Zane and his group, it was actually quite simple. Zane didn't make any effort to hide their return. Anna and Constantine even brought a large amount of groceries to the villa, which was a clear sign that Zane was back.

In his office, Nick Fury stared blankly at the photos taken by his agents. The inevitable day had finally arrived. With a stoic expression, Nick Fury picked up the phone and dialed Tony Stark's private number.

"He's back....."

At Zane's villa, after everyone finished their enjoyable meal, they all moved to the living room. Lorna, Anna, Bone, and the small Groot happily started cleaning up the mess.

"Hey, Jerk Constantine, when did you and Anna get married? Why didn't you tell us? I wanted to be your witness!" Zane said, slightly complaining.

Constantine was bewildered by the new nickname Zane had given him. "Jerk Constantine? When did I ever act like a jerk? Anna is my first love!" 

Constantine had been able to see ghosts since he was a child. Because of this, he was treated like a lunatic and was committed to a psychiatric hospital. He wasn't released until adulthood, and since then, he had been fighting half-demon hybrids to atone for his sins over a suicide attempt. He had no time for romantic relationships. 

So, the nickname "Jerk Constantine" made Constantine want to scream. But seeing the unmistakable irritation in Zane's eyes, Constantine wisely chose to accept the nickname.

Although Zane was genuinely happy for Constantine and Anna, he was still a bit miffed that Constantine had whisked away Anna, who was like a sister to him.

"We got married two years ago. As for why we didn't tell you, boss… well, you know," Constantine said with an awkward smile.

"Yeah, I know. I know nothing, you rascal. You were quick to act," Zane replied, giving Constantine a light smack on the back of his head.

Constantine didn't dodge, smiling foolishly as he accepted the harmless slap. He knew that with this gesture, all their previous worries had dissipated.

"Stop playing dumb. You must be over the moon," Zane said, looking at Constantine.

"Hehe, boss, you're always right," Constantine replied, grinning.

"Alright, follow me," Zane said, standing up and heading to the study.

"What for, boss?" Constantine asked, but he still followed closely behind.

"You and Anna are married now. How could I not give you a wedding gift?" Zane said without looking back.

Once they were in the study with the door closed, Zane placed his hand on Constantine's head without a word. Suddenly, a massive amount of divine death energy surged from Zane's godhead into Constantine's body.

If a fifth-dimensional being had been observing closely, they would have witnessed an extraordinary scene unfolding.

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