CHAPTER 5

Rhodes stroked his chin thoughtfully, contemplating his predicament. This was the perfect way to prevent anyone from discovering who was spying on the princess's mansion.

He couldn't help but daydream about having superpowers like clairvoyance. Suddenly, a notification chimed, "Ding! The host, [Rhodes], has gained a superpower: [see-through eyes]!"

Rhodes's wish seemed to have come true in an instant. He was born with a mere thought, and the genes of Silver Superman evolved rapidly, accompanied by the voice of the system.

"This superpower isn't half bad. Let me try it."

A faint smile played on the corner of Rhode's lips as his eyes transformed into laser-like red beams, piercing through walls, bricks, trees, and crowds as if they were mere illusions.

His gaze led him to a bustling and lively tavern.

On the second floor of the tavern, two windows stood wide open, revealing a peculiar sight. A green-skinned, pointed-eared individual, a member of the Skrull tribe, was peering out the window, fixated on the Princess Mansion. Behind him, creatures of various races formed a cohesive group.

One of them impatiently inquired, "...When should we do it?"

The green-skinned Skrull, with a sinister grin, responded, "Don't worry, as a hunter, patience is our virtue. We strike when the old man comes out."

Rhodes overheard snippets of their conversation and realized, "So, these individuals have been monitoring the Princess Mansion."

Back in his study, Rhodes's eyes returned to their normal state as he muttered to himself. He decided not to concern himself with their lack of immediate action, considering them non-threatening. The valiant guards at the Princess Mansion should be capable of handling such a situation.

Turning a page of the tome in his hand, Rhodes resumed his reading.

The following day, the elderly butler, Alt, meticulously groomed himself. He combed his white hair and beard and ensured his appearance was impeccable. After these preparations, he picked up his wallet and left his quarters.

The princess's family was engaged in substantial business endeavors, resulting in significant monthly expenditures. Alt, as the head butler, was entrusted with overseeing the mansion's affairs, including procurement.

"Master Butler," several servants of God greeted him respectfully on his way.

Alt acknowledged their greetings with a nod as he stepped out of the Princess Mansion's gate. Initially, he anticipated that this shopping trip would proceed as smoothly as usual. However, his expectations were shattered when he reached a remote intersection.

Alt found himself suddenly surrounded by several colossal shadows. These burly men formed a formidable wall, forcibly guiding him into a dead-end alley.

In a panic, Alt exclaimed, "What are you doing? What is the meaning of this?"

While attempting to restore his disheveled hair and clothes, he remembered his position and shouted, "You lawless ruffians! I am the housekeeper of the Princess Mansion! I urge you to leave immediately, unless you wish to meet a dire fate!"

The cloaked figures, concealed in their attire, remained unnervingly composed. No words escaped their lips.

Alt was taken aback, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He realized that these men were aware of his identity.

Several of the strong men made way, allowing a green-skinned figure cloaked in malevolence to step forward. He grinned maliciously.

"Skrulls? No!"

Understanding suddenly dawned on Alt, causing him to shiver. He turned to flee, but before he could escape, a powerful blow struck the back of his head, plunging him into darkness as he lost consciousness.

A few minutes later, the old butler, now impersonated by the Skrull, "Airt," emerged from the alley, maintaining his appearance of pristine elegance and composure.

"Master Butler," the two guards stationed at the mansion's gate saluted the returning figure.

Alt offered a subtle nod and left them with a parting glance.

The two guards exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why the old butler's shopping trip had been exceptionally brief.

"I am acting on the princess's orders to retrieve something from the secret room. You all should leave," Alt commanded the two guards outside the secret room.

This secret chamber, secluded within the mansion, housed the most valuable possession of the goddess of death, Hela. Inside the private treasury, numerous seemingly insignificant items were stored.

"Yes, Mr. Butler," the two guards concurred, exchanging knowing glances, their trust in Alt's authority unwavering.

With the key in hand, Alt unlocked the secret room's door and entered.

Deep within the room, a cloak adorned with green patterns on a black background hung suspended on a intricately carved stone pedestal. It exuded an aura of death, sending shivers down Alt's spine.

Despite the ominous sensation, Alt's resolve remained unwavering. With Hela's absence, he considered it an opportune moment to seize the cloak.

Avarice gleamed in Alt's eyes as he approached and removed the cloak.

In the mansion's garden, Rhodes, in the midst of training in protoss combat techniques, abruptly ceased his movements. A peculiar aura had caught his attention.

Utilizing his clairvoyant eyes, Rhodes quickly discerned that the secret room's door stood ajar, and Alt held the death cloak in his hands.

"Death cloak? What could the old butler possibly want with that?"

Rhodes furrowed his brow, sheathing his combat techniques as he darted out of the garden, disappearing in a gust of wind.

"The defense of the princess's mansion is surprisingly lax. It seems they are merely a gathering of revelers and affluent individuals. To think that I obtained the death cloak so effortlessly! Hey-hey!"

Internally delighted, Alt maintained his regal facade. Nevertheless, he remained aware that until he safely exited the Princess Mansion, his efforts were in vain.

"Stow it away, stow it away!" Alt meticulously secured the death cloak within a silver password-protected suitcase.

Suddenly, a clear and melodious voice resonated from behind him.

Startled, Alt's body quivered, causing the suitcase to nearly slip from his grasp. He turned to behold a young boy with black hair and piercing blue eyes.

Despite the boy's rugged attire, an air of determination exuded from him.

Alt recalled and recognized this figure. "Rhodes, this is the princess's secret room, and no one else is permitted to enter. Leave immediately, or you shall face repercussions!"

Alt admonished sternly, perplexed by the unexpected intrusion.

"Why are outsiders not allowed? My lord, what brings you here?"

Rhodes refrained from further dialogue. Instead, he narrowed his gaze, scrutinizing the supposed old butler before him. His keen intuition signaled that this individual was not Alt, despite their limited interactions.

"How could I not see through his disguise when I possess clairvoyance?" Rhodes wondered aloud.

The response came swiftly as the system chimed, "Ding! The host [Rhodes] has gained a superpower: [Eye of Reality]!"

Seizing the moment, Rhodes activated this newfound superpower. A radiant flash illuminated his eyes, revealing the truth beneath the façade.

In an instant, Rhodes's once-clear blue eyes reflected a green-skinned creature with pointed ears—the very same group he had discovered spying on the princess mansion with his clairvoyant eyes.

"Skrulls!" Rhode's heart raced as he recalled the information he had read about this advanced alien race with the ability to shape-shift into various forms.