Chapter 7: "Six Eyes, Level 2"
Originally, he could only form a blue-black sphere about the size of a pineapple, but now it had expanded to the size of a basketball. The increase in power also meant a significant rise in energy consumption.
Despite the heavy drain, the Level 2 "Azure" technique didn't disappoint. The blue vortex shot towards the Lizardman at twice its previous speed. Sensing danger, the Lizardman tried to dodge, but the vortex was too close and too fast.
From her vantage point, Gwen watched in horror. The Lizardman's body twisted grotesquely as his flesh and muscles were pulled inward, a terrifying blue-black hole emerging from his chest, consuming his body entirely until nothing remained.
Yet, even after devouring the Lizardman's body, the vortex continued to draw in everything around it: air, concrete, shattered walls, street lamps…
What terrified Gwen most was that the vortex was coming straight toward her. Severely injured, she could only stare helplessly, awaiting her end. Her mind went blank as she felt the vortex's pull on her body, inching ever closer.
But just when it was only a few meters away, the vortex abruptly vanished, and Gwen, regaining her breath, realized she had narrowly escaped death. She had never been this close to dying and had never felt so helpless.
"Is this… really a power that humans can control?"
After casting the "Azure" technique, Su Mu looked down at the empty spot where the Lizardman had been, satisfied. The boost to his technique was even greater than he'd expected. At Level 4, or perhaps Level 5, he thought he might reach the power of Gojo Satoru himself. Once his skills evolved further, he would surpass Gojo altogether.
Su Mu then noticed that Spider-Woman had passed out from her injuries nearby. Using his Six Eyes, he could tell she had several broken bones and mild internal bleeding. Although her body would eventually heal due to her regenerative abilities, they were in Hell's Kitchen, and the fight had drawn a lot of attention. While Su Mu didn't consider himself a hero, he didn't want to leave a character he admired to die.
The system chimed:
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
As he continued to use Six Eyes to assess her injuries, he skillfully realigned her bones to hasten her recovery. In a brief moment of curiosity, he removed her hood and mask, revealing a delicate face with short blonde hair. It was Gwen Stacy, looking even more beautiful than her portrayals in movies or comics.
At that moment, Gwen regained consciousness. Looking at the man who held her, she was confused at first but soon jumped back, managing a flip despite her injuries, only to stumble slightly as she stood up.
"Y-you…!" she stammered, touching her face and realizing her mask had been removed. Panic set in. "How did this happen so soon after becoming Spider-Woman?"
Su Mu looked at her with a slight smile, holding her mask.
"I didn't expect New York's friendly neighborhood Spider-Woman to be so young. You're still in school, aren't you?"
"Why did you take off my mask?" she demanded, unsure how to respond to his calm demeanor.
"Am I not allowed?" he said with a grin. "If you're upset… hit me?"
Gwen just stared. After witnessing him destroy the Lizardman, she knew she was no match for him.
"Why did you kill Dr. Lizard?" she asked after a moment. "He only became a monster because of the serum. He was a good person at heart!"
Su Mu wasn't surprised by her question; she was, after all, a compassionate person, which was one of the reasons he'd liked her as a character. But though he admired her kindness, he wasn't the same.
"He tried to kill me, so he should be prepared to be killed in return," he replied, watching her closely.
Unable to argue, Gwen thought about it from his perspective and knew he wasn't wrong. It was self-defense. However, seeing her former mentor die before her eyes left her feeling lost.
Leaving only one last sentence, she swung away on her web.
"Maybe you're not wrong… but I have to go."
As she departed, Su Mu called out, "Your mask!"
Gwen hesitated but quickly returned, snatching the mask from his hand before leaving again. While she wanted to punch his smug face, she knew it was out of her league—for now.
Watching her go, Su Mu mused that being in this world wasn't so bad. Here, his childhood heroes were real people with their own emotions and struggles. Sensing his remaining energy, Su Mu grasped a broken power line nearby, absorbing electricity.
*[Energy Absorption XP +1]*
*[Energy Absorption XP +1]*
*[Energy Absorption XP +1]*
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
As he absorbed the energy, the Six Eyes aided him in precisely controlling it, raising his proficiency level.
A few minutes later, the system announced:
*[Six Eyes XP +1]*
*Congratulations! Skill "Six Eyes" has leveled up!*