School Chores

Actually, Feeney didn't care about Skye's identity, but he knew it was her hang-up. Even if she was happy in this family, she still wanted to know why her biological parents had abandoned her back then.

"Skye, if you had superpowers one day, what would you do?"

Feeney suddenly asked. In this world, having power was always better than not having it. He couldn't wait to get stronger—wasn't that to protect himself and his family?

"Huh!? Me!?"

Skye was startled, then hesitated as she glanced at Feeney. "Feeney, you know we don't have a blood relation, right? I was adopted by Mom and Dad..."

Feeney paused, then caught on and gave Skye a speechless look. If they did have a blood relation, that would be the real reason superpowers were impossible.

"Don't overthink it. Just pretend you have superpowers—uh, vibration, say. What would you do?"

"Vibration?"

Skye looked completely lost, but seeing how seriously Feeney was asking, she started to think it over. "I... I'd probably be scared at first, feeling like I was a monster..."

As she spoke, Skye sneaked a glance at Feeney. Seeing his expression hadn't changed, she continued, "Then I'd be curious—curious where the power came from and what I could do with it."

"Vibration... seems pretty limited."

Skye racked her brain for a long time but still couldn't figure out what vibration superpowers could be used for. Feeney almost laughed.

"Vibration can cause earthquakes. If someone bullies you, you could leave them no place to stand for miles around. You could also send out vibration waves, like an air cannon—invisible and formless, great for sneak attacks."

Skye thought Feeney was joking and shot him an annoyed glare, saying nothing.

Seeing that, Feeney dropped it. Even though he'd gotten a huge boost in strength from being "Possessed by Evil Spirit," he was still far from being able to take on S.H.I.E.L.D. alone.

He'd have to wait until he was stronger—ideally to the point where he feared no one—before he could properly solve Skye's problem.

Feeney had considered having Skye learn magic with him and become a Magical Girl, but that depended on talent, and Ancient One hadn't agreed yet, so he didn't want to make promises too early.

After a brief chat with Skye and lunch, Feeney didn't rush off to find the New York Sanctum. Instead, he followed his routine and headed to the shop. Even though there'd been a robbery yesterday, it didn't affect today's business.

On the way, Feeney thought about hiring a security guard, but then remembered that Skye only opened the shop when he was around. When he wasn't, she usually just closed up and played on the computer. A guard wouldn't make much difference.

After a busy afternoon, he'd filled his empty Experience Bar with a tiny bit more experience and wrapped up the weekend.

The next day, Feeney went to school as usual. High school academics in America weren't as grueling as in his past life, but with graduation approaching, he wanted to keep his grades up.

But as soon as he got to school, he noticed some people sneaking glances at him and pointing. Eavesdropping, he found out it was about what happened with Carson.

"Did you hear? The day before yesterday, that genius Hailsaiz beat up Carson."

"No way, isn't Carson on the Basketball Team!?"

"Exactly, who'd have thought? Word is Carson got beaten badly—face covered in blood!"

"Why'd they fight?"

"Heard it was over a girl. They say she's pretty..."

Feeney walked through the school, a little speechless, ignoring the curious stares. He'd gotten used to it when he skipped grades to enter high school and became the Campus Hunk, so it didn't bother him.

Anyway, he figured he'd graduate in at most another month, so he didn't bother explaining.

As for college, Feeney had originally planned to stop after high school like Skye, but his parents were dead set against it because of his top grades from skipping grades.

He'd been worried about where to go and what to study, but after yesterday's encounter with Ancient One, he had an idea.

He'd stay in New York for school and major in Ancient Philology—laying the groundwork for learning magic. He wasn't naive enough to think all Magic Books were written in modern language.

Just as Feeney was settling on his future plans, the other main character in the school gossip came looking for him after school.

"Hey, Hailsaiz!"

Carson, along with a few teammates from the Basketball Team, blocked Feeney's way out of the school gate with hostile looks.

"What's up?" Feeney frowned at the guys surrounding him.

"Are you the one spreading those rumors at school?" Carson stared at Feeney with a dark expression. The wound on his lip had healed a lot, but the scar was still there.

"Do I look that bored?" Feeney said flatly, glancing at Carson. He'd rather spend the time making Sumire's Fried Chicken Roll to earn experience.

Carson stayed silent, standing still and Staring Intently at Feeney, as if trying to tell if he was lying.

Seeing Carson not saying anything, Feeney said impatiently, "Got something to say? If not, move aside."

"Apologize!"

Feeney blinked, looking confused.

"Apologize to me in front of everyone at school, and this is over."

Hearing that, Feeney couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. What was this guy thinking? He understood that every student cared about face, but that didn't mean they could mess with him.

"Go back to sleep—maybe it'll happen in a dream."

With that, Feeney sidestepped to leave, but before he'd taken two steps, he felt movement behind him. He dodged to the side and turned to find Carson and his guys trying to grab him.

"What's your deal?"

Feeney's face darkened. He never caused trouble at school, just coasted on his reputation as a genius. Teachers thought highly of him, but he had few friends. Behind his back, some even called him a "nerd," but he couldn't be bothered to care.

"Hailsaiz, we don't want this either. Just apologize nicely, and it's done."

Carson said viciously, his tall, burly frame making Feeney look somewhat frail in front of him.

"And if I refuse?" Feeney replied coldly. If Carson had come sincerely to apologize for what happened that day and then asked him to help explain things, he might not have refused.

But unfortunately, Carson had chosen the worst possible option.

"Then don't blame me for being rude!"

Carson and his friend clenched their fists, making threatening gestures, drawing the attention of many passersby.

Feeney didn't bother with words. He threw a punch straight to the face, and blood splattered everywhere.

Because of the 'Golden Great Deduction Technique,' he didn't like getting angry or cursing people out—since the words he spoke could actually become reality.

If an ordinary person angrily told someone to watch out and get hit by a car, nothing would probably happen. But if he, in a moment of anger, said you'll get hit by a car, and even visualized it a little, that person really might get hit.

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