AT Force Field

Josen wiped away his drool and composed himself, hiding the ugly face of a man who had just smuggled his way into the land of lucky pulls. As usual, he enhanced his attributes while holding the two purple cards.

After reading their information, his expression grew increasingly strange.

[Fantasy Card: AT Force Field]

[Card type: Ability Card]

[Rarity: SR]

[Description: A substance of the soul unique to life in the EVA world. The "Wall of the Heart" that separates oneself and one's sense of self from the objective world, also known as the "Absolute Domain."]

[Effect 1: Soul Manifestation]

[Converts psychic power into a special substance of the soul.]

[Effect 2: Deploy Absolute Domain]

[Provides powerful protection against ordinary physical, energy, and high-temperature attacks. Can be highly concentrated to block external matter or apply counterforce.]

[Effect 3: Force Field Manipulation]

[Allows free generation and control of force fields for impact, defense, intrusion, neutralization, reversal, and other applications.]

The unprecedented purple psychic attribute card needed no further explanation. One was worth a hundred normal psychic cards, with a simple, brutal effect: it could roughly double Josen's current psychic power!

The other purple card was even more extraordinary. It was a mental ability from that neighboring world of orange juice, where the more withdrawn you were, the more invincible you became. In the hands of Angels or withdrawn children, it could readily devastate heaven and earth. Once it touched the realm of gods, creating or destroying worlds was nothing special.

But the thing about me...

I'm not withdrawn!

A glance at the purple psychic card in his hand gave Josen his answer.

With the miscellaneous attribute enhancements out of the way, it was time for the main course.

He slapped the two purple cards into his chest one after the other. Cool energy enveloped his brain, and his lake-sized pool of psychic power began surging like a rising tide before its total volume skyrocketed.

At the same time, his mind-and even his ineffable soul-underwent an expansion akin to the gestation and growth of life. Like a seed taking root and sprouting into a towering tree, it shone from nothingness into reality, becoming a tangible entity with weight.

The air before him spontaneously condensed into nested polygonal crystalline barriers. Azure light flowed through them, making them look like illusory bubbles that would burst at a touch, yet also like an indestructible rock that had endured since time immemorial!

Enhancement complete!

Josen opened his eyes and carefully examined the Absolute Domain that had deployed itself before him. Reaching out to touch it, he could clearly feel the barrier's physical existence. Its strength far exceeded the crude psychic force fields he had previously cobbled together with psychic power.

Clenching his fist, he threw a test punch at roughly half strength. Rings of shimmering polygonal ripples spread across the Absolute Domain!

Centered on the point of impact, the kinetic energy applied to the Absolute Domain dispersed through mechanical waves until it dissipated completely. All it caused was a visible vibration in the soul substance; the Force Field Barrier suffered no loss of structural strength.

Its only drawback was probably the rate of psychic power consumption. A light sheen of sweat appeared on Josen's forehead as he maintained the barrier. His psychic power, now twice what it had been, constantly condensed into manifested soul substance and flowed into the force field.

The instant it took a hit, the flow of psychic power increased exponentially. Josen estimated that simply maintaining it would let him keep it deployed for about ten minutes. In a high-intensity battle, that duration would probably shrink to less than a tenth.

It would depend on the strength of the enemy's attacks.

He stopped supplying psychic power, and the Absolute Domain dissipated. Josen breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed his tired brow.

Looks like even the current me can't bring out the AT Force Field's true power. I'll probably have to keep switching it on and off in a fight just to get by.

That's what I get for not being withdrawn enough!

Still, as someone with cheats, Josen wasn't worried.

At the rate he was growing stronger, who knew who would hold the title of the Hero Association's strongest psychic by the time Tatsumaki joined?

The Flowing Water Fist Dojo.

Hah!

Hah!

Early that morning, Bang was leading his disciples through their morning exercises.

At this point, the Flowing Water Fist Dojo was still bustling, its dozens of disciples filling almost the entire training ground.

Yet beneath that prosperity lay desolation.

There were plenty of disciples, but few could inherit his legacy.

"Charanko, put more power into your waist. Did I teach you to throw limp punches like that?"

"Y-yes! Master!"

After correcting the stance of a hardworking young disciple who genuinely had little talent, Bang's gaze settled on another disciple.

Only fifteen, he was already nearly six feet tall. His naturally white hair split into two tufts at the crown of his head. He was exceptionally gifted, but cold and aloof, barely interacting with his fellow disciples. Whatever he did, he did alone.

Garou.

Bang had once thought this boy was the person he had been searching for. But after observing him for nearly half a year, the doubts in his heart had only grown.

He kept feeling that something lay hidden beneath that cold face, something even he couldn't see through.

Then I'll keep watching.

As Bang thought this, his ears suddenly twitched.

Hmm?

"Keep practicing!"

"Yes!"

The disciples answered in unison. Bang's figure blurred, and when he reappeared, he was already outside the dojo's main gate.

A young figure was slowly ascending the mountain path.

Bang raised his brows, delight appearing on his face.

It's Josen!

Then his delighted expression fell.

This damn guy...

He actually floated all the way up!

You think having psychic powers makes you so great?!

The old man roared inwardly. When Josen reached him, he greeted him with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Ah, Josen. Don't you have work in broad daylight? How did you find the time to come wandering around my place?"

Josen: ...

What's this? Did the old man swallow gunpowder?!

Why's he taking shots at me first thing in the morning?

You weren't like this yesterday when we were drinking with our arms around each other's shoulders!

Fine. I need a favor, so I'll let it slide this time, you old bastard!

Josen landed and snapped his fingers. Two gift boxes of tea emerged from Fantasy Cards and dropped into his hands.

He had thick skin anyway. With a chuckle, he offered up the gifts. "Sorry to drop by unannounced, but there's a small matter I'd like your help with, Master."

"Hmm?"

Bang glanced at the gift boxes and recalled the price he had seen in the store. How many zeroes had there been again?

His expression softened a little. He accepted the gifts with perfect naturalness and led Josen inside, assuring him, "Whatever it is, just say the word. This old man will do everything he can to help!"

"Thank you in advance, Master!"

As they crossed the courtyard's training ground, Josen came face-to-face with a white-haired boy wearing a cold expression.

Well, if it isn't Garou.

It's only been a few days, and you've fallen this far... no, you're still grinding levels, huh?

Seeing this young, inexperienced version of Garou, a certain someone suddenly felt a mischievous impulse.

The instant their eyes met, he activated his psychic power!

The still-young Garou shuddered, feeling a heavy pressure lodge in his chest. By the time he recovered, the visitor had already entered the dojo with the old man, yet Garou hadn't even gotten a clear look at his face.

Was it him?

Garou clutched his aching chest and took several ragged breaths. His innate instincts immediately recognized the truth.

For a moment, he nearly ground his teeth to pieces.

That bastard!