Happy New Year, my amazing readers!
I hope 2026 brings you endless joy, excitement, and unforgettable adventures in life. Your unwavering support, comments, and encouragement have meant the world to me, and I can't wait to share even more thrilling moments with all of you in the year ahead. To start the year with a bang, get ready for a mass release of 5 chapters today.
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A few vultures and crows landed on the desolate ground, cawing as if calling for their companions—or announcing the feast beneath their feet. Before long, a pack of hyenas arrived. In moments, the entire area had become a paradise for scavengers. The bodies of men who had been arrogant just minutes ago were now nothing more than food.
How sad. How ridiculous.
None of this could be blamed on anyone else. If they had to blame something, they could only blame themselves for provoking an existence they never should have crossed.
The next morning, Blaine still rose early. Looking at this delicate and handsome young man, no one would ever associate him with the figure who had slaughtered so ruthlessly the night before.
While Blaine washed up in the bathroom, the latest news broadcast played on the TV.
"With today's latest report—
"A major murder occurred last night.
"The death toll is still under investigation but is not expected to fall below triple digits.
"According to expert assessments at the scene,
"This incident involved gang conflict.
"One of the groups appears to be the notorious Hand.
"For unknown reasons, the Hand's secret bases were completely wiped out.
"And the opposing faction left behind not a single body.
"According to positioning satellite, the shootout lasted a full ten minutes.
"Judging by the intensity of gunfire and the number of participants,
"It is estimated that at least two platoons were involved on both sides.
"Next, we'll go live to the scene.
"Please stay tuned for further updates."
Blaine brushed his teeth as he listened, his heart calm, without the slightest ripple. It was as if the report had nothing to do with him and he was simply an ordinary viewer.
Not that he felt nothing—at least the bloodshed had cooled some of his anger. But he still felt unsatisfied. Even after killing so many people, Blaine couldn't be at ease without finding the person who had bombed his home.
Throughout the day, Blaine took out his frustrations in the backyard, trying to vent his temper and cover the gloom inside.
But since it was his own home, after destroying it he softened and used healing magic to restore the flowers and plants.
A few days later, Blaine was eating dinner at home and had almost forgotten the incident when suddenly his phone began beeping—someone was calling.
"Huh? Tony? What does this guy want with me?"
After a moment of hesitation, Blaine answered. A familiar voice came through the speaker.
"Hey, Mr. Hunter. Long time no see."
"What's wrong? How much? Another job?"
"It's not a mission. Mr. Hunter is always so humorous. You joke better than Vanessa—haha…"
That Grandma Vanessa had truly left an impression on the Avengers. Not only her horrible cake, but even her tone had been picked up by these people…
"What is it? If there's nothing, I'll hang up and finish my meal."
Blaine was curious. If there wasn't an issue, why would Tony call? Surely he wasn't just bored and thinking about him? Was the Civil War about to start? Trying to secure Blaine on his side early? But by the timeline, it shouldn't be happening yet.
"Eating, huh? Haha—why don't you come to the Stark Industrial Building? I'll treat you."
"We can talk while we eat."
"You'd better hope you have something important to tell me."
Blaine spoke coldly, but the moment he heard Tony was offering dinner, he was already thrilled.
Go? Of course he'd go. He'd been eating bread for days, feeling sick of it, and too lazy to go downstairs for proper food. For some reason, that guy at the racecourse hadn't appeared for days, so horse meat was off the menu too. Perfect timing—he might as well try Tony's feast. See what upper-class dining looked like.
Half a minute later, Blaine appeared downstairs at Stark Tower. He straightened his clothes—still wearing his hood to hide his face, but since Tony was treating him to dinner, he had to look somewhat presentable.
With a gust of wind beneath his feet, Blaine shot upward. An elevator was for ordinary people. Being human meant being different.
The top of Stark Tower housed Tony's private space—an open platform where he usually parked his armor after missions.
Blaine arrived on the roof and teleported directly inside. His mind spread outward, scanning for Tony's location, then he teleported again, appearing right in front of him.
At that moment, Tony was tinkering with something on the console and didn't notice the new arrival at all.
"Since I'm here, we can start the meal."
Blaine's sudden voice made Tony jump.
"Oh—scared me to death. You got here so fast, hahaha…"
"Where's my big meal? Haven't seen anything yet."
Only then did Blaine realize this was Tony's office—no grand table, no wine, no steaks, no fancy food. Blaine had assumed all rich people had their servants bring everything out at once to preserve flavor.
"Wait a minute."
Tony grinned mischievously, turned around, and picked up two Big Macs from the desk behind him.
"Here. Eat up."
"Are you kidding? Don't tell me you invited me here for this…"
Blaine knew Tony liked burgers, but seriously? He came all the way here and Tony offered him fast food?
"You don't eat this at home every day?"
"Yes. Burgers are delicious—I never get tired of them."
"Do you remember when we first met? Back when everything was locked down? I said I wanted to eat one of these every day."
Did every spoiled rich kid have some bizarre obsession—pedophilia-level weird tastes or something? It seemed this guy wasn't an exception…
"Tell me what you want. If you don't impress me, I'll tear down your building. You shouldn't doubt my strength."
Blaine took the burger and spoke coldly. Too much trickery—and he had been hoping for a real meal…
"Of course, of course. Mr. Hunter could do that easily."
"Look here."
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