Norman's entire body began to convulse violently. He breathed heavily through his nose, and the veins bulged on his forehead. Norman clenched his teeth, fighting to remain conscious and prevent himself from passing out. His eyes revealed a fierce determination—he had to endure this!
"The data is continuously spiking! Spiking!" the subordinate reported.
Norman could vaguely hear the words his subordinates were saying. The accelerated blood flow beneath his skin sped up his body's metabolism. He clenched his hands into fists with such force that his fingernails dug into his flesh, drawing blood onto his palms.
"Aah!" Norman finally roared before falling into unconsciousness.
"Did it succeed?" the subordinate asked cautiously.
The person monitoring the data screen replied, "His vital signs have returned to normal."
"Phew~" Everyone on site breathed a sigh of relief.
Midtown High School
It was evening, and Ben Parker and Aunt May had long since arrived. The search and rescue efforts were still ongoing.
"Thank God you are both safe, my boys," Ben Parker said, embracing Silas and Peter.
If it weren't for the Shadow Realm, Silas thought to himself, Peter and I would definitely be buried in this pile of ruins.
Peter had already returned before Ben Parker and Aunt May arrived, having realized he was completely useless at the rescue scene and was only getting in the way. So, he quickly changed his clothes and returned to the tent to look after Silas.
"Silas, here is the juice you usually love. Drink it; it's good for your recovery," Aunt May said, handing Silas the carton of juice she had brought.
"Thank you, Aunt May." Silas took the juice and smiled.
Aunt May looked at Silas's injuries with concern. "What did the medical staff say? Is it serious?"
"It's nothing, Aunt May. The medical staff said it's just a few scrapes," Silas lied, hiding the fact that he had sustained a bone injury, knowing she would only worry more otherwise.
Ben Parker put his hand on Aunt May's shoulder. "Don't worry, May. Young men are strong and healthy; a few minor injuries are nothing."
"Strong and healthy? They're still human!" Aunt May swatted Ben Parker's hand away, then told Silas, "If you feel pain anywhere, you tell me immediately."
"Uncle Ben, I think we should take Silas to the hospital. At least the medical treatment there will be faster," Peter, who knew the truth about Silas's injury, suggested. Silas couldn't stand up earlier, meaning it was definitely more than just superficial cuts; his bone must be injured. The temporary tent was too rudimentary, and things would only get worse if it rained.
"Peter is right," Ben Parker stood up. "We need to go to the hospital. The facilities are better there."
"No, Uncle Ben! I'm really fine. I just need to lie down at home," Silas protested. He knew the American healthcare system didn't include health insurance, calling an ambulance cost money, and hospital expenses were massive. There would be endless reasons—appointments, waiting times, everything cost money. Given his condition, even with his high physical recovery rate, it would take at least a week to heal, and the hospital bill would be no joke. He had some money, but Ben Parker certainly didn't. Ben was already working hard raising two boys; Silas couldn't add to his burden.
"It's okay, Silas. Our family can manage it," Ben Parker knew what Silas was thinking—that he was afraid of spending money. Doesn't the silly boy know that money is nothing compared to his health?
Silas suppressed the pain and propped himself up. "I'm really fine, Uncle Ben! If you don't believe me, I can try standing up right now!" With that, Silas tried to stand, even though the waves of pain urged him to lie back down.
"Be careful, Silas!" Peter, standing next to him, immediately reached out and helped Silas rise.
"Alright, alright! If you don't want to go, we won't!" Aunt May said, her heart aching. Her boy was truly too sensible.
Ben Parker added, "Exactly, we won't go, but you have to promise me that if your wound changes at all, we are going to the hospital immediately!"
"Don't worry, Uncle Ben. My body is my asset. I know my limits," Silas said with a smile.
Ben Parker nodded. "Alright, I'll go sign the release forms, and then we'll take you home."
"Thanks," Silas replied.
Silas desperately wanted to leave the tent. It was saturated with the smell of disinfectant, and the continuous cries of the injured were driving him crazy. Plus, he had zero privacy; there was no way he could do anything, like summon his Shadowkhan to assist him, unless he wanted to expose himself publicly. As for finding and rescuing Misty, he now had a very extreme idea.
Soon, Ben Parker finished the paperwork and took the family home. Perhaps because of Silas's injury, they had a very sumptuous dinner.
"Eat more." Everyone pushed the best food toward Silas, which made him feel both touched and awkward. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was dying of a serious illness.
"Aunt May! I have enough! You don't need to fry any more steak!" Silas called out.
Aunt May, still in the kitchen frying steak, called back, "Eat slowly, everyone. There's a turkey coming next."
"..." Silas sighed, spearing a piece of beef and taking it to his mouth. The person who was enjoying the meal the most was Ben Parker. For him, this was fantastic; Aunt May usually insisted on being frugal. It was because of Aunt May that they had any savings; otherwise, they were not good at saving and often relied on loans when money was tight.
Peter and Silas, however, were preoccupied. Ned and Misty were still buried, and they couldn't possibly enjoy the food.
"Peter, eat more. That way you'll have the strength to work," Silas said, winking at Peter.
Peter understood immediately. That's right! I can't just sit here! He decided he would go back to help tonight! He had to do whatever he could! Thinking this, Peter suddenly felt his appetite return and started eating with renewed motivation.
"Work? Are you two planning to do something?" Ben Parker stopped eating, confused.
Silas chuckled and explained, "Peter and I are going to play a fighting game later. It's really mentally strenuous."
"I see. Can I join? You know, I was a gaming master when I was young!" Ben Parker boasted.
Peter swallowed his food and asked, "But Uncle Ben, didn't you say last time you were a master fisherman? How did you become a gaming master now?"
"Well, Peter, let me ask you: Am I a good fisherman, or am I lying?" Ben Parker countered.
Peter thought about it; Uncle Ben was a great fisherman last time. But that wasn't the point; they were supposed to play a game!
Silas was amused that Ben Parker, at his age, still had such a youthful spirit.
"Oh, come on, Ben. The games the boys play, why would you want to play?" Aunt May said, bringing in a platter with the turkey.
Ben Parker's appetite returned at the sight of the turkey. He retorted, "What do you know? I'm trying to bond with the boys."
"The best way to bond is this," Aunt May said, tearing off two legs and putting them on Silas and Peter's plates. "Feed them."
"Thank you, Aunt May!" Silas and Peter exclaimed in unison.
Aunt May shrugged. Ben Parker looked on in astonishment, realizing that all his talk was less effective than May's turkey legs.
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