Chapter 16 to Chapter 21
The shopping went smoothly, and leaving the city was just as easy. After spending the night at a hotel, the three of them checked out early the next morning. They loaded their purchased supplies into a pickup truck and slowly drove out of the city.
Due to recent bombings and shootings, road inspections were stricter, with patrol cars already out in the early hours. However, Leon, Wanda, and Sergei, being young and with no issues regarding their identities, were allowed to leave without hassle.
After driving about ten kilometers out of the city, Leon pulled the truck to a stop. In the driver's seat, he tapped the steering wheel and exchanged silent nods with Wanda and Sergei before stepping out of the vehicle. The supplies and equipment they bought were packed in the back.
Sergei patted the side of the truck bed and called out, "Alright, it's time to get down. This is as far as we can take you."
At that moment, the corner of the plastic sheet covering the cargo shifted, and a woman emerged, pointing a pistol at Sergei. Both he and Wanda were momentarily stunned by her appearance.
The woman was strikingly beautiful, with delicate features, brown hair, and a figure that radiated confidence. Her mature, alluring presence was enough to capture any man's attention, and Sergei, being only fifteen, felt his throat go dry.
Noticing Wanda's subtle but curious expression, Sergei shivered and quickly coughed to regain his composure.
"Look, we don't know who you are, and we don't want any trouble," Sergei said, trying to stay calm. "We've done our part getting you out of the city. This is where we stop."
The woman sighed, her tired face still captivating despite her weariness. "I understand, and I'm grateful. But it's not safe yet. We could be caught at any moment. My safe house is still a ways off. I can pay you if you help me get there."
Her voice was soft, tinged with exhaustion and a faint rasp, making her seem even more vulnerable.
Leon stepped out of the driver's seat. When he saw the woman's face, his expression remained calm, but inside, his thoughts raced. He hadn't expected to meet her here. Calculating the timeline, it made sense. Interesting, he thought.
His ears twitched slightly as he scanned the road. Though his eyes couldn't see past the horizon, his heightened perception and hearing had already detected an approaching vehicle. After a brief moment of consideration, he knocked on the car door.
"If you need something, get in the car. That includes you," Leon said, addressing the woman.
He slid back into the driver's seat, Wanda resumed her place in the passenger seat, and Sergei settled into the back. The woman, still perched in the cargo bed, hesitated. She furrowed her brow, realizing something was off. These three were too calm. They had noticed her presence earlier, yet still allowed her to join them. Even when she pointed a gun at them, none showed fear. Their behavior didn't match their age at all—they were far from ordinary.
After a moment's contemplation, trusting in her own abilities and the gun she held, she jumped down from the cargo bed, opened the back door, and got in.
With a bang, the engine roared to life, and the pickup continued down the road. Leon glanced at the woman in the backseat through the rearview mirror, his mind still calculating.
Her expression remained calm, but beneath the surface, she was on high alert—like a rose with thorns. Beautiful, yet dangerous.
"Looks like someone's caught up to us, armed and ready. Don't worry, it's taken care of," Leon muttered casually, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on the door.
His words startled the woman. She quickly turned to peer out the rear window but saw nothing. Just as she was about to speak, her eyes widened in shock—two people had vanished. Sergei, who had been sitting beside her, and Wanda in the passenger seat, were both gone. They had disappeared so silently and swiftly that even her highly trained senses hadn't registered it.
Her heart sank. She gripped her pistol tightly, staring at Leon's back. This man was now an enigma—full of danger and mystery.
Boom!
A faint explosion echoed in the distance. The sound was far away, almost imperceptible, but the timing of it sent a chill through her. Recalling Leon's words and the disappearance of the boy and girl, she pieced it together.
Lowering her head, she spoke cautiously, "Who are you?"
"Generally speaking, I'm not a bad person and have no ill intentions toward you," Leon said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.
Bang!!
Another explosion echoed. The woman, wide-eyed with shock, saw the rear door suddenly swing open. A gust of wind accompanied the return of Wanda and Sergei, who reappeared as if they had never left. Their speed was beyond anything humanly possible.
"Are you mutants?" she asked, though her tone revealed she was already certain.
Leon chuckled softly and shook his head. "We were just a group of poor souls abandoned by the world."
As he spoke, Wanda added softly from the passenger seat, "I read their memories. They're working for a man named Dreykov, chasing a defector—Natasha Romanoff."
The woman's heart sank. Her identity had been uncovered, and her scalp prickled with tension. She wanted to reach for her gun, but instinct told her that doing so would only lead to disaster.
"Ha, who's Dreykov?" Leon asked, his tone curious. He seemed to direct the question to Wanda, but before she could respond, the woman—Natasha—answered for herself.
"Dreykov is the leader of the Red Room, a secret organization that trains children to become elite spies. Only those who survive the brutal training make it out as his most powerful agents, carrying out covert missions for him."
"Interesting," Leon replied, already familiar with the story. He asked merely to gauge Natasha's response—the future Avenger—but she didn't flinch. She was sharp, and within ten seconds, had made up her mind about them.
"Wow, spies? Like the ones on TV?" Wanda and Sergei asked, clearly fascinated.
Natasha, however, was bewildered. Not only were they unafraid after learning about a powerful spy organization, but they also acted so casually. Who are these three people? she wondered.
…
The pickup truck rolled down the road, and Wanda glanced at Natasha through the rearview mirror, noticing her pale face. She opened the glove compartment, pulling out some bread and milk.
"Eat something. I can tell you're hungry," Wanda said, turning to offer the food.
Natasha looked at the bread and milk, then at Wanda's kind, yet sharp face. She pursed her dry lips, whispered a quiet "thank you," and accepted the offer. She carefully unwrapped the bread, eating small bites, sipping the milk slowly.
This girl was strong and fast, seemingly able to read minds or memories. She was young—fifteen or sixteen—but kind.
The man next to her had a body temperature higher than normal, his strength and speed extraordinary. He seemed constantly on guard, his silence masking intense focus.
Then there was Leon, the driver, clearly the leader.
His presence was calm, his abilities mysterious, with heightened senses that could detect danger from far away. Though young, around seventeen, his maturity and composure made him seem much older.
Natasha continued eating, all the while forming a mental profile of the trio. Surprisingly, they seemed harmless, or at least not hostile toward her. Being with them, for now, didn't feel like a bad thing. It felt...safe.
"Are there many people like you?" Wanda asked, hugging her knees in the passenger seat as she looked at Natasha through the mirror.
Natasha hesitated, then nodded, a shadow of pain crossing her face as memories of the Red Room resurfaced.
The place where countless children her age perished, a brutal training ground where survival meant becoming a merciless machine. She was forged there, her hands stained with blood and sins she could never erase.
"It turns out you're just like us," Wanda remarked softly.
Wanda's expression softened considerably. She glanced at Leon, as if wanting to say something but holding back. Leon noticed her hesitation from the corner of his eye and could already guess what this kind-hearted girl was thinking.
"Where do you plan to go next?" Leon asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Wanda's eyes lit up at the question, and Sergei raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Me? I don't know," Natasha replied, her expression darkening. Dreykov's power was vast, stretching across Europe. She had no idea what her fate would be—whether she'd die in some dark corner or be assassinated by his forces.
The cost of freedom had left her feeling like there was no place for her in the world.
"In that case, maybe I can offer you a place to stay," Leon said casually.
Natasha's body tensed at his words. She looked at Leon, who kept his eyes on the road. One hand gripped the steering wheel, while his other arm rested on the car door, his chin propped on his fist, as if what he said was of little consequence.
Her heart, once cold and stagnant, stirred slightly. She felt a flicker of hope but also a wave of caution.
"Do you trust me so easily after such a short time?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt.
"It's not that I trust you—I trust Wanda," Leon replied without looking back, his tone a mix of seriousness and playfulness. "If you had any ill intentions, she'd see right through you." Then, in a quieter tone, he added, "Besides, your story is much like ours—a group of people abandoned by the world, just trying to survive."
Natasha fell silent for a moment before her lips moved slightly. "Dreykov's power is vast," she said, the implication clear.
But both Wanda and Sergei showed no signs of concern. Their body language and expressions conveyed indifference, as if Dreykov's power didn't intimidate them in the slightest. After all, Baron Strucker had been no match for them. Leon could infiltrate and destroy Strucker's bases all by himself—if it weren't for the self-destruct systems, Wanda and Sergei could have easily breached them too.
"This is nothing," Leon shrugged casually, his confidence palpable.
Natasha hesitated. She felt like a lioness lost in the jungle, desperate to find a place of safety. She studied Leon's profile as he drove, his calm demeanor adding to her uncertainty.
After a moment, she made her decision. "If you're truly that confident…"
"Time will tell," Leon replied with a smile, inwardly satisfied that he had won over the infamous Black Widow.
While Natasha might not match Leon's raw power, her skills as one of the world's top spies made her invaluable. Her experience and abilities were assets Leon could certainly use.
Wanda, too, seemed to feel a deep empathy toward Natasha, and that connection alone made her presence worthwhile. Besides, strength could always be built. With a training method like the breathing technique, Natasha could be completely transformed.
…
As usual, the car stopped in the same spot.
To Natasha's amazement, she watched as Leon, Wanda, and Sergei each casually lifted a metal box with one hand.
"There might be some bumps ahead, so it's best to be prepared," Wanda said kindly.
Before Natasha could question what she meant, she saw a flash of red light in Wanda's eyes. The powerful red energy wrapped around her, and before she could react, a tremendous force pushed her forward.
Boom!
The air exploded as the three figures shot through it, crossing the road at nearly subsonic speed toward the Ural Mountains. Natasha, lifted by Wanda's chaos magic, saw the trees blur past at an alarming rate against the fierce wind.
Even in the dense jungle of the Ural Mountains, their speed remained unchanged. They wove effortlessly between the trees for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, they leaped tens of meters into the air before landing smoothly on the ground.
Natasha's heart raced, almost leaping out of her chest. On the wide clearing near the wooden house, the three landed gracefully, and the box they carried, containing delicate equipment and glass products, remained perfectly steady.
Natasha felt a bit disoriented, with sweat on her forehead and her chest heaving. The near-supersonic flight was intense, but Wanda's chaotic energy shielded her from the worst of the wind pressure. Despite the jarring experience, Natasha's heartbeat gradually returned to normal.
She heard Wanda's voice: "Pietro and the others are still practicing at the waterfall. Natasha, come inside quickly. This will be your new home."
Wanda and the others carried the boxes into the wooden house, which resembled a villa. Natasha looked around and observed that it was a standard two-story wooden structure, spacious and sturdy. The solid foundation made it resilient to earthquakes or other disturbances, and it was nestled among towering trees, providing natural camouflage.
From her quick calculations, Natasha determined that they were on a mountainside in the Ural Mountains. The treacherous road and remote location meant it was virtually undetectable by military satellites. Only an extensive drone search could reveal this place. She couldn't help but admire Leon and his team for their thoughtfulness and maturity despite their youth.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
They ascended the wooden stairs and entered the house. Inside, the décor was warm and inviting. The large living room was decorated to feel like home, complete with a family portrait on the wall featuring fifteen children, all smiling joyfully despite their young age.
Leon was busy at the bar, squeezing juice and preparing four large cups. He placed the drinks and plates on the wooden table in front of the sofa.
"Don't be shy, Natasha. Welcome to join us. We have a lot to talk about," he said with a friendly smile.
Wanda and Sergei went upstairs to change clothes. Meanwhile, Leon sat on the sofa and greeted Natasha, who was admiring the family photo.
Natasha turned around, sat on the sofa not far from Leon, and thanked him for the juice.
"Who are you?" she asked, directly addressing the biggest question on her mind.
From her experience, Leon's actions suggested he was hiding something. Despite her suspicion, Leon didn't hesitate to be open. For someone as guarded as Natasha, sincerity was often the best way to break through.
Leon shared his story in detail: how he had rescued Wanda and other children from an experimental base, the challenges he faced in building a new life in the Ural Mountains, and his two years of hibernation to strengthen himself. He also spoke of his plans for revenge against Baron Strucker.
As Leon spoke calmly, Natasha's feelings shifted. She could hardly fathom how a group of children could escape from such a dark situation, let alone survive and thrive under Leon's care.
Recalling Wanda's words, "You are just like us," Natasha looked at Leon with admiration and respect. She realized that this young man, through his strength and careful planning, had pulled desperate and numb children from the depths of hell and given them a new life.
As Leon was speaking, footsteps approached from the stairs. Wanda and Sergei had changed into long-sleeved sweaters and slippers and joined Leon and Natasha on the sofa.
Wanda narrowed her eyes with a sweet smile, took a sip of the juice, and then leaned back comfortably on the sofa. Sergei, who had previously been tense, appeared more relaxed now. Natasha noted that despite his earlier stiffness, Sergei was quite muscular, and his demeanor had softened significantly.
Could it be because of this home?
"It's really beautiful," Natasha said softly, her autumn-colored eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. She remembered a time when she, too, had such a warm and comforting home.
…
At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.
Natasha's muscles instinctively tensed, but she quickly noticed how relaxed the three of them were. Realizing there was no threat, she let herself relax as well.
"Hey, Boss Leon, Wanda, Sergei, you're back!" someone called out.
"Brother Leon, Sister Wanda, Brother Sergei!" echoed another voice.
Figures began to appear at the doorway, revealing Pietro and the others who had been training by the waterfall.
Two ten-year-old children cheered excitedly and, with their short legs, sprinted into the arms of Leon and Wanda, brimming with joy.
They kept rubbing their wet heads against their neck.
Leon and Wanda didn't seem to mind, and gently patted the little ones on their heads.
"How was your practice today?" Leon asked.
"Great! I'm getting stronger again!" one of the kids exclaimed.
"Very good. Go take a shower. We'll be making dinner later. Wanda also bought you a lot of snacks."
"Thank you, Sister Wanda!" they chimed.
The younger ones beamed with excitement, and two little girls even gave Wanda a kiss on the cheek.
The older children glanced curiously at Natasha, sitting on the sofa, unsure of why this beautiful woman was there. Still, they all made their way upstairs for a shower.
"They're really happy," Natasha remarked, feeling more at ease seeing how warmly and closely the family interacted.
"Isn't that what families are for?" Leon responded, standing up. "I bet you're hungry too. Want to help us prepare dinner? After all, you're part of this now."
"Good!" Natasha replied, feeling the warmth of inclusion. This boy's intuition is as clear and delicate as water, she thought.
Natasha understood what Leon was implying but didn't refuse.
However, as she looked around, it suddenly dawned on her that preparing a meal for this large family was no small task. They were pulling out dozens of kilograms of chopped beef and lamb from the fridge, along with a massive box of seafood, not to mention all the vegetables.
No wonder there were five or six people working in the open kitchen, using a large boiler for cooking. Natasha estimated the food consumption and realized that each person was eating four to five times the amount of a typical adult. Do they have monster-sized appetites?
As dinner preparations went on, the rest of the family, having finished their showers, joined in. Everyone knew their role—some chopped vegetables, others cooked, washed, or set the table. The routine was well-practiced, and the teamwork seamless.
Throughout the process, the children were curious about Natasha, intrigued by this mature, beautiful woman. Taking the opportunity, Leon shared her story, explaining how they had met. Hearing about her similar experiences, the children—still so kind despite their struggles—quickly warmed to Natasha.
Their acceptance touched her deeply. It wasn't easy for a spy like Natasha, who rarely opened up, to feel such warmth. But seeing these children, who had been through so much darkness and despair, still hold on to their innocence and kindness made her feel something she hadn't in a long time.
And for the first time, she gained a deeper understanding of Leon.
Only kind-hearted people would work so hard to give these children the same sense of quality in life.
The meal took a full hour to prepare, but it was a shared effort. Each time the food they helped make appeared on the table, everyone felt a sense of accomplishment. Naturally, their appetites grew with that satisfaction.
The large round table was full, everyone leaning on each other's shoulders while enjoying the delicious food. Night had fallen outside, but inside the wooden house, there was only the sound of laughter and cheerful voices.
Natasha sat beside Wanda, eating and answering the curious questions of the children. Their inquisitive yet innocent eyes slowly made her drop her guard without even realizing it.
This place was truly beautiful—far removed from the complications of the outside world. There was no need for constant vigilance, no fear of sniper rifles or sudden attacks while you slept. Here, there were only smiles and the pure, hearty laughter of children, like a clear spring washing away all her worries.
Natasha found herself really liking this place. It wasn't just because of Leon and the others' strength, but because it was a safe and warm haven.
After dinner, everyone helped wash the dishes. Once the cleaning was done, the group scattered—some watched TV, some played games. There was laughter from those who won and grumbling from those who lost. Meanwhile, a few of the children were especially curious about Natasha. Two of the ten-year-olds, in particular, couldn't get enough of her, convinced that this "beautiful sister" liked them very much.
Although the two younger kids were the favorites, Natasha soon became the center of attention. She was pulled into playing games, watching TV, discussing plot twists, and was even offered the kids' favorite snacks.
Leon watched with a smile. Seeing Natasha relax and laugh sincerely, he knew that his family had grown stronger.
In this world, having a place to belong, bonds to care about—it wasn't a bad thing. At least now, he had something to fight for, reasons to survive: his brothers and sisters. Anyone who threatened them would face hell.
The nearest threat was Hydra, but on the horizon was Thanos. Leon made a mental note: he would have to take down Thanos first.
Who in their right mind tries to enforce "family planning" on the entire universe? Thanos was truly deranged.
This world, for all its sins, was still beautiful. Better than being wiped out by random chance. Leon had raised a group of siblings with monster-level strength. He'd have to give them something—or someone—to focus their energy on when they got bored.
And really, what's so wrong about robbing the rich to give to the poor?
…
At night, on the side of the Ural Highway, a man in a blue jacket and peaked cap stood silently. In front of him were two wrecked Humvees. The scene was shocking, even for someone like him, who had seen a lot. One of the vehicles had been sliced clean in half by something sharp, and the occupants inside had their necks slashed, their veins opened. It was a relatively quick death, compared to the other car.
The second vehicle was crushed beyond recognition by some immense force. The resulting explosion had turned it into a charred metal shell, filled with twisted remains and blood splatter. Clint Barton, wearing special night vision sunglasses, captured the scene and uploaded the footage through the micro-monitor on his glasses' frame. His expression was grim.
Clint, an ace agent from a mysterious organization, was in Russia on an assassination mission. His target: a notorious female spy, Black Widow. She had killed numerous high-profile political figures over the years, even affecting the organization behind his mission. However, upon entering the country, he discovered that Black Widow had defected and was now being hunted.
After tracking her to this location, the trail went cold. He glanced at the road—too many overlapping tire marks made a proper investigation near impossible. His organization didn't have enough influence in Russia to dig deeper.
After a moment of silence, Clint got into his car and left the scene, heading back to his rental apartment in the nearby city of Perm. Upon arrival, he carefully checked the surroundings and his apartment for any signs of surveillance. Once he confirmed it was clear, he took out his communicator.
It wasn't long before the device connected. A deep voice spoke from the other end.
"Clint?"
"Sir, someone rescued the target. She's disappeared without a trace."
"Any leads?"
"Based on the clues I traced, someone like me was chasing the target," Clint said, his voice steady. "There was a shootout at the Perm City Drama Theater, and they fled. They left Perm sometime between early morning and noon. The team of killers that were after them? Found dead more than ten kilometers away on the roadside."
The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. "Is there another force involved?"
Clint nodded, though the person couldn't see him. "It's not ordinary people. The information's been uploaded. The methods used were... unconventional."
There was the sound of rapid typing on the other end. After a few seconds, the voice returned, sounding intrigued. "Mutants, perhaps?"
"Judging by the scene, that seems likely," Clint replied.
"Continue the investigation. I'll activate the agents in your area to assist."
"Understood, sir."
Clint ended the communication, violently ripping the device apart and tossing the pieces into a garbage bag. He moved to the living room, sitting down on the sofa. Spread across the table was a topographic map of the surrounding area. He marked locations with a pen—Perm City, the starting point—and followed the kilometer markers to nearby towns, deep in thought.
"Was this an accident, or was it all part of a plan?" he murmured to himself.
Early the next morning, rain tapped lightly on the window, blending with the soft chirping of birds from the nearby jungle. Despite the tension in Clint's mind, the sounds outside created an oddly peaceful harmony.
In the room, Natasha lay on the soft, warm quilt. Her eyelids fluttered before she slowly opened her eyes. Her light green pupils appeared confused at first, but in the next moment, they sharpened as her instincts kicked in. She reached for the pillow, her muscles tense—then she relaxed, realizing there was no danger.
Sitting up in bed, the quilt slipped off her figure as she leaned against the headboard, her gaze drifting toward the window. The lush jungle outside, glistening in the rainy season, was a serene sight. From below, the sound of laughter and play reached her ears, and a soft smile curled on her lips.
Tap, tap, tap.
There was a knock on the door. Natasha raised an eyebrow, slipping into her cotton shoes and walking to the door. Opening it, she found Wanda standing there with a sweet smile.
"Good morning, Natasha," Wanda greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning," Natasha replied.
"It looks like you slept well," Wanda noted, observing how much better Natasha looked, the tiredness from before almost gone. She handed Natasha a bundle of clothes. "I figured you didn't have anything to change into. You can borrow mine. It might be a bit tight, though."
Wanda gave her a playful, slightly resentful glance, noting the difference in their figures. They were similar in height, but Wanda's hips and chest were smaller—a detail that made her a bit self-conscious. Still, she reminded herself she was still growing, so there was no rush to worry.
Natasha, amused by Wanda's expression, accepted the clothes with a smile. "Thank you."
Wanda shrugged. "Breakfast is almost ready. You can come down and eat after washing up. Also, I've got something good to teach you today."
"I'm looking forward to it," Natasha replied, her curiosity piqued.
After Wanda left, Natasha changed into the clothes. They were a bit snug, as expected, but nothing she couldn't handle. Once she was ready and had freshened up, she made her way downstairs.
By the time she arrived, everyone was already up and had even done their warm-up exercises before breakfast. Natasha saw her place set at the dining table.
"Hey, Natasha, good morning!" a few greeted.
"Good morning, Sister Natasha!" chimed in the younger ones.
Natasha smiled and returned each greeting warmly. Wanda waved, motioning for her to sit next to her. As Natasha took her seat, Leon brought out the last dish.
With Leon leading the way, everyone began their breakfast. Seeing how eagerly the group ate gave Natasha a good appetite as well. It was rare for her, but she ended up having a full breakfast alongside them.
Afterward, they all helped clean up the dishes, chatting as they went. Once the kitchen was tidy, everyone had a little free time—some watched TV, some played games, and others headed out for a bit of fresh air.
Leon went straight outside and left.
Watching him head toward the back of the mountain, Natasha sat on the sofa with little Alina in her arms. Curious, she turned to Wanda, who was happily sipping hot milk while leaning on the sofa.
"Wanda, where's Leon going so early in the morning?" Natasha asked.
"Him? He's off to practice," Wanda replied.
"Practice?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.
"Uh-huh," Wanda nodded. "All of us need to practice. It's the foundation for how we survive in this world. You'll need to, too."
"Me?" Natasha's eyes lit up with curiosity and anticipation.
…
By the waterfall, rain was still falling lightly from the sky. The ground was slightly muddy, but neither Natasha nor Wanda seemed to care. In fact, Natasha was excited—she was about to learn a breathing technique from Wanda.
"As the name suggests, the breathing method uses a specific rhythm of breathing to absorb large amounts of oxygen, infusing it into your cells, and strengthening the heart, lungs, and overall physical fitness," Wanda explained. She was dressed casually in a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants, looking young and full of energy. "This method comes from Leon, specifically the Sun Breathing technique."
Wanda gestured for Natasha to look across the river. Natasha turned her gaze and saw children on the other side training intensely. Sergei, along with Alina, who was only ten, were lifting heavy metal plates, bench-pressing, and stretching. What caught Natasha's attention was that they all seemed to be breathing in a particular rhythm as they trained. The sheer intensity of their workouts—far exceeding what even adult athletes might endure—left Natasha amazed.
"Incredible," Natasha remarked, fully understanding the significance of what she was witnessing. With her experience, she knew that mastering such a breathing technique could accelerate physical growth to extraordinary levels. After years of this training, these kids would surpass human limits in strength and endurance.
She also realized how dangerous this knowledge could be in the wrong hands. If any organization or nation discovered this technique, it could trigger a major upheaval. Now it made sense why Leon remained so cautious, keeping a low profile despite his immense power.
"It truly is incredible," Wanda agreed, her words carrying a deeper meaning. The technique didn't just change their physical capabilities—it also gave them mental confidence.
"Sun Breathing is the origin and foundation of all breathing techniques," Wanda explained, "but it carries the intense power of the sun, making it too overwhelming for anyone but Leon to handle. So, through him, we developed new methods based on Sun Breathing, opening up a whole new world. Everyone now has their own unique breathing style."
She smiled at Natasha. "You'll find a breathing method that suits you too."
Wanda's explanation was thorough, and Natasha listened closely. Wanda was curious to see what kind of breathing technique Natasha would discover. Would she adapt an existing method or create something entirely new? Given Natasha's background as a spy, she was already in peak physical and mental condition. Breathing itself wouldn't be an issue for her, but finding the right rhythm was another story.
Natasha spent the entire day trying to master the breathing rhythm. It wasn't easy, but fortunately, she wasn't pressed for time. In this secluded place, she had all the time she needed to explore and learn.
As night began to fall, Natasha finally opened her eyes, emerging from her deep focus on the breathing technique. Wanda had finished her own practice as well, a few beads of sweat still clinging to her forehead.
"Let's head back and prepare dinner," Wanda said, calling everyone to wrap up for the day.
Natasha watched in amazement as a group of people on the other side of the river finished their workout. Pietro zipped around with lightning speed, while others casually leapt across the river, covering dozens of meters with ease—even the youngest, who were no more than ten years old. The sheer power and agility on display made her blink in disbelief.
Okay, she thought, a bunch of little superhumans... better get used to it.
Meanwhile, deep in the Ural Mountains, in an area with a narrow waterfall, Leon stood by a flat pool of water. The air was thick with mist, and the ground was muddy from the humidity. Wearing just a vest, his body glistened with sweat as he lifted a massive stone weighing 20 or 30 tons. His muscles, chiseled and defined like a sculpture, flexed under the strain, but his breathing remained steady and controlled.
As night began to fall, Leon tossed the enormous stone aside with a heavy thud, causing the ground to tremble as it sank slightly into the earth. He stood tall in front of the stone, twisting his neck until it cracked audibly.
Leon raised his arm, and a dark, shimmering aura quickly enveloped it. He spoke to himself quietly, assessing his progress.
"With the breathing technique and the power of the Glint-Glint Fruit, my physical strength has skyrocketed, but my growth has slowed down. I need to focus on refining the Glint-Glint Fruit and mastering the three forms of haki."
He clenched his fist, determined. "I've built a solid foundation. Now, my goal is to awaken the fruit's true potential and reach the peak of the three hakis."
"Once I achieve my goal, there won't be many on Earth who can stop me. Two years from now will mark the beginning of my journey."
In two years, no matter what Leon gains, it will be the start of his declaration to the world that his era has arrived. With Wanda and the others by his side, the days of being a lone wolf are behind him.
His ambitions extend far beyond Earth. The path of the strong is endless, and his ultimate targets are cosmic entities like Death, Eternity, and Galactus. Though they seem distant, Leon is determined to strive for them.
He wants to grow alongside Wanda and the others on this journey. As he moves forward, he's inclined to build a force of his own—perhaps even creating his own divine kingdom, like Asgard.
For Leon, hard work and enjoyment aren't mutually exclusive. He relishes the strength gained from training, but when tired, he's just as willing to indulge in the beauty of the world. He doesn't care if people call him vulgar. He didn't work this hard just for the sake of asceticism—he wants freedom, wealth, beautiful women, and everything life has to offer.
Being an ascetic when you have the means to enjoy life? That's madness.
With a soft exhale, Leon's body shimmered with a dazzling golden light that burst into a cross-shaped star, and his figure disappeared into the night.