(Kai's POV)
I couldn't believe Spider-Man's admission.
"Do you mean to say that you've never encountered Venom?" I asked, needing confirmation.
"I don't recall ever meeting him before today," Spider-Man replied after a brief pause.
"What about other symbiotes?" I probed further, wondering if his memory had been tampered with. "Have you ever left Earth?"
"I don't know what symbiotes are, but I have left Earth before," Spider-Man affirmed. "And you? What planet are you from? Who are you really? You still haven't answered me."
"How do you possess this knowledge?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
"It's due to my technique," I replied, sidestepping the fact that I knew about him and Venom from comics. "I possess an ability called the Ten Shadows Technique, which grants me awareness of entities like Venom."
"That explains part of it," Spider-Man mused. "But it doesn't clarify much. Why did you assume I knew Venom before, or why he targeted me by possessing Eddie?"
"How is Eddie, by the way?" He showed concern for the civilian.
It was becoming tiresome, his barrage of questions.
"I'll answer one question voluntarily, and allow you to choose the only other question I'll respond to, for now. The rest, I have a feeling you'll figure out on your own," I offered, giving him an ultimatum.
"As for Eddie," I began, "I allowed the authorities to apprehend him and opted to save you instead, considering you were the one in costume."
Just mentioning the costume seemed to unsettle Spider-Man, as his face was no longer hidden behind a mask.
"Don't worry," I reassured him. "I'm not one to divulge secrets. Your identity is safe with me."
"Now, your last question," I prompted. "What's it gonna be, Spider-Man?"
Spider-Man paused, his mind seemingly racing through the myriad of questions he could ask. After a moment, he nodded, accepting my terms.
"Alright," he began, his voice measured. "Tell me why you intervened today. What was your motive for saving me?"
There were so many ways I could answer that, but I knew only one mattered in this case. Not because I wanted to do a heroic deed and get the feel, nor because I was in the middle of training. But because...
"I intervened because I wanted to protect innocent lives, including yours." I answered. "It is my proclaimed duty as a sorcerer, and wielder of the Ten Shadows."
"Sorcerer? What exactly is the Ten Shadows exactly?" Spider-Man asked another question.
"I'm afraid you're all out of questions for now, Spiderman." I shut him in a most condescending way.
"I may not know much about you, but we are practically the same age, if I'm not older. You are in no position to condescend me." Spider-Man rebelled.
"Then I guess it's a matter of status and mantle. I must obviously be better than you in so many glorious ways." I elevated myself.
"Better than me?" He didn't sound stirred, he just didn't get why I had the nerve to think I was better. "You are not even as strong as I am, or as skilled. You let yourself fall down so that I could save you."
"It was my first day as a sorcerer, and yet I could still keep up with you. Just give me a week of training and meditation and watch me prove it to you. I'm better than you." Even I knew I had taken it too far, but Spiderman just chuckled and relaxed his shoulders.
"Alright. What's your endgame here? What do you hope to achieve by involving yourself in dangerous situations like this?" Spider-Man asked.
"I know this world is full of possibilities such that things become impossible. That's why I want to become more powerful with the Ten Shadows. Nothing more, nothing less." I replied.
"Power? It's that obvious, huh?" Spider-Man's words felt as if he was talking to a little kid. "I can respect your ambition. But let me share some words of wisdom."
I knew exactly what he was about to say, but I kept my mouth shut to hear it firsthand from the man himself.
"With Great Power," he began the famous phrase. "Follows a Great Darkness."
Huh?
That wasn't what I had been expecting, and couldn't help but ask for clarification, "are you sure those are The words of wisdom?"
Spider-Man stood up with a little resistance from his weary body, and the wind surged, acknowledging a darker aura that was suddenly enveloping the alley.
"Yes." He said, simply. "Don't let it consume you. You cannot escape your power, even if you tried. If this is your first time, you should know, it'll be hard and you'll constantly have to chose between good and evil."
"I've impacted on you wisdom, now I'll give you advice. You now know the truth about power, but think of it as a responsibility, and the darkness won't consume you." He continued.
"With Great Power, follows a Great responsibility." I said the words, feeling the strength in them.
"Yes." His silhouette gaining colour as he walked toward the lighted streets, Spiderman agreed. "That's what I always told myself, until today."
"Where are you going?" I asked, watching him walk slowly in subtle limps.
"I'm all better now, thanks to you." He lied. "I've got some business to take care of. Stay safe, Kai."
"You're going after Venom, aren't you?" I asked, guessing his goal accurately.
"You said he is a symbiote, and that there are more?" He asked. "I know just the person for that kind of gig."
"Wait!" I shouted as he shot a web-line. "We are practically the same age. You are in no position to impact wisdom on me or give me advice."
"Haha. Touché." Spider-Man said and shot away. "I'll see you again, Kai, Sorcerer of the Ten Shadows."
"I know who you are talking about." I said to myself as I watched him swing away crookedly. "But I don't think even Doctor Strange can find Venom now."
I have a bad feeling about that particular symbiote. I have never seen him so angered and resolved to be the strongest.
---
[Status Report]
(Mission Progress)
4. Training and Meditation - in progress
4. Make your stand on Spider-Man - in progress
(Brief Summary)
Cursed Energy: 7/100
Power: 23/100
---
As I perused the purple interface, a slight uptick in my power caught my attention, indicating that the physical exertion and minor setbacks had yielded some progress.
Despite the incremental gains, my mission of 'training and meditation' remained unfinished; meditation remained unattempted, and my stance on Spider-Man remained unformed.
Recalling the determination in Spider-Man's gaze as he departed, I harbored a glimmer of respect for his potential. His initial defeat perhaps stemmed from it being his inaugural encounter with Venom, providing me with a pretext to overlook his underwhelming performance.
"I suppose he might not be entirely weak," I mused inwardly. "At least, not in the conventional sense."
"Yet whether he becomes ally or adversary hinges on our future interactions." Contemplating the myriad adventures awaiting us, I envisioned traversing diverse locales while confronting formidable adversaries.
Still, an ominous premonition of an eventual clash between us sent a thrill down my spine, intensifying my thirst for growth.
"I must establish myself as the foremost figure in this realm of power: Marvel." My resolve solidified, spurred by visions of grand exploits awaiting realization. "I crave the accolades earned through triumph and acclaim in every corner of the multiverse."
"My pursuit extends beyond mere strength; I seek adulation and renown." With each passing moment, my ambition swelled.
Surveying my attributes, I lamented the untapped potential awaiting exploitation.
---
Power: 23/30 to next level
Speed: 21
Strength: 20
Durability: 21
Expertise (Jujutsu): 30
---
"I must expand my Cursed Energy capacity to wield larger shikigami without draining myself." Contemplating my dwindling reservoir of Cursed Energy, I resolved to enhance its limits. "Augmenting my capacity will prolong summon durations and liberate my abilities from constraints."
"Very well." I affirmed. "There's no harm in it."
Seating cross-legged on the chilly floor, I winced at the abrupt discomfort. "Ouch, ouch, ouch."
With deliberate ease, I assumed a Japanese meditative posture, conscientiously aligning my spine for optimal comfort. This stance promised a smoother segue into...
"The time for meditation has come." With closed eyes, I drew a deep breath. "Surely, meditation can't be overly challenging. I wonder how much my Cursed Energy limit will expand by?"
Delving into the world of meditation, I couldn't help but find humor in the situation. Here I was, attempting to find inner peace while my mind wandered off to the most mundane of places: hotdogs.
The scene of the hotdog stand from earlier in the day replayed in my mind with each attempt to clear my thoughts. I found myself mentally composing a list of toppings — mustard, ketchup, maybe a little relish for good measure. It was like my brain had decided to host a picnic in the middle of my meditation session.
I attempted to center my focus on my breath, aided by the mental image of a serene monk atop a mountain, pondering the mysteries of the universe... perhaps even musing if enlightenment came with a side of fries.
However, my efforts were thwarted by the persistent laughter bubbling up inside me. As if to compound matters, the harsh environment of the alley made concentration all the more challenging.
The din of passing cars, the occasional clang of trash cans, and the faint smell of something unpleasant lingering in the air created a surrounding that made concentration feel like grasping at elusive wisps of smoke.
Not to mention the mosquitoes that skillfully found their way to feast on my blood, their incessant buzzing adding yet another layer of distraction to the already challenging environment.
Taking a final deep breath, I reluctantly stood up, acknowledging defeat in the face of the relentless distractions. Despite my best efforts, the allure of meditation had been overshadowed by the chaotic surroundings.
"It can't be helped," I muttered through gritted teeth, feeling a surge of frustration and anxiety coursing through my veins. "I suppose it's time to tackle my financial woes before they completely consume me."
"Then, perhaps I'll be able to afford that serene setting for meditation where the buzzing of mosquitoes and the clamor of the urban landscape won't intrude upon my quest for inner peace." With a resigned sigh, I left behind the alley, the memory of those tantalizing hotdogs still lingering in my mind. "And maybe indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet of Cursed Hotdogs."
---
(2100 hrs)
As I walked through the battered streets of the financial district, the aftermath of the recent battle against Venom was evident. Cracks in the pavement and shattered windows bore witness to the conflict that had unfolded here. Despite the scars of destruction, however, the neon lights still flickered overhead, casting an eerie glow on the scene below.
The city remained alive with activity, even at this late hour. Pedestrians hurried past me, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their smartphones, oblivious to my presence amidst their own distractions.
It was as if they had grown accustomed to the chaos and destruction that occasionally erupted in their midst. The supernatural occurrences of the recent battle with Venom seemed to have faded from their awareness, buried beneath the hustle and bustle of daily life. They moved about with a sense of normalcy, completely unaware of the otherworldly forces that had once threatened their existence.
My tattered clothing and disheveled appearance seemed to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape. With bruises and cuts marring my features, I resembled a man who had lost his grip on reality, a stranger to the polished city life that surrounded me. The strange protrusion on my back didn't help the situation either. But it was a protrusion of something I found to be a little valuable, at least for the time being.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, my mind drifted to my uncertain, immediate future. I pondered what I should become, where my path would lead me. The events of the day had left me questioning my purpose, my place in this world.
Becoming a bounty hunter seemed like a viable option. With my unique abilities and developing combat skills, I could track down criminals and bring them to justice, all while earning a living. The idea of hunting down elusive targets appealed to me as names listed in my mind, offering a sense of purpose and adventure.
Perhaps I could even seek employment with organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D., temporarily offering my services as a specialist in dealing with supernatural threats, before going rogue. The thought of working alongside other skilled agents, tackling missions of global importance, filled me with a sense of excitement, and finally detaching.
Lost in my thoughts, I wandered aimlessly through the labyrinth of city streets, each step bringing me closer to a decision. The air was thick with anticipation, the promise of new beginnings hanging in the air.
As I continued my leisurely stroll through the streets, the alluring aromas emanating from cafes and restaurants stirred a gnawing hunger in the pit of my stomach. Simultaneously, the elegant storefronts of clothing stores lining the financial district beckoned, promising attire far superior to my current tattered garb.
It was abundantly clear that I needed to take action to elevate myself to a higher status, and my anticipation stayed on the edge.
But amidst the chaos and noise of the city, I had found an unexpected sense of belonging, and tranquility. With my body and mind relaxing, my cursed energy had started to rejuvenate.
---
Rounding another corner, I caught wind of whispers drifting from afar, punctuated by occasional rises in volume. It seemed as though a hushed debate was unfolding in the shadows.
"No, no, no," came a sharp whisper, cutting through the murmur. "You can't take that much. We all contributed equally to the job. We should divide everything, fair and square."
A mischievous grin crept onto my face as I recognized the golden opportunity that had presented itself. I didn't need clarification to understand what was happening and how it could work to my advantage.
"One more thing," I mused to myself, my resolve solidifying with each step. "I need a suitable place to train. I have a few options in mind, but I need the best, with the most skilled instructors and equipment this world can offer."
With that goal in mind, I decided to address the situation before me first.
"How about this?" I interjected, stepping into the midst of the group surrounding what I presumed to be their ill-gotten gains. I had stealthily approached the room where they thought they were hidden. "I'll overlook your exploitation of the chaos earlier today and your theft from innocent people."
"In exchange," I continued, my tone dripping with authority. "You return everything you've stolen."
Despite my outward display of strength, my heart raced with anticipation, betraying the confidence I sought to project.
"What say you?" I inquired, my voice taking on a villainous edge.
Edited.
A Symbol to remind you there's more to see.
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