Marvel: Father of Superheroes

Support me and be 20 chapters ahead of webnovel:

patreon.com/Draco_

******

"Clark isn't feeling well today, so don't bother him," Mike said.

Hearing this, the two little boys immediately looked concerned.

Mike nodded inwardly.

No matter how much these three brothers caused trouble, their bond was always strong.

"Dad, is Clark feeling really bad?" Charles asked with worry, while Eric nervously scratched his head.

Mike nodded and added, "That's why you need to leave him alone today."

Both boys obediently nodded in agreement.

"When Clark is on vacation and before you two head back to school, I'm planning to take you on a trip," Mike said, revealing the plan he had prepared days ago.

"Dad! You're the best!"

"Wow! Hooray!"

The two cheered in excitement.

Mike raised his hands to quiet them, and the boys instantly stood still.

"But," he added, "if you don't behave in the meantime, I'm not taking you."

The boys immediately tensed up.

Mike cleared his throat and patted both of their heads. "So, do your best, okay?"

With that, he smiled faintly and left the room.

---

By nighttime, Clark's energy had mostly returned, and he had significantly improved his control over his newly awakened ability.

After dinner, the family watched some television together. Once Eric and Charles obediently went to bed, Clark cautiously approached Mike's room.

"Clark?"

Mike, sitting at his desk, turned to look at his son.

Clark avoided his father's gaze. "Dad, I don't want to go to school tomorrow."

"Why?"

"I… I need to rest."

"Clark."

Mike stood up and walked over, placing his hands on Clark's shoulders. He bent slightly to meet his son's eyes, which kept darting away.

"You're not very good at lying, are you?"

Clark dropped his head. "Sorry, Dad."

Mike walked over to the bed and patted the spot beside him. "Come here. Let's talk."

Clark hesitated, slowly shuffled over, and leaned against the bedframe, swaying slightly as though preparing for a scolding.

"Why don't you want to go?"

Clark fidgeted and mumbled, "I just don't want to."

"Clark, avoiding the issue won't make it go away."

Clark nodded weakly.

Mike reached out and ruffled Clark's hair, his expression softening. "Are you worried your classmates will look at you differently? That they'll make fun of you?"

Clark looked up in surprise and then nodded hesitantly.

He had acted strangely in class—running out like a maniac and locking himself in a storage room. His classmates were bound to mock him.

Mike continued to stroke Clark's hair. "If you don't want to go tomorrow, what about the day after?"

Clark hesitated before shaking his head.

"You see? Running away doesn't solve anything."

Clark nodded again, understanding his father's point.

Mike said gently, "The only way to deal with a problem is to face it head-on. No matter what happens, your family is here to back you up. I'll always be standing behind you."

Clark looked up, determination flickering in his eyes. "I understand, Dad."

Mike smiled. "Good. This really isn't such a big deal!"

With a grin, he added, "Like I said before, you handle your classmates. If their parents say anything, I'll handle them."

Clark couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Oh, and once this semester is over, we'll go on that family trip I mentioned."

Clark nodded enthusiastically. "Thanks, Dad."

Mike kissed Clark's forehead gently. "Now, off to bed with you."

Clark turned to leave, his steps noticeably lighter.

Ah, the troubles of growing up…

Mike sighed wistfully and returned to his desk.

---

An hour later, he finished crafting a card, watching as it vanished between his fingertips.

He glanced at the system progress bar. 98%.

Rubbing his temples, Mike let out a resigned sigh.

He had thought that three years would be enough to level up, but as it turned out, the progress had slowed significantly in the latter stages of this level.

Six years—without a single level gained.

Mike was almost despairing over how slow his ability's progression was.

Enough thinking. Time to sleep!

The Next Day

Encouraged by Mike, Clark mustered the courage to return to school.

Meanwhile, Mike started planning the travel itinerary and destinations for their upcoming trip.

Eric and Charles, excited about the vacation, behaved exceptionally well and refrained from causing any trouble.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly that day—except for Clark.

---

As Clark had feared, he attracted a lot of attention at school.

Some of the stares were curious, some were confused, and others carried malice.

Even though the kids were young, they had already formed their own cliques and circles, each with its own opinions and dynamics.

Clark was a handsome, well-behaved boy, popular with both teachers and classmates. Many children enjoyed playing with him.

However, where there were admirers, there were also those who envied or disliked him.

"Hey! It's the supply closet boy!"

A taller kid blocked Clark's path.

Mitch, the school bully, was a troublemaker who constantly gave the teachers headaches.

Clark frowned, gave Mitch a quick glance, and ignored him, trying to walk around him on his way to the restroom.

But Mitch wasn't about to let him go that easily. The boy followed Clark, spreading his arms to block the way again. With a mocking grin, he sneered, "Come on, tell me—what were you doing in the supply closet yesterday? Stealing someone's snacks to eat by yourself?"

Clark snapped back, "I never steal anything!"

"Oh, you don't steal?" Mitch laughed sarcastically, his eyes darting mischievously. Raising his voice, he said, "Well, I heard your dad's a thief! So that must make you a thief too!"

Mitch had always disliked Clark, and now he had finally found an opportunity to humiliate him.

"Don't talk badly about my dad!" Clark shouted angrily.

"See? I hit the nail on the head!" Mitch laughed loudly and turned to the other children. "Hey, everyone, come look! Come see little thief Clark!"

Hearing the commotion, several kids gathered around to watch.

The attention only made Mitch more enthusiastic.

For the first time, he felt like a star with everyone focused on him.

"I heard his dad's a thief, and that's why he's a thief! Their whole family are thieves!" Mitch shouted dramatically.

"They steal other people's money and food, and they—"

"Stop lying, or I won't be nice to you anymore!" Clark roared, his ice-blue eyes flashing with a chilling intensity that made Mitch flinch for a moment.

But Mitch quickly recovered, furious at himself for showing weakness.

He took a large step toward Clark, looming over him. "Your whole family are thieves!"

Clark clenched his fist, raising it slightly.

Mitch smirked disdainfully. "What? You gonna hit me?"

Clark hesitated, recalling what his father had told him and the potential consequences of his actions. Slowly, he lowered his fist.

The crowd of kids jeered at the sight.

Mitch felt emboldened, basking in the attention like a celebrity. He tilted his head arrogantly, pushed Clark, and taunted, "Thief! Coward!"

Clark didn't move an inch. Mitch, on the other hand, stumbled back a step, his face flushing red with embarrassment. Furious, Mitch clenched his fist and punched Clark in the face.

Clark remained unmoved, as though the punch hadn't even registered. Instead, Mitch winced in pain, shaking his hand from the impact.

As Mitch raised his other hand to strike again—

"What are you boys doing?!"

Their teacher's sharp voice cut through the chaos. The gathered children quickly scattered.

As Mitch tried to slip away, the teacher grabbed him firmly by the collar and said sternly, "You, come with me to the office. And Clark—you too!"

(End of Chapter)