Chapter 130: Chapter 126
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Leon had poured vast resources into everyone, so this level of progress was to be expected. Using breathing techniques to strengthen internal organs early on, supported by nutrient solutions and relentless daily training, they had surpassed human physical limits within two years. Their cardiopulmonary functions had also improved drastically, although eventually, progress from breathing techniques began to slow.
Then, with the introduction of Armament and Observation Haki, they broke past their previous limits once again. Combined with nutrient solutions and costly food supplements, their physical development reached near-monstrous levels within just a few years.
The true game-changer was the super-soldier serum specially crafted by Sky Blade. This serum catalyzed an all-around evolution. Not only did it enhance their physical fitness to monstrous levels, but it also unlocked immense potential within them. As their training intensified, particularly in their prime years, the high-pressure training, especially under Leon and even with Sky Blade's resources, enabled each member to evolve into powerful warriors. It was only natural that they all achieved the rank of generals and became exceptional swordsmen.
But this isn't the end. The future looks bright. With Sky Blade, they have the power to conquer the world. Reaching a godly physique might be challenging for now, as Sky Blade's computing power may eventually fall short. Genetic engineering on this scale isn't straightforward, and Sky Blade can't entirely shoulder the load. But that's a problem for later.
The past three months of intense training went exceptionally well. Each member of the team Leon had formed over the years committed fully, crafting the finest nutrient solutions with Sky Blade's resources and mastering the skills he taught, especially the flying and slashing techniques essential for great swordsmen. They weren't fully refined in their weapon use or swordsmanship at that level, but that's what the last two days of battle were for—a real-life confrontation to unify everything they had learned.
Of course, this seemingly life-or-death battle was actually under Leon's perfect control. His advanced Conqueror Haki, Sky Blade's remote support managed by Keisha, and the relentless attacks from Wanda and the others all created a thrilling scenario. Several times, it seemed as if he might be beheaded or dismembered, but Sky Blade and his own calculations managed everything.
Wanda and the others genuinely thought this was a fight to the death, though. Truth be told, it felt invigorating to stretch his muscles through this intense combat, and it even satisfied a bit of darkness within him.
The three fierce fighters—Wanda, Yuriko, and Natasha—were especially ruthless, though Leon wouldn't have to pay any price for it afterward. After all, the scars on his body were healed by a serum, so even if he wanted to nurse a grudge, there wasn't any trace left. He figured they'd probably thank him in their hearts. The thought brought a smirk to his face.
His thoughts were interrupted by the classic scene of Tony Stark's press conference on the large TV screen in front of him, just as Stark delivered the iconic line: "I am Iron Man."
With that, the prelude to a new era of power had officially begun. Leon watched Stark's eyes gleaming with purpose as the press clamored for details, questions overlapping in chaotic waves. Leon stretched, smiling softly.
Just then, his phone rang. He answered it to find out that the airborne fortress Melina had been managing was complete, with its launch scheduled in three days. Until then, it would undergo final maintenance.
The progress was quicker than expected, but with the new artificial intelligence powered by Angel Civilization technology and guided by Keisha, the project had accelerated beyond the original timeline. The AI's computing capabilities far exceeded Tony's Jarvis, given it was an angelic creation of Sky Blade's system, designed by a 15,000-year-old civilization. Leon agreed to have Wanda and others go for an inspection.
For Leon, the next three days were set for some well-deserved rest.
Night had fallen over Queens.
Inside an apartment on the second floor, Peter Parker, who had taken up the mantle of Spider-Man, was hastily putting on his suit. He opened the door slightly and called down to Aunt May, "Goodnight, Aunt May."
"Goodnight, Peter. Sweet dreams," her gentle voice called from below.
With the door closed and locked, Peter pulled on his mask, opened the window, and pressed himself against the wall before making a nimble leap up to the rooftop. Shooting his webs, he swung out into the city, traveling between New York's skyscrapers, barely noticeable against the night sky.
Finally, he reached a 100-foot building in Queens, crouching on the guardrail by a signal tower. Perched high above the city, he sharpened his senses to catch any sign of trouble. Suddenly, he heard a faint noise—a rapid burst of gunfire, almost inaudible due to the distance.
"Aha, let's see who's causing trouble. It's such a nice evening, and we all deserve to be in a good mood," Peter thought with a smirk, leaping from the building and swinging toward the sound.
As he closed in, he noticed people fleeing in a panic. High in the air, he finally got a clear view of the source. Peter nearly lost his grip on the web as he registered the scene below. Dozens of heavily armed gangsters surrounded a lone figure, their fingers pressing hard on the triggers. And their target? A single woman—a very beautiful woman.
Under the spider mask, Peter's eyes widened. "Oh my God, what am I seeing?" he whispered, pressing himself against the fifth-floor wall of a nearby apartment to observe, readying himself for the next move.