It was a fresh morning in New York City. The light reflected from the massive NASDAQ screen filtered through the brown glass of a British-style cafe.
"According to our report, a violent incident occurred in Germany yesterday, and the Avengers intervened to stop the crime."
"But regrettably, Wanda Maximoff, codename Scarlet Witch, is responsible for nearly sixty casualties due to her oversight!"
The large TV mounted on the wall was broadcasting the latest news.
"Disgraceful! These superheroes are just using their fame to cause chaos everywhere!" The exceptionally well-dressed owner with a scruffy beard set down a cup of coffee in front of a young man at his table, glaring at the TV with disdain.
"Uncle Krew, do you really believe everything the media says?"
The young man, lounging on a leather sofa, casually stirred his Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee with a silver spoon, responding with a hint of indifference. The rich aroma of coffee filled his nostrils as he involuntarily smiled.
"Hode, I witnessed it firsthand! I saw that damn green monstrosity demolish my house with the car I bought using my loan!"
"Fake! That was a house I saved up for over ten years to buy!"
As Krew recounted the incident, his broad chest heaved with agitation. On that day, he experienced despair like never before and still trembled with anger.
"Uncle Krew, this is the third time you've said that."
"And haven't they compensated you with a better house and car?"
Hode stirred a piece of sugar into his coffee, shaking his head helplessly. Every time news about superheroes aired on the television, Uncle Krew would erupt with curses.
"It doesn't matter! Even so, they shouldn't act however they like!"
With his hands on his hips, Krew huffed, causing his gray beard to quiver with each exhalation.
In response to Krew's outburst, Hode placed his coffee down and shook his head. "Relax, sometimes it's best to wait before jumping to conclusions. Let the bullets fly for a bit!"
He knew better than anyone that the true faults lay not with the Avengers. The media aimed to create overwhelming public pressure to push the Avengers into a corner.
The objective was clear — to force Tony Stark and his companions to agree to the government's superhero regulations. The ultimate goal was to have the Avengers fully submit to government oversight.
In this situation, Wanda was the most critical victim. Hode understood all of this clearly because he himself was a traveler from another world.
He lifted his coffee cup and took a sip of the rich blend, letting his mind drift back to memories from over a year ago when he arrived in this world. He had received the essential traveler's perk: the "Life Surprise System — Enjoy Life, Enjoy Living!"
As the name suggests, as long as he enjoyed a comfortable, high-quality life, he could trigger rewards like "One Million Dollars," "Unlimited Lubricant," or "A Rock-Hard Stick That Never Breaks."
"Ding! You have tasted premium Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee!"
"Reward obtained: One Hundred Thousand Dollars!"
"My dear Mr. Hode, bullets don't last long!"
Uncle Krew's elegant English accent brought Hode back to reality.
"That may be, but time will prove me right."
Hode placed his coffee down and casually set a stack of cash on the table. Just as he was about to push the door open, he remembered something and turned back to say, "Uncle Hode, your coffee today continues to be unforgettable. See you tomorrow."
With that, the oak door of the cafe slowly closed, producing a crisp chime from the copper bell above it.
"This kid…"
Krew looked up, smiling at the retreating figure beyond the brown glass, resignedly stuffing the bills into his cash register.
Hode, with his unique charm in every gesture, was the cafe's best customer. He would always arrive precisely at four o'clock, leisurely savoring a few sips of coffee before departing. And before he left, he never failed to leave behind a thousand-dollar tip.
...
The last rays of the setting sun cast their glow over the lush pine trees. Under the light, the pine needles seemed like tips of golden needles.
A black Cayenne drove along the road leading to the suburbs.
"Sometimes, it really is necessary to change your living situation!"
Hode kept his right hand on the steering wheel and his left arm out the window, feeling the gentle breeze. The scenery nearby enhanced his mood.
His destination was a mansion located on the outskirts, obtained through the system rewards. Although remote, the views were especially beautiful.
As the distance from the city increased, the appearances of houses became fewer and farther between. It was possible to drive over a kilometer without seeing a single home.
The long road stretched like a ruler, disappearing straight into the woods. Despite the quiet surroundings, one could still occasionally hear birds chirping by the roadside.
"It's f*kin' TR3YWAY!"
"It's King of New York looking for the Queen!"
"Uh, you got the right one!"
"…"
The upbeat music flowed from the Bose speakers.
Hode hummed along as he drove, enjoying the slow pace of life, which added a touch of enjoyment to his existence. Just as he swayed slightly to the beat of the music, a woman in a red coat stumbled out from the woods ahead!
"Damn!"
Hode's expression changed drastically as he spotted the figure. He desperately spun the steering wheel, his right foot almost slamming down on the brake with all its might.
With a sharp screech, the Cayenne halted just a few centimeters away from the woman in red.
Bang!
But the woman unexpectedly fell heavily onto his engine hood.
"Is she for real?!" Hode froze for a moment, then panicked at the thought: "Is the Cayenne some sort of magnet?!"
Seeing that the woman hadn't lifted her head, Hode quickly got out of the car.
When he looked at the woman lying on the hood, his expression froze.
She had long blonde hair, and her creamy skin was accentuated under her T-shirt. The blood-red coat draping over her added an indescribable beauty to her appearance.
Moreover, she exuded a strong scent reminiscent of malt.
Hode stood in a daze for a while before murmuring, "Is this… Wanda?"