章 33: Chapter 33

Mike called upon the power within him.

When the power is depleted, anything he materialises will vanish. However, Mike had learned to control the process of "consumption" by channelling the power of the cards.

Essentially, when creating the card, he infuses all the energy required to sustain the materialised object into the card itself.

By doing this, his combat efficiency and the duration of his abilities were significantly enhanced. The strength and stamina of the materialised object depended on Mike's proficiency with materialisation. As a result, Mike carefully selected useful, versatile items for targeted materialisation, focusing on increasing his skill level, which in turn strengthened the objects he brought into existence.

He categorised these objects into three distinct groups.

The first was the Zanpakutō from the world of Shinigami.

The second group included legendary treasures from fate.

The third category was miscellaneous magical items that didn't belong to any specific series, such as the stopwatch he often used.

However, given the limits of his materialisation power and current level, Mike could only manifest a portion of the original object's full power. For example, while he could materialise a Zanpakutō, it could only achieve Shikai form; the more powerful Bankai remained out of reach.

"To do that, I'd need to reach Level 2," Mike thought calmly as he glanced at his current level progress.

Holding two blank cards in his hands, Mike took a deep breath and began materialising objects, infusing the power into the cards. After a brief moment, the card in his hand was filled with energy. On the front was the image of a short blade, and on the back, some details Mike had carefully written out.

[Name: God Spear (Shinso)

Item Description: A Zanpakutō that retains its lethality toward souls. It reveals its true power when the incantation is spoken.

Release Phrase:

Shikai: "Shoot him dead, Shinso"

Note: The blade can freely extend or retract, allowing for increased attack speed and power—remarkable capabilities.]

A flash of light illuminated Mike's hand as the card vanished, and he realised his materialisation power was nearly drained. To extend the materialised object's lifespan, he had to expend all his remaining energy.

"I can only create one card a day, and I used over a dozen when I was out with Logan. I need to replenish them fast," Mike thought as he sighed, closing his eyes to visualise the cards he still had.

He was like a squirrel hoarding nuts—saving cards gave him a sense of comfort and security. Yet, once he started using them, no matter how many he had left, an anxious sense of scarcity crept in.

Mike stretched and murmured, "Sleep…"

The next day, Mike and an excited Clark arrived in New York. Their mission today was simple: shop, shop, and shop.

After their home was destroyed in the bombing, all of their possessions had been lost, and they needed to replace the essentials—daily necessities, clothes, and toys for Clark, along with school supplies.

Before all that, however, Mike bought a pickup truck for transportation. By the time they returned home that evening, their day of shopping was complete.

Bob and Mary had also been busy—they had already moved all the packed belongings from the previous day.

[A/N: Before anyone says anything about their name, they are not John and Martha.]

With so many things gone, the house felt a little empty.

"I'll get some furniture tomorrow. Clark's room could use a bit of redecoration, too," Mike muttered to himself as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. After putting away the items from today's haul, he turned on the TV.

"Clark, watch some TV while I make dinner."

"Okay!" Clark shouted from the couch. "Dad, I want to eat meat!"

Mike chuckled as he began cooking.

After a cozy meal, the father and son spent some time watching TV before heading off to bed.

Time passed quickly...

A week had gone by since Mike returned home. He had been quite busy during this time—rearranging the house and enrolling Clark in kindergarten. The school was conveniently located about ten minutes from their home.

"Clark," Mike said seriously as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "remember, don't fight with the other kids. Got it?"

Clark nodded, but then hesitantly asked, "But what if they hit me?"

Mike felt a headache coming on. The thought of his son being bullied upset him, but if Clark retaliated and lost control of his strength...

A flood of gory scenarios flashed through Mike's mind. He ruffled Clark's hair and asked, "Why do you think they'd hit you?"

Clark lowered his head, worry written on his small face. "I don't know…"

Maybe it was because he knew he was different from other kids. Mike's heart ached for his son. He reassured him firmly, "Don't worry. If they hit you, I'll take care of their parents!"

"Hehe!" Clark grinned widely, nodding in agreement.

Mike smiled back. "Alright, off to bed. I'll wake you up tomorrow."

Clark nodded and skipped off happily to his room.

"Phew," Mike sighed. He could only hope Clark's first day of school would go smoothly.

The next morning, at the kindergarten gate…

"Goodbye, Dad," Clark waved cheerfully before following his teacher into the classroom.

Mike waved back with a smile, but as soon as Clark was out of sight, a wave of worry crept over him.

His son's first day at school had him on edge. Mike turned to leave but didn't notice Clark standing quietly at the door, watching his father's retreating figure. Clark's little face fell when Mike finally disappeared from view.

Sensing Clark's sadness, the female teacher holding his hand smiled. She had seen this scene countless times before.

"Clark?"

The teacher, a sunny woman with freckles, bent down to meet his sky-blue eyes.

What beautiful eyes, she thought, admiring the child. "Don't be afraid. There are teachers here, and lots of kids—you'll have fun."

Clark nodded but then suddenly said, "You're so nice, teacher."

The teacher chuckled as she pinched his cheek. "You're quite the charmer."

"Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?"

Amused, the teacher shook her head. "No, I don't. Why? Do you want to be my boyfriend?"

'This kid is adorable,' she thought.

"Of course not!" Clark stepped back. "You're way too old for me!"

'Love at first sight….I thought' the teacher thought sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

Clark, with the utmost seriousness, added, "I'm asking for my dad! I want to find him a girlfriend!"

Before the teacher could be moved by the sweet gesture, Clark continued, "He always brings home ladies, but I only get to meet them once before they're gone. It's such a shame."

The teacher's smile froze as she said to him "You're very thoughtful." while silently adding in her her heart 'Scumbag'