บท 2: Chapter 2: Playing the Robber
"What is this?" Cyrus instinctively looked around, realizing that the panel in front of him was only visible to him.
"It shouldn't be an illusion."
After some experimentation, Cyrus discovered he could control the panel with his thoughts.
At that moment, Queen Maeve was standing beside him, striking different poses for the cameras.
"Analyze," Cyrus commanded, and the panel quickly projected a 3D image of Queen Maeve. Simultaneously, a line of text appeared on the panel: [Please select the ability you wish to analyze.]
What superpowers does Queen Maeve have? Cyrus couldn't remember off the top of his head, so he randomly chose strength.
[Talent Ability: Super Strength]
[Analysis Condition: Maintain contact with Queen Maeve's skin for two hours.]
[Fusion will gradually alter the player's genes. Once the player's strength reaches the threshold, other abilities will be required to unlock further potential.]
After reading the analysis conditions, Cyrus felt overwhelmed. Forget touching Queen Maeve for two hours—just two minutes would be nearly impossible.
Soon, Queen Maeve bid farewell to her fans and began filming her scenes for the day.
Today's shoot appeared to be an episode featuring Queen Maeve. The plot was simple and direct: a bus hijacked by robbers that Queen Maeve needed to save.
Unfortunately, Cyrus couldn't see the actual filming, otherwise, he might have tried to analyze some of her other abilities.
At noon, the sun over New York became increasingly harsh, and the fans who had gathered earlier gradually dispersed. Cyrus glanced at his wristwatch; it was already twelve o'clock.
Lunchtime.
Cyrus joined Blitz and the others, sitting on a shaded lawn to enjoy the fast food delivered from a nearby fried chicken shop.
"Queen Maeve's costume is absolutely stunning."
As a die-hard fan of Queen Maeve, Blitz immediately started admiring the picture of Queen Maeve printed on his chicken bucket.
"Don't waste it if you're not going to eat."
Cyrus grabbed a chicken wing from Blitz's bucket and stuffed it into his mouth. Having survived for a long time on grapes, the sensation of real food in his mouth was indescribable bliss.
At the same time, his resolve grew stronger. As the saying goes, people yearn for what they once lost.
Cyrus's sole belief was to become stronger—so strong that nothing could destroy him.
He had had enough of those days of paralysis.
"Shit, my chicken wing." Blitz wailed, trying to snatch the wing back from Cyrus.
But Cyrus wouldn't let him succeed.
After quickly finishing the bucket of fried chicken, Cyrus downed his cup of ice-cold cola in one gulp.
"Ah… that's refreshing." Cyrus lay on the lawn, letting out a genuine New York-style burp.
Just then, a clapping sound came from a distance. Orl, their burly team captain, walked over. "Guys, the set is short on robbers for the scene. Anyone willing to volunteer? There's an extra 120-dollar stipend."
The chance to act alongside his idol was something Blitz had always dreamed of, and he was about to raise his hand to volunteer.
But the seasoned Hank quickly pulled him back.
"Boss, are you sure this isn't Aysia thinking there aren't enough robbers to get beaten up to showcase the superheroes' strength, and now she's pulling us in as cannon fodder?" Hank said with a pained expression.
"Absolutely correct. That's why you're getting a bonus."
"No, boss, please no."
Orl ignored Hank's sour expression and scanned the group before picking out three people, including Cyrus.
"Boss, I volunteer," Blitz eagerly raised his hand.
Orl glanced at him. "Kid, wipe that perverted look off your face. I might want to punch you, but if Queen Maeve hits you, you'll be out for at least half a month."
"Getting beaten by the Queen is actually one of my dreams."
As soon as he said that, the others shuddered and quickly moved away from Blitz.
Orl sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I have no idea how you got on the security team. Alright, you're in. Just remember to keep your eyes to yourself on set. If something goes wrong, even I can't protect you."
Under Orl's leadership, the group headed to the set and donned their robber costumes.
Each person was fully equipped, wearing goggles and carrying a knife at the waist. Cyrus hefted the gun in his hand, feeling its weight and realizing it was a real weapon.
This is hardcore, Cyrus thought.
Once ready, they boarded the bus with their guns. Inside, there were a dozen other "robbers" dressed like them, while the actual passengers, including the driver, were just three people.
This is ridiculous.
With this firepower, why rob a bus instead of an armored truck? Cyrus thought, not knowing where to start criticizing.
"Action!"
A little girl nestled in her mother's arms, looking scared, and said in a trembling voice, "When are the superheroes coming to save us? I'm so scared."
The actor playing the robber glared at her and laughed wildly. "Even if the Queen comes, she can't save you from us."
Cyrus cringed at the bad acting and dialogue.
Suddenly, the ground shook as if something heavy had landed. Cyrus looked out the window and saw Queen Maeve in a kneeling position, surrounded by dust and cracks in the road. It was a dramatic entrance.
"That must be superhuman physique," Cyrus thought, attempting to analyze it. The conditions were even harsher than for super strength—two hours of skin contact and ten milliliters of her blood.
Cyrus wondered if a regular syringe could even pierce Maeve's skin.
Seeing Maeve, the robbers in the bus opened fire. The sounds of gunfire and falling shell casings echoed as Maeve walked through the barrage unscathed, heading towards the bus.
This wasn't special effects but real life, happening right before Cyrus's eyes.
What happened next shocked Cyrus even more. Maeve raised her sword and sliced the incoming bullets in half.
Coach! I want to learn this!
[Talent Ability: Swordsmanship Talent]
[This ability enhances the player's skill with swords, granting extraordinary swordsmanship talent and slightly increasing reaction speed.]
[Analysis Condition: Touch Queen Maeve]
Compared to the other conditions, this was relatively easy, making Cyrus's eyes light up.
If he could touch Maeve, even for a moment, he could analyze and gain this ability.
However, being able to cut bullets like Maeve was out of reach unless he also acquired her super reflexes and superhuman physique. But those abilities would have to wait for another day.
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