I woke up in that grimy motel feeling like someone used my head as a basketball overnight. After the fight with that ninja-wannabe in the factory and upgrading my Feng Shui Engine, I felt like a king, but that note saying "Target: Juri Han. Observe" was nagging at me. Hydra? Seriously? I thought those guys were Captain America's problem, not mine. But if they were hunting me, I had to be ready for more than just goons.
— System, got any dirt on Hydra? — I muttered, stretching on the bed.
SYSTEM RESPONSE: HYDRA IS A SECRET ORGANIZATION DEALING IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND WORLD DOMINATION. NO DATA ON THEIR INTEREST IN YOU.
SUGGESTION: STAY VIGILANT AND TRAIN.
— Gee, thanks, super helpful — I scoffed, getting up. I had 75 system points and a juiced-up Feng Shui Engine, so I felt like a tank with a purple eye. But before I could plan my day, my Spider Sense went nuts. A second later, I heard a crash outside. I peeked out and saw two black vans pulling up to the motel. Guys in dark bodysuits spilled out, armed with what looked like sci-fi rifles.
— Oh, shit, those aren't cleaners — I growled, grabbing my boots. I bolted out the back exit, but they were already on my tail. Spider Sense warned me someone was aiming. I dodged as a beam from their guns blasted the motel wall. — Seriously? I just paid for that room!
No time for jokes. I cranked the Feng Shui Engine, my eye flaring purple, and my body moved like a rocket. I ran toward a nearby construction site – perfect for a fight, lots of cover and stuff to smash. The Hydra goons (who else?) were right behind me, shooting and yelling about "securing the target."
— Target? I'll give you a target! — I shouted, leaping onto some scaffolding. I used a purple pulse, diving down and kicking one guy in the head. He flew into a container, and his buddies opened fire. My Spider Sense was in overdrive, letting me dodge beams like a dancer in The Matrix. Precision kicks smashed their guns, and the upgraded Feng Shui Engine gave me the strength to drop them with one hit.
There were about ten of them, and they weren't regular thugs. One pulled out what looked like a Chitauri grenade. He lobbed it at me, and without thinking, I triggered a purple pulse. Time seemed to slow – I dashed, caught the grenade mid-air, and hurled it back. The explosion took out their van, and I landed with a flip for style.
— Ha! Juri Han one, Hydra zero! — I called, dusting off my hands. But then I heard an engine roar. Guess who? Black SUV, and out stepped Fury himself, looking like he was done with my existence.
— Han, what the hell are you doing? — he growled, eyeing the burning van and unconscious goons.
— Yo, pirate! — I said, grinning. — Just cleaning up the city. Looks like Hydra's got a crush on me. Think it's my purple nails?
Fury glared, then glanced at his agents already securing the scene. — Hydra's after you? That's bad news. But the way you took them out... — he nodded. — You might just be SHIELD material.
— So, am I in the club? — I asked, hands on hips. — Tell me where to sign, Captain Hook.
— Slow down, Han — he said, but his tone was less harsh than usual. — First, we need to figure out what Hydra wants. Keep a low profile, and we'll look into it. And stop wrecking the city.
— No promises, pirate — I laughed, winking. Fury rolled his eyes and drove off, leaving me with his agents cleaning up the mess. The system chimed. Ding!
TASK COMPLETED: SURVIVE HYDRA'S ATTACK AND PROTECT YOURSELF!
REWARD: +35 SYSTEM POINTS
NEW SKILL: DANCE DODGE (INCREASED AGILITY IN EVASION)
— Nice, 110 points! — I muttered, doing the math. — System, that's some serious cash. What's next? Rocket boots?
SYSTEM RESPONSE: ROCKET BOOTS UNAVAILABLE.
SUGGESTION: CONSIDER UPGRADING SPIDER SENSE OR A NEW COMBAT SKILL.
CURRENT POINT BALANCE: 110.
— Tsk, always the same with you — I snorted, but I was in a good mood. The Hydra fight showed my upgraded Feng Shui Engine was a beast, and this "dance dodge" skill sounded like it'd make me even more untouchable. I headed back to the motel, which somehow still stood. The receptionist looked at me like she wanted to murder me.
— One more night — I said, slapping cash on the counter.
— Wreck my motel again, and I'll hunt you down — she growled.
— Chill, grandma — I laughed, heading to my room. I flopped onto the bed, feeling the Marvel world getting crazier by the day. Hydra, SHIELD, mystery ninjas – it all screamed big trouble. But Juri Han was ready. I closed my eyes, grinning. Bring it on. I'll kick all their asses.