Brandon looked at Firewing with a bemused expression. Honestly, he'd thought she'd say something more substantial.
Did she have to be so vain?
"What are you looking at? Got something to say about my looks?" Firewing's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression just a touch dangerous.
"Not at all," Brandon replied, shrugging. Firewing was definitely attractive—there was no denying that. The phrase "beauty brings trouble" wasn't exactly wrong in her case.
"Tch, you high schoolers just don't get a woman's charm." Firewing huffed, clearly dissatisfied, before curiosity got the better of her.
"So, what did that guy say to you, anyway? Used the whole 'testing your strength' excuse to take a shot at you?"
"Pretty much," Brandon said, not bothering to deny it. "Though honestly, I hope next time he tones down the attitude—and that annoying hostility."
"Come on, cut him a little slack. There are idiots like that everywhere," Firewing replied, spreading her hands. She got what Brandon meant, more or less.
But it was what it was. The spiritual awakening had only just started; you couldn't expect everyone to adapt overnight or immediately change the way they spoke and acted. The government had considered this too—the world was changing, and anything that didn't adapt would eventually pay the price. It was true for the industrial revolution, and it was true now with the era of supernatural powers.
That meant the authorities had to plan for everything, including language. After all, the last thing they wanted was for a top-tier superhuman to get angry over some random comment online and do something reckless—or worse, leave the country altogether.
When it came to the powerful, everyone needed to show a little respect.
Firewing didn't stay to chat much longer—she was still the director of Vantora City's Spiritual Energy Bureau, after all, and had plenty on her plate. This visit was only because she considered Brandon a high-priority case. As soon as he'd called for someone to deal with the aftermath, the report was forwarded to her, so she'd tagged along.
But as always, unless Brandon started threatening the country or its people, he could pretty much do whatever he wanted. The only exception would be if someone proved his powers weren't nearly as strong as everyone believed—if he couldn't actually control oxygen, and his ability had nothing to do with nature itself.
Still, after what happened with Lee Fong, it was likely the higher-ups would be even more convinced of Brandon's abilities.
Just then, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in Brandon's mind:
"Ding, member [Glory of the Northern God] has joined the chat group."
"Ding, member [Richest Man ] has joined the chat group."
Brandon paused, then smiled and settled into the rocking chair on his porch, closing his eyes as he dove into the chat group.
Ordinary Group Leader: New people? And two at once?
Ordinary Group Leader: Welcome, welcome!
Ordinary Group Leader: Mind introducing yourselves, newbies?
The Wicked Sprite: Welcome, newcomers! This is a multidimensional chat group that links countless worlds. We're all from different universes. If you're confused or skeptical, just check your memories—the group should've explained everything by now.
Come Be My Son: Gurararara, more newcomers after Unrivaled East!
Uchiha Dance King: That first nickname is interesting…
Uchiha Dance King: "God," huh?
Turn Daigu into Soup: Welcome, newbies! Also, which northern god are you? A god from the North?
Turn Daigu into Soup: Still, to be the "Glory of the Northern God" is pretty impressive. You must be strong, huh?
Just Like That, Meow: Richest Man? Not sure who it is, but I smell money.
Golden Flash: Welcome, newbies! …Honestly, after everyone else's long greetings, a simple "welcome" feels so bland.
Unrivaled East: So what should I say at a time like this?
Child of Nature: Just saying "welcome" is probably fine.
Ordinary Group Leader: @Glory of the Northern God @Richest Man, don't be shy! Come out and introduce yourselves!
Ordinary Group Leader: Everyone here's a good person, I swear!
Uchiha Dance King: …
He didn't really consider himself a bad guy, but seeing someone call him a "good person" felt…off.
Turn Daigu into Soup: Newbies seem pretty wary, huh?
Turn Daigu into Soup: Haven't said a word all this time.
The Wicked Sprite: It's normal to be cautious about something unknown.
Unrivaled East: Or maybe they're just figuring out how to use the chat.
Ordinary Group Leader: East, how did you manage to speak up so fast when you joined?
Unrivaled East: I just went with my instincts.
Ordinary Group Leader: Huh? I don't get it.
Child of Nature: She means it's like there's a little voice in your head showing you what to do—kind of like when you dream about someone and somehow just know who they are, even if you can't see their face.
Ordinary Group Leader: Ah, that makes sense! Thanks for clearing that up.
Ordinary Group Leader: By the way, these two new names are tough to guess… "Glory of the Northern God" sounds familiar—isn't that Thor, the Norse god of thunder?
In my memory, that name fits Thor, but I'm not sure if it's the actual Norse mythology Thor, Marvel's Thor, or some other version.
Ordinary Group Leader: And "Richest Man"—that's pretty on the nose. What, did someone just pull Tony Stark straight out of Marvel? Or maybe it's just another billionaire from a parallel universe?
Child of Nature: You're not sure who "Glory of the Northern God" is?
Child of Nature: Haven't you watched Ten Thousand Jokes?
Brandon was surprised—he honestly didn't expect Roxie to not recognize "Glory of the Northern God." Sure, she'd guessed Thor, and that's probably right, but if she'd seen Ten Thousand Jokes (aka Ten Cold), her tone would be a lot more certain.
Ordinary Group Leader: "Ten Cold"? You mean Ten Thousand Cold Jokes?
Ordinary Group Leader: I've heard of it—a friend recommended it, but I was watching Re:Zero at the time and never got around to it.
Ordinary Group Leader: So, the newcomer is from the Ten Cold world? Or maybe an actual Norse god?
Child of Nature: I'm not completely sure, but the name lines up. It's definitely Norse mythology—probably Thor. But…well, it might not be exactly the Thor you're thinking of.
(End of Chapter)