James, now in a black suit, stood at a street corner. System, what faction am I? he asked mentally.
Host aligns with Light Chi. World power levels balanced. Black Hand Gang enhanced with serums, Light Chi side wields ancient Chinese martial arts, Holy Lord and demons upgraded to dimensional demon gods, all magic items enhanced.
"Enhanced? Interesting," James said, noting the cartoon's rules. A black car screeched to a stop at the antique shop. Afro, Laso, and Chow stormed in, demanding, "Hand over the shield!"
James adjusted his tie, strolling toward the shop. He pushed the door, bells jingling. Tension paused as eyes turned to him. "Sorry to interrupt," he smiled, scanning the room, landing on the shield with the Chicken Talisman. "Heard you have fine antiques."
Afro waved him off. "Black Hand business. Leave."
Jackie, shielding Jade, signaled James to go. James ignored him, approaching the counter. "Friend, we're closed," Chow said, grabbing his collar.
James caught Chow's wrist, muscles bulging under his suit. Chow struggled, face reddening, unable to break free. He reached for his gun, but James tightened his grip. "Ah!" Chow collapsed, kneeling.
Laso and Afro lunged. Bang! Bang! They fell, unconscious. Jade's eyes widened. Jackie took a defensive stance. "Who are you?"
James released Chow, smiling. "Relax, I'm here to help." He pointed to the shield. "That talisman's dangerous. Needs professional handling."
"How do you know it's a talisman?" Jackie asked warily.
"I'm a magician," James said, pulling a gold-glowing energy device from his pocket. "From the Himalayas, here to collect talismans and stop the Holy Lord."
Jade peeked out. "A real magician?"
"Jade!" Jackie hissed, but softened. "Why knock them out?"
"They're Valmont's goons," James said. "Small now, bigger threats later." He waved, the Chicken Talisman floating to his hand. Jackie gaped. "Levitation magic?"
"A trick," James said, pocketing it. "Jackie, keep doing archaeology. I'll find you when needed. Take your niece and handle these guys." He headed out. "Learn some magic."
The door closed, and James vanished. Jackie and Jade stared. "Uncle Jackie, a magician!" Jade tugged his sleeve.
Jackie frowned. "I'm not sure, Jade, but he's right. Let's deal with them."
Footsteps creaked. Old Man, glasses sliding, descended with a book. "One more thing! Jackie, the talisman—" He stopped, seeing the unconscious goons. Jade gestured wildly. "Old Man, a magician was here!"
Old Man smacked her head with the book. "Where's the talisman?!"
At the corner, James toyed with the Chicken Talisman, feeling its magic. He'd memorized Old Man's books upon entering. "Flight and telekinesis? Like my powers," he mused. Host, fusing it enhances telekinesis and flight, enabling Magneto-like feats. Telekinesis is great for showmanship.
James chuckled. "Magneto? More like Iron King." He pondered. "Next talisman? Speedy Rabbit, laser-eyed Pig, healing Horse, immortal Dog…"
His super vision scanned globally, locking onto a Mexican volcano. "Dragon Talisman, fire breather." A golden portal opened, and he stepped through.
Above the volcano, heat waves hit, ineffective against his bio-field. His vision pierced rock, spotting a red glow. "Lopez hid it here?" He dove into the crater, ignoring molten lava, and reached a cave. The Dragon Talisman glowed red. "Fire breather, mine." He plucked it, feeling its wild energy resonate with his solar power.
In the sky, he tested it. Boom! A fiery pillar vaporized a mountain peak, leaving no molten residue. "Stronger than the original," he noted, eyes glowing as the talisman's fire merged with his heat vision.
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The plans are now available.
Rank A Plan: Read 20 chapters in advance + free waifu.
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