"Why do I feel like my head is glowing green lately? What's going on? I don't think I dyed my hair."
Controlling a mechanical arm to install a part, Susan wiped the faint sweat from her forehead. Then she took out a small makeup mirror to check herself. She was still beautiful, but she couldn't tell if it was an illusion—everyone she saw seemed to have a green tint over their heads, including herself. All the women working near the massive warship Hyperion felt the same. It puzzled Susan, but she eventually dismissed it as visual fatigue. After all, everyone had put a lot of effort into retrofitting the ship lately; they were bound to be mentally exhausted.
"Artoria has been nowhere to be found these past two days. I don't know why she's suddenly so busy when she's usually so idle."
Mentioning Artoria, Susan's expression became very resentful. That heartbreaker. At first, she stayed here with them; even if she didn't help and just played games, she was their spiritual sustenance. But she disappeared without a word or even a message to check in. This feeling of being abandoned... no, they all felt it now, and the feeling lingered in their hearts.
"Good work. Have some coffee."
While Susan was lost in thought, Raven approached with a tray full of freshly brewed coffee. With a gentle smile, Raven placed a steaming cup in front of Susan. She had been handling these chores lately. Although she didn't have technical skills, she tried her best to help with logistics and ensure everyone was fed and hydrated. Since she hadn't attended school as a child and was only taught by Richards, she had forgotten much of that knowledge over the years. She wasn't a top student, but doing chores satisfied her, especially being with friends. Here, she didn't have to disguise her appearance; the women never looked at her with disdain.
"You're the one working hardest. Don't exhaust yourself."
Susan thanked her after taking the coffee and rubbed her eyes. Since she was responsible for precision details, her eyesight had to be sharp, and she felt she was overusing them. Plus, Raven's blue skin was a bit piercing to the eyes. Susan spoke to Raven while rubbing the corners of her closed eyes. Everyone had seen Raven's work ethic; cold drinks, fruit, and towels appeared whenever they needed them most. Having spent so much time together, they understood Raven's nature—she was a very kind-hearted woman. It was a pity she had followed the wrong person initially. This peaceful life had firmly bound the former master assassin; she had changed a lot.
"As long as everyone is happy. Miss Artoria should be very pleased once the warship is refitted."
Facing Susan's praise, Raven modestly stated it was her own choice. Looking up at the Hyperion under renovation, Raven saw a warship being refitted for the first time. The massive hull and the powerful cannons being installed were eye-opening. While working for Magneto, she had been on warships, but nothing on Earth could compare to this one yet.
"To make her happy, we sisters are exhausted. I wonder how she'll compensate us."
Susan heard Raven's words and looked at the computer screen showing Hope and Maya. One was installing a turret, the other upgrading the Anti-gravity System; they were much busier than she was. Seeing the slow progress, they'd likely have to work overtime tonight. Thinking of Artoria's promise to take them to space, they weren't doing it for space itself, but for a romantic space trip with Artoria. Such a secluded place would be perfect for deepening their relationship. Missing out would be truly depressing.
"Working together on the same thing seems to have made our relationships more harmonious."
Indeed. Usually, Hope and Susan were the two who clashed most, but now they helped each other. Hope didn't hold back, sharing the knowledge she learned from her father, except for the secret of Pym Particles. Susan's brain, developed by Cosmic Storm Radiation, gave her extraordinary mental power, invisibility, and force fields, making it easy to memorize these things. Although she hadn't fully mastered them, it proved her brain was well-developed. For enemies to become harmonious, they need a common goal—much like the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Now, Susan and Hope's relationship was no longer like fire and water.
"Stop what you're doing for now. Dinner's almost ready. Eat before continuing."
Seeing it was about time, Susan turned on the loudspeaker and spoke into the microphone. Everyone soon stopped. Except for workaholics, no one could ignore a protesting stomach. In such intense labor, while physical work was minimal, the mental strain was exhausting. All energy went to the brain, quickly depleting the body's reserves. The foodie Maya had already started sneaking snacks; her pockets were full of chocolates and toffees. She'd eat one whenever she felt tired, clearly prepared for hunger.
"Miss Artoria, this way please."
Artoria, whom Susan called a heartbreaker, was currently waiting on the ocean. Suddenly, a figure and a large dog appeared. The man pressed a controller on his waist, and a metal gate slowly rose from the sea. It stopped five meters above sea level and opened. The man with Lockjaw invited Artoria in. Without hesitation, Artoria flew into the doorway. The man pressed the controller again, and the gate submerged. Lockjaw activated Psychic Teleportation, and the man and dog vanished.
"Long time no see, Sister Artoria."
As soon as Artoria entered Attilan, she received a warm welcome. The small figure had grown quite a bit, reaching Artoria's chest. Crystal called out and buried herself between Artoria's large breasts, nuzzling hard. Artoria didn't reject Crystal's embrace; she had missed the girl. But now wasn't the time for catching up, as many people were watching.
"Long time no see, Crystal. You haven't looked for me lately; I thought you'd forgotten me!"
Pulling Crystal's head out of her chest, Artoria teased her while patting her head. She had communicated privately with Medusa many times, mostly about child education. Artoria suggested the most traditional method: 'homework.' It was originally meant for punishment and discipline, making it perfect for education. Artoria explained the benefits of homework, and Medusa was happy to let Crystal try it. This was the source of Crystal's tragedy; she would never imagine that her favorite sister was the root of her inability to play.
"Long time no see, Black Bolt, Medusa."
Crystal soon led Artoria into the palace. Seeing the pair, Black Bolt and Medusa, Artoria smiled and greeted her old friends. She wasn't trying to seduce a married woman; Medusa and Artoria had become close friends in private. Medusa nodded with a smile in response to Artoria's greeting.
"This invitation isn't for anything else, Miss Artoria. We Hope you can help us recover our clan's greatest treasure."
Business is business. Medusa quickly adjusted her mindset and stated Black Bolt's purpose for inviting Artoria. Although it was a family scandal, they had searched for a long time and couldn't find the thief, so they could only ask Artoria, who they were on good terms with, for help.
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