Jordan wiped the grin off his face and forced himself to calm down. After absorbing the attribute cards as usual, he studied the two purple cards in his hands with growing fascination.
[Fantasy Card: AT Field]
Type: Ability Card • Rarity: SR
The soul substance unique to life forms in the Evangelion universe. The "wall of the heart" that separates oneself from the objective world. Also known as "Absolute Territory."
Effect 1: Soul Manifestation
Transform spiritual energy into a special soul substance.
Effect 2: Expand the Absolute Territory
Strong defensive capabilities against physical attacks, energy attacks, and high temperatures. Can condense to block external matter or exert counterforce.
Effect 3: Force Field Manipulation
Freely generate and control force fields. Applications include impact, defense, invasion, neutralization, and reversal.
The Spirit attribute card spoke for itself. A single SR-rank could replace a hundred N-rank cards. Simple, brutal, effective. It would nearly double his current mental power.
The other purple card was even more extraordinary. An ability that grew stronger with isolation and autism. In the hands of an apostle or a withdrawn child, it could destroy worlds. After touching the realm of gods, creating and annihilating realities became trivial.
The problem? You had to be withdrawn.
Jordan glanced at the Spirit card. His choice was obvious.
Time for the main course.
He pressed both purple cards against his chest one after the other. Cool energy enveloped his brain. His mental power, previously the size of a lake, began surging like a tidal wave. The total volume skyrocketed.
Simultaneously, his spirit and his ineffable soul underwent transformation. A seed taking root and sprouting. Growing into a towering tree. Shining from nothingness into reality, manifesting as something tangible and real.
The air in front of him spontaneously condensed.
Interlocking polygonal crystalline barriers materialized, blue light flowing through their structure. They looked fragile as bubbles yet felt indestructible as ancient stone.
Enhancement complete.
Jordan opened his eyes and studied the Absolute Territory that had manifested before him. He raised his hand, fingers brushing the barrier's surface. Solid. Real. Far stronger than the crude psychic shields he'd created before.
He clenched his fist and threw a punch at half-strength.
The impact created shimmering polygonal ripples across the Absolute Territory, spreading outward in mesmerizing patterns. The kinetic energy dispersed through the barrier in the form of mechanical waves, transmitted and distributed across the entire structure before dissipating completely.
Visible vibrations rippled through the soul matter. The force field barrier's structural integrity remained unchanged.
The only drawback was energy consumption. Maintaining this barrier required Jordan to continuously convert twice his normal mental energy output into materialized soul substance. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
At the moment of impact, the flow increased exponentially. He estimated a maximum duration of ten minutes under normal conditions. In high-intensity combat? That time would shrink by a factor of ten or more.
It all depended on the enemy's attack intensity.
Jordan stopped channeling mental energy. The Absolute Territory dissipated instantly. He exhaled in relief, rubbing his tired temples.
Seems like I'm still not strong enough to unleash the AT Field's true power. I'll have to toggle it on and off strategically during battles just to survive.
The curse of insufficient autism strikes again.
Still, as someone with cheat abilities, Jordan wasn't worried.
At his current growth rate, once Tatsumaki joined the Hero Association, who could say which of them would be the strongest esper?
Flowing Water Fist Dojo
Early morning found Bang leading his disciples through their exercises.
The dojo bustled with activity. Dozens of disciples filled the training ground completely, their synchronized movements creating a rhythmic symphony of effort.
Yet behind the prosperity lay quiet desolation.
Many students. Few worthy successors.
"Charanko, put more force into your waist! Is that weak, limp punch something I taught you?"
"Yes, Master! Sorry, Master!"
After correcting the form of a hardworking but untalented apprentice, Bang's gaze fell on another disciple.
Only fifteen years old, but already nearly 1.8 meters tall. His naturally white hair split into two distinctive strands atop his head. Superior talent. Cold personality. He almost never interacted with fellow disciples, preferring solitude in everything.
Bang had once thought this child was the one he'd been searching for. But after six months of observation, doubts had only grown.
Something lurked beneath that cold expression. Something even Bang couldn't see through.
Let's observe a bit longer.
As Bang contemplated, his ears twitched.
"Continue practicing!"
The disciples responded in unison. Bang's figure blurred, reappearing outside the dojo gates in an instant.
On the mountain path, a young figure approached.
Bang's eyebrows rose. Delight crossed his features.
Then vanished immediately.
The visitor was floating up the mountain path.
Superpowers are such bullshit!
The old man's internal screaming didn't show on his face. When Jordan drew close, Bang greeted him with a strained smile. "Oh, it's Jordan. Don't you have work during the day? What brings you loitering around here?"
Jordan blinked. What's with the sarcasm?
You weren't like this yesterday when you had your arm around my shoulder while drinking.
Fine. I need a favor, so I won't take the bait, old man.
Upon landing, Jordan snapped his fingers. Two tea gift boxes materialized from fantasy cards into his hands. He grinned shamelessly and presented them. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I have a small matter I'd like your help with, Master."
Bang glanced at the gift boxes and recalled the price he'd seen in stores. How many zeros had that been?
His expression softened considerably. He accepted the gifts naturally, leading Jordan inside while promising, "What is it? Just tell me, and I'll do my best to help."
"Thank you in advance, Master!"
As they passed through the courtyard training area, Jordan came face to face with a white-haired boy whose expression could freeze water.
Well, well. Isn't that Garou?
Seeing the naive teenage version of the future Hero Hunter, wicked amusement sparked in Jordan's heart.
The moment their eyes met, he activated telekinesis.
The young wolf shuddered. Heavy pressure settled on his chest like a stone. By the time he caught his breath, the newcomer and the old master had already entered the dojo. He hadn't even seen the stranger's face clearly.
Was that him?
Garou clutched his chest, gasping. His innate combat instincts immediately discerned the truth.
His teeth ground together hard enough to crack.