Chapter 39 – Bad Luck, Cage Match
Location: Harlem, New York
Date: December 7, 2008
Time: 12:30 PM
If you asked Luke Cage what his hobbies were, you'd get something reasonable like "reading," "protecting Harlem," or "finding shirts that can survive a Tuesday." What you wouldn't expect was "breaking vending machines with passive-aggressive energy."
So naturally, when one started eating his dollar and blinking like it had just been possessed by low-level demons, Luke punched it.
It didn't explode—it imploded.
"Ugh," he sighed, wiping soda off his knuckles. "Third this month."
"Maybe switch to water," someone said behind him.
He turned—and saw a glowing man in a black coat, sipping floating tea like that was a normal thing to do.
"I'm not here for a fight," Adam said, raising one hand. "Unless you count verbal sparring. I win those. Most of the time."
Luke folded his arms. "Not interested in cults, scams, or floating MLMs. Bye."
Adam chuckled. "Good, because what I'm offering is none of those. It's an invitation—to something bigger."
"Is this the part where you say 'fate chose you' and hand me a glowing rock?"
Adam blinked. "No… it's a ring."
Luke groaned. "Even worse."
Five Minutes Later – A Rooftop with a View
"Let me get this straight," Luke said, still suspicious. "You want me to wear a magic ring that connects to a hidden dimension powered by 'mana'... and in return, you'll give me a house, some vague magical protection, and a coffee blend made of spiritual beans?"
Adam held up a mug. "It tastes like salvation and ambition. Try it."
Luke took a sip. Paused. Took another.
"Okay. That's cheating."
Adam grinned. "It's enchanted. And caffeinated. And sustainable."
"So you're recruiting people?" Luke asked.
"Yep."
"For what, exactly?"
Adam leaned forward, expression shifting. "To stop what's coming. To build something better. To change the rules. You're strong, Luke. But you're playing on a board stacked against you. Join me, and you don't just break the rules—you rewrite them."
Luke said nothing.
Then: "Do I get a new shirt?"
"You get thirty."
"…I'm in."
Dominion Vault – East Housing District
Luke walked through his new personal suite—a three-level stone-and-obsidian penthouse overlooking the mana sea. Everything pulsed gently with ambient energy. Even the shower ran on something that smelled like citrus and looked like starlight.
Jessica poked her head in. "You're the new guy?"
Luke turned. "You're the sarcasm specialist?"
"I prefer 'punchy misanthrope.'"
Frank muttered from the hall: "Both of you shut up."
They all looked at Adam.
"Group hug?" he offered.
Luke lifted a couch with one hand. "How about team sparring?"
Dominion Arena – 3:02 PM
The crowd: an assortment of recruits, golems, and one confused magical chicken.
The match: Luke vs. Frank, no firearms, no fatalities, shirts optional.
Jessica held the whistle. She blew it like she was trying to rupture a soul.
Luke moved first—fast, heavy, brutal. Frank dodged low, swept his legs, and rolled into a reverse hold. Luke broke it by slamming the floor so hard it cracked.
Frank smirked. "Okay. You punch hard."
"You breathe too loud."
Adam munched popcorn.
"Ten bucks on Luke," Jessica muttered.
"Twenty on Frank's tactical rage."
They clashed again—an explosive sequence of fists, elbows, knees, and sarcasm.
Until both fell back, winded.
"Draw," Adam said. "But spiritually? You both win."
"Do we get prizes?" Luke asked.
Frank looked at him. "You're standing in a magical fortress. With infinite coffee."
"…Right."
System Log – Later That Evening
[Eternal Vow Activated – Subject: Luke Cage]
[Emotion Spike Detected – Trust / Amusement / Resigned Hope]
[Currency Gained: +2,700]
[Skill Fragment Gained: Unbreakable Defense (3%) → Doubled to 6%]
[Luke Gained Shared Skill: Mystic Density – A-Level Passive]
[Effect: Amplifies body density and durability via ambient mana. Immune to piercing magic or tech-based weapons.]
Adam collapsed into his throne-like chair back in the central tower. The recruits were stacking up, and the base was thriving.
The mana sea sparkled outside, brighter than usual.
And something below stirred.