I walked toward the smoke, munching on the last bit of my hot dog. The city around me looked like a movie set – people running, screaming, and the air smelling like something burned. And that smoke, black as my old life before reincarnation. The system in my head was quiet, but I had a feeling something big was coming. An explosion? A possible boss? Hell, that sounded like something that could either crack me up or land me in deep shit.
— Alright, Juri, don't freak out — I muttered to myself, running my fingers through my purple-streaked hair. — You're a badass kicking machine now. If things go south, just smash everything and bail.
I reached the spot where the smoke was thickest. Some factory on the city outskirts, with a big "STARK INDUSTRIES" sign on the wall. Seriously? Stark? As in Tony freaking Iron Man? I grinned wide. This was getting interesting.
In the middle of the yard stood a bunch of dudes in black jumpsuits, armed to the teeth. They looked like extras from a cheap action flick – rifles, grenades, the works. At the center was a huge metal container that looked like someone was trying to cut it open with a laser. And that container was smoking, like it was about to blow.
— Well, what do we have here? — I said out loud, peeking from behind a corner. — A bunch of losers playing tech thieves? Classic Marvel.
One of the guys heard me. He spun around, and his buddies raised their guns too. Great, I'm barely here, and they already want to turn me into Swiss cheese.
— Hey, chill, boys! — I called, stepping out with my hands up but that cocky smirk on my face. — Don't you know purple's the color of the season? Maybe instead of shooting, we can talk fashion?
— Shut up and hands up! — one of them barked, aiming at me.
— Ooo, so scary — I laughed, taking a step closer. — You know you look like an extra from a ninja movie? Seriously, where'd you get that jumpsuit? A thrift store?
He didn't get to answer because my Spider Sense (light version, but still something) kicked in. I felt a tingle and dodged just as bullets flew my way. I did a flip, landed on one of the guys, and kicked him in the jaw. He dropped like a sack of potatoes.
— One-zero for Juri! — I shouted, charging at the rest. My body moved like it was in a game – every kick, every punch was precise, like I'd been training for years. The Feng Shui Engine in my eye was buzzing, giving me speed like someone cranked my engine to max. In a minute, the whole crew was on the ground, groaning and cursing.
— Weak ninja moves, guys — I said, dusting off my hands. — Maybe next time take lessons from Black Widow?
Then I heard a ding in my head.
TASK COMPLETED: STOPPED STARK INDUSTRIES THIEVES!
REWARD: +20 SYSTEM POINTS, NEW SKILL: BASIC REGENERATION (FASTER WOUND HEALING)
— Regeneration? — I snorted. — Okay, this is basically a cheat code. System, you're alright.
But before I could celebrate, I heard an engine roar. I turned and saw a black SUV pull into the yard. Out stepped a guy in a long black coat, with an eyepatch and a face like someone stole his last donut. Nick Fury in the flesh. Holy crap, things just got real.
— Well, look who it is, the pirate's here! — I called, leaning against the wall with a big grin. — What's up, Captain Jack Sparrow? Lose your ship?
Fury glared at me like he wanted to set me on fire. His guys, who got out of the SUV, aimed their guns at me, but he waved them off.
— Who are you, and what are you doing here? — he asked, ignoring my joke. His voice was like something out of a spy movie, deep and pissed.
— Me? I'm Juri Han, the new star of this town — I said, winking at him. — And what am I doing? Saving Stark's ass, 'cause his security's a joke. Seriously, pirate, where were you when these guys were trying to blow up the factory?
— Don't call me pirate — he growled, but I could tell he was barely holding back an eye-roll. — And stay out of SHIELD's business.
— SHIELD? Ooo, the Avengers' babysitters? — I laughed, stepping closer. — Cool, I could be your new mascot. Picture it: Juri Han, agent with purple nails and a kick that smashes walls. Sounds dope, right?
Fury looked at me like I was insane, but something in his eyes said he wasn't totally dismissing me. Maybe it was my moves, maybe it was 'cause I took out a bunch of thieves in a minute. Or maybe he just had a thing for sassy chicks.
— You've got guts, I'll give you that — he said finally. — But you're not ready for SHIELD. Not yet.
— Not yet? So you're saying I've got a shot, pirate? — I said, grinning like an idiot. — Alright, I'm holding you to that. Where do I send my resume?
— Get lost before I change my mind and have you arrested — he grumbled, but I could tell he wasn't that mad. He got back in the SUV, and his guys started rounding up the unconscious thieves.
— See ya, Captain Hook! — I shouted after him, waving like a moron. The SUV drove off, and I stood there, laughing to myself.
The system chimed again.
NEW TASK: EARN SHIELD'S TRUST!
REWARD: ACCESS TO SHIELD BASE, +50 SYSTEM POINTS
— Oh, so I'm going full agent, huh? — I muttered, stretching. — But first... time for pizza. Kicking ass is hungry work.
I headed back toward the city, whistling. Somewhere in the distance, I heard sirens and saw a red streak in the sky. Iron Man? Or something worse? Whatever it was, Juri Han was ready to party.