Warframe Voidwalker : Multiverse Journey

"The one with the ribbon!" Old John's voice called from the truck.

They had met in town earlier. At the time, Old John was buying a Christmas tree when he encountered Marcus, who had just returned.

Seeing Old John shopping for a tree, Marcus bought one himself and hitched a ride back to the farm in Old John's pickup.

After unloading the Christmas tree, Marcus smiled as he approached Jonathan and his wife.

"Long time no see."

Hearing Marcus's greeting, the couple looked at him in surprise.

"You've been gone for a year. I thought you might not come back."

Martha took Marcus's Christmas tree and gave him a warm hug, while Jonathan laughed and draped an arm around Marcus's shoulders.

Though Marcus hadn't stayed at the farm for long previously, the Kents had grown fond of him, especially since he was Clark's godfather, which created a special bond between them.

"What have you been up to lately? Why don't you ever call?"

Jonathan asked. They hadn't seen each other for over a year, and he was curious about Marcus's activities.

"I've been in Gotham recently. There's a talented kid there—I'm his teacher."

Jonathan and Martha were surprised by Marcus's answer. They hadn't expected him to become a teacher, especially in Gotham of all places. What kind of city was Gotham? Even those living as far away as Kansas had heard stories about it. That's why they found it strange that Marcus would choose to teach there.

However, they didn't press the matter. If Marcus was teaching in Gotham, it meant he could handle living there, so they didn't need to worry.

After bidding farewell to Old John, the three of them carried their items into the house.

"How's little Clark? Is he still the same as before?"

Marcus feigned concern. Though he knew Clark couldn't adapt to Earth's environment instantly, he was curious about the boy's progress.

"Clark's doing great now. He's still a bit thin, but he no longer looks as sickly as he did a year ago."

Jonathan beamed with pride. Although Clark was adopted, he and Martha had never had children of their own, so they treated him as their biological son.

Under their care, Clark was growing healthier by the day. While he wasn't quite as robust as his peers, he was much improved from his previous condition.

"Really? That's wonderful." Marcus nodded and opened his package. "These are souvenirs from my travels. Clark might enjoy them."

The bag contained small gifts from around the world—Christmas presents for Clark.

"Ha! Looks like Santa Claus arrived early this year."

Seeing the bag filled with gifts, Jonathan laughed.

Marcus did resemble Santa delivering presents, though Jonathan had never heard of Santa arriving before Christmas Eve.

After Martha positioned the Christmas tree, she looked at the two men.

"Gentlemen, shall we decorate this bare tree?"

Marcus had only brought the tree itself—they still needed to adorn it with decorations.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Christmas Day arrived.

Everyone gathered around the dining table, enjoying their Christmas dinner.

"Merry Christmas!!!"

Marcus and the Kents raised their glasses in celebration, while young Clark, seated in a small chair beside them, fidgeted excitedly, eager to join the toast with his little cup.

"Haha, does our Clark want to toast too?"

The adults clinked their glasses against Clark's cup, and hearing the sound of his successful participation, Clark giggled happily.

They ate and conversed simultaneously, with Marcus sharing stories of his experiences with Martha and Jonathan.

The Kents listened attentively to Marcus's tales, exclaiming with interest at various points.

After Christmas, Marcus didn't depart immediately but chose to stay at the farm a while longer.

His decision was influenced by news that a collection of Greek antiquities would be exhibited at a museum in Kansas.

Marcus didn't know exactly what these Greek artifacts would include, but he wouldn't miss such an opportunity. There was a significant chance that this collection might contain what he sought.

While staying at the farm, Marcus exercised daily. During these sessions, a small figure would stand nearby, attempting to mimic his movements.

Young Clark was imitating Marcus. Though his movements seemed somewhat awkward, it was clear he was practicing with great seriousness.

"It's interesting—though Clark will become incredibly powerful, he never seemed particularly skilled in combat techniques."

In Marcus's recollection, Clark primarily relied on his superpowers in fights. Although his abilities reached levels where raw power often overcame technical skill, whenever he was weakened by kryptonite, his combat effectiveness noticeably diminished.

"In the future, I should train Clark in fighting skills, so he won't tear down entire city blocks when battling enemies."

Watching Clark flailing his arms in imitation, Marcus nodded slightly. He planned to teach proper fighting techniques once Clark's powers manifested. It would take just a few years for Clark's abilities to emerge.

Unlike Bruce, Clark was Kryptonian, with physical potential far beyond human limitations.

Having absorbed the sun's radiation, Clark would develop strength exceeding human capacity. Even with newly manifested abilities, such physical prowess would be sufficient for him to master Marcus's combat techniques.

Crouching before the flailing child, Marcus gently pinched Clark's cheek and smiled: "You can't practice these things haphazardly!"

A few days later, the museum's antiquities exhibition finally opened, and Marcus bid farewell to Martha as he prepared to depart.

"If you need anything, remember to contact me!"

He waved to the family and boarded a vehicle heading to the museum.

Martha and Jonathan came outside to say goodbye, smiling warmly, but Clark was visibly upset that his favorite godfather was leaving.

"Don't be sad—Godfather just has to go to work. When you're older, you can visit him often."

...

Meanwhile in Gotham...

"Run! Master Bruce, escape through the other exit and find Inspector Gordon!"

Alfred pulled out a pistol and took cover behind a door, shouting instructions to Bruce.

They were under attack. Three assassins had broken into Wayne Manor with the intention of killing Bruce.

"Hold on until I return!"

Bruce turned and ran toward another exit. He knew that against gunmen, he had little chance of direct resistance.

While rushing toward the exit, he gathered essential items.

Bruce was arming himself, keeping Marcus's teachings firmly in mind: stay calm at all times.

He attached a box of kunai to his belt and donned brass knuckles customized by Alfred. On his way out, he also grabbed a rapier for defense.

Bruce ran frantically, finally reaching the exterior of Wayne Manor. He needed to find Gordon quickly and bring police reinforcements to rescue Alfred.

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Marvel x Star Wars: Avengers in the Clone Wars

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