Family System: Chapter 49

"You can do all that?"

"And you can be a weapon?"

"Oh, telekinetic link…"

Excited, Darcy gave Vex a quick kiss, ready to take Floater down to the underground training room to test his weapon systems...

Wait, test it here in Dawn Tower?

Vex quickly stopped her.

He pressed the call button, and within seconds, Natasha appeared. She glanced at Floater with a calm look, already aware of what it was.

"Take Darcy to a training ground and let her have some fun."

"Yes, boss."

As she turned away, Natasha's expression shifted subtly.

Could it be...

He gave that weapon to Darcy?

No, way! Such a powerful weapon, and he just gave it away?

Once again, Natasha felt a twinge of envy for being one of Vex's women.

If only she could...

—-—

Since his arrival in this world, Vex had finally begun to enjoy the peaceful life of a homebody.

Between training with the Phoenix Force, he also kept in touch with Gwen, chatting online and even having long phone calls. But they both seemed to know better than to meet up in person.

At night, he usually found himself “fighting two versus one” in a game of poker, sometimes upgrading to “four-person poker” against three.

Unfortunately, Fiora and Kara were often too busy, so the chance for a “four versus one” had yet to come.

Until it was time for Gwen’s planned celebration, Vex finally left the house.

He had assumed Gwen, like many others, would invite a bunch of friends and family to spend this significant day together.

But...

It was just Gwen.

Even her father, George, wasn’t there.

“This is quite unexpected,” Vex remarked, surprised. “I thought it’d be a bit more lively.”

“I figured you wouldn’t like that kind of environment, so I didn’t invite anyone else,” Gwen replied with a sweet smile. “My dad’s in Washington, D.C., for a conference. He’ll be back the day after tomorrow.”

Vex raised an eyebrow.

That answer, combined with the atmosphere of the evening…

He had a pretty good idea of where this was going.

He handed over a gift box, smiling. “Happy birthday. Welcome to adulthood.”

“It’s just a number,” Gwen said with a hint of something more. “But it’ll be official later tonight.”

Vex said nothing, just smiled.

As he stepped through the door, he activated his “Do Not Disturb Mode,” blocking any communication from the house.

He even released Floater to stand guard around the perimeter.

He wasn’t going to let anything interrupt tonight.

Once inside, the room was decorated in soft pink tones, giving off a very girly vibe.

"Would you like to open your gift?" Vex suggested.

"Can I? Wouldn’t that be rude?" Gwen asked, a twinkle in her eye.

"I’m excited to see you wearing it," Vex replied.

"Oh? Is it a pretty dress?" Gwen, intrigued, untied the ribbon. Inside the box was a jewelry case.

Opening it revealed a silver necklace with a small white spider pendant.

“Wow! It’s beautiful!”

Gwen excitedly picked up the necklace, admiring it before turning her back to Vex.

He took the necklace from her, fastening it around her neck.

His fingers brushed her skin, causing a flush of rose-colored warmth to bloom.

Vex had a feeling…

If he pushed things now, there was a 90% chance Gwen wouldn’t resist.

But he withdrew his hands.

The night was long; there was no need to rush.

He wanted Gwen to remember this night as something she’d dream about for years to come.

Gwen let out a quiet breath, smiling as she turned to show off the necklace on her slender neck.

“Does it look good?” she asked expectantly.

"Of course!" Vex praised. "But it’s you who’s beautiful. The necklace just adds to that."

Gwen beamed, clearly pleased with the response.

"Press the spider’s head for a surprise!" Vex hinted.

Gwen didn’t hesitate and followed his instructions.

As she pressed it, a liquid-like material emerged from the spider pendant, spreading over her body in an instant, forming a sleek black, white, and pink suit.

Vex conjured a full-length mirror for her.

Gwen gazed at the stylish spider suit, the white lines giving the impression of a bikini, accentuating her long legs.

It was exactly her taste, and she loved it!

"This is Kryptonian molecular armor," Vex explained. "The same material as Superman’s suit—anti-material sniper bullets wouldn’t even pierce it."

Gwen’s eyes widened in awe.

"That’s amazing! You know Superman?"

"Yeah, we’re good friends." Vex nodded. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" Gwen gushed, admiring her new look. “Now, when I go fight crime, I won’t need that ugly hood anymore.”

It seemed Gwen had been keeping busy lately too.

Vex didn’t comment on that.

After Gwen finished posing in various stances, showcasing her curves in the skintight suit, Vex finally said, “Something smells burnt. What’s that?”

Gwen gasped. “Oh no! My roast!”

She darted to the kitchen, retrieving a slightly charred tray of meat.

“It’s overcooked…” she lamented.

“Oh, is it?”

Vex glanced at the roast.

The burnt bits vanished, revealing perfectly seared meat instead.

“Wow! How did you do that?” Gwen marveled.

“Just a little trick. Now, can we start eating?”

“No problem!”

Gwen set the table with roast, steak, fried chicken…all meat dishes.

She smiled sheepishly. “I’ve been so hungry lately, and if I don’t eat meat, I get hungry fast…”

“That’s normal,” Vex explained. “Your cells need energy, and food is the simplest way to get it. I’ll send you some energy liquid later. Just take a sip when you’re hungry.”

“That would be amazing!”

Gwen excitedly pulled out a bottle of red wine.

“My dad never let me drink before, but today I’m an adult. Will you have a glass with me?”

“Of course.”

Vex snapped his fingers, and the room’s lights dimmed, while candles illuminated the space, adding a touch of romance.

Gwen’s eyes sparkled with delight.

Good food, good wine, and good company—dinner was thoroughly enjoyable.

Having never drunk before, Gwen quickly became tipsy after half a bottle, her gaze toward Vex growing increasingly heated.

It was as if…

She wanted to devour him.

Vex understood.

He stood up, offering his hand with a gentlemanly bow.

"May I have this dance, beautiful lady?"

Gwen giggled, placing her hand in his. Music began to play.

She nestled against Vex, following his lead as they danced. Any lingering nervousness she felt slowly melted away.