Marvel: Superman Strength in a World of Heroes

Holding the grilled meat and oden in his hands, Carl couldn't help but feel a sudden craving.

These were the items sent to him via red envelope by Koming (a.k.a. Kamen Rider) in the multiverse chat group.

Truthfully, Carl wasn't even hungry. He'd eaten with Erika not long ago, and with his Silver Superman-enhanced physique, he didn't actually need food.

As for the grilled meat and oden...

Well, Carl had seen photos of them earlier, posted by Tsukasa (Kamen Rider) in the group. The guy had offered so earnestly, Carl hadn't had the heart to decline. He just picked a couple of dishes he liked to be polite.

He hadn't planned on eating them right away.

But now...

Looking at the food, the aroma, the presentation, it was simply too tempting.

Carl gave in.

He had to admit: Koming's cooking looked amazing.

The color, the smell, mouthwatering.

The only question left was the taste.

"Guess I'll find out," Carl muttered, carrying the dishes into the living room.

He started with the oden.

The broth was rich, deep, and spiced just right. Exactly his kind of flavor.

Then came the grilled meat.

A burst of savory smoke and tender chewiness hit his tongue, tinged with a hint of heat.

"Not bad at all," Carl nodded. "Seems Tsukasa wasn't bragging, his skills are legit."

Giving an invisible thumbs-up, he opened the chat group again.

In the Multiverse Chat Group:

『God Among Men』: I just tried the grilled meat and oden.

『God Among Men』: Really good stuff, both are spicy, just the way I like it.

『God Among Men』: Thanks a lot. @Passing Kamen Rider

『Passing Kamen Rider』: You're too kind, Carl-sama.

『Passing Kamen Rider』: You've helped me so much, I should be thanking you.

『Passing Kamen Rider』: If there's ever anything else you'd like to eat, just say the word!

『God Among Men』: Got it. Thanks again.

『What to Do If My Little Sister Is a Chūnibyō』: The sushi was really tasty too.

『Blade Queen』: Thanks, Kamen Rider! My grilled fish was amazing!

『Passing Kamen Rider』: Glad you all enjoyed it!

Carl kept chatting while finishing his food. It was a rare peaceful moment.

Then suddenly, a familiar prompt rang out in his mind.

Carl raised an eyebrow. He glanced at the clock, it was exactly midnight.

"Time to sign in."

He casually muttered the words, still chewing.

[Ding! Daily check-in complete.]

[Reward: Happy Fat Guy Cola™ (2L bottle, perfectly chilled)]

A two-liter plastic bottle materialized in front of him.

Carl picked it up and stared in silence.

"...Soda?"

It looked like any other bottle you'd find at a convenience store. Big bold label, slightly sweating from the chill.

"Seriously?"

He blinked, dumbfounded.

Where had the system even gotten this?

And how had it chilled it?

"A whole sign-in for a... soda?"

Compared to the previous rewards, like high-tech suits and weapons, this felt like a massive downgrade.

This? This was worth maybe two bucks.

Sure, it was cold. Name-brand. Nicely carbonated.

But still...

"Yup. This system's totally unreliable."

Carl sighed again. No point complaining, it was already his.

He cracked the cap and took a long drink.

Fizz and syrup hit his mouth in a blast of cold sweetness.

Chilled to perfection. Surprisingly satisfying.

He let out a satisfied exhale.

"Not bad."

"It's nothing special... but I'll admit, it hit the spot."

After polishing off the grilled meat, the oden, and the soda, Carl finally went to bed.

The next morning, Carl woke up early.

Erika was still asleep beside him.

After a quick shower, he went to the kitchen, found some eggs and bread, and made himself breakfast, a simple sandwich with fried eggs and a glass of warm milk.

A classic start to the day.

Eventually, Erika woke up and joined him at the table.

After eating, she got ready to leave.

Carl was about to sprawl out on the couch and relax when Erika leaned in and kissed him.

Erika: "Not now, I've got work."

Carl blinked. "Right. You're still working, huh?"

Erika: "Yeah. Someone's gotta earn an honest living."

Carl: "You're rich though."

Erika: "That's my dad's money, not mine. I don't want to freeload forever."

Carl: "...Fair enough."

He didn't stop her. After saying goodbye, Erika left for work.

Carl was now alone in her apartment.

He opened the multiverse chat group again.

Silence.

Nobody was chatting.

Carl: "Weird... what's everyone up to?"

Shrugging, he closed the chat and turned on the TV.

Most of the programs were boring, until a news segment caught his attention.

TV Anchor: "As of now, Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Industries, is still missing. His disappearance has caused a significant drop in stock prices, "

The screen cut to a street interview.

A suited man rushed past the camera, clearly late.

Reporter: "Excuse me, sir, any thoughts on Mr. Stark's disappearance?"

Man: "Sorry! I'm late for work!"

He disappeared into the crowd.

Reporter: "Looks like we'll have to find someone else, "

But before she could finish, the same man returned.

Man: "Wait, did you say Tony Stark?"

Reporter (startled): "Uh… yes?"

Man: "Alright, I'll say a few words."

The reporter nodded quickly and raised her mic.

Reporter: "Are you aware of the situation surrounding Mr. Tony Stark's disappearance?"

Man: "Of course! I used to see him on the gossip rags all the time, always dating Hollywood actresses."

Man: "Sometimes even two at once!"

Man: "Now there's no gossip to read. Boring!"

Man: "Hope he's okay and comes back soon."

Reporter (awkwardly): "Uh… Thank you for your... well wishes, sir."