“Besides the AI, Tony’s flight system in his Iron Man suit is impressive too,” Rowan mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

The Iron Man armor was far too expensive to be viable in the Swallowed Star world. But for martial artists below planetary level, flight was out of reach.

If he could integrate a flight system into their combat suits, it would dramatically boost their mobility and combat potential.

At the very least, their chances of survival would increase by thirty percent.

And martial artists were not short on money. They would never skimp on tools that could save their lives.

“Perfect. Next up: sell AI and flight systems,” Rowan said, punching his palm in decision.

“But not yet. I’ll have to wait until I become a martial artist myself. Otherwise, I might not live to see the profits.”

He smiled wryly to himself.

Of course, becoming a martial artist didn’t guarantee safety either.

The Security Bureau did protect martial artists’ rights, but when enough money was involved, even the state might want a slice of the pie. Or worse take it all.

Rowan planned to join the Limit Martial Hall once he reached that level.

Hong’s reputation was solid and trustworthy. Sharing the tech with the Hall in a 50/50 split was his safest and smartest option.

He might even be able to get a sample of dragon’s blood from Hong.

After jotting down his latest business idea, Rowan resumed his training, practicing the Basic Ten Forms.

Originally, he had planned to visit the martial hall every three days for guidance from Instructor Wu. But now that he had Friday the AI he figured he could wait a little longer.

The morning passed quickly.

Exhausted, Rowan soaked himself in a hot medicinal bath.

The water had turned a deep purple hue.

Today’s formula was meant to boost physical strength, far more potent than the last one.

Rowan could feel a slight stinging sensation on his skin.

As he lay back in the tub, the discomfort spread gradually through his pores, reaching every muscle fiber and even down to the bone.

It wasn’t painful exactly more like the prickling itch of a mosquito bite.

Still, it was enough to make him want a nap.

And so, he climbed into bed and drifted off almost instantly.

Outside, the light slowly faded.

By the time Rowan woke again, the discomfort was gone.

In its place was a wave of strength clean, full, overflowing.

His entire body felt energized, as if it were bursting with raw power.

A grin spread across his face.

Even without testing, he knew his physical condition had significantly improved.

“This weekend, I’ll head to the martial hall for a full test. Maybe I’ve finally reached the level of an advanced trainee,” he said with a hopeful smile.

After checking the time, Rowan got dressed and headed to the warehouse.

Inside, a fresh shipment of Kroluminum alloy had arrived.

He had placed the order with the HR Union the day before.

This batch would be the foundation of KRO Industries’ first official product exhibition.

Rowan snapped his fingers. A swirling black-blue vortex opened and swallowed him and the Kroluminum in an instant.

The next moment, they reappeared in the warehouse in the Marvel world.

Rowan glanced at his ring and was pleasantly surprised.

Six gems were still glowing.

“So this trip didn’t drain any additional energy,” he murmured.

He looked at the alloy beside him.

There were 1,000 kilograms of Grade 2 and 200 kilograms of Grade 3 Kroluminum.

The total volume wasn’t huge.

“Maybe the portal only uses more energy when it has to scale up in size?” he guessed.

Last time, he had transported an enormous amount of rice that probably explained the heavier energy drain.

“Well, that’s good news.”

He made a mental note to run more tests later.

Glancing at the clock, Rowan realized Maria Hill would be off work soon, so he hopped in his car and headed back toward S.H.I.E.L.D.

But just as he arrived downstairs, his phone buzzed.

Maria Hill had sent a message.

“Make a few extra dishes tonight. I’m bringing Sharon over for dinner.”

“…Seriously?”

Rowan stared at the text, lips twitching.

His sister sure moved fast.

What choice did he have? Orders from the boss had to be followed.

He swung the car around and drove to the nearest supermarket, where he loaded up an entire basket of fresh ingredients.

Back at the apartment, Rowan washed and sorted everything, and in less than an hour, he had four dishes ready to go.

Just as he was making soup with leftover celery leaves, he heard the door open.

Peeking out of the kitchen, he saw Maria Hill leading Sharon Carter inside.

“Rowan, I’m back. This is Sharon.”

Hill beamed as she greeted him.

“Hi, I’m Sharon,” the young woman said a bit nervously, standing behind Maria.

“Nice to meet you, Sharon. I’m Rowan. Welcome,” he said with a smile, still holding a spatula and wearing an apron.

Sharon couldn’t help giggling.

She had always seen Rowan as cool and aloof mysterious, even. But seeing him like this? Apron on, stirring soup?

It was completely unexpected. And oddly endearing.

“Haha! Sharon, doesn’t he look hilarious in that apron?” Maria teased as she took off her shoes.

Sharon smiled, eyes gleaming. “Yeah, a little.”

Rowan shot Maria a look. “You two chat. The soup’s almost done.”

He shut the kitchen’s glass door and went back to work.

Sharon took a deep sniff and her eyes lit up. “It smells amazing!”

“Right? My brother’s cooking is really good. You’ll see,” Maria said as she handed Sharon a pair of house slippers.

“I’m excited!”

Soon, Rowan emerged with a steaming bowl of celery and egg drop soup.

Maria and Sharon were already laughing and watching TV on the couch.

“Did you wash your hands? Come on, dinner’s ready!”

At his call, both women jumped up and sat at the table.

“Sharon, try Rowan’s food,” Maria said, handing her a pair of chopsticks.

“Do you know how to use these?” Rowan asked, watching her.

Most Westerners didn’t.

“I do.” Sharon smiled gently, holding the chopsticks in a neat, practiced grip.

Maria grinned. “Of course she does. She probably practiced at home for weeks.”

Sharon blushed instantly.

Ever since Maria had told her Rowan only ate Chinese food, she’d been practicing with chopsticks and even learning to cook some dishes herself.

They weren’t great yet, but at least she could manage the basics.

Rowan pretended not to notice Maria’s teasing and calmly picked up a piece of braised pork ribs, placing it into Sharon’s bowl.

Sharon took a bite, and her eyes widened.

Words failed her. She just kept chewing, savoring every bite, face filled with wonder.

“This is delicious!” she finally exclaimed, reluctantly swallowing.

“If you like it, eat as much as you want,” Maria said with a smile, placing a piece of beef brisket into Sharon’s bowl.

Sharon took a bite and didn’t speak another word.

She was too busy eating.

Maria dug in too, her appetite no less fierce than Sharon’s. She still found time to crack jokes, though, teasing Sharon until the girl’s face turned red.

Rowan, ever the stoic, pretended not to hear any of it, occasionally placing another piece of meat in Sharon’s bowl.

By the end of the meal, every dish had been wiped clean.

Even though Rowan ate slowly, he had eaten more than anyone.

His appetite had nearly doubled since his training began.

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep