Chapter 40: Ace’s Observation

Dame Wasp soon shared a list of character names that would make a perfect addition to her master’s cursed toybox using the status screen. However, going through the list, Ace frowned, not because most of the characters suggested by Dame Wasp were male but because all the listed characters were overpowered characters of their fictional universe wielding reality manipulation or space manipulation abilities. 

Before Ace could say something, Dame Wasp explained the reason why her list primarily focused on characters with reality and space manipulation abilities, ‘Master, I believe that these characters will be the best fit for our family because their abilities will move you and your relatives to safety to different space or dimension in case of threat.’ 

Reality or space manipulation abilities would take a load off Ace’s mind about his family’s safety when enemies come knocking on the door. The more Ace thought about it, the more he liked the idea of adding a toy that could hide him and his family in a different space in case of a threat he could not handle. 

However, Ace worried that the curse core (humanoid form) would not be compatible with the toys’ of these characters. He believed this because of his previous experience animating Dame Wasp. The curse core he used to create her was of Wasp form. Dame Wasp had a humanoid form, but her abilities were those of a wasp. 

Because of this observation, Ace believed the curse core’s form didn’t suggest compatibility with the appearance of a toy but the ability of a toy. So, he judged a toy with the prowess of a humanoid would be more compatible with the curse core (humanoid form) than a humanoid toy. 

‘Rose, I like where’s your head at, but…’ Ace informed Dame Wasp about his observation, explaining his worry that just any humanoid toy wouldn’t be compatible with curse core (humanoid form). 

‘I think your observation has merit to it, master,’ After some contemplation, Dame Wasp agreed with Ace. Then, she added, ‘We can verify our doubts by checking the compatibility of the curse core (humanoid form) with the action figures of these characters.’ 

‘I, too, was thinking that,’ Ace agreed with Dame Wasp. He, too, believed he needed to check the compatibility of the curse core (humanoid form) with select action figures. Ace hoped he was wrong because he wanted his next toy summons to have reality or space manipulation abilities. Then, he ordered Dame Wasp, ‘Rose, check if any stores selling action figures are open at his hour in this town.’ 

Dame Wasp performed the search and replied, ‘Yes, master, there is. The town has a mart that’s open till 11 p.m. They have a section for action figures and dolls.’ 

‘Aren’t we in luck? Let us head there after dinner,’ Ace decided, as this was important for him to understand the abilities of his innate curse tool. 

With a plan in his mind, Ace headed downstairs to join his family for dinner. While heading to the dining table, he heard voices coming from the backyard, where he found his parents and relatives gathered by the brick pizza oven built by the grill station. They were having homemade brick oven pizza for dinner. No wonder Danny did not wait for him. 

“Ace, you are here,” Mandy greeted Ace, handing him a plate with a slice of pepperoni pizza. The cheese oozed from its edges and was topped generously with pepperoni.

Ace noticed while others had their fingers stained with cheese and bread dust, Mandy seemed to have waited specifically for him. Even his mother hadn’t bothered to wait for him, but Mandy did. Feeling it would not be right to reject her, he took the plate and thanked her, “Thank you, Mandy.” 

“Don’t mention it,” Mandy said with a charming smile. Seeing Ace resist her bold approach, she tried the innocent approach, as he appeared to be a mama’s boy. Ever since she was rejected by him she decided to seriously up her game, going as far as to spend an hour and a half to select the perfect dress for a homely look. After all, preparation and patience were integral in stud hunting. 

“Mandy, pass the oregano,” Danny requested, only to receive a glare and a cold reply, “Wait.” Mandy then gently asked Ace, “Do you want some oregano?”

Danny frowned and asked Mary, “Auntie, are you seeing this?” 

“Here, have your oregano fatty,” Mandy said in annoyance, throwing the oregano dispenser at her nephew.

“Mom, she called me fat,” Danny caught the dispenser with ease, and with a grin, he complained to Pam. 

“Mandy, he’s not fat. He is healthy,” Pam did not appear to believe what she said. 

“Son, it would not kill you to exercise more,” Dan said as he brought a freshly baked pizza out of the oven and placed it at the center of the dining patio table. He had harsher words in mind, but he toned down because his wife did not like him talking like that to their son. Out of fear for his wife, he didn’t dare to compare their son with their nephew either. 

“Dan, not now, let him eat,” Pam warned her husband not to hound their son. She felt their son was fine as he was. For someone who was a model, looks didn’t seem to matter to Pam. Otherwise, she would not have married Dan, a redneck rancher. Well, Dan was a lot more handsome two decades ago. Even now, he was in great shape for someone his age. 

“Dad, can I borrow your car to visit the mart in the town? I need to buy a few undergarments for the week,” Ace said, sitting next to his mother, who was not bothered by Mandy’s attention toward him. That may be because Mandy had toned down her charm, especially with her pink floral-printed western shirt dress. She looked more like the girl next door than the head cheerleader. Ace could not help but sneak a few peek at her. He was very subtle about it, but Mandy caught him in the act and pretended not to notice. 

“I will drive you there. Your mom and I, too, need to buy some stuff,” Alwin said, recalling he too needed to buy undergarments for the week. 

“Al, can I tag along?” Mandy asked, only to be rejected by Mary, “Mandy, honey, just tell me what you need, and I will get it for you.” 

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