Chapter 299: Awakening Martial Spirits
"Well then—thank you, oh great one," Tony said dramatically, sweeping into an exaggerated bow. The others followed, playfully mocking a royal court, bowing with grand gestures.
Dave blinked, then slowly stood up, chin tilted high, hands on his hips like a pompous noble. "Yes, bow before me, mortals," he declared in an exaggerated, haughty tone.
There was a moment of silence... before they all broke into laughter.
Even Bucky cracked a grin. Natasha chuckled under her breath. Bruce shook his head, amused. Steve crossed his arms, smirking. Shuri covered her mouth, trying not to giggle. And Tony? He was already pretending to knight Dave with a stick like it was Excalibur.
"Arise, Lord Contract-Guy," he intoned.
Dave sighed but grinned anyway. For a group of adults trapped in kids’ bodies, in a completely different world... it felt good to laugh. Even if just for a moment.
Two days passed, and now the group followed the old man toward the ancient temple on the northern side of the village. It was here that the Spirit Master would awaken their Martial Spirits.
As they were nearing the temple, a man suddenly swooped down from the sky with large eagle-like wings on his back.
"Welcome, Spirit Master Mo Chen!" the old man greeted as he handed the newcomer a gourd.
Mo Chen took it with a grin and took a big gulp. "You never disappoint, old man. All my tiredness vanished in one sip!" he said cheerfully, clearly used to this ritual.
"Alright, old man, I still have a village to get to and awaken Martial Spirits for the kids," Mo Chen added, returning the empty gourd.
The old man nodded and opened the large doors to the temple.