"If that's the case, wouldn't it have been better to make an exact copy of her current self instead of a version from her childhood?" Thor asked, unable to wrap his head around the logic.
"It's likely because a child has much more potential for growth," Tony mused, offering a guess of his own. "Rather than a carbon copy of yourself walking the same path, perhaps seeing a version of yourself take a completely different road provides more inspiration."
Their theories went unanswered by the little Herta puppet, who wasn't exactly in a merciful mood. Her job as their guide was essentially over anyway.
"This is the Herta Shop. There's quite a lot here—and, of course, there are some 'genuine treasures' that Madam Herta has authorized specifically for you."
In the middle of the empty, silver-gray space, a cylindrical pedestal rose from the floor, projecting a holographic screen clear enough for everyone to see.
The variety was staggering.
There were countless technological marvels from alien worlds, exotic flora and fauna, and even weapons and gear that spanned the spectrum from high-tech machinery to the arcane arts.
The group was momentarily dazzled. Each person stared at the screen in front of them, scrolling through the items one by one, before eventually tapping the 'Recommended for You' button out of curiosity.
The AI immediately pulled up items tailored to each individual based on its calculations.
For Dr. Banner, the recommendation was: The Champion's Bracer.
His initial reaction was pure confusion.
Did the AI think he needed a permanent wardrobe solution for his upper body after he transformed?
Did an AI even care about things like that? Soon, the description for the item flickered onto the screen.
[A bracer belonging to a boxing champion. Engraved upon it are the champion's trust and the promises made to a mentor who was like a mother to him.]
[The wearer of this Relic will see a massive increase in the impact of their strikes, growing more courageous and powerful as the battle rages on.]
A massive increase in striking power? Growing stronger the longer he fought? Something like this actually existed?
Banner's eyes widened.
"Oh, a Relic. Too bad you can't afford it," the little Herta remarked, catching a glimpse of Banner's stunned expression.
Only then did Banner look at his balance and the price tag.
6,000 / 22,000.
Ah... he was still sixteen thousand points short?
Truthfully, Banner hadn't cared much about combat prowess in the past; in his mind, it was a win if the Hulk didn't hurt anyone.
But the recent battle against Thanos and the realization of his future helplessness forced him to reconsider.
Combat ability... he desperately needed it.
Though he found it hard to tear his eyes away from the Relic, Banner maintained his composure and looked at the little Herta. "What exactly is a Relic?"
"Something Madam Herta acquired by chance. You don't need the technical details; just know that you can carry it with you," she replied. The puppet clearly wasn't cut out for a career in customer service.
"But it looks... a bit small for the Hulk's size, doesn't it?"
"A Relic isn't something you simply 'wear' on your body. It's a polymer of data streams. Once the data is saved and reconstructed, it forms what we call a Relic. All you need to know is that when you equip it, it merges into your own data stream and becomes a part of you."
The little Herta seemed annoyed at having to explain, which was understandable.
Even as an AI, she possessed the memories of Madam Herta's childhood. If anything, this AI was even more sharp-tongued and abrasive than the woman herself.
However, the explanation was enough. At least Banner knew he wouldn't look ridiculous wearing gear that didn't fit his image—it would have been as absurd as wearing a swimsuit to a formal battlefield.
The others were eavesdropping on the conversation as well. Regardless of their personal feelings, they knew it was wise to listen to what the little Herta had to say.
There was always a chance of catching a vital piece of information.
Banner looked longingly at his meager points, hesitating for a moment before deciding to keep saving up.
Rogers, on the other hand, didn't share Banner's hesitation.
Through his fight with Thanos, he had confirmed his own shortcomings.
Stats.
Plain and simple. In terms of combat technique, there was a gap between him and Thanos, but he could feel that gap closing as they clashed; his experience was skyrocketing.
Unfortunately, his body couldn't keep up with his spirit. No matter how unyielding or resilient Steve Rogers was mentally, he was ultimately limited by his physical shell.
The thought brought a bitter smile to his face.
Back in his day, anyone who saw his physical stats would have called him a freak of nature. Now, he found himself struggling just to trade blows with foot soldiers.
He was desperate for anything that could bolster his physical attributes.
Of course, improving his gear wouldn't hurt either.
His Vibranium shield was more than just a gift from his old friend Howard or a symbol of their friendship; it was an incredibly practical and powerful piece of equipment.
But against Thanos, the shield had clearly reached its limit.
To put it bluntly, the shield had been dented in multiple places, and some parts had even begun to crack.
The AI's recommendation for him made Rogers' eyes light up.
Valkyrie Serum, Type I.
[A technology created by Schicksal to protect the world from the shadows of evil organizations and otherworldly invasions. It allows ordinary girls to obtain physical capabilities far beyond human limits.]
[Although it is called the 'Valkyrie Serum,' its use is not restricted to females.]
As Rogers tapped the demonstration video, a girl who looked to be about fourteen appeared on the screen.
She proceeded to leap three stories high with a light hop, punch a hole the length of a forearm into a half-meter-thick reinforced concrete wall, and stop a speeding car with her bare hands without budging an inch.
And that was only the effect of Type I. According to the options, there were six subsequent upgrades, reaching all the way to Type VI.
More importantly, while Type II cost 6,000 points, there was a discount if you had already purchased Type I. The discount was exactly equal to the price of the first tier.
This progressive sales model felt very fair to Rogers, but he had one concern: would this react poorly with his system? After all, he already had the Super Soldier Serum in his veins.
Following the "ask if you don't know" rule, Rogers looked at the little Herta. "Miss Herta, if I've already been injected with a serum before, can I still use this Valkyrie Serum Type I?"
"Of course you can."
The puppet nodded.
Her confirmation put Rogers' mind at ease, and he made the purchase immediately.
A white cylinder rose from the floor near Rogers' feet, stopping at a height where he could easily reach it. On top sat a black box.
When Rogers picked it up and opened it, he saw a vial containing a transparent, light-blue solution resting inside.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.