[Quincy Cross]
[Bleach Universe 1/5]
[Creator: Soken Ishida]
[Core Component: Hawkeye's Collapsible Bow]
[Synthesis Materials: 1 Silver Cross Bracelet, 1 Miniature Energy Shaping Device]
[Item Description: The most basic symbol and weapon of a Quincy. A Quincy can use the Cross to condense their Reishi into a spiritual bow and fire arrows of spiritual energy. The design is simple and convenient to carry. However, the completeness of the bow and the power of its attacks depend entirely on the Quincy's own Reiatsu and Reishi control.]
[Tip: This is just a support item and a catalyst. A truly powerful Quincy can manifest a spiritual bow even with empty hands~]
Although I didn't just come here for this, what use is this to me?
Checking the panel that popped up on his System interface again, Luca sighed inwardly with a hint of resignation.
Of course, this wasn't the first time he had touched Hawkeye's collapsible bow. He was only taking it openly now because he had struck a deal with Nick Fury.
However, this 'Core Component' seemed like a bit of a dud to Luca.
Setting aside the item's power or research value, just the repeated mention of the term 'Quincy' on the panel killed most of his interest in synthesizing it.
I'm not a damn Quincy!
As one of the "Big Three" shonen manga, Luca had naturally watched Bleach.
But precisely because he had watched it, he didn't hold any unrealistic expectations for this item.
In the world of Bleach, being a Quincy was a profession that relied heavily on bloodline and heritage.
Although the ceiling for a Quincy was extremely high, relying solely on a [Quincy Cross] to figure out the system from scratch as a normal person would be harder than ascending to heaven.
Never mind whether 'Reishi'—spiritual particles—even existed as a basic energy form in the Marvel Universe. With the time it would take to research this, Luca would be better off diving into other fields.
Right now, even though Luca could breathe fire and shoot lightning in his dragon form, he hadn't even scratched the surface of true energy manipulation.
Rather than opening up a new field for myself, I might as well wait for Mitsuki's chakra experiments to bear fruit. Learning ninjutsu would be way more convenient...
I'll just synthesize it to fill out the collection. Who knows, maybe the Bleach universe has other good stuff.
As he walked out, Luca recalled the plot of Bleach from his memory.
Even though this [Quincy Cross] felt useless, Luca still planned to synthesize it once he got back.
After all, it only required two materials.
Silver cross bracelets were everywhere. As for the fancy-sounding 'Miniature Energy Shaping Device,' he had actually just used one in the longbow he gave Hawkeye.
Luca could just go back, rip one out of a mech's beam saber, and it should satisfy the System's requirements.
So, talk about bad luck. Did I influence the concept of 'condensation' on Clint because I gave him an energy bow?
Otherwise, what on earth do Clint and Uryū Ishida have in common?
Luca was still muttering to himself as he walked out, but just as he turned the corner, he saw two familiar figures walking toward him.
It was Nick Fury and Tony Stark.
No wonder the Black Egg hasn't shown his face. I thought he was avoiding me because I was discovered.
But hasn't Tony been all mysterious lately, saying he's working on some big project? Why is he at S.H.I.E.L.D.?
At that moment, the two men, who seemed to be arguing, hadn't noticed Luca walking out from around the corner.
Even from a distance, Luca could vaguely hear them talking about 'protection,' 'armor,' and the like.
But his focus wasn't on their conversation.
No white light on the eyepatch, and his guard is down? No need to guess. I'll just use you to collect some data!
With that thought, Luca quietly pressed a ring on his left hand.
Seeing the green bar on the ring slowly begin to fill, he decided to stomp his feet a bit louder and walk openly toward the two of them.
Hearing the footsteps, the two men stopped talking and noticed Luca's arrival.
They immediately fell silent, and their expressions softened slightly.
"Oh? Don't mind me, just passing through~"
Of course, while Luca said 'passing through,' his feet showed no intention of moving.
He might as well have said, 'Let me hear what you guys are gossiping about.'
Nick Fury didn't seem to mind Luca's behavior.
Glancing at the collapsible bow in Luca's hand, he asked proactively—whether to change the subject or out of genuine concern for his subordinate.
"It looks like Barton is very satisfied with his new weapon?"
The other party offered a topic, and Luca didn't want to leave yet. It was a perfect match.
Luca responded enthusiastically.
"Of course. But let's be clear upfront. You know the cost of that thing. I'm not planning to set up a production line for mass manufacturing. I'll take full responsibility for the maintenance and upgrades of Clint's bow, but that's it!"
"Relax. Even within S.H.I.E.L.D., Barton is the only one who uses a bow. Besides, our budget is tight right now; we have no plans for bulk purchases."
Hearing this, Luca mentally rolled his eyes.
But seeing that the green bar on his ring wasn't even half full, he had to keep the conversation going with idle chatter.
However, after just a few sentences, Luca suddenly realized something. Why was a certain someone so quiet today?
He turned his head to look at Tony, who hadn't said a word the entire time.
And with just one look...
Luca's face immediately took on a peculiar expression.
"Tony..."
"Don't come any closer, kid!"
Tony, who had been keeping a straight face and trying to minimize his presence, immediately dodged with his eyes and tried to back away when he saw Luca shift his attention.
But how could he be faster than Luca, who had been intensifying his physical training lately?
He barely took half a step back before Luca grabbed his arm.
The moment he made contact, Luca immediately noticed that the texture under his hand didn't feel right.
Before Luca could speak...
The next instant...
The figure of 'Tony Stark' in front of him began to flicker erratically.
Immediately after, the holographic disguise rapidly faded, revealing what was hidden beneath the projection...
A Mark suit armor...
"No, Tony... what the hell are you doing?"
Looking at the Mark suit he was holding by the wrist, and recalling the familiar holographic disguise, Luca was speechless, black lines practically forming on his forehead.
Even Nick Fury stared blankly, clearly caught off guard as well.
But before Fury could say anything...
An angry child's voice came from the suit.
"It's all because of you, kid!! Pepper still hasn't given me the antidote!"