Ding! Congratulations to the host on a successful registration!
Reward received: Common White - Omnitrix transformation time increased by ten seconds (current total: 5 minutes and 10 seconds)!
Although it was the most basic of White tier rewards, Asher couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Every second of additional transformation time could mean the difference between life and death in combat situations.
"Perfect timing," he breathed out in relief.
The flashing Omnitrix symbol on Heatblast's chest suddenly dimmed, and the Pyronite felt a surge of gratitude as he accelerated toward a nearby alley. In just a few seconds, he had covered the remaining distance and landed safely behind a row of buildings.
Flash!
A brilliant burst of green light filled the narrow space as the transformation ended.
Asher emerged from the alley with obvious relief, glancing down at the now-red Omnitrix strapped to his wrist. "I have to be more careful with my timing," he muttered. "If the transformation had ended while I was still in the air, it would have been a very short superhero career."
Ding! Host, you can now view detailed information about the Omnitrix!
"Additional information?" Asher asked curiously.
The moment he spoke, a translucent interface materialized in his field of vision!
Host: Asher Tennyson
Age: 10
Omnitrix Status: Transformation time: 5 minutes and 10 seconds (with cooldown), ultimate functions locked, partial alien DNA database loaded.
Available Transformations: Heatblast (enhanced with Fire Fist Ace abilities), Four Arms, Diamondhead (enhanced combat techniques), Ripjaws, Wildmutt, XLR8, Ghostfreak, Stinkfly, Upgrade, Grey Matter
His entire status was laid out in clear, organized detail.
"This is actually quite useful," Asher said approvingly. But how did he close it?
The moment that thought crossed his mind, the interface immediately disappeared. The system was responding to his mental commands, very convenient indeed.
"Asher, are you okay?"
Max's concerned voice called from the alley entrance. The veteran had followed to check on his grandson.
"I'm fine, Grandpa. Let's go back," Asher replied, joining Max as they walked back to the Rust Bucket.
Inside the RV, the television was broadcasting news of the four robbers giving what the reporters diplomatically called "confused statements" to the police. A small ticker at the bottom of the screen mentioned unrelated news about "citizens reporting sightings of unusual aerial phenomena.
"Asher, when you were dealing with those robbers, did you use this technique?" Ben asked excitedly, making punching movements with his fists. "You know, the one where you shot fire out of your fingers?"
"Fire Fist," Asher corrected amusedly.
"Yeah, Fire Fist!" Ben said eagerly. "That was so cool!"
"Actually, no. I was very restrained with ordinary people," Asher explained with a gentle smile. "I'm not the type to use excessive force, even against criminals."
He turned to Max with curiosity. "Grandpa, where are we going now?"
"To the nearest shopping center," Max replied cheerfully. "We need to stock up on supplies and necessities."
"Finally!" Ben couldn't contain his enthusiasm, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Asher, Gwen, how much pocket money did you bring? We should buy some real food and keep it in the RV so we don't have to eat Grandpa's... experimental cuisine."
"I only have a few dollars," Gwen admitted helplessly.
"Actually, I don't think Grandpa's cooking is that bad once you get used to it," Asher said, trying his best to keep a natural expression on his face.
Both Ben and Gwen stared at him as if he'd grown a second head.
"But don't worry," Asher added quickly, "I'll contribute some of my savings to buy supplies."
Five minutes later...
The Rust Bucket pulled into a parking lot near the entrance of a medium-sized shopping center. The building seemed well stocked with everything they might need for their extended road trip.
All four climbed out and headed for the automatic doors.
As they approached the entrance, Max said confidently, "Asher, I'll go over and pick out some specialty foods. You three can explore the other sections."
"Sure, Grandpa," Asher replied, watching as Max grabbed a shopping cart and headed toward a certain area of the store. The moment Asher saw where his grandfather was going, his eye involuntarily twitched.
"Is Grandpa going to the fresh food section?" Gwen asked innocently.
"No," Asher said with barely concealed fear.
"This is the pet supply aisle."
"WHAT?!"
Ben and Gwen's panicked exclamations echoed through the store's entrance in perfect unison.
Soon, the three cousins found themselves in the snack aisle, filling their carts with potato chips, crackers, chocolate-covered nuts, and whatever else their combined budgets could afford.
As they passed a display of Sumo Slammer trading cards bundled with chip purchases, Ben stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hey Asher," Ben asked hopefully, "could you maybe turn into one of your aliens and help me find a specific card? There's this rare Sumo Slammer that I really want!"
"I could do that, but..."
As Asher's hand moved to the Omnitrix, he suddenly remembered the morning's news report.
Citizens claiming to have seen giant creatures.
This mall...
He looked around the store with growing unease.
Someone's going to attack this place! The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. Although it had been more than ten years since he'd seen the original series, he still vaguely remembered this particular plot!
Not far from the mall...
A bizarre figure wearing a spiked helmet sat atop a frog the size of a small building, approaching the civilian target with obvious malicious intent.
"I'll show you all the awesome power of my latest invention!" Dr. Animo cackled maniacally as his giant mutant frog bounded toward the unsuspecting mall.