"Unbelievable, it's just like a dream!"
"My body feels so light… it's like I'm walking on clouds!"
On the road.
Peter Parker, wearing roller skates, moved like the wind, impossibly light and full of joy.
His increased strength, improved appearance, and enhanced mind brought obvious changes.
At school, his grades rose steadily, and regardless of what his classmates thought, his teachers certainly liked him more.
His improved looks made him more popular; both boys and girls were more eager to talk with him.
Several rosy-cheeked, adorably cute girls even approached him on their own, chatting and playing with him. These experiences gave little Peter a sense of happiness he had never felt before.
But none of them were as good-looking as Rimuru. It would be perfect if Rimuru's personality weren't so awful—always forcing him to wear women's clothes.
Thinking of women's clothes, Peter's little face immediately flushed.
The image of Mei Dai Parker flashed uncontrollably in his mind!
What happened in the villa that day would forever remain the black history of his life!
Especially when he remembered that Rimuru had lied to him, claiming that cross-dressing required a "ritual" to become stronger, making him perform all sorts of cute and embarrassing actions… the shame and resentment nearly made him want to die on the spot.
The worst part was that Rimuru even took photos—claiming it was for "documentation"!
When he asked Rimuru to delete them, that terrible person responded:"Why should I delete photos taken with skill?"
Infuriating!
How could such a shameless, despicable person exist in the world?
Even sadder was the fact that he couldn't beat Rimuru and couldn't outsmart her.
Truly a tragic tale.
With his sharper mind and more meticulous thinking, Peter Parker also understood that the reason he became stronger was because Rimuru had given him the name Mei Dai.
The entire cross-dressing ritual was likely Rimuru's twisted sense of humor… but he couldn't be 100% sure.
According to Rimuru, wearing women's clothes to become stronger was a talent that 999% of people did not have.
The reason he needed to cross-dress supposedly came from ancient Eastern philosophy in the "I Ching":"Pure yang does not grow, pure yin does not endure; yin and yang together form the Way."
Since he was male, wearing women's clothes and taking a female name harmonized yin and yang, achieving the state of "unity between heaven and man."
Naming was simply the final step of the ritual—crucial, but everything before it was equally necessary.
Peter did not believe a single punctuation mark of this.
Rimuru even gave him an example:He was growing and needed bread, an egg, and milk to feel full.He only felt full after drinking the milk, but that didn't mean the bread and egg weren't important.
At the time Rimuru said this, he was so earnest that it didn't sound like a lie at all.
Worst of all, Peter felt that it actually made sense.
He was a science believer. He once visited a space exhibition and saw rocket models.
The last step of a rocket launch is ignition, but that doesn't mean only ignition matters.
But then he remembered Rimuru's awful personality and lies.I believe you're a ghost! You bad-taste maniac! You're terrible!
But if he didn't believe her… Peter would feel uneasy again.
According to Rimuru, his current power was forcibly "imparted," and his foundation was unstable—like rootless duckweed or a sandcastle.
Absolutely unacceptable!
He might even experience "realm regression" or a "massive drop in strength," and in the worst case… "qi deviation."
To prevent this, Rimuru specifically recommended several martial arts manuals for him—step by step, shallow to deep.
Ancient Eastern philosophy was still too difficult for Peter.
Learning too much at once was bad; the "I Ching" was the very last book he could attempt.
The first book he had to read was titled "Women's Clothes: From Beginner to Master."Rimuru said it would stabilize his realm and harmonize yin and yang.
This had to be Rimuru's bad taste. It had to be.But… what if it was true?
What if he avoided practicing it and actually suffered qi deviation?
Honestly, Peter Parker was a little panicked.
Power… it's fine not to have it.But once you possess it, you never want to lose it again.
Forest Hills.
Peter Parker's home.
As soon as he stepped inside, he smelled a refreshing aroma.
"Aunt May, I'm home!"
Peter called toward the kitchen while removing his roller skates.
"Peter's back. Dinner will be ready soon. Sit for a bit!"
"Okay!"
Peter's posture was relaxed, and his face was bright with joy.
Aunt May and Uncle Ben exchanged glances—both filled with relief.
Aunt May whispered, "Peter is getting more cheerful. He comes home clean now, no injuries. It seems he's no longer being bullied."
Ben nodded. "I heard he even made new friends. Thank God. This is the best news I've heard all year."
Aunt May peeked out and lowered her voice."Ben… have you noticed Peter suddenly becoming much fairer? Almost like a girl. The other day I was shocked. What do you think happened?"
Ben chuckled."Maybe it's because he made new friends. You know, there's only one reason a sloppy young man suddenly starts keeping himself clean."
Aunt May, having lived through it all, instantly understood and smiled."Peter's growing up."
Uncle Ben nodded approvingly.
Of course, they had no idea that "growing up" was not the only reason.
Kamar-Taj.
Mordo bowed deeply."Sorcerer Supreme, the New York Sanctum has found no source of the anomalous magic. I request permission to investigate personally."
The Ancient One, dressed in a bright yellow robe, shook her head."Mordo, you are too attached to appearances. That magical fluctuation, though different from any magic we've encountered, carries no evil intent. There is no need to pursue it."
But Mordo insisted."A missing horseshoe nail may lose a war. Light is light, shadow is shadow. Sorcerer Supreme, please grant my request!"
"Mordo," the Ancient One sighed softly, "the world is not black and white—most of it is gray. You may go."
"Thank you, Sorcerer Supreme!"
As Mordo left, the Ancient One shook her head.
Her eldest disciple had integrity but was far too rigid and inflexible.
If he had overwhelming power, it would be fine.But unfortunately, he was still far from carrying great responsibility.
It seemed it was time to consider finding a new successor.
"What kind of impact will magic from an entirely different source bring into this world…"