Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 106: Wisdom is More Important Than Strength

Alvin was half-listening, not really giving a damn. He told the Ghost Wolves on patrol to watch out for any vamps sneaking into Hellfire Boulevard and then shrugged it off.

What really caught his eye were those weirdos with turtle shells on their backs. If they were who he thought they were, man, that'd be a blast. They were straight outta his childhood memories!

Seeing Peter all bandaged up, Alvin grinned and said, "Hey kid, I'll have Elbert call your uncle soon. You're crashing here with Elbert for the summer until Ben sorts out his living situation. Then you can head back.

Your grades ain't bad. Help me with Nick's summer school and keep up with your own stuff. I'll check in at the end of the break!

You don't wanna let me down, right?"

Right then, the TV was showing Alvin chopping off Abomination's head, making him look like a total badass.

Peter couldn't even look at Alvin. He wanted to say something but was too scared. Spending the whole summer with Elbert? He'd lose his mind!

Alvin chuckled and said, "Got something to say? Spit it out. I'm not a tyrant; I'm fair!"

Peter sneaked a peek at Alvin and mumbled, "I had plans to intern at the Osborn Group with Ian Phillips and Gwen this summer. It'd be really good for me!"

Alvin cracked his neck, patted Peter's fresh bandage, and smiled, "I think working at my restaurant would be way better for your future, right, Peter?

You can bring those two along. And like I said, I'm fair. I'll pay you guys $5 an hour. Fair deal, right?"

Peter felt like he was gonna pee his pants. Alvin was terrifying. Almost on autopilot, he nodded and agreed. Then he covered his face, feeling like he just screwed over his buddy Ian and the new girl Gwen. They'd definitely hate him!

Elbert went to call Ben. Peter was hurt and shouldn't go home yet, plus keeping his identity under wraps was a good idea. Ben needed to know, but only after Peter was better.

Peter was still a kid and shouldn't get too caught up in the outside world. Wanna be a superhero? Sure, after you get into college!

Jenny tugged on Alvin's nose, making him watch the TV, where a messy-looking Tony was being interviewed.

Tony was ogling the reporter's neckline and talking crap, acting like he took down that ugly monster all by himself.

Alvin figured Tony must've cut some deal with the military, but whatever. It wasn't his problem anymore. But Tony calling him a "hot-headed do-gooder" really ticked him off. He'd get back at him later!

Putting Jenny on the bar counter, Alvin smiled and said, "How about Daddy takes you on a trip?

We can drive to Los Angeles and have a blast on the way. Sound good?"

Jenny was so pumped she grabbed Alvin's ear, kissed his cheek, and yelled, "GO GO GO, let's go on a trip!"

Nick, standing nearby, was so jealous his eyes turned red. He looked at Alvin and shouted, "Take me with you, or I'll mess up the store."

Alvin laughed and poked Nick's chest, saying, "Kid, you need to get moving this summer. Tony told me once you get used to the prosthetic, you can run.

I've got a big job for you: keep an eye on Peter and his friends.

You're the head of the waitstaff now. Make sure they don't slack off!"

Nick felt important for once. He looked at Peter, who was hiding his face, and nodded seriously at Alvin, gritting his teeth like a determined foreman, saying, "No problem, leave it to me! I'll make sure they work hard!" Then Nick bumped fists with Alvin, sealing the deal.

Jenny wiggled around, wanting to get down and play. Alvin opened his mouth wide, pretending to chomp on her, making Jenny laugh and squirm to get away.

He put her down, and she darted over to Peter, making funny gestures and sounds at him.

Peter glanced at Jenny. Having a cute little fan was kinda nice, but thinking about his outfit earlier, he sighed. What a crappy day!

Alvin grabbed a box of cigars from behind the bar, gave the guys a nod, and headed outside. With kids and injured folks inside, smoking there was a no-go.

Outside, Steve was puffing on a cigar, looking all gloomy. "What's up with this world? Why are there such freaky monsters? Or am I just getting old?"

Alvin looked at him and said, "Nah, man. No one's outdated if they're willing to learn.

That thing wasn't even that scary. If you're ready, it's a piece of cake!"

Elbert nodded, "Yeah, with some prep, taking that thing down is no biggie. It ain't too bright!"

Steve thought for a sec, then nodded, "You're right. Brains over brawn, but the casualties in these sudden attacks are too high!"

Alvin grinned, "Let others worry about that. Someone's gotta handle it. Trust me, that thing would've been toast even if I wasn't there today!"

Elbert agreed. "Yeah, I've seen military teams that handle this kind of stuff.

But I think what Ethan's working on is still needed. If something like that happens near the school, we gotta be ready!"

Alvin took a deep drag on his cigar and smiled, "That'd be our last line of defense. Hopefully, we won't need it."

Steve looked puzzled, "Do you know something? Why would Lincoln Valley School need this kind of security?"

Alvin shrugged, "I got a persecution complex. Always worried about aliens attacking Earth!

Hope it's just a bad dream, but who knows~"

Steve could tell Alvin was holding back, but he knew Alvin wasn't a bad guy. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken over Lincoln Valley School, helped those kids, or fought that monster today.

Plus, Steve thought life was pretty awesome now. He had a bunch of kids to train.

Sometimes, he got to deal with cool stuff like today. He even heard Alvin and Jack talking about vampires earlier. He'd taken down a few himself.

If all this was true, life at the school could be pretty exciting!

Steve laughed, "Why are you heading to Los Angeles? Really just for a trip?"

Alvin laughed, "Partly. I also got a debt to collect. Been too busy lately, so now that I got some free time, I'm going personally!"

Steve was still curious, but Jack pulled him aside and filled him in.

Elbert walked up to Alvin, pulled out a sheathed whaling fork, and grinned wickedly, "Give him a stab for me. Don't let that bastard die too easy!"

Alvin took the knife, smirking, "Yes, sir! I'll make sure he suffers!"

After Jack's explanation, Steve looked at Alvin and Elbert. Just hearing their convo, they sounded like they belonged in jail. They were scary!

Steve grinned and muttered, "The kids are really lucky!"