Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 143: Don't Overhype Your Kung Fu

So, during dinner, Alvin, playing the chef, whipped up a feast, and everyone was digging the grub he made.

Joseph's fam was there too. Joseph even threw out the idea to Alvin about adding some new dishes to the menu.

Word on the street is that Hellfire Boulevard is leaning into that Celestia Federation vibe lately, and anything tied to Celestia Federation is hot right now. Robert, the supermarket guy, even set up a supply chain for Celestia Federation knick-knacks and is raking in the dough!

Alvin wasn’t too jazzed about adding new dishes—not 'cause he couldn’t, but 'cause it’s a hassle. Anyone who's slogged in a Celestia Federation kitchen would dodge it if they could; it’s a grind!

Alvin’s got bigger fish to fry in the future, so who’s got time to mess around in the kitchen every day? Plus, you can’t make everyone happy, and Alvin’s not about to change his cooking style for anyone!

During the meal, Alvin noticed Samuel had become a hero to Nick and Peter. The two kids kept bugging him about martial arts moves.

Samuel was loving the attention, always acting like some grandmaster and using fancy tricks to impress the gullible kids.

Celestia Federation’s martial arts were getting trashed by guys like Samuel, and Alvin couldn’t stand it. Samuel was just spewing nonsense. If his lies got busted, it’d trash the rep of Celestia Federation martial arts.

"Hey, Samuel, you got those killer moves down you were talking about? After dinner, let’s spar so I can see when you’ll become the top dog?" Alvin teased Samuel.

Before Samuel could say anything, Nick jumped in, giving Alvin a dirty look, "Alvin, don’t make me lose respect for you. How can you, a Celestia Federation guy, be so clueless? What Samuel’s practicing isn’t what you think.

You disrespect Samuel, and he’ll show you what’s up later!"

Alvin was fuming. Nick was totally under Samuel’s spell.

Grabbing Nick’s ear, Alvin growled, "Disrespecting your old man isn’t cool. With that dumb look on your face, you’ll never get martial arts right. Starting tomorrow, you’re running with me to get in shape."

Nick squirmed and whined, "My leg’s messed up!"

Alvin grinned wickedly, "Then stay in your room and do your homework. That doesn’t need legs!"

Nick groaned in defeat, looking at his dad, who was clearly enjoying this. He muttered, "Alright, alright, my leg’s fine!"

Alvin, pleased, ruffled Nick’s hair and turned to Samuel, saying seriously, "I don’t know if you really know Celestia Federation martial arts, but don’t go bragging. Keep it real.

If you talk straight about Celestia Federation martial arts, it stays cool and powerful. But if you brag and get caught, it looks like a scam, and people will always think it’s a con!"

Samuel felt a bit rebellious at first, but after hearing Alvin, he gave a respectful nod and said earnestly, "Got it, boss. I should take a page from the real martial artists and stick to the truth! I promise, folks will only see the real strength of Celestia Federation martial arts from me!"

Samuel paused, hesitated for a sec, then gave a serious bow to Peter and Nick, saying, "Sorry, I was kinda showing off before. If you guys are really into Celestia Federation martial arts, we can totally swap ideas.

Celestia Federation martial arts are legit powerful. Even though I was bragging a bit, trust me, they can handle most folks out there!"

Alvin nodded, satisfied. Samuel still had some martial artist vibe, and maybe Alvin could pick up a thing or two from him. In future scraps, win or lose, at least he'd look cool doing it!

Ginny was being held by Peter. This little girl had recently become obsessed with Peter and was super jealous of his web-shooting skills. She grabbed Peter's wrist and shot a web onto the ceiling, who knows why?

Peter went along with it, helplessly. This girl was like the little princess of the house, even daring to pinch the principal's nose. How could a small fry like him stand a chance?

Seeing Peter's look, Alvin chuckled, scooped Ginny into his arms, and said with a grin, "Time to eat! Little princess, if you don't eat, you won't grow tall!"

Everyone was pretty happy with the meal!

After dinner, Joseph's family was the first to bounce. Peter and Nick headed to the attic; Peter had to tutor Nick, and he wasn't gonna miss this golden chance for some payback.

Gwen had once begged to do this job herself. She always wanted to teach Nick a lesson but got scared off by Nick's collection of creepy bugs. But Peter wasn’t scared; usually, bugs should be scared of him.

In a good mood, Alvin wrapped an arm around Megan's waist and happily drank with Steve and the others.

Showing off his girlfriend in front of single dudes was one of Alvin's favorite pastimes. Seeing the looks in Steve and Frank's eyes, Alvin downed two more beers.

Megan punched Alvin in the waist, rolled her eyes at him, and went to coax Ginny upstairs. She had bought a ton of clothes for Ginny while shopping today and wanted Ginny to try them on.

Ginny always dressed like a farm girl, which was a no-go. Alvin's fashion sense was seriously lacking!

Jessica saw Alvin and the others chatting happily, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alvin, I saw Matt while shopping today. He’s changed a lot. Aren’t you guys friends? Why doesn’t he come around anymore?"

Alvin was caught off guard for a moment, then ruffled Jessica's hair and said with a smile, "Maybe Matt’s got stuff going on, maybe he’s busy, maybe he’s dealing with some issues, who knows?

I always thought he was a solid friend, and I bet you think the same.

He’s a good guy, but whether he still sees us as friends isn’t up to us!"

Jessica nodded, kinda getting it, and said softly, "Matt’s a good guy. He’s helped a lot of people. I hope he’s still a friend!"

Alvin hugged her shoulders and said with a smile, "Don’t overthink it. Being friends takes two. Just 'cause he’s a good guy and we’re good people doesn’t mean we have to be friends!

Even though I do think that way, that guy can be really dumb sometimes!

And stubborn as a mule!"