Chapter 30: Perks and a Poor Matt

Before long, they arrived at Carl's apartment. Carl turned to Erika with a soft smile. 『God of Mankind』: So, what do you think? 『Erika』: This is... unbelievable! She had never imagined Carl wasn't joking, or just indulging in some delusional fantasy. He really did have superpowers. He could fly! Seeing was believing. None of Carl's earlier explanations compared to the moment he swept her into the air in his arms. 『God of Mankind』: Something like that. Carl shrugged casually, unfazed by her amazement. 『Erika』: How did you even get powers like that? When did it start? 『God of Mankind』: A few days ago. 『God of Mankind』: They just... showed up out of nowhere. 『Erika』: Ugh, I'm so jealous! She had always loved martial arts and combat, otherwise, she wouldn't have trained so hard to begin with. Now knowing Carl had actual powers only made her admiration stronger. Carl smiled and headed to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of red wine. Just then, Erika's phone buzzed. She glanced down, it was her dad calling. 『Erika』: Crap, he's calling to nag me about the gala. She answered, exchanged a few short sentences, and hung up. Carl handed her a glass of wine as he asked casually: 『God of Mankind』: Everything okay? 『Erika』: My dad, of course. 『Erika』: He keeps insisting I go to the company gala. He says the driver's already looking for me. She took Carl's glass and drank from it without hesitation. Carl didn't mind. He simply grabbed a new glass for himself. 『God of Mankind』: A gala, huh? Pretty standard stuff. 『God of Mankind』: His company's doing well, it makes sense he'd want you there. Carl had shares in several major corporations. Galas were nothing new to him. Not that he enjoyed them. Usually, he only went out of boredom, more of a night out than a social obligation. And the ones he went to? Top-tier. Fine wine, expensive venues, and even celebrities in attendance. Because in that world, appearance is everything. As for those celebrities? They were more than happy to show up at elite gatherings. Some were there for PR. Others? To find powerful connections. That world ran on social capital. And yes... Some of those stars were very attractive. ... With all that experience, Carl had long been familiar with the rules of these social games. 『Erika』: What do I care if his business is doing well? 『Erika』: I don't even work for him! Why does he always drag me into these things? 『Erika』: You have no idea how annoying it is. Pretentious rich guys always trying to flirt... Carl raised a brow. 『God of Mankind』: Oh? 『God of Mankind』: Then I'll come with you. 『Erika』: Seriously? Her face lit up. 『Erika』: The driver's already near the coffee shop from earlier. He's waiting in Manhattan. 『Erika』: But I still need to swing by and change first. Carl looked mildly surprised. 『God of Mankind』: Now? Isn't it a little early for a gala? Most of the events he'd attended started in the late afternoon or evening. That way, the hosts could stack on "bonus perks" to keep guests happy. From Erika's earlier tone, Carl had assumed her dad was just pestering her to show up. He hadn't realized the event was imminent. 『Erika』: It's not that bad. 『Erika』: The gala starts at ten-thirty. We're just heading there early. 『God of Mankind』: Oh, I see. Carl downed his wine in one gulp. 『God of Mankind』: In that case, I'll go change first. 『Erika』: Mmhm. Carl quickly changed into a deep burgundy suit and tidied his hair. He'd attended dozens of galas. Casual wear didn't cut it, etiquette mattered. He wasn't into those cliché plots where the protagonist showed up in a tank top and flip-flops, acting arrogant and slapping faces. That kind of drama made him cringe. Carl wasn't some down-on-his-luck underdog. He was tall, good-looking, wealthy, and he owned it. The first gala he ever attended had been with the old man who raised him. That man was extremely strict about etiquette, even picking Carl's suit himself. Ever since then, Carl had always dressed appropriately for formal events. Not to impress others, But to respect himself. Still... A ten-thirty gala? He'd never been to one that early before. He wondered if they'd still serve the usual fancy wine and catered dishes. ... When Erika saw Carl in his tailored suit, her eyes sparkled. She practically leapt into his arms and kissed him on the lips. 『Erika』: You look so handsome, babe! Carl always looked good. But Erika especially loved how he looked in formal wear. Carl raised an eyebrow with a smirk. 『God of Mankind』: Well, of course I do. 『God of Mankind』: Alright, let's head out. 『Erika』: Let's stop by the coffee shop first. 『God of Mankind』: Got it. Carl packed away the wine and glasses, then left the apartment with Erika. ... The next instant, Carl and Erika reappeared just outside the coffee shop. They walked a short distance and spotted a sleek, black luxury car waiting nearby. The driver spotted Carl and Erika, visibly surprised for a moment, Then quickly bowed and opened the rear door. 『Driver』: Miss Erika. Mr. Carl. 『God of Mankind』: Thanks. They got into the car together. ... At that exact moment, Daredevil and his colleague walked out of the café. Carl's car was parked just a few dozen meters ahead. They immediately spotted him. Carl, now in a sharp, elegant suit. Erika, with her graceful posture and stunning face. They looked like a couple straight off the cover of a fashion magazine. The car door closed, and the luxury vehicle rolled away. 『Colleague』: My God... He stared at the receding car, stunned. Then turned to Matt. 『Colleague』: Matt, do you know what I just saw? 『Colleague』: That woman you chased earlier? She just got into a luxury car... 『Colleague』: With some tall, rich, dark-haired hunk! Suddenly, everything clicked. No wonder Matt had returned so quietly. He hadn't even touched his food. Clearly, he'd figured it out, the woman had a boyfriend. And not just any boyfriend, A rich, handsome, powerful one. Then he noticed the grass stains on Matt's pants... Wait... Had Matt tried to flirt with some guy's girlfriend and ended up thrown into a bush? Oh. Poor Matt. The colleague let out a sigh of sympathy. 『Daredevil』: I see. Matt replied mildly, not saying much. He had no idea what kind of wild story his coworker had imagined in his head. As for Carl and Erika's departure, Matt had noticed the car leave. But during the day, especially while working at the law firm, he was just a regular blind lawyer. Only at night did he become Daredevil. He had enough enemies already, no reason to add more. As for Carl and Erika's relationship? Matt didn't plan to get involved. She clearly already had someone. There was no point in clinging to what could've been.