16
Levi woke up at six in the morning. To be precise, he hadn't slept a wink all night.
Excitement, anticipation, nervousness, hope... various emotions intertwined, making it impossible for him to sleep.
He studied the system interface over and over, planning his future.
"First, I need to thoroughly understand the system..." Levi sat at his worn wooden table, and with a thought, the system interface reappeared.
The morning sun streamed through the window, but the system's translucent light screen remained clearly visible, evidently only to him.
Ten Thousand Times Mentor Return System
Version: 1.0 (Primary)
Levi took a deep breath and began to systematically study each function.
"First is item return..." He murmured in his mind, and the detailed explanation immediately unfolded.
Item Return Mechanism
When the Host gives any item to an Apprentice, the system will calculate the return based on the following factors:
Item Value (Base Multiplier) Apprentice Potential (Higher potential, higher multiplier) Apprentice Acceptance (More liked, higher multiplier)
Item Compatibility (Match with Apprentice's needs/traits) Gifting Timing (Special moments receive multiplier bonuses)
After comprehensive calculation, the return multiplier range is: 1-1000 times. Return form: Upgraded item/corresponding knowledge/related ability
"This mechanism..." Levi stroked his chin in thought, "The key lies in 'compatibility' and 'timing'.
For example, Peter Parker likes physics, so if I give him a physics book, the compatibility will be high.
If I give it to him when he specifically needs it, the multiplier will be even higher..."
He continued to read.
Ability Return Mechanism
When the Host teaches an Apprentice any skill, the system will automatically grant the Host an enhanced version of that skill.
The degree of enhancement depends on: Apprentice's potential, teaching quality, Apprentice's learning outcome.
Special Note: Even if the Host is not proficient in a certain skill, as long as they teach it, the system will return it. The returned ability will perfectly adapt to the Host's body, requiring no adaptation period.
"That's outrageous..." Levi couldn't help but laugh, "Does this mean I can teach things I don't know?"
He imagined a scenario: he only knew a little bit of rudimentary martial arts, but after teaching a student basic boxing, the system might return to him Wing Chun, Muay Thai, or Captain America's military combat techniques.
"Isn't this getting something for nothing?" Levi shook his head, "No, the system said that teaching quality affects the return quality. So the optimal strategy is: teach to the best of my ability, even if I only know a little."
Next were Growth Return and Combat Return.
Growth Return Mechanism: When an Apprentice's strength improves, the Host will receive a multiplied feedback.
Combat Return Mechanism: When an Apprentice participates in combat, the system will grant rewards based on their combat performance.
"Combat Return..." Levi frowned, "Does this mean I have to let my students fight?"
The system immediately popped up a notification:
Important Note: The system does not encourage underage Apprentices to participate in dangerous combat, but in the MCU Universe, major events are inevitable. Suggestions:
Only let Apprentices participate in actual combat after sufficient training. Focus on rescue and support, avoiding direct confrontation with powerful enemies. The Host should secretly protect the Apprentice's safety.
"I see..." Levi breathed a sigh of relief, "So, when major events occur, I can let them participate in rescue operations. This will both train them and allow me to receive returns. And I'll secretly protect them."
He continued to browse the system interface and discovered new options.
Reputation System (Locked)
Shop System (Locked)
Mission System (Activated)
"There are hidden functions?" Levi clicked curiously.
"So I have to take an Apprentice first to unlock them..." Levi nodded, "Then I need to hurry."
He looked at the Mission System.
Current Mission
Main Mission: Recruit the first Apprentice. Progress: 0/1
Reward: Novice Gift Pack ×1, Unlock Perception Radar, Unlock Reputation System, Unlock Shop System
"Novice Gift Pack..." Levi's eyes lit up. He tried to click, but the system prompted: "Please complete the mission first."
"Alright, it seems I have to find Peter first." Levi stood up and stretched his stiff body.
He walked to the mirror and examined himself. About 1.78 meters tall, well-proportioned but not strong, with typical East Asian features, he looked refined and gentle.
This appearance was actually an advantage for a teacher trying to approach children—it wouldn't make people feel threatened.
"But I need to be more approachable..." Levi rummaged through his wardrobe for his most presentable outfit.
A dark blue shirt and khaki casual pants, though a bit old, were clean.
He carefully shaved and combed his hair, trying to look like a reliable teacher.
At exactly eight o'clock, Levi left home.
The morning in Queens was sunny, and the streets were already bustling.
Commuters hurried along, the convenience store owner opened the rolling shutter, and the rumble of the subway came from afar.
"Forest Hills..." Levi followed the system map's guidance.
This was a typical working-class neighborhood, with neat rows of detached small houses, each with a small yard. The trees were lush, and the environment was quiet, very suitable for raising children.
Levi walked down the street, the system map showing directions at the edge of his vision. The golden light spot was getting closer.
Finally, he stopped in front of a light yellow two-story house. The house number matched; this was the Parker family home.
Levi took a deep breath, about to go forward, when he suddenly thought: "No, it's past eight now, Peter should be at school..."
He checked the time, then looked at the house. Never mind, he'd observe the situation first.
Levi found a coffee shop across the street, ordered a coffee, and sat by the window where he could clearly see the Parker family's front door.
"What am I doing..." Levi gave a wry smile, "Is this considered stalking?"
But he really needed to understand the situation—Peter's daily routine, family situation, personality traits. Knowing himself and his opponent would allow him to approach better.
The system promptly popped up a notification:
Target Information: Peter Parker, 10 years old, attending Midtown Elementary School. Guardians: Ben Parker, May Parker. Parents deceased.
Personality Traits: Intelligent, interested in science; kind, strong sense of justice; introverted, not very social; enjoys reading science books.
Weaknesses/Needs: Lacks parental affection, desires recognition; bullied by classmates at school, lacks confidence; physically weak; Uncle Ben and Aunt May's finances are average, unable to afford extracurricular tutoring.
Suggested Contact Strategy:
Utilize his interest in science to offer free tutoring. Provide recognition and encouragement. Gradually build trust.
"The system even analyzed all this..." Levi was surprised, "It's more powerful than I thought."
He drank his coffee while contemplating his contact plan. Three o'clock in the afternoon, dismissal time.
Levi had been sitting in the coffee shop for seven hours, ordering three coffees during that time. The owner was starting to look at him strangely.
Finally, a thin figure appeared at the end of the street.
Ten-year-old Peter Parker, carrying a large backpack, walked slowly with his head down.
He was wearing a somewhat old T-shirt and jeans, and his sneakers were badly worn. The backpack seemed heavy, making his shoulders slump.
Levi's heart pounded. That was the future Spider-Man. Now, he was just a skinny, timid little boy.
"If it follows the original timeline, he still has six years until he gets bitten by the spider..."
Levi whispered, "But if I start nurturing him now..."
Peter reached his doorstep and fumbled for his keys in his backpack. Just then, the backpack zipper suddenly split open, and books scattered all over the ground.
"Ah..." Peter squatted down, frantically picking up the books.
Now's the time! Levi immediately stood up, walked out of the coffee shop, and quickly crossed the street.
"Do you need help?" he asked in a gentle voice.
Peter looked up, revealing a young face—brown hair, brown eyes, and some freckles. He looked at Levi with a hint of wariness.
"I... I can do it myself..." Peter said softly.
"Your backpack is broken," Levi squatted down and helped him pick up a book, "Wow, 'Basic Physics'? How old are you to be reading this?"
Peter's eyes lit up: "I... I like physics."
"Really?" Levi smiled, "What a coincidence, I'm a physics teacher."
"Really?" Peter was genuinely interested this time, "Which school do you teach at?"
"I used to teach at a community high school, and now I'm preparing to open a private tutoring class."
Levi opened the book in Peter's hand, "I'm very familiar with this book. Look, this chapter talks about Newton's Three Laws..."
He casually explained a few sentences. Peter listened intently, even forgetting to pick up his books.
"Wow... Teacher, you're amazing!" Peter looked at him with admiration.
Levi's heart stirred—the system's prompt was right, Peter desperately craved recognition and attention.
Just then, a middle-aged man's voice came: "Peter!"
Levi turned and saw a man in his fifties walking out of the house—Ben Parker.
He was burly, with graying hair, wearing work clothes, and had a wary expression on his face.
"Uncle!" Peter stood up.
"Who are you?" Ben Parker walked to Peter's side, shielding him behind him, and scrutinized Levi.
"Hello, Mr. Parker," Levi immediately stood up, maintaining a polite distance.
"My name is Levi, and I'm a physics teacher. I saw Peter's backpack was broken just now, so I came over to help."
"Physics teacher?" Ben Parker frowned.
"Yes," Levi took out his teacher's ID, "I used to teach at Brooklyn Community High School."
Ben Parker took the ID and examined it carefully. Levi noticed calluses on his hands, clearly indicating he was a manual laborer.
"Uncle, he just explained physics to me, and he's really good!" Peter said excitedly.
"Is that so?" Ben Parker's expression softened slightly, but he remained cautious.
Levi understood that this responsible guardian wouldn't easily trust a stranger. He needed more time and opportunities to build trust.
"Mr. Parker, may I leave my contact information?" Levi smiled, "If Peter has any questions about physics, I'd be happy to help. It's free."
"Free?" Ben Parker raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Levi said sincerely, "I'm just starting out with private tutoring and need to build a reputation. And Peter is so interested in physics, I'm very willing to teach such a student."
Ben Parker was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, I'll consider it."
Levi left his phone number, then politely said goodbye. After walking a few steps, he heard Peter's excited voice: "Uncle, he's really amazing!"
The system prompt sounded in his mind:
Mission Progress Updated
Successfully contacted target: Peter Parker
Target Affection: 6%
Guardian Trust: 3%
Suggestion: Maintain contact, gradually build trust
Levi walked home with a smile on his face.
The first step was complete.
...
