**Summary**: Harry, sent to Marvel's universe as a baby, grows as Hadrian Stark, but returns home 15 years later just as he was testing a wizarding VR game, leading to him, with his player UI still accessible, thinking this whole thing is a game and approaches life with the mindset of a gamer.


**Prologue**

**New York, Year 2XXX**


Hadrian Stark

The enigmatic circumstances surrounding Tony Stark's unexpected adoption of a baby boy, whom he later introduced to the world at large as Hadrian Stark, remained an unsolved mystery that both intrigued and confounded the public. Upon careful thought, one would understand that this enigma stemmed from the stark contrast between the Tony Stark who had, up until then, openly rejected the conventional ideals of a settled adult life—a stable career, a partner, and parenthood—and the man who, seemingly out of nowhere, was photographed holding a one year old and noticeably enjoying playing with the child even as he tried his best to keep his meticulously chosen tie out of the toddler's agile little hands.

The photographs - candidly taken by, much to the surprise of many, a freelanced reporter out on a jog one beautiful Sunday morning and not by one of those dedicated ones who spends most of their time stalking Stark's every move - capturing this moment portrayed a Tony Stark whose countenance had undergone a marked change, now exuding an unmistakable sense of paternal contentment on top of his usual Stark-ness. The transition was so pronounced that it left observers across the country and even abroad, pondering whether the person in the picture was the same person as the individual who had previously - on more then one occasion, one might add - championed the lifestyle of a bachelor and encouraged others to do the same.

Media outlets immediately pounced on this unforeseen development, akin to sharks detecting the scent of blood in the water, swiftly catalyzing a whirlwind of speculative discourse and conjecture. This phenomenon was made a lot easier by Tony Stark's conspicuous departure from his customary penchant for the spotlight in matters regarding the child.

This conspicuous silence provided fertile ground for a plethora of rumors and innuendo within the press corps, with many reporters speculating as to whether Hadrian might potentially be the progeny of a past romantic entanglement, something entirely possible considering Tony's reputation. Incidentally, in the wake of such speculation, questions arose as to why no woman had stepped forward to assert her maternal connection to the child, thus intensifying the enigma surrounding this unfolding narrative.

With anticipation for elucidation that could potentially answer their many questions, both the media and the general public maintained a sense of eager expectation as they awaited, with a palpable sense of curiosity, any indication that a press conference might be convened to address the mounting allegations and questions circulating within the public discourse. However, those who surmised that the ensuing commotion might compel Tony Stark to break his silence were destined for disappointment.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Mr. Stark remained resolutely reticent, withholding any additional information beyond what was initially conveyed through the enigmatic photograph. Regardless of the relentless speculation and yearning for clarification, the circumstances surrounding Hadrian Stark's sudden appearance remained as elusive as ever.

Nevertheless, amidst the enigmatic backdrop of Hadrian Stark's arrival, one incontrovertible fact emerged as a constant among the onlookers: his presence within the life of Tony Stark might actually be permanent.

However, that fact bought on even more issues. In light of Tony Stark's well-documented reputation as a decidedly irresponsible adult and an ill adjusted man child, the media had their reservations regarding his ability to assume the role of a responsible father figure. In addition, Tony's public image as a billionaire playboy and his penchant for high-profile parties, along with a history of romantic liaisons and a life filled with daring escapades as a superhero, led many to question his readiness for parenthood.

The media, keen on sensationalizing any inconsistency in Tony's character, speculated whether his newfound interest in fatherhood was merely a passing phase or a genuine transformation. They debated whether his prior aversion to commitment and family life could be reconciled with the demands of raising a child. Naturally Tony's own upbringing was bought up once more and with a father like Howard Stark there to show the man what a father was like, doubts about Tony's suitability as a parent became a prevalent narrative in the public discourse.

Beyond the question of whether Tony Stark's guardianship over Hadrian was a blessing or a curse, the media engaged in spirited debates concerning the young boy's potential future. Esteemed child-rearing experts were consulted, and extensive discussions were held regarding the age-old debate of nature versus nurture.

One faction argued that Hadrian, immersed in the world of Tony Stark's technological marvels and innovation, would inevitably inherit his guardian's genius and penchant for audacious undertakings. This perspective envisioned a future in which Hadrian would carry forward the Stark legacy of innovation, albeit with his own distinctive touch.

Conversely, an opposing perspective argued that Hadrian's intrinsic disposition would guide him along a trajectory markedly different from that of Tony Stark - they had agreed at this point that Hadrian was most likely not Tony's son by blood. This viewpoint emphasized the significance of an individual's inherent genetic makeup, positing that while upbringing could exert some influence over one's future, the fundamental genetic predisposition played a far more pivotal role.


Growing Up

In reality, the outcome unfolded was a nuanced amalgamation of these contrasting perspectives. Hadrian Stark did in fact mature into an exceptional young man and not being bound by biological lineage to the Stark family did not stop him from bearing all the hallmarks of a quintessential Stark genius, without, thankfully, the accompanying vices. In stark contrast to his adoptive father, Tony, billionaire, renowned playboy, and part-time superhero, Hadrian eschewed the glitz and glamour of the superhero and, in some way, the supermodel worlds. Instead, he gravitated toward a tranquil existence dedicated to scientific pursuits and intellectual exploration.

However, this did not insulate Hadrian from media attention. Paradoxically, the more he sought to shield himself from their inquisitive gaze, the greater their fascination with unearthing any morsel of information pertaining to him became. Unlike the media's ambivalent treatment of Tony Stark, where objectivity prevailed on matters of accomplishment but bias emerged when dealing with personal affairs, Hadrian found himself at the center of a startling consensus among all media outlets. They collectively cast him as a veritable icon, a luminary upon whom the world could and should gaze with admiration and marvel at his exceptional brilliance.

As one media outlet aptly articulated, "Hadrian's intellectual prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. His cognitive landscape is an intricate tapestry of genius, deftly interweaving the realms of technology and innovation with such seamless finesse that it borders on the mystical. Remarkably, at a mere 15 years of age, he already exhibits the qualities of an exemplary leader, capable of persuading others to his viewpoint, not through bombast and theatrics, but through the sheer force of intellect and charisma."

As articulated by the media, Hadrian's exceptional aptitude transcended his compelling interpersonal abilities and attractive appearance. Over time, he had accumulated a prodigious quantity of patents, each serving as an endorsement of his innovative prowess and substantial contributions to the realm of technology. However, if one were compelled to select a singular achievement from among his many accomplishments, it would undoubtedly pertain to his groundbreaking contributions in the realm of artificial intelligence.

While Tony Stark had rightfully earned recognition for his groundbreaking contributions to AI technology, it was Hadrian Stark who catapulted the field to an unprecedented echelon through pioneering algorithms. These inventive algorithms transcended the conventional boundaries of artificial intelligence, accomplishing not only the emulation of human-like emotions within AI entities but also imbuing them with the capacity for empathy towards human beings and the ability to engage in communication aligned with customary human conversational norms.

Moreover, these revolutionary algorithms ushered in a paradigm shift in the coding process, streamlining it to such an extent that it facilitated the seamless integration of AI technology across a myriad of domains. These domains encompassed, but were by no means limited to, the expansive realms of the gaming industry and various applications within the medical field.

However, the trajectory of innovation did not end at that juncture. As the natural progression following the optimization of AI coding procedures, Hadrian undertook an unprecedented initiative by introducing AI technology into the consumer market. This groundbreaking endeavor encompassed the integration of AI capabilities into a spectrum of consumer devices, ranging from smartphones and personal computers to smartwatches amongst other things. Remarkably, within a matter of months, facilitated by the remarkable research and development team at Stark Industries, AI technology became publicly accessible and began its seamless integration into the fabric of daily life.

This visionary initiative, codenamed "Project Emerald," embarked upon the audacious objective of fundamentally revolutionizing contemporary society and propelling it into the next era—an achievement that had eluded even Tony Stark during his illustrious career, notwithstanding his multifarious technological advancements.

With the multitude of accomplishments that Hadrian had ushered in, accompanied by the remarkable strides achieved in domains such as sustainable energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity, courtesy of his pioneering algorithm, Hadrian found himself, at the tender age of 16, increasingly eclipsing his father in terms of celebrity and recognition. In the eyes of many, he assumed the mantle of a contemporary messiah, a luminous guide steering them toward salvation—a perception not devoid of merit, particularly given the monumental progress facilitated by AI in the field of medicine.

While one might contend that Hadrian's physical appearance paled in comparison to his monumental contributions to humanity, it remained an undeniable facet of his distinctive persona. With tousled black hair that often found itself effortlessly coiffed and glasses perched elegantly upon his nose, Hadrian possessed an undeniable handsomeness that garnered widespread recognition. His piercing green eyes - Emerald to be exact, which incidentally was were the Project Emerald got its name - gleamed with a captivating amalgamation of intelligence and determination, harmoniously blending his rugged charisma with an endearing boyish allure that was uniquely his own. In stark contrast to Tony's inevitably advancing age, Hadrian was young and already had the world at his feet, something not even Tony Stark had achieved at that age. However, perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Hadrian's character lay in his unwavering humility, a trait he managed to preserve despite the myriad accomplishments and adulation heaped upon him.

Amidst the unanimous global acclaim that deemed Hadrian an exemplary role model for burgeoning youth, there existed a facet of his character known only to his adoptive father—a facet that set him apart from the public perception. Hadrian was, at his core, an introvert. He held a predilection for the serene ambiance of supercomputers over the clamor of social gatherings, a preference he concealed beneath a veneer of charismatic charm when the occasion necessitated.

In contrast to peers of his age, Hadrian's sanctuary was the innermost recesses of the Stark Mansion—a meticulously crafted workshop designed to his precise specifications. Within this sanctum, he immersed himself in the artistry of coding and the intricacies of machines, ceaselessly embarking on innovative quests and perpetually pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved within the realms of human capability.

This chosen path in life, while fundamentally virtuous given the commendable contributions it yielded, began to stir concerns within Tony Stark, whose perspective on existence had evolved significantly since becoming a father, shifting from "there is nothing more captivating than machines" to a conviction that life ought to be a tapestry rich with diverse experiences. The evolving concerns for his son's well-rounded development prompted Tony to consider the balance between Hadrian's prodigious talents and the necessity for a broader spectrum of life experiences.

In the manner characteristic of many first-time fathers grappling with the challenges of parenting a teenager, Tony Stark turned to the vast repository of information available on the internet for guidance. Within the expansive realm of online resources, he encountered a plethora of forums devoted to the intricate subject of raising children. While some of these forums delved into practical matters such as dietary choices and convenient parenting gadgets - Tony soon noticed that the number one most recommended gadget was a robot-nanny that Stark Industries, under Hadrian's leadership, had recently pushed out, leading to Tony once again himself marveling at the profound depths of Hadrian's influence - other focused on the psychological and emotional well-being of children.

After perusing numerous posts, he eventually chanced upon one that appeared pertinent to his current situation—a discussion centered on addressing the concern of a child who displayed an unyielding preoccupation with academics to the exclusion of other pursuits. Although the responses varied in color and tone, with some parents expressing a sense of envy towards the predicament of having a child so deeply invested in their studies, one reply resonated with Tony's predicament. This response urged the original poster to consider introducing their child to the world of video games.


Project Awakening

Although the subject of video games could indeed spark extensive debates regarding their merits and drawbacks, it remained an undeniable fact that a well-constructed video game had the potential to expose a child to unique experiences that transcended the boundaries of conventional life. These experiences encompassed complex themes such as betrayal, mortality, and empathy—realities that could be thoughtfully explored within the immersive context of a video game.

Prior to the widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the realm of video games admittedly featured rudimentary character interactions. Non-playable characters (NPCs) were limited in their responsiveness, primarily reacting to predefined key phrases, which constrained the player's ability to explore novel avenues of interaction. With the increasing prevalence of AI technology, video game NPCs underwent a transformative evolution, attaining a level of realism that blurred the lines between virtual and genuine human interaction. These NPCs were imbued with distinct backstories and emotions, affording players the opportunity to engage with them through spoken or typed communication (if they could input responses quickly enough). The only elements serving as reminders to players that they were, in fact, engaged in a virtual game experience were the graphical interface and the awareness that their interaction occurred solely through the medium of a screen.

However, despite the advancements in contemporary gaming, Tony held reservations about Hadrian finding conventional titles intriguing. It was not due to the artificiality of the interactions but rather the persisting adherence to the established logic that developers had employed for decades to program their games that could make the games somewhat…limiting. While some games might hold Hadrian's attention for a short period of time, keeping him engaged in the long run, long enough for him to actually get something out of the experience, the game needed to have that X factor that none of the current games on the market currently had. Tony could already imagine the look of polite refusal on Hadrian's face if he went to him with something he had bought at the local store. No, convincing Hadrian to move away from his work to spend a couple of hours in the embrace of fictional characters in a far away land was a daunting task but Tony wasn't going to give up, it was the least he could do for the boy.

With Hadrian slowly taking the reign of the company (with Pepper's help of course) and leading Stark Industries in to a whole new direction, one as far away from weaponry as possible, Tony started to find himself useless. As incredible as that might sound, there were days Tony didn't know what to do with himself. Pepper, whose presence had been a staple in Tony's life once upon time, was busy with her own work and when she was not, she found herself in Hadrian's company more than his. And while having the two most important people in his life being so close was something Tony was happy to see, he still couldn't help but feel a little lonely. Hadrian was too capable on his own and didn't need any help, leaving Tony feel extremely unaccomplished as a parent. Don't get him wrong, he was happy that Hadrian was as well turned out as he was, but he too wanted to leave a mark in Hadrian's life, more then the mark he left by adopting him all those years ago. Sure some might argue that adopting a child with unknown origins was the biggest gift one could gift said child (because admittedly, growing up in an orphanage isn't something to be recommended no matter the case), Tony still felt that he should do more as a parent, especially now that he was somewhat retired from his life as a superhero.

Which of course led to his plan to introduce Hadrian to other fun in life, one that didn't involve codes and an AI whose snark make even Tony want to give him a punch or two.

But Tony understood Hadrian and knew conventional games wasn't going to cut the deal. And unlike normal kids, the advanced AI of video game characters wasn't going to impress Hadrian as that AI was nothing compared to his own personal AI, an Englishman named James - Hadrian said this name sounded familiar which Tony didn't disagree with considering the popularity of said name - who introduces himself as Jarvis' son but showed none of the respect one would expect a son to show their father. James was as like Jarvis as Tony was like Pepper. While Jarvis was calm collected and everything one would expect a butler to be like, James was like an overgrown child and loved to play pranks on people whenever he wasn't helping Hadrian with his work. Tony never did understand why Hadrian would program his AI to be like that but Hadrian insist James was his own entity and didn't need any programming.

So with James around, there was no way any conventional game was going to keep Hadrian invested and Tony suspected James wasn't going to let anything as boring as video games take Harry's attention from him. And it was at this point during his contemplation that Tony's thoughts turned to the realm of virtual reality.

While AI represented a formidable technological achievement that remained within the bounds of current resources, virtual reality stood as a frontier that scientists had long envisaged but held reservations about attaining. This hesitation stemmed from the profound complexity of virtual reality, which demanded more than the binary language of 1s and 0s. To create an environment that could convincingly simulate reality—manipulating the sensory perceptions of sight, touch, and sensation in a manner indistinguishable from the genuine experience—required an unprecedented understanding of the human body. Such an understanding had remained elusive until the advent of Project Emerald. With James and Jarvis at their disposal and enough funds to rival the GDP of a small country, it wasn't infeasible that virtual reality could be born in their hands. And when it did, it would another ground breaking moment that would inevitably leave a mark in history. And most importantly this was a project that Tony and Hadrian could do together, father and son, like building a car for example, except Tony and Hadrian's car was going to be doing something that one thought was possible until now.

And thus, Project Magic Awakening came into existence.

Project Magic Awakening was born from the very name that Tony had envisioned for this endeavor—an immersive and enchanting virtual reality experience designed to transport players into a realm of magic, wonder, and profound self-discovery. Within this captivating narrative, players would assume the persona of a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery upon the revelation of his latent magical abilities. The game beckons players to peel back the layers of enigma shrouding a concealed magical realm, enroll in an esteemed wizarding academy, and hone their mastery of the arcane arts.

While this initial description might draw parallels to conventional role-playing games, the distinctive feature that would set Project Magic Advent apart lay in its pioneering utilization of virtual reality. One might think Tony was a little ahead of himself by already planning to make a virtual reality game when the whole structure that would support virtual reality wasn't even done yet. It was planning to run a marathon when one had not even learned to walk.

But that wasn't something Tony worried about.

Dreaming big had always been a charateristic of the Starks, it was part of the reason they were so successful today, dreaming big and constantly pushing boarders. If one didn't even dared to dream, how can one succeed?

Besides, with the help of Hadrian's AI James, they now had a better understanding of how the brain works, especially in terms of the signals brain neurons sent to the rest of the body to stimulate feelings. If one could stimulate emotions in a non living entity, it wasn't inconceivable to be able to stimulate feelings in the human brain, making them see, smell and feel things that wasn't there.

Seeing things was of course the easy part. VR glasses was something that had existed for some time now and the only reason they weren't as realistic as they could be was because Tony had never taken an interest in improving them. But he was certain making graphics so realistic it was nearly indistinguishable from reality and adding in simulated physics could be done in weeks thanks to their AI helpers. Sure it would require a supercomputer to run, but since this game was going to be for Hadrian, Tony didn't particular care at the moment whether your average gamer had the resources to run it.

Suddenly feeling invigorated with a sense of purpose in a way he hadn't felt before, Tony went to find Pepper and actually asked for help in writing up a formal pitch meeting, something he had never done in past. In the past, Tony had never cared for any of the board members as he found them too stubborn in their ways. But the current board, while still retaining some of the old members, was as different as their old selves as they could be.

That is another accomplishment to add to Hadrian's already impressive resume.

As Tony soon understood, the board only acted the way they did was because they felt Tony, while admittedly capable of raking in profits so to speak, was way too unstable to be reliable and needed someone to keep him grounded to reality.

Hadrian however, had proven himself to be a natural leader and made decisions that kept shareholder interests in mind.

With Pepper, the current CEO, unquestionably backing Hadrian's every decision, voluntarily at that, which had not always been the case with Tony, the board found no reason to object. Contrary to how Tony could make the Stark Industries stock prices go up and down like an energetic rabbit, Hadrian knew how to keep both the board and the stockholder's happy. Which brought to the current status quo where if Tony wanted Hadrian's involvement, he needed to convince both the board of directors as well as Hadrian.

Calling up a board meeting was easy. After the 10 remaining board members had sat down with Hadrian at the front - since it was such a short notice Pepper hadn't been able to make it to the meeting and decided to send Hadrian in her place. The fact that no one on the board objected to this decision was testament to just how high of a position Hadrian held in their minds.

But it didn't matter, Tony was prepared and he was going to make this work.

Tony's presentation was elegantly straightforward. He initiated by introducing the game and its potential to redefine the gaming landscape. The concept was elegantly concise: players embark on a transformative odyssey into a world of enchantment and mystique. They inhabit the role of a young boy who discovers his innate wizarding prowess, setting the stage for an epic adventure. However, the true innovation lay in the application of virtual reality, which plunges players into a fully realized magical realm. Within this realm, they can explore enchanted forests, unravel age-old mysteries, and attend the prestigious Avaloria School of Magic. The final game of course might differ.

In addressing the profound capabilities of virtual reality, Tony underscored the remarkable advancements in AI technology. He elucidated how the dream of immersive virtual reality has evolved into a tangible reality, with increasingly accessible hardware and AI-driven software that fosters ever-deeper levels of engagement. Players, within this virtual realm, would physically step into a magical world, where they could cast spells through hand gestures, brew potions, and solve puzzles in ways mirroring real-world actions. Virtual reality has the transformative power to replicate the sensations associated with wielding magic, rendering it as tangible as any physical experience. It transcends traditional gaming, offering players the genuine sensation of becoming a wizard.

To enhance the immersive quality of this world, Tony highlighted the remarkable progress made in AI technology. AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs) within the game would exhibit a level of realism hitherto inconceivable. These characters would possess their own emotions, intricate backstories, and dynamic responses, thereby creating an immersive and ever-evolving world that dynamically adapts to each player's choices. The integration of AI technology extends to crafting a dynamic narrative that responds to players, ensuring that each journey through the game is uniquely tailored.

Furthermore, AI-driven procedural generation would populate the expansive magical realm with diverse environments, quests, and magical creatures. This approach not only enriches replayability but also facilitates the seamless expansion of the game world, ensuring a continuous infusion of fresh content for players.

Tony concluded the presentation succinctly and confidently, stating, "If this endeavor succeeds, it has the potential to generate substantial revenue."

Having never heard of Tony being interested in games in any way, Hadrian was initially a little taken aback but was immediately excited at the potential. And with Tony promising that the majority of the funds for this project would come from his own packet, the board didn't take too long to agree. Hadrian had already helped Stark Industries spread their name around the world. If virtual reality was born in their hands, the board members could only imagine the chaos - in a good way of course - it would cause.

Thus, a few days after the meeting, a multidisciplinary team comprising 20 engineers and medical experts was assembled to meticulously execute the ambitious plan. Another team comprised of game developers and software engineers was assembled to make the game while the first team made the helmet that could help run the game. After telling everyone just what they had intended to do, both teams were riled up and ready for action. if this succeeded they could be leaving their names in history and wasn't that something to write home about.


The First Prototype

Finally, after 10 months of intensive R&D, the first prototype of the helmet was completed and ready for action.

On the morning of the reveal, both Tony and Hadrian stood in their combined workshop, excitement visible on both of their faces as the head researcher went through the final checks. When green light came up for everything, the helmet was finally ready to be used on a human.

"I'll go," Hadrian volunteered before anyone else could say anything. He trusted his team and he trusted the work he had put in to bring this product to reality. Sure the chances of something going wrong and him landing in a coma was still possible, as no official human testing had been done before using the finished product, but this was virtual reality and no matter what age you were, it was a dream come true.

Beside him Tony, for once, didn't act like the overprotective parent he was starting to became. Not only would it be an insult to Hadrian and the other researchers but insinuating that their helmet wasn't safe enough for his precious son, it would also be insinuating that Hadrian's life was worth more then everyone here. And while that might be true considering the impact Hadrian had on modern society, it would be uncouth to say it out loud. And since Hadrian had volunteered, Tony found no reason to hold him back.

And just like that, in the bustling metropolis of New York, in a meticulously kept research centre full of the latest cutting edge technology, Hadrian Stark donned the first ever virtual reality helmet known to man and initiated the startup sequence. And almost simultaneously, in a parallel universe light years away, an emaciated 11-year-old boy, bearing the physical toll of years of malnutrition, opened his eyes, a look of childish wonder that had never appeared adorned his features, making him look even younger then his age, not knowing that back in New York, his father and his colleagues had all started to freak out after seeing him disappear in to thin air the moment the start button had been pressed.


Next Chapter Preview

"I knew we were going to succeed but I didn't think things would be so real," Hadrian thought to himself before pulling up his player menu, the only proof in his mind that he was still playing a game and not transported in to another reality. "This is absolutely incredible."

He touched the bedding beneath him, feeling the coarse texture and marvelling at it like a caveman who had never seen fabric before.

The room he had woken was dark and more akin to a closet then a proper room but Hadrian didn't care. He was so excited to be here that he found everything to be absolutely fascinating, the smell, the sound and the small spider attempting to make its way in to the sock he saw lying on the ground at the feet of the bed. But unfortunately before he could have a closer look at the spider, he heard a loud series of knock accompanied by a high pitched voice calling Harry. From the quest notification that had popped up, Hadrian, or rather Harry, knew this woman was Petunia Dursley, his biological aunt.