A/N: Hey guys! SteinMon here! Just thought I'd put this out for fun while I'm trudging through writers block on my other stories.
That being read, I welcome your Reviews. If you have criticisms, I welcome those too. Please keep them constructive. I want to grow as an author, and I can't do that if people aren't willing to critique, or only want to tear me down. I'm not here to please everybody, but I am here to learn. There is a method to my madness, even if I don't always fully understand it. 90% of what I write, I don't write baselessly. If there is something not canon or changed from canon, there is generally a reason. If something doesn't make sense, feel free to let me know (constructively), and as long as it doesn't creep into SPOILER! territory, I'll do my best to explain it.
If you don't like it, DON'T CONTINUE READING IT!
Review Responses:
- Freelook: Thanks!
*End of Responses
Disclaimer: I don't own the Gamer, or the Avengers, or any of their subsidiaries. Those rights belong exclusively to whoever owns them, and anyone else who had a hand in their creation. I just get to have fun with it all.
I would also like to point out that I don't own any other media or content that may be mentioned as further enrichment to the story.
Without further ado. *Que the dimming of the lights*
Chapter 1: A Brand New World
Marcus wasn't sure how he was going to land in this new world. Maybe he'd get spawned in the air and fall into a body of water of some sort? He could do without the freefall though. Or the sopping wet pajamas.
Or worse, he'd have to break his fall on something.
Thankfully, that wasn't the case. Instead he was vaguely aware that he was laying on his back as consciousness crept back to the forefront of his mind, a gentle breeze tickling at his face, and soft light filtering through his eyelids.
He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes blearily blinking as he tried to orient himself. Overhead, a series of trees loomed over him, sunlight streaming through the leafy canopy. His fingers brushed over some soft grass. The air smelled nice. And the air was that lovely combination of warm, but breezy. The sounds however confused him.
He could hear all manner of vehicular revving and the honking of varies horns in the background, superseding all other sensual stimuli he was currently experiencing.
"Peaceful, isn't it?"
He shot up at the question, almost launching to his feet as adrenaline hit. He looked around rapidly, only to see an old man sitting peacefully on a bench, looking toward some more trees, a concrete path cutting through the greenery right in front of him.
Marcus looked where he'd hopped up from, noting that he'd been sleeping right under a tree next to where the old man was sitting.
[The effects of 'Gamer's Mind' have been temporarily disabled by a greater force.]
"Didn't mean to startle you there, youngster. Just enjoying the view," he reassured, unbothered by Marcus's odd behavior.
For all that, Marcus could only shake his head, rubbing his brow in confusion.
Suddenly a blue holographic pop-up window opened in front of him. It took him a moment, but he blinked some clarity back into his features.
[!Congratulations! You completed the Quest: Tutorial!]
Rewards:
- Skill Book
- 100 EXP
- 5 Stat Points
[!You Gained a Level!]
'Oh. Right.' It was only moments before, but it felt like so long ago. Shaking off the last dregs of sleepiness, he slowly looked around. He didn't recognize any of it; not that he was really expecting to.
[!New Quest: A Brand New World!]
Find out which world among the vastly differing multiverses you've found yourself in.
Reward:
- 250 EXP
- $100
- 5 Stat Points
- Accept?
[Yes/No]
He gently, confirmed [Yes], waving away the rest of the windows as he returned his attention to the present. And the old man that continued to stare at the trees, completely relaxed.
"No problem," Marcus finally answered, looking around for any context he could glean. "Just a little lost if I'm honest."
"Outta-towner, hmm? I imagine you're a little more than lost? We don't get many visitors here."
Marcus took a moment to actually look at the man, only to freeze in recognition.
A soft cackle sounded as the old man pushed himself to his feet, supporting himself on his cane. He pulled himself to the path, walking slowly by Marcus as he continued to stare in disbelief. The thin, veiny hand that patted him on the shoulder startled him, if only barely as he continued to watch in shock.
The old man's eyes twinkled with humor behind his aviator sunglasses. "Welcome to the family, kid. Try not to make too big of a mess, ay?" And he continued to walk on.
Marcus continued to stare at nothing as his mind finally caught up with his brain. Questioningly, he turned around, only to see that the path the old man had taken was empty, no sign that he had been there in the first place.
[The effects of 'Gamer's Mind' have reasserted themselves.]
"No fucking way," he whispered as his voice returned, blinking owlishly. He pinched himself just to make sure.
[!Congratulations! You completed the Quest: A Brand New World!]
And in such an epic way too. Not gonna lie, kinda jealous.
Rewards:
- 250 EXP
- $100
- 5 Stat Points
[!Congratulations! You have been sent to the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe']
.
[You have received a new 'Trait' through special circumstances!
'Blink and You'll Miss Him' Trait obtained.]
[Specialized 'Traits' and 'Skills' can obtained through special encounters, unique circumstances, accomplishing great feats, or completing certain Questlines. So I'd recommend gathering as many as you can.]
.
[Blink and You'll Miss Him (EPIC)
Within moments of entering their new world, the user encountered the man, the myth, the legend! He who haunts between the pages and within the brief clips of the Universe, sporadically providing his brief commentary: The Heart of All You See!
By acknowledging the The Heart of All You See, you have been granted a boon. Excelsior!
+10 permanent bonus to base LUC.]
.
Yep, that was really real alright.
Thank God and the System [Gamer's Mind] had returned, because otherwise, Marcus would be more stunned than he was right now. Rather than panic, he took a handful of deep breaths to calm himself, and of course didn't think about who he'd seen. Not. At. All.
"Kind of expected him to be the One Above All," he commented gently.
[Nope. Separate entities. Without the Heart, even the One Above All wouldn't exist. At least in these Universes.]
Marcus stared down the path for a moment longer before he smiled sadly. "Thank you," he whispered after him. There was no indication anyone heard him. Not a single thing, but the silence. Maybe, just maybe, they'd meet again, and he'd get to thank him properly. The guy couldn't stay out of his own work, even if he tried.
He gently shook his head. Now wasn't the time to get lost in thought; even if it was a very good way to get lost.
"Alright. First things first," he stated, quietly taking a seat where the old man had been sitting. He had to focus and prioritize now that he had landed. Rule one of unfamiliar territory, was to develop a plan. "I need a game plan. Sys, is it possible to trigger my own quests based on in-world goals?"
[Yes. Sometimes, the best quests are the ones you assign yourself.
These ones will be automatically accepted since you're the one initiating them.
Other quests will trigger upon certain conditions being met.]
"Good to know. First quest, I need to find out when in the MCU timeline I am."
[!New Quest: The Timeline!]l
Dropping into a pre-existing world is nice, but now you need to know when you appeared in it. Find out when you showed up in the MCU timeline.
Reward:
- 300 EXP
- $250
- 5 Stat Points
"Next, I need potential upgrade paths. Being a "standard" human is great and all, but I'mma gonna need all the help I can get." He nodded so-so. "And I kinda want superpowers." He wasn't as sure about having superpowers - "power corrupts" and all that - but it was something.
A moment or two later, and nothing happened.
"Sooo… I need to specify which paths I can take, don't I?"
[Correct.
'Paths of Power' will depend on what methods you come up with, and what methods you encounter later on;
assuming you haven't already come up with them. But it would have to be a conscious decision.]
"Thanks. We'll start with the obvious ones, and then go from there." He stopped to think over which empowering methods there were; not just in the MCU, but in the Marvel Universe in general. "Well, there's always seeing if I have an X-gene. Maybe not, since I'm not from this world, but it can't hurt to check. Then there's the Super Soldier Serum; if it can be refined properly that is. Mystical Attunement. Gamma Radiation; though I'm not a fan of that one, and I doubt I have the proper Gamma Gene; so that one's a solid 'No'. Exposure to Cosmic Radiation. Nano-bots.
"My favorite so far would probably be obtaining a Klyntar. Dangerous, but the bonuses would probably be percent based, so it would be Hella good later on. Should also think about bugging Tony about getting some armor after we meet. Then there's also the standard method of intense training. That'll have to be my method until I can level up some more."
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – More than Human!]
While you're not sure if you possess it innately, activating your X-Gene is a potential Path to gaining more power. To become something superior to the average human, deep within your DNA. Once you've unlocked this Path, there are no takebacks.
Requirements:
- Forcibly Activate your X-Gene (since you're kinda past pubescence)
Reward:
- Unlock 'Mutant Path' Evolution
- Unlock 'X-Gene' Skill Path
- Unlock 'Mutant' Sub-race
- Unlock 'Mutant (RARE)' Trait
- Potential to Unlock 'Human Division' Sub-trait
- Unlock 'More than Human' Questline
- 7000 EXP
- $4200
- 10 Skill Points
- 5 Evolution Points
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. Attempting to forcibly activate your X-Gene may result in Death.
Or, you might not have one. There's that too.
.
Marcus couldn't help but whistle to himself. "So it is possible." Unfortunately, he'd seen enough movies to know what it might require to access this potential X-gene (Sue him! 'Deadpool' was awesome!). And the mistreatment that would come from being a "Mutant". Not to mention the mutant-on-mutant struggle; which he was guessing was where the new Questline came in.
He could appreciate that he knew exactly where he stood in that regard.
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – Super Human Steroids!]
Only one man was successfully bonded with Doctor Erskine's Serum. The serum will enhance all that you are; Good will become Great, and Bad will become Worse. Is that a chance you're willing to take? Once you take this path, there are no takebacks.
Requirements:
- Locate Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America
- Extract, Analyze, and Synthesize the Super Soldier Serum from his blood
- Integrate the Serum to your body
Reward:
- Unlock 'Super Human' Sub-race
- Unlock 'Super Human (Formula) (EPIC)' Trait
- Potential to Unlock 'Enzyme' Sub-traits
- Unlock 'Locked Away in Your DNA' Questline
- 10800 EXP
- $6500
- 10 Stat Points
- Additional Rewards pending other Quest factors (Faction and Relationships)
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. Attempting to Integrate the Serum to your body may result in Death.
.
'Damn. Talk about a complex system in place,' Marcus thought. Although his attention was quickly taken up with yet another warning about Dying. Death wasn't exactly on his agenda.
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – You're A Wizard, Marcus!]
You seek to master Mystic powers, and thus draw power from the Multiverse. To uphold the boundary between this dimension, and all others to protect this world from supernatural threats. Or, you know, you just want cool abilities.
Requirements:
- Gain the attention of the Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj
- Speak with the Ancient One
- Begin Tutelage at Kamar-Taj
Reward:
- Unlock 'Sorcerers Path' Evolution
- Unlock 'Mystic Arts' Skill Path
- Unlock 'Sorcerer' Sub-race
- Unlock 'Novice Sorcerer (RARE)' Trait
- Potential to Unlock 'Sorcerer Specialist' Sub-traits.
- Unlock 'Beyond This Dimension' Questline
- 15500 EXP
- $9300
- 10 Skill Points
- 5 Evolution Points
- Additional Rewards pending other Quest factors (Method of Approach)
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. The Sorcerer's may decide to wipe your memory, or kill you, resulting in Death.
.
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – INFINITE COSMIC POWER!]
Not sure how you plan to get exposed to Cosmic Radiation, but I suppose that's one way to gain power in this new world. Or 'Universe' I guess.
Requirements:
- Find and absorb Cosmic Radiation
Reward:
- Unlock 'Cosmic Path' Evolution
- Unlock 'Cosmic Being' Sub-race
- Unlock 'Cosmic Entity (MYTHIC)' Trait
- Unlock 'Cosmic Power' Skill Path
- 108000 EXP
- $64800
- 40 Skill Points
- 20 Evolution Points
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. Absorbing Cosmic Radiation may result in your Death.
.
"Okay, so evidently 'Cosmic Radiation' was a lot more dangerous, and a lot harder to get exposed to, and evidently a lot more powerful," he mused aloud. "Danger plus difficulty to the factor of power equals a higher chance of Death. Great. Just great.
He whimpered though as he stared at the potential. "But daaamn, those rewards."
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – Reinventing the Human Condition!]
Sometimes, power isn't in otherworldly power or in altering what already is. Sometimes it means creating something new.
Requirements:
- Pioneer advancement, or wait until Nanotechnology is developed
- Integrate with Nanotech
Reward:
- Unlock 'Nano Core Companion' Development
- Unlock 'Cyberlinked (EPIC)' Trait
- Potential to Unlock 'Cyberware' Sub-traits
- Potential to Unlock 'Nanotech Programming' Skill Path
- 15500 EXP
- $9300
- 10 Skill Points
- 5 Evolution Points
- Additional Rewards pending other Quest factors (Method of Development)
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. Attempting to Integrate Nanotech to your body may result in Death.
.
"Huh." He looked over the 'Nano Core Companion' aspect. It seemed that, as an upgradable 'add-on' feature, it was a bit different from regular Evolution Paths. Interesting. And because of it was nanotech, it was possible to change how advanced each aspect of it was, given the 'Programming' aspect of it. Maybe even have differing passive effects given the 'Cyberware'.
"Neat."
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – Symbiosis!]
So you included bonding with an alien parasite as a possible Path? Not sure if I should be surprised or worried anymore, but that checks out. You do you.
Requirements:
- Locate a Klyntar
- Integrate with a Klyntar
Reward:
- Unlock 'Klyntar Companion' Evolution
- Unlock 'Klyntar Host (EPIC)' Trait
- Potential to Unlock 'Klyntar Evolution' Sub-traits.
- Unlock 'Symbiosis' Skill Path
- Unlock 'So Many Snacks' Questline
- 21000 EXP
- $12600
- 10 Skill Points
- 10 Evolution Points
- Additional Rewards pending other Quest factors (Symbiosis compatibility)
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. Low compatibility with Klyntar may result in Death.
.
Marcus just sighed. It seemed any path he could take to gain power also came with the possibility of death. Some of those paths seemed… much more likely to kill him. He wouldn't have minded getting some percentages as he was now, even if he knew that could change 10 to 20 levels down the line.
.
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – Where's My Supersuit?!]
There's a difference between creating a shield to protect others, and creating one to protect yourself. Make sure you know which one you're creating.
Requirements:
- Create your own mechanical armor… or just bug Tony Stark until he makes it for you.
- Equip armor
Reward:
- Unlock 'Mark Series' Development
- Unlock 'Mechanical Armament' Skill Path
- Unlock '?' armor (because you'd have to name it)
- 10800 EXP
- $6480
- 10 Skill Points
- Additional Rewards pending other Quest factors (Method of Development)
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time.
.
[!New Quest: Paths of Power – The Old Fashion Way: The Noob!]
Sometimes, the only way to gain power is by doing what has been done before: working hard, exercising, and reaching your limit by your own hands. Whether that's by intense training, mob grinding, study, or self-reflection. Straight forward. No short-cuts.
Requirements:
- Reach lvl 5
Reward:
- Pre-assigned 'Trait' (Common)
- 500 EXP
- $300
- 5 Stat Points
Failure: Quest can be 'Quit' at any time. (But seriously, don't just drop this quest, since you're guaranteed to reach lvl 5 anyway; as long as you don't do something stupid. Might as well collect the rewards you're bound to get anyway).
.
He sighed. At least there was one cool method so far that didn't involve him dying.
Still, it looked like it was going to be the 'Old Fashion Way' first then. It would take a while, considering that random Quest triggers would be less likely to net him significant EXP, items, and cash in a more realistic world. There were no mobs of monsters to grind against; only other people. And, not that Marcus was complaining, but he didn't see there being a 'Create I.D.' skill like in the manhwa for him to exploit. That shit was broken anyway. Like seriously broken.
But there would be time for all of that. First thing before he began searching for his current place in the timeline…
"Inventory," he ordered, and the window popped up. Just as anticipated, his inventory contained three items in it. Although, he could have sworn it was bigger when he first looked at it.
"I was expecting it, but 'Max Human Mode' really reduced my inventory space," he sighed, before nodding to himself. What once had been 6x5 boxes of space, there was now 6x3 boxes. Still 18 spaces, but still. "But, at least there's not a weight limit. That would have really sucked." While it wasn't realistic, he wasn't going to complain about it.
Especially after having already taken such a significant hit to his already limited Inventory.
Still, he hovered over his 'Care Package' items, looking at their descriptions..
['Survival' Care Package (EPIC)
A care package given to those who decided to up their game in the new world. Very few people choose this option. Has some goodies tailored to what the User might need to 'survive'.]
.
['Welcome' Care Package, Altered (Common)
A care package given to those just starting out with their Gamer System.
Package contents have been 'Altered' specifically to User.]
.
['Custom Difficulty: Max Human' Care Package (LEGEND)
A care package given to those who go the extra mile to make their new life more difficult by adding a customized mode. Despite being the only 'Gamer'. Or maybe that's why you made it so.]
.
Marcus shook his head at the last one. 'Difficult' was subjective in this case. He just wanted it as close to real as he could get. Which might be a problem, now that he thought about it. How the Hell was he supposed to not die in the MCU? There were just too many ways for that to happen. He supposed he could always find some backwater place that was unlikely to be overly affected by events. Nevermind the immense number of nameless thugs, cartels, and mobs that always seemed to inhabit the world. What about all the secret organizations, alien warlords, super intelligent people that turned into super villains, and random super-powered people? Even if he avoided death, the likelihood of living peacefully was unlikely.
Wait a second… wasn't Death a chick in the Marvel Universe?
[!New Quest: Dining with Death!]
You've just realized that sometimes, even death isn't the end. Because Death is an actual person. Don't worry. She's only a nigh-omnipotent being that is as unfathomable as Eternity itself.
Requirements:
- Die, or otherwise have your HP reduced to 0 (no if's, and's, or but's about that) without being resuscitated.
- Survive your encounter with Death by any means necessary (Good luck. You're gonna need it.)
Reward:
- Another chance at life
- Title 'O' Death (MYTHIC)'
- Unlock 'Death Warmed Over (MYTHIC)' Trait
- Skill Book
- You will have 'Death's' Attention
- 108000 EXP
- $64800
- +10 VIT
- 10 Evolution Points
Failure: You die. Permanently this time.
.
'Right,' he thought dejectedly, just imagining how much he missed his stupidly simple old life. A place without gods, demons, magic, monsters, aliens, super deities, or anything else. 'Right. There's no way to live a peaceful life away from all of this. Glad we cleared that up early.'
Shaking his head sadly, he continued. "Open packages."
[!Open: Survival Mode Care Package (EPIC)!]
Obtained:
- Sleek Backpack
- Lighter
- Water Bottle, 24 oz.
- Collapsible Cutlery
- Thermos, 2 L. (67 oz.)
- Rope, 100 ft.
- Survival Bayonet
- Weather-Resistant Jacket
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes
- 5 Skill Points
.
[!Open: Welcome Care Package (Common)!]
Obtained:
- Marcus Kendrick's Worn Wallet
- Spare Clothes
- Basic Leather Jacket
- Basic Biker Shades
- Starter Map
.
[!Open: 'Custom Difficulty: Max Human' Care Package (LEGEND)!]
Obtained:
- Unlocked Title: 'Masochistic Gamer (LEGEND)'
- Skill Book
- 5 Skill Points
.
[Sooo? What'cha thinkin'?]
"So a literal 'survival' kit? And here I was, playing video games on the most average difficulty I could this whole time," he said sarcastically rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew harder dungeons get you better rewards, but I didn't think that applied to just starting off. Sorry if it caused any trouble."
[Eh, no trouble. Gives me something to gossip about.]
He had words about that, but chose not to.
Instead he looked over the stuff he'd gotten, bonuses that would hopefully aide him. He looked down briefly, remembering that he was still in his pajamas.
And barefoot. Outdoors. Somewhere.
He quickly traded his sleepwear for the blank white t-shirt, jeans, and even socks from the [Spare Clothes], quickly donning the [Basic Leather Jacket] and [Sturdy Hiking Shoes] with the same ease of dragging and slotting his gear. They just appeared on him as though by magic. All things considered; his 'Inventory' was still rather full. Probably for the best, considering he wasn't sure of all that he'd need to begin in this world.
As far as he was concerned, open inventory space was good inventory space.
Since he was starting off, the clothes were pretty 'low-tier', they didn't seem to have any unique bonuses one might expect from a world turned video game.
Just as quickly, he reached into the blue window, pulling out his new backpack while he did so. It automatically equipped to his 'Back Slot'.
"Just a quick question," he stated as he swung it around his shoulder. Looking at his 'Inventory', the smaller pack added six additional spaces. "If I fill the backpack up, can I put it in my 'Inventory'? Like a Shulker box?"
[Sorry, but that's a no.
Packs will only add additional space to your 'Inventory'.
If you drop the pack while anything's in it, then it will continue to hold those items though.]
He shrugged, already walking down the concrete path he'd seen the "old man" walking down, just a few moments before. With his 'Inventory' still open, he reached in again, pulling out the wallet.
[Marcus Kendrick's Worn Wallet (Unique)
While nothing special, this wallet is more sentimental to the user.
Used for holding cash, I.D., and cards.]
He flipped it open, prying open the pocket with one hand. All that was there was a few old receits, and a single emergency $50 he kept on hand just in case.
''Status'.' The 'Status' screen replaced 'Inventory', and he put the $50 in, immediately watching as his limited funds blinked up. 'Huh. Good to know that feature works.'
He began looking through the rest of it, noting an old fishing license that was far too out-of-date, a few coffee punch-it cards, some old gift cards he'd never used because he forgot about them, and of course his debit card. Underneath his I.D. though were a couple of worn photos: one of Tyler posing for his high school senior photo, the others of his separated families, his little sister's wedding photo. The most important things in this world to him.
['Gamer's Mind' holding.]
He caught himself on the briefest of nostalgic smiles before shaking his head, putting them back in his wallet. He needed to secure himself in this new world, and he couldn't afford to look back. Not yet. Maybe never.
Replacing them, he pulled out his debit card with an intrigued look. "Well, it can't hurt to try. I'm not technically losing anything." He quietly put the card into the screen, holding his breath as he waited for something to happen. As it slip through his 'Status' window, he watched as 'Currency' suddenly shot up.
[Funds transferred.]
[Currency: $150 = $11675.63]
"Sweet baby Jesus," he commented, watching as his former bank balance was suddenly added to his arsenal, more secure than any bank in existence behind a screen only he could access. He hesitantly reached back in, searching for his card, only to have it pop back out, this time without any of the discerning features of which bank it was issued by. He wondered if it was still usable.
[For successfully experimenting with the system, your INT increased by 1]
"Huh. Handy." He quickly put it back in before switching back over to 'Inventory' to return his wallet.
It didn't take him long to start noticing other people. In fact, it was quickly becoming apparent that there was a lot of people along this particular path. No one paid him any mind, and if he was honest, he preferred it that way. The social anxieties of his old world tried grab hold, only to be swatted aside by the boon that was [Gamer's Mind].
So he just did his best to blend in. Which, ironically, was just walking without a destination in mind.
The moment he made it out of the wooded area, he stopped, blinking in surprise as he looked ahead. It was a park. A very large, very much surrounded by a very large city, park. He looked around again before whispering, "I'm in fucking New York City." He'd recognize those high-rises from 'Home Alone 2' any day.
Of course, he was in New York. Because any time bullshit went down, it happened in New York. He felt his breathing start to become rapid and shallow, his eyes swimming and his arms trembling at the sheer enormity of what had happened started becoming more and more obvious.
And just like that, it was gone.
['Gamer's Mind' is clocking overtime.]
He took a deep breath ignoring the fact that he was now on the sight for an eventual Battle of New York, if it hadn't happened already. It didn't look like it, but he couldn't be sure about that. Swallowing, he pressed on, looking for the nearest edge of what he now knew was Central Park.
"Right, map," he commented, reaching absently into his 'Inventory' and pulled out the [Starter Map]. He winced slightly at the folded paper map. He hadn't seen one of these since he was a kid. Luckily, once more, he had a stroke of... well, not genius, but... sure, genius.
'Map?'
Nothing.
He frowned as he looked back over the paper map. "Okay. The old fashion way it is then." He looked it over briefly, quickly pinpointing his position.
[You have created a new skill through a specialized action.
'Cartography' skill obtained.
'Map' feature unlocked.]
.
"Well sonuvabitch. Was that all it took?" he commented in pleasant surprise. "'Map'."
Without any other prompt, an overhead, almost satellite-like view of his position was immersed on a floating blue screen. The map was mostly blacked-out, except for the brief little bit he'd looked over manually around a little pin he assumed was himself. Even more curious, he side-eyed the 'Map' as he looked down at the map in his hand. Up at the 'Map', down at the map.
Shrugging, he gingerly placed the [Starter Map] into the 'Map' screen, watching as it disappeared into thin air with some trepidation.
[!'Cartography' skill has leveled up!]
[!'Cartography' skill has leveled up!]
[For your ingenuity, your INT increased by 1.]
.
He watched as the surrounding area and city - formerly blacked out - immediately fill in. It was a simple road map really, with few details, and no building markers. But it was something at least. Marcus couldn't help but smile a little.
He quickly set it to help him find his bearings, heading close to the south exit of the Park. The moment he stepped out, it was almost too much.
He shivered at all the people, the sheer number of them. If he didn't have his Gamer abilities right now, his head would be swimming in vertigo. Worse, he might have collapsed from a panic attack. Oh, he missed his smaller city home already. None of this metropolitan stuff.
Licking his lips and swallowing nervously, he darted his head around quickly, finding what he was looking for as he walked toward the busy street.
"Oh shit," he muttered. "I don't know how to hail a cab." He looked around in confusion, unsure of what to do, and doing his best to see how anyone else did it. He got his answer as he watched someone else flag down their own cab. Psyching himself up slightly, he went to repeat it.
No one was more surprised than he was when it worked the first time, a cab pulling up to the curb right in front of him. 'Not gonna lie, that's kind of neat.'
Before he could even open the door though, he was shoved out of the way as someone else quickly stole his cab. He blinked, partially in confusion, but mostly in surprise. "Holy fuck. The movies weren't kidding. People are fucking assholes."
Shaking off the massive influx of irritation welling up inside him, he did his best to hail another cab. It took another couple tries, but once he finally got it, he looked around quickly, fully prepared to cause a ruckus his first day in the MCU over a cab ride if he had to. Luckily, a few stern looks were enough to ward anyone from trying. And like that, he stepped into the car.
"Where do you need to go?" the cabbie asked as he turned to look back.
Marcus licked his lips in confusion. He needed information. What place had information? "Um, could I get a ride to the nearest public library?"
The cabbie heaved a small chuckle. "Sure thing pal." As they started to pull from the curb and back into traffic, the cabbie continued. "You new to the Big Apple?"
"What gave it away?" he asked with a small smirk.
"Eh, you looked like you were about to jump anyone who tried to take your ride," the cabbie stated with a returned smirk of his own. "Plus, the lost and dazed look. Not an uncommon thing 'round here."
'No kidding.' "Yeah, first day. It's a bit overwhelming," he admitted.
"So where ya from?" the cabbie asked, still smiling.
'A long way from here.' "North-western states. Born and raised," he answered, still keeping it a little vague.
"So you're a long way from home. What brought ya here?"
Marcus was distinctly uncomfortable with his inability to actually share that he was from a Universe where all of this was walled off behind a TV screen. "Not much of a choice. A lack of options and a mystery benefactor ('Sys')," he answered softly.
The cabbie seemed to pick up on his mood, the smile toning down from an engaging one to a simply friendly one. And thankfully, he didn't ask anymore questions. Without anything to do but sit there, Marcus was left to his own thoughts, which mostly constituted of how he was going to survive in this place.
It took a little over five minutes, which was better time than he'd anticipated.
"That'll be $9.50," the cabbie stated, turning back to see two $10's held out to him.
"Thanks man. You take care." Marcus was already closing the door as the cabbie tried to protest. And Marcus was perfectly happy to ignore him with a small smirk on his face. The guy could keep the change; especially since he was okay in Marcus's book: he was nice, polite, and had dialed down on conversation when it was turning dower. Solid 4.5 stars at least, but only because Marcus didn't make a habit of throwing 5 stars around willy-nilly.
The library wasn't hard to find, and he quickly entered. He didn't bother with the name, too focused on what he needed, and how to get it. He quietly sought out any available computer he could, shivering as he walked past regular, everyday people. To his luck, he found one, immediately getting to work.
To his relief, the search prompts 'The Battle of New York' yielded nothing but historical information from the Revolutionary War. He quickly moved on, searching quickly for 'Jericho Missile Demonstration', 'Tony Stark Missing', and 'Tony Stark is Iron Man'. Anything he could think of to get a glimpse of when he was, since that was the main start of the MCU as he knew it.
To both his relief and disappointment, there was nothing, except maybe a paparazzi piece about Tony Stark walking away from a party with two babes on each hip. So... yes, this was the MCU. No it wasn't Robert Downey Jr. He knew that, but it helped to see it with his own eyes, and not just from a strange and mysterious pop-up. It made it all the more real, and he wasn't sure how that made him feel.
"Sys, Quest complete. I'm pre-Iron Man," he stated, looking down at the date in the lower-righthand corner of the computer screen. It was March 3rd, 2007. If his understanding of the timeline was up to snuff, the whole Iron Man thing took place either in 2008 or 2010. He wasn't sure. He never paid attention to the small details like dates when he watched the movies, but being at least a year off gave him some time. But... time for what really?
Which was something he hated right now. Time wasn't exactly on his side to decide, much less enjoy if he was honest. Not to mention he'd somehow lost about 15 years from his original Earth without aging. Or rather de-aging.
[!Congratulations! You completed the Quest: The Timeline!]
You figured out where you are (approximately) in the timeline. We'll count it as a win.
Rewards:
- 300 EXP
- $250
- 5 Stat Points
[!You Gained a Level!]
That was between one to three years until the whole MCU officially kicked off. Time. Lots and lots of it. That he didn't even know what to spend it on, besides training. And the Battle of New York added at least another year, probably two, on top of that.
What did he want to do now that he was here? What could he do really?
Quickly, he pulled up the Godsend that was Google Maps, using the very convenient satellite mapping to update and expand his 'Map' Menu. At the very least, it would give him an edge if he had to leave the city and come back.
[For collecting valuable information and planning, your INT increased by 1]
[!'Cartography' skill has leveled up!]
'Now that those are out of the way, I need some place to operate out of.' In that moment, he was thankful for [Gamer's Mind]. Normally, this much work, stress, and forward momentum in anything left him feeling mentally drained and in much need of no less than 10 to 12 consecutive hours of sleep. Now, with the System backing him… he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but… he felt different.
'That and some of this is life and Death.' That would certainly light a fire under most people's ass. He just happened to be one of them.
He continued to map out Manhattan, even finding it funny that Hell's Kitchen was just a few city blocks (for New York) from where he was. He wasn't sure how long he was on before another pop-up startled him from his focusing.
[You have created a new skill through repetitive action.
'Information Processing' skill obtained.]
[Information Processing (Passive) lvl 1 (2.3%)
The first and greatest weapon of any battle is information, and the user is making sure to capitalize on this. Even something seemingly inane can prove useful in the right circumstances.
+1% to how quickly information is collected.
+1% to information processing speed.
+1% to INT acquisition.]
.
'Oh yeah. Forgot that I can make skills.' He quietly read over the skill before nodding, dismissing the window. "Not bad at all," he muttered, still half-aware that he was in a library and needed to keep quiet. That skill was going to come in handy a lot in the coming days.
He left the library well before closing time, using his beautifully updated 'Map' to navigate towards his destination. After updating his map enough times, taking note of every landmark and important feature of note he could, his [Cartography] skill had grown to a solid level rather quickly. Maybe the fact that it was a lot of information being shoved into it, but if it was cheesing to use the Internet, Marcus wasn't complaining. Not to mention the levels he gained in [Information Gathering] just from his intense research.
[Cartography (Passive) lvl 7 (73.9%)
Knowing your destination is just as important as knowing where to visit again. Whether it's landmarks, favorite haunts, or planning for a future battle. One needs to know the lay of the land to achieve victory. Doesn't hurt to have a road map, either.
INT improves details added while mapping.]
.
He could admit that his research wasn't as... careful as it should have been. He needed to keep a low profile, as he wasn't certain what kind of probes and proxies were watching for keywords on the internet, and he wasn't sure he wanted to alert any agencies to his presence. SHIELD included. At least, not yet. Not that he knew the best way to avoid a super-secret spy agency, but he was trying. He'd gotten a +1 to WIS for that line of thought.
[WIS 20 = 21]
Though... he might have botched it already. Hindsight was 20/20 unfortunately.
After he'd left the library, he'd headed west, either wisely – or unwisely – seeking out Hell's Kitchen. Among his other research, he'd searched for any potential places to stay; preferably cheap, few questions asked, and not requiring his I.D. While his debit card may have worked, he wasn't willing to bet that his I.D. did just yet.
[You have entered 'Hell's Kitchen' Territory
This area is average level individuals, with higher level thugs. While mostly friendly, best keep your guard up.]
Marcus could agree with that for now. He was too low in level to do anything meaningful, and he didn't fancy his chances against the collective might of the shady underworld that had been building from the shadows here. Still, Hell's Kitchen wasn't quite as decrepit as he'd built up in his mind. Then again, Daredevil was years in the future.
Finding the place he was looking for, he quickly found some available apartments that seemed to have some upkeep, and most importantly, were clean. Marcus wasn't sure if the owner was just desperate, just didn't care, or maybe the gods of bullshit-protagonist-no-jutsu were on his side (not that he was complaining). He'd thought it would be harder, but he quickly paid the deposit and first month's rent. Even though it hurt to dip into his limited funds, it was necessary. An investment.
For as long as he needed it, it would do for now.
And that was how he concluded his first day in this world.
He'd have to start looking for job soon. And fast. But that was a problem for tomorrow. As long as he kept his head down, he'd be fine.
He didn't bother opening any of his Menus before bed. After how much had transpired in his first day alone, he was just too tired to care.
"Sys, if you could set an alarm for 6 AM please," he muttered into the very lumpy mattress that had come with the room. He never thought he'd miss sheets, but he'd add that to his list of things to get. Later of course. And a pillow.
"And make it the most persistent and annoying alarm you can," he added quietly.
[No problem. 'Alarm' set for 6 AM to "Abandon Ship".]
His head didn't even lift off the pillow at that. "Worth it," he whispered tiredly, already beginning to drift off to sleep. Maybe he'd figure out what he should do tomorrow.
[… Malibu, California…]
"Excuse me, sir…."
Tony Stark hardly looked up from his work as he continued working on his latest project in his basement workshop. His den. His Fortress of Solitude. "What is it, Jarvis?" he asked in slightly annoyed tone at the interruption. It wasn't the A.I.'s fault though.
Even now, Tony was still reinventing it's programming and fixing any bugs that cropped up. He was confident that it wouldn't be long before it was a fully self-sustaining system. Artificial Intelligence in its utmost capacity; decades ahead of its time. As was, Jarvis was already ahead of time, but he could be... more, of that. Not that he had had much time to work on it lately. Too many little thoughts in his head. All of them needing an outlet.
"…I thought it best to inform you that I received an unusual ping cross-referenced from one of your internet proxies," Jarvis informed him from the intercom. "It raised a couple... red flags, sir."
That annoyed Tony to some degree. "Well, what is it?" he demanded into a nearby microphone, officially having lost the momentum of focus he'd had on his current project. He looked over at his computer screen Jarvis began opening some additional tabs.
"I've traced the I.P. of the ping to a library in New York. It appears to be an unusual browser search in relation to you, sir. I thought it at least worth a look at. It included some more… sensitive matters, sir."
Frowning, Tony tapped two fingers against in chin in thought as Jarvis brought up what had tripped those proxies. What was it? Some supposed scandal. Maybe something about one of his many one-nighters that hadn't yet hit the press yet? But if Jarvis clocked it, then it must have been important. He was programmed not to bother him otherwise.
Unless that was bugged.
His frown deepened as he leaned forward in his chair, reading off what had been typed into the search engine, and everything that surrounded this particular browsing. 'Battle of New York'? At first glance, it appeared to be just some kid's history paper maybe, but it was the rest of it that gave him pause.
'Jericho Missile Demonstration', 'Tony Stark Missing', and 'Tony Stark is Iron Man'?
"Jarvis, how the Hell did someone find out about the Jericho?" Tony demanded, only briefly looking over toward his left to where the very infant plans of said weapon were still in design. It was still a fetus of an idea really. Barely even conceived. He'd maybe seen the OBGYN for confirmation that it was indeed, positive. And he was getting carried away. "I don't recall uploading anything to STARK servers."
"You didn't, sir. Though I find the other two searches to be just as concerning."
Tony nodded. Somehow, someone knew about his Jericho missile before he'd even gotten past the idea phase and presented it to the Board. He had a design in place, even if he was only just starting to design an approximate 3D model yet, and somehow, someone in New York knew about it.
Setting that thought aside, 'Tony Stark Missing' could have been anything. Some of the searches came with a very flattering photo of him with a couple of ladies on each arm. He remembered that photo. What were their names again? Sharon and Hannah? Whatever. Pepper had been pissed, and his ear was experiencing some phantom pain from the lecture she'd given him the day afterward.
She was his assistant, not his mom. And it had taken all the dexterity of his steady robotics-engineering hands to satisfy not just one, but two women at once. He was quiet pleased with those results, thank you.
But the fact that the search was so vague intrigued him, as if the search was meant to be taken so liberally. The last one, not so much.
"What the Hell is an Iron Man?" he queried aloud.
"Besides being a Black Sabbath classic, sir?" Jarvis asked.
Tony perked up. Since when did Jarvis do lip or sarcasm? Huh, thoughts for later. Maybe his baby bot was starting to grow up. He must have been closer to a fully realized A.I. than he thought. "Touché."
His thoughts were once more consumed with this odd string of events. "Did we get any more information? Like maybe who did the typing?"
"Unfortunately, no sir. However, the logs from the same IP address spent almost two hours looking over New York City through Google Maps. We're only just receiving the info now."
"Hmm," he hummed, leaning back sharply as if looking at the information from a slightly different angle would help. It was puzzling. "Thoughts?"
"From what my algorithms can deduce, it appears that the searches were meant to piece together a timeline, sir. A timeline that, according to my data, doesn't exist. Combined with assessing the area of a supposed "battle" using modern maps, it does make one wonder."
Tony looked up in surprise at that. If at least skeptically. "So what? Our mysterious person is from the future?"
"Statistically, highly unlikely. But when one has removed the impossible, sir. But Correlation is hardly Causation, sir."
Tony nodded. He knew both sayings, and Jarvis had delivered them wonderfully. It was odd. To think that something so simple peaked his interest so much. "Then start removing what's impossible. Can you spare some headspace?"
"I can set aside some processing," Jarvis agreed.
Humming sharply, Tony picked up a recorder, clicking a button on it. "Captain's log. Note-to-self: Upgrade Jarvis's processing servers. And build him an advanced hacking program while I'm at it." He clicked the button again, stopping the recording. He needed camera access if he wanted to catch stuff like this faster. Or, you know, get camera's on every computer in the world.
"Jarvis. Set some data nets out for anyone spending an excessive amount of time Googling New York City from within the city itself. Something we can pick up and string together. Specific parameters should narrow it down significantly. Update me if you cross-link anything specific. Nevermind the rest of it. I want to know how someone found out about my missile before I've even given birth." He perked up as though he'd had an epiphany. "I feel kind of violated now."
"Will do, sir," Jarvis affirmed. "On another note, sir: Miss Potts has just become aware of Miss Chelsey in the Master Bedroom, sir."
"With the candlestick? Nevermind that. I'll let them get acquainted," he dismissed, picking up a ball from his desk and tossing it between his hands in a bout of restless energy.
His latest tryst was the least of his concerns.
"And while you're at it, scan for any abnormal bugs or data leakage within both the house, and STARK servers. Just in case."
"Already added, sir."
He hummed again at that.
Tony frowned once more as he looked over at the beginning stages of the Jericho; something he knew would revolutionize warfare. Even if the idea of someone knowing about it was hard to grasp, the concept of someone traveling through time with that knowledge was even more odd to him.
"Time travel," he snorted, tossing the ball into the air.
Name: Marcus Kendrick
Race: Human (standard)
Occupation: Former Lawn Mower (Crew Leader)
Level: 3 (250/600)
Title: N/A
HP: 250
HP regen 2% (5 HP/minute)
MP: 330
MP regen 3.1% (7.8 MP/minute)
SP: 260
SP regen 2.3% (5.98 SP/minute)
STR: 11
VIT: 10
DEX: 13
INT: 20
WIS: 22
LUC: 18
SKL: 35 | EVO: 0
Currency: $10165.63
Hunger: 23/100
Thirst: 0/100 (because tap water)
.
[Cartography lvl 1 = 7]
[Information Processing lvl 1 = 5]
Author's Note: Don't forget to READ and REVIEW!
Let me know what you guys think. Keep it constructive. And any help balancing or reinventing certain skills would be most helpful.
Until next time.