chapter 1

As his senses returned, he saw an old man looking at him with a kind and knowing gaze. He remembered the moment vividly—being in his room, working on his computer to design a game for extra college money when a tentacle suddenly grabbed him and killed him.

"Welcome back," the old man said softly. "You must have a lot of questions."

As I came to my senses, I saw an old man sitting comfortably in a chair near the fire, quietly watching TV. He looked at me, his expression calm.

Confused and disoriented, I tried to remember what was going on. My memories were fuzzy, but I vaguely recalled staring into some void. A sharp headache hit me as I struggled to piece things together.

"Take it easy," the old man said. "I blocked out the memory of when you saw the eldritch monster, to keep you from getting corrupted. The rest of your memories will come back in time."

I took a closer look at the man. Why did he look so familiar? Then, a memory hit me, and I shouted, "Holy shit! You're Stan Lee!"

"Language, young man," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "And yes, you could say I am... but not the one you're familiar with."

"Let's get back to the point," the old man said, his tone growing more serious. "You're here because some eldritch being tried to infiltrate my multiverse by using you and taking away your memories with a system."

"A system? Like those fanfics?" I wondered aloud.

"Yes, like those fanfics," he confirmed, nodding. "Most of them are real, and almost every system user ends up corrupted. You've read those fanfics. You know how messed up most of them are, right?"

I sighed, slumping back in my seat. "Yeah, I know. Most of them are awful. There are a few good ones, but most systems are just copies of each other, with nothing original to offer."

"Exactly," he said. "But somehow, you defied it. I'm not sure how you did it, but your willpower kept you from being corrupted. I'm giving you a second chance—along with your memories, and a few powers of your choosing. I've crushed the system that was used against you, and I can repurpose its energy for your benefit."

"This is a lot to take in," I muttered, trying to wrap my head around everything. "So, I got a system from an eldritch being that was supposed to make me screw up the fate of Stan Lee's universe… but somehow, with sheer willpower, I didn't obey, even though I had no memories of my past. I still have no clue how I managed that."

I paused, feeling the weight of the situation. "And now, I can get powers from the system's energy? Not wishes, but actual powers... What kind of powers do I even want?"

The thought hit me suddenly. "I could wish to be a dragon. But is it worth the risk, giving up my humanity? As much as I love the idea of becoming a more powerful species... that's just not for me."

I let my mind wander through different possibilities. "Maybe powers from anime, like the Limitless technique from Jujutsu Kaisen, or a zanpakutō from Bleach... No, I don't want any abilities that don't feel like they belong to me."

Then, an idea formed. "One skill I really want is omnilingualism—the ability to intuitively understand and translate any language I come into contact with. Written, spoken, computer code, even body language... It would let me speak any language, even lost ones. It could be useful for deciphering magical runes in fantasy worlds, or programming in a tech-driven universe. That's a skill I could actually use."

I thought for a moment longer. Alchemy could be useful too. I could make use of it even without magical potential... though I should ask if it works without magic. The idea of mastering alchemy without relying on mana intrigued me.

Yes, I could go for that, I mused. An alchemist prodigy. The ability to perform alchemy better than most, with a natural affinity that makes the process almost intuitive. I'd still need to research and practice, but I'd have a deeper understanding of elements and transmutations. My potions would be stronger, my transformations quicker... and everything would just click. I wouldn't be invincible, but it would give me an edge—something others might spend years trying to master.

But I'd need more than that. My thoughts drifted. Eyes that could break down the components of any ingredient—tell me exactly what I need, how to use it, how to cut it. The idea expanded in my mind. This could even help in combat. Most wouldn't think of humans or monsters as ingredients, but in a sense, they are. I could find weak spots with these eyes. A grin formed. Let's call it [Alchemist Gaze]. Perfect for both combat and alchemy.

As I was deep in thought, I heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. I turned and saw an elderly woman entering the living room, carrying a tray with cookies and tea. She looked so familiar—like Aunt May from the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies.

She smiled warmly at me as she set the tray down. "How are you feeling, dear? Must have been rough for you," she said softly, her voice filled with concern.

I couldn't help but smile back, appreciating her kindness. "Yeah, it's been tough," I admitted. "Getting ripped away from home, nearly being forced into something I wanted no part of... It's overwhelming. But I guess it could've been worse. At least I got saved before I did something terrible to the multiverse." I sighed, the exhaustion of it all weighing on me.

She patted my hand gently, her touch comforting. "You've been through a lot, but you're safe now. You're stronger than you think, dear."

"Here, have some tea and cookies," the elderly woman said as she left the living room, offering the tray to me with a gentle smile. As I reached out to pick up the tea and grab a cookie, I paused, staring at my hand. It was translucent. What the...? It hit me—I didn't have a physical body. I was just a soul.

But how am I able to eat? I shook my head, dismissing the thought. Whatever, there's no point in overthinking this. I'm in a room with Stan Lee, in a house that overlooks the multiverse. I've seen it outside the window—tiny bubbles, stretching out as far as I can see. Each one must be a universe... so there's no logic that applies here anyway.

I took a bite of the cookie, the taste somehow comforting despite my current state. As I chewed, my mind returned to the abilities I wanted. Another idea struck me. Artifact creation... yeah, that could be really useful. The thought of crafting legendary items, things beyond imagination, stirred something in me.

I should ask to be an Artifact Prodigy, I mused, excitement building. Just like with alchemy, I'd have an innate talent for it—something that would set me apart right from the start.

I looked up at Stan Lee and said, "I've made up my mind." I began explaining what I wanted and why it was important to me. He nodded, listening carefully. When I was done, he agreed.

"Now I'm an Alchemist Prodigy," I said, smiling to myself. "I also got Alchemist Gaze, Omnilingualism, and Artifact Creation."

"You've only used up half of the energy," Stan said, raising an eyebrow. "Are there any more abilities you want?"

I paused, considering his offer. "It would be great if I could go beyond the limitations placed on me for alchemy and artifact creation in any universe I travel to. I don't want to be restricted by the laws of different worlds."

"That can be arranged," he said with a nod. "You still have plenty of energy left. Anything else?"

I thought for a moment longer, then an idea hit me. "Is it possible to upgrade my Alchemist Gaze further?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied, intrigued.

"Then I'd like to be able to see all kinds of energy—whether it's magical, scientific, or something else entirely. And I want an intuitive understanding of how to use those energies."

Stan nodded again. "That can be done."

I hesitated before adding one more request. "I also don't want to be tied to the fate of others—their destined events or paths. I want to control my own fate. Is that possible?"

"Yes," he said with a smile. "It's possible. Well done—you've chosen abilities that could make you incredibly powerful, with potential far beyond most. As long as you're willing to work hard, that power will grow."

His expression darkened for a moment. "Some people want the easy way out. I've seen those who were granted a lot of powers right from the start—some of them turned into monsters. Sometimes, I had to deal with them myself," he said with a sigh. "And don't get me started on those with systems. Some are pawns, others just got lucky."

He shook his head and looked at me again. "Anyway, I've used up the energy from that system. I'll send you to a universe that's perfect for you—not too weak, but not overwhelmingly strong. It's the best place to start with the abilities you have."

"When you reach the multiverse level, come and see me. And if you have a family by then, bring them along. Oh, and one more thing—call me Grandpa from now on. I've always wanted a grandson."

I smiled at him, feeling a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. "Grandpa..." I repeated softly. "I've never had a family, so… thank you, Grandpa."

As the words left my lips, everything went black.