Ch.3: The First Step
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- Princeton, New Jersey, USA -
- August 12, 1935 -
Aryan sat cross-legged on his bed, the dim morning light filtering through the window, casting soft shadows across the room. His mind still buzzed with the realization of what had just happened. A system—a cheat-like existence straight out of fiction—was now embedded within him. If this was truly real, it could change everything.
Taking a deep breath, he focused inward and spoke with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Hello, system. Are you there?"
| Ding |
A soft chime echoed in his mind, followed by a cool, emotionless voice.
| Yes, host. How may I assist you? |
Aryan exhaled, relieved that the earlier notifications weren't just hallucinations caused by his merging with this new body. Now that he had confirmed the system's existence, another question tugged at his mind.
"System, what exactly are you? And why did you choose me as a host? That being in the void called me an anomaly, but is there another reason I was given this ability? Or was it just luck?"
| Ding! Responding to host's query… |
| The system is not an external entity but a manifestation of the Meta-Creation ability the host already possessed in the void. It was awakened in the form of a system according to the host's subconscious desire after receiving a sufficient amount of energy. The system exists to aid the host's growth and does not pose harm to the host or his companions. |
Aryan listened carefully, his mind working through the implications. If the Meta-Creation ability was already his, then how did he obtain it? As far as he remembered, he had been a normal human in his past life. His time in the void must have been the key. But why had his soul ended up there instead of going through the usual cycle of reincarnation?
His gaze darkened slightly. He had a feeling the system wouldn't answer questions beyond its scope, and he wasn't in the mood for futile speculation. He let out a small chuckle at the system's silence, confirming his suspicion.
Shaking off those thoughts, he decided to focus on what mattered—understanding the system's functions. "Tell me about your benefits. What exactly can you do?"
| Ding |
| The Meta-Creation System: Celestial Forge is designed to facilitate growth, creation, and mastery. As the host, you have access to the following functions: |
1. Meta Points (MP): Earned through missions, combat, achievements, and exploration. MP can be used to unlock abilities, upgrade skills, and strengthen personal power.
2. Power Level Tiers: Determines host's current strength. Begins at Tier 1 (Baseline Human) and can be advanced with MP investment.
3. Dungeon Creation: Allows host to generate dungeons for training, skill acquisition, and material gathering.
4. Custom Abilities: Enables the host to create unique abilities by combining skills or conceptualizing new powers.
5. Status Panel: Displays host's attributes, abilities, and overall progress.
| Additional features may unlock as the host progresses. |
Aryan absorbed the information, his mind racing. This wasn't just a power-up—it was a structured path to limitless growth. If used correctly, he could reach levels beyond anything imaginable.
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
| Host is advised to check the status panel for initial assessment. Just say 'Status' to access it. |
Without hesitation, Aryan muttered, "Status."
A translucent blue screen appeared in his mind.
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/ Status Panel /
Name: Aryan Rajvanshi
Age: 15
Race: Human (Mutant)
Abilities:
• Meta-Creation (System Ability)
• Unknown (Unawakened X-Gene)
Power Level: Tier 1
Skills: None
Custom Abilities: None
Meta Points (MP): 0
Dungeon Creation: Locked
Enter/Exit Dungeon: Locked
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Aryan's eyes narrowed at the Unawakened X-Gene under abilities. A mutant? He had expected Meta-Creation, but this was something entirely unexpected. His thoughts raced as realization dawned—the presence of an X-Gene confirmed the nature of this world.
Marvel.
A multiverse filled with superheroes, supervillains, cosmic entities, and eldritch horrors. His shoulders tensed slightly. If he had reincarnated here, it meant he would eventually cross paths with beings capable of rewriting reality itself. But as quickly as worry set in, it faded.
He wasn't powerless.
With Celestial Forge, he could grow strong enough to ensure nothing and no one would stand in his way.
Taking a deep breath, he addressed the system again. "Are you sure I have an X-Gene?"
| Yes. The host's body contains an unidentified mutant gene that has not yet manifested. Awakening requires specific conditions or external stimuli. |
Aryan hummed in thought. His mutant power would eventually awaken, but when and what kind remained a mystery. Would it complement his Meta-Creation ability, or would it be something entirely separate? Either way, it was another asset.
His gaze moved to the Meta Points section—0 MP. That meant he had to start earning points before he could unlock abilities or upgrades. His attention then shifted to Dungeon Creation, which was currently locked.
"How do I unlock this Dungeon Creation function?"
| Dungeon Creation unlocks when the host reaches Tier 2 or earns 100 MP. |
So, he needed to either increase his power level or gather points. That made sense. Dungeons were probably a major feature, so unlocking them wouldn't be easy. He needed a plan.
His mind quickly began forming one. The British still ruled India. While independence was inevitable, the journey would be difficult. But now, he had the knowledge of a past life, the identity of a genius prodigy, and a system that could make him unstoppable.
A slow, determined grin spread across his face.
This wasn't just a second chance.
It was an opportunity.
And he was going to make the most of it.
Aryan leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against his knee as he contemplated his next moves. The fastest way to accumulate Meta Points right now wasn't through combat—he wasn't in any life-threatening situations yet, and while he had received extensive training in Kalaripayattu from some of the best teachers his parents could find, it wasn't an efficient way to grind MP at this stage.
No, the best way was through achievements and exploration.
His academic brilliance was already a given. In his past life, knowledge had been a passion, and in this one, he had taken it even further. At just 15, he was already on the verge of securing three PhDs—an undeniable feat that would surely count as an achievement worthy of Meta Points. Not to mention, once he earned recognition, invitations to renowned universities across Europe and America would follow. With C.V. Raman's recommendation, getting access to these institutions was all but guaranteed.
And that wasn't all.
Travelling to these places would give him access to historical sites, ancient libraries, and cutting-edge research facilities—prime locations for discovery and innovation. Who knew what he might unearth? The potential for exploration-based MP rewards was too good to ignore.
But just as he was forming a solid plan, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
| Ding! |
His thoughts paused as the system's voice followed.
| Host is informed that the system has finished processing residual energy from its awakening. This energy can now be converted into Meta Points. |
Aryan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Residual energy? He hadn't expected any bonus rewards from the system's activation.
Still, free MP was free MP. His lips curled into a smirk as excitement bubbled within him.
"How much MP are we talking about?" he asked eagerly.
| Ding! |
| The conversion will yield approximately 85.5 Meta Points. These points can be utilized to create an item or catalyst of Tier-2 capabilities, which will assist the host in advancing to the next power tier. |
Aryan's smirk widened before he fell into deep thought. 85.5 MP. That was just shy of 100, which meant he couldn't unlock Dungeon Creation yet—but it was more than enough to enhance himself significantly.
And more importantly, it reminded him of something crucial.
His Power Level Tiers.
"System," he said, his tone shifting into one of curiosity. "Tell me about the tier structure. How exactly does it work?"
| Ding! |
The system responded without delay, its voice cool and precise.
| The Power Level Tier system is structured as follows: |
1. Tier-1 (Baseline Human): Standard human capabilities. No enhancements.
2. Tier-2 (Enhanced Human): Peak human potential. Increased strength, endurance, agility, and intelligence beyond normal limits. Comparable to enhanced individuals like Captain America.
3. Tier-3 (Superhuman): Physical and mental attributes surpass normal humans significantly. Capable of minor supernatural feats.
4. Tier-4 (Low-Level Metahuman): Possesses abilities on par with low-tier mutants or super-powered individuals.
5. Tier-5 (High-Level Metahuman): Comparable to advanced mutants, high-tier supernatural beings, or individuals with significant power scaling.
6. Tier-6 (Transcendent): Capable of manipulating reality on a localized scale. Equivalent to demigods, gods or beings like high-level sorcerers and skyfathers of respective pantheons.
7. Tier-7 (Cosmic Entity): Power extends beyond planetary limitations. Comparable to Heralds of Galactus or Celestial-level threats.
8. Tier-8 (Universal Being): Can influence universal forces and laws. Comparable to cosmic abstracts like Eternity or Infinity.
9. Tier-9 (Multiversal Entity): Near-absolute power, capable of manipulating entire multiverses. Comparable to beings like the Beyonder.
| Host is currently at Tier-1. Advancing requires either direct MP investment or obtaining a catalyst capable of enhancing the host to the next level. |
Aryan absorbed the information carefully. The power scaling made sense—it provided a clear path of progression. Tier-2 alone would put him on par with the likes of peak humans in the Marvel world, and from there, he could only go up.
His eyes narrowed slightly. 85.5 MP wasn't enough for Tier-2 outright, but the system had already hinted that he could create a catalyst to help with the breakthrough.
"So, if I use my MP to craft a Tier-2 catalyst, I can push myself to the next level?" he asked.
| Affirmative. Host may use MP to create a specialized item or enhancement that will facilitate advancement to Tier-2. Options will be provided upon request. |
Aryan exhaled slowly. This was exactly what he needed. If he wanted to step into this new world fully prepared, reaching Tier-2 as soon as possible was the best course of action.
"Alright," he murmured, his mind already working through the possibilities. "Let's see my options."
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