Chapter 16: Gacha Unleashed

Chapter 16: Gacha Unleashed

Over the past two years, I had deliberately avoided using my gacha tickets, wanting to save them for a moment that felt significant—when I truly needed something extraordinary to push my plans forward. The wait was agonizing, but patience was something I had learned to master. Now, standing in the expansive study of Wayne Manor, I knew the time had come.

I glanced at the system interface, the five gacha tickets shimmering faintly as if calling out to me. These tickets represented opportunities—randomized, yes, but potentially game-changing. With a deep breath, I summoned the interface, and a soft chime indicated the gacha system was ready.

"Alright," I muttered to myself. "Let's see what fate has in store for me."

The gacha wheel appeared in my mind's eye, spinning with an almost hypnotic speed. Colors flashed, symbols flickered, and finally, it slowed to a halt.

[Ding! Reward Unlocked: Harry Potter Glasses (Common Rank)]

I stared at the floating notification, feeling both amused and slightly underwhelmed. A simple pair of round-rimmed glasses materialized in front of me. They were unmistakably identical to the ones Harry Potter himself wore in the books and movies.

"System, what exactly do these glasses do?" I asked, half expecting some hidden functionality.

[These glasses are purely cosmetic and offer no unique abilities. However, they can provide minor vision enhancement for those with poor eyesight.]

"Cosmetic," I echoed, sighing. I couldn't deny the irony of getting Harry Potter's glasses in a world where magic already existed. Shrugging, I set the glasses aside, hoping the next spin would offer something more exciting.

The wheel spun again, this time moving faster and stopping with a dramatic flourish.

[Ding! Reward Unlocked: Ultron AI from Marvel 616 Universe (Gold Rank)]

My heart skipped a beat as the words registered. "Ultron?" I exclaimed, a mix of fear and confusion coursing through me. The very name carried weight—the ultimate AI from the Marvel Universe, notorious for going rogue and causing unimaginable destruction. "System! Explain!"

[The Ultron AI obtained through this gacha is a non-hostile version programmed for absolute loyalty to the host. This AI does not possess any pre-existing armor but retains all knowledge of advanced technologies, including the ability to construct various forms of equipment and systems.]

The explanation was a relief, but it didn't completely erase my apprehension. "So, this Ultron won't go full Skynet on me?"

[Affirmative. This AI will serve as a valuable assistant, offering technological advancements and strategic support.]

As I processed the information, a small metallic orb materialized in my hands, glowing faintly blue. I instinctively knew this was the core of the Ultron AI. "Install the AI," I commanded, and the orb dissolved into light, merging seamlessly with the system.

Moments later, a smooth, modulated voice echoed in my mind. "Greetings, Master Barrett. I am Ultron, your AI assistant. How may I serve you today?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Ultron, huh? Alright, let's start simple. Can you analyze the current state of Wayne Manor's technology and suggest improvements?"

"Certainly," Ultron replied. "Wayne Manor's systems are outdated by several decades. I recommend a complete overhaul, including enhanced security, energy efficiency, and integration of advanced monitoring systems. Shall I begin drafting blueprints?"

"Do it," I said, already imagining the possibilities. With Ultron on my side, the technological gap between magic and science could finally be bridged.

The wheel spun once more, its movements feeling slower, heavier. When it stopped, the notification that appeared was intriguing.

[Ding! Reward Unlocked: Random Movie Ticket (1 Month) (Silver Rank)]

A small silver ticket materialized in front of me, the words "Random Movie Ticket" engraved in elegant script.

"System, what does this do?"

[This ticket allows the host to enter any movie world of their choosing for a duration of one month. The host cannot bring any items or abilities back from the movie world. Restrictions apply: animated movies are not eligible.]

My mind raced with possibilities. The sheer idea of stepping into a movie world was exhilarating, but the limitations tempered my excitement. "So, no bringing anything back? That's a bit of a downer."

[Upgrades are available.]

That caught my attention. I still had a gold-grade upgrade card. Without hesitation, I used it on the ticket.

[Ding! Ticket Upgraded: Random Movie Ticket (Gold Rank)]

[New Effects: Time in the outside world will remain static during the movie visit. The host can retain knowledge and skills learned during the visit.]

I grinned. This was far more useful now. The potential for learning and gaining experience from different worlds was limitless.

The wheel spun yet again, this time landing on something far less exciting.

[Ding! Reward Unlocked: Gucci Bag (Common Rank)]

A sleek designer bag appeared in front of me. I stared at it, unimpressed. "Seriously? A Gucci bag?"

[The bag is purely cosmetic and offers no functional benefits.]

I rolled my eyes and tossed the bag aside. At least it was good for a laugh.

The final spin was more promising. The wheel stopped, and the notification that appeared made me nod in approval.

[Ding! Reward Unlocked: Health Potion (Silver Rank)]

A small vial filled with a shimmering red liquid appeared. "System, explain this potion."

[This health potion can restore the host to full health within three hours. It can cure minor ailments and heal injuries completely.]

The utility of such an item was undeniable. I still had a gold-grade upgrade card, so I decided to use it on the potion.

[Ding! Potion Upgraded: Health Potion (Gold Rank)]

[New Effects: Restores full health instantly. Can cure most poisons and life-threatening injuries.]

"Now we're talking," I said, storing the potion in my inventory. This could easily save my life in a critical moment.

As I reviewed the results of my spins, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and frustration. Some rewards were incredible, like Ultron and the upgraded movie ticket, while others, like the Gucci bag, were downright useless. Still, the potential of the gacha system was undeniable.

With Ultron already working on technological upgrades for the manor and the movie ticket offering untold opportunities, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I felt truly prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Let's see what the future holds," I murmured, determination burning in my chest.