Fresh Start

Darkness.

That was the first thing he experienced. Not pain, not confusion—just an overwhelming void. It wasn't frightening, though. If anything, it felt oddly peaceful.

Then came the awareness. Memories of his past life surfaced, clear yet distant, as if he were watching them play out on a screen. He couldn't remember his name, but he remembered the world he came from—one without magic, superpowers, or grand adventures. Just an ordinary life filled with small joys, regrets, and the crushing monotony of routine.

And then… he died.

How? That part was fuzzy. He wasn't sure if it was an accident, illness, or something more dramatic. Not that it mattered anymore. Because in the emptiness, something—someone—spoke.

"You have been chosen."

The voice wasn't loud, yet it carried weight, filling the space around him.

"Chosen for what?" he asked, surprised that he even had a voice.

"A second chance. A new life. And as a token of goodwill, you may select three gifts to aid you in your journey."

A reincarnation scenario? He had read enough web novels to recognize the setup immediately. His mind raced through the possibilities. Super strength? Immortality? A system? But then, a thought struck him.

If I get another life… I want to live it doing something I love.

He had always admired martial artists—their discipline, their skill, their ability to push the human body beyond its limits. He wanted that. Not just to be strong, but to truly master martial arts at the highest level.

His choices became clear.

1. Peak Human Physique – Strength, flexibility, dexterity, coordination, and even mental functions—all at the pinnacle of human potential. No shortcuts. No superpowers. Just the absolute peak of what a human could achieve.

2. Photographic Reflexes – Like Taskmaster from the comics, but with a catch—he could only copy techniques he saw in person. No instant mastery from YouTube videos. He had to witness skill firsthand.

3. Perfect Recall – The ability to remember everything he ever saw, read, or learned with absolute clarity. However, his emotions would fade from those memories over time, allowing him to retain knowledge without being burdened by past trauma.

"I see," the voice mused. "An interesting path. Very well. Your new life awaits."

Light consumed him.

---

Twelve Years Later

"Marcus, honey, you're going to be late for school!"

Marcus Carter opened his eyes to the morning sunlight filtering through his bedroom window. His hand lazily reached for the lollipop on his nightstand as he popped it into his mouth. Strawberry today. Not bad.

Rolling out of bed, he stretched, his body moving with effortless precision. Even without training, his peak physique meant he never woke up stiff or sore. He threw on his school uniform—crisp, well-fitted, and undoubtedly chosen by his fashion-savvy mother—before heading downstairs.

The Carter household was as luxurious as expected from a wealthy family. His father, Jonathan Carter, owned a successful Porsche dealership, while his mother, Vanessa Carter, was a well-known fashion designer. Despite their status, they weren't snobbish. If anything, they were surprisingly normal—just with a lot more money.

At the dining table, his mother sipped her coffee, scrolling through her tablet. His father glanced up from the newspaper. "Morning, champ. Sleep well?"

Marcus plopped down and grabbed a piece of toast. "Like a baby."

His mother raised an eyebrow. "A baby that wakes up every two hours crying?"

"I mean the good kind."

His younger sister, Sophie, barely eight years old, grinned from across the table. "You mean the kind that drools and needs diaper changes?"

Marcus flicked a grape at her. She giggled.

His family knew about his love for martial arts. What they didn't know was the extent of his abilities. He trained in secret, learning from professionals whenever possible, copying every technique he saw with flawless precision. But to them, he was just an enthusiastic fan.

"Don't forget," his father said as he stood, grabbing his car keys. "We've got that neighborhood dinner with the Dunphys this weekend. Let's try not to scare off the new neighbors, huh?"

Marcus hummed. The Dunphys. He hadn't met them yet, but from what he heard, they were an… interesting bunch.

"Alright, I'm off." He grabbed his bag, tossing another lollipop into his mouth as he headed for school.

---

At School – The Science Project Incident

Marcus had only been attending this school for a few months, but he had already established himself as an enigma. He was effortlessly athletic but never joined any sports teams. He aced tests but never bragged about it. And while he got along with most people, he kept a certain distance, never fully committing to any particular friend group.

Except for one person—Alex Dunphy.

They weren't exactly best friends, but they had an easygoing dynamic. She was sharp-tongued, competitive, and loved proving she was the smartest person in the room. Marcus found it amusing. Whenever she got a little too cocky, he'd poke fun at her just enough to keep things interesting.

So when their science teacher announced a partner project, it was almost inevitable.

"Dunphy, Carter. You're up."

Alex adjusted her glasses, glancing at Marcus. "Try to keep up."

He smirked. "I was about to say the same to you."

After class, Alex packed up her books and turned to him. "We should get started today. We'll do it at my house."

"Your house, huh?" Marcus mused. "Sounds like an invitation."

She rolled her eyes. "It's an invitation to work, not whatever weird thing you're imagining."

Marcus chuckled, popping another lollipop into his mouth. "Relax, Dunphy. Lead the way."