AN: New Chapter guys, before we begin, I just want to say Thank you to all the readers who have followed and favorited this story. I sincerely appreciate your support. Please note that the updates for this story may be sporadic due to my busy day job. However, I promise to continue the story as frequently as possible. Without further delay, let's dive into the next chapter!
Chapter 6 – Move well, study well, play well, eat well, rest well.
Greenwich village - 15:45, 13 September 2008
After a night of contemplation, I decided to make my way to the Sanctum Sanctorum to accept the Ancient One's offer. While I could try to figure things out on my own, my attempts at experimenting with my energy will attract the attention of some unsavory elements (S.H.I.E.L.D./Hydra). The sanctum in New York would provide both security and a place to train.
I had a talk with Aunt Cass yesterday evening, explaining that I wouldn't be able to help out for a while. Since Gwen and MJ were working part-time at the café, I figured things would be fine. She was surprised, of course, but told me to do what I needed to do. And so, here I am once again, standing in front of New York's Sanctum Sanctorum.
Saga approached the door, and to his surprise, it swung open on its own. A tall black man stood before him, introducing himself as Daniel Drumm, the guardian of New York's Sanctum. He greeted me warmly and informed me that the Ancient One was expecting my arrival. With a welcoming smile, he led me on a tour inside the sanctuary.
As we walked, I was starting to hum Hogwarts theme while looking around. I took in the surroundings, noting that they were remarkably reminiscent of what I'd seen in the movies. The sanctum was filled with artifacts and an extensive collection of books, carrying an air of mystique and ancient knowledge. Eventually, we reached the second floor, and a sense of déjà vu washed over me as I realized it was the same location where Dr. Strange had faced off against Kaecilius.
My eyes fell upon an object that I instantly recognized—the iconic item Dr. Strange had used to bind Kaecilius. You know those bondage break dancing things. It was a surreal feeling, standing in the very spot where that event had taken place.
But my attention was soon drawn to something even more iconic. Inside a glass case, floating elegantly, was the Cloak of Levitation. It was a breathtaking sight, a piece of Dr. Strange's legacy that held a place of honor within the sanctum's walls.
"It's a remarkable item, isn't it?" a soft yet wise voice emanated from behind me.
"Yeah, it is..." I replied absentmindedly, my gaze fixed on the mystical artifact, not immediately turning to face the Ancient One.
The Ancient One's voice held a serene quality as she began to speak, her words carrying a weight of wisdom accumulated over countless years. "The Cloak of Levitation is not merely an ordinary garment, but a sentient relic of immense power. It is both protector and partner to its wearer. The cloak has a consciousness of its own, an almost symbiotic connection with its wearer. It enhances the sorcerer's abilities, granting them the ability to fly, offering protection, and even assisting in spellcasting when attuned to its wielder's intentions."
I turned to face the Ancient One, captivated by her words as she continued to unravel the secrets of this legendary artifact.
"...." I was flabbergasted by what she's wearing. She's wearing an aloha shirt with sunglasses and a straw hat; her hand is holding glass of drink that has one those little umbrellas.
"Yes?" Ancient One asked me tilting her head to the side, her voice filled with amusement.
"Did I interrupt your holiday?" I asked.
"No, not at all…, why do you ask?" she said as if everything was normal.
"..." I was speechless.
"So, who made it?" I asked her while pointing at the cloak, deciding it's not worth asking for her apparel.
"The exact origins of the Cloak of Levitation are not explicitly detailed, but it is typically attributed to being a creation of mystical forces and ancient sorcery rather than a human craftsman," Ancient One answered my question while sipping on her drink.
"I see…" I spoke.
"Would you be interested in the cloak?" Ancient One asked me, amusement lacing her tone.
"Isn't the artifact meant to choose its wielder?" I asked back, furrowing my brow as I remembered a little tidbit of information from the movie.
"True, however, there's no reason not to try it..." Ancient One said.
"Naah, I think it's meant for someone else. However, I am interested in finding out how it works—could it be replicated, is there any spell that can replicate its effects?"
"Indeed, artifacts like the Cloak of Levitation often exhibit a preference for certain individuals based on their affinity with mystical energies and their destinies," the Ancient One responded. "However, it's not uncommon for such relics to be open to those who show the potential to wield their power responsibly and for the greater good. The cloak's choice is influenced by a combination of factors, including the purity of one's intentions, the depth of their connection to the mystic arts, and their willingness to embrace the responsibilities that come with such power."
She paused for a moment, her gaze contemplative. "As for replicating its effects, attempting to recreate the power of such a unique artifact would be a complex endeavor. The enchantments woven into the fabric of the cloak are the result of ancient and intricate spells, interwoven with the energies of otherworldly realms. Even the most skilled sorcerers would find such a feat challenging, if not impossible. Instead of seeking to replicate, I encourage you to explore the depths of your own potential and forge your path in the mystic arts."
With her words, the Ancient One's presence seemed to carry a weight beyond the physical realm, a timeless wisdom that resonated with the very essence of magic itself.
"So, please have a seat," Ancient One said.
"A seat…?" Then, in the blink of an eye, our surroundings changed. We were suddenly in an office of some sort. She took a seat, and in front of her was a large wooden desk of intricate design.
"Wow…" I said, amazed that she could teleport us from one place to another. It reminded me of Thor and Doctor Strange's scene in the movie.
"Would you have to have a drink?" she gestured her hand to me, I nodded at her offer, suddenly a cup of ice tea is in my hand.
"What brings you here, Mr. Springfield?" she asked after I took a seat.
"Oh, you know, sightseeing. I had some time after my run, so I decided to visit," I shrugged nonchalantly while drinking my tea, although it was clear she knew the true reason for my visit.
"I see," Ancient One laughed lightly. "So, did the book prove to be useful, I take it?" she asked.
I retrieved the mentioned book from my inventory and placed it on the table.
"An interesting ability you have," she noted.
"Yeah, it comes in the package," I said aloofly. "I've come here to take up your offer. As you probably know, I need a place to train. I can't do it out there as it will attract attention from something I don't want."
"Very well, welcome to the New York Sanctum," Ancient One said with a warm smile.
"What... that's it?" I asked her dumbfounded. "No catch at all, no deal whatsoever?"
Ancient One just smiled at my dumbfounded expression. "As I said before, no catch, Mr. Springfield."
"I really want to believe that…. I do, but I know there is no such a thing as a free meal. So please tell me why did you approach me?" I asked her seriously
She stares at me as if contemplating what to say. Her eyes however still held a warm gaze with hint of amusement in it.
"A week ago, I sensed a disturbance in this world's dimensional fabric, a sign that something had arrived. Usually, when an entity breaches this world's boundaries, it leaves behind a rift. We sorcerers bear the responsibility of mending it, lest undesirable beings find their way to Earth," the Ancient One explained...
My mind starts to think of this story, I'm giving it my most rapt attention
"It came as quite a surprise, of course. Not only was there no breach, but there wasn't even a crack in the barrier that surrounds this world," she said, pausing for effect. "In fact, it's strengthening its barrier... It's a welcome surprise compared to what we usually deal with."
It's actually surprising tale really, me coming to this world actually has given benefit to this world. but what does it mean? Is it part of fate, destiny or whatever?
"We eventually managed to pinpoint its location, which led me to you," the Ancient One explained.
"When you come unannounced sitting in my favorite chair?" I asked raising my eyebrow?
"Correct," she replied, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"...Aren't sorcerers supposed to, well, deal with world-crossers like me?" I asked, a note of trepidation in my voice.
"Fu-fu-fu, it seems even when you know something about this world, it's not always entirely accurate," she chuckled lightly.
Well, my knowledge is from Dr. Strange movie, really. A movie that I watch long time ago, kinda forget all of the details
"Tell me, Mr. Springfield, what is it do you think we do?" The Ancient One asked me.
I took my time, recalling the movie. "Sorcerers are defenders of this world, right? They protect it from other entities from different dimensions using magic and all that? Like a Jedi, just more down to earth," I quipped, unable to resist the pun.
"True… but that's not all, Kamar Taj is a place that not only trains sorcerers to defend the world from said threats, but we also welcome all kinds of people…" the Ancient One began to explain.
"The people who come to Kamar Taj, whether by coincidence, by luck, or by their own intentions, have different needs... There are those who are paralyzed, heartbroken from the loss of loved ones, suffering from ailments believed to be incurable, seeking knowledge, or simply have lost their will to live.
As sorcerers, our duty is to help these lost souls or teach them to help themselves. Of course, not everything can be resolved just by teaching them magic. Some just want inner peace."
"But only those who come to Kamar Taj, right? Otherwise, magic would become commonplace in this world?" I mused aloud, seeking confirmation.
"Which brings me to why I personally sought you out. Every now and then, we encounter a unique individual like yourself in this world, with the potential for magic. Some we leave be, hoping our paths will cross eventually, and some we extend an invitation to join us. It also helps that you already grasp the danger of delving into magic and understand its consequences," the Ancient One explained patiently.
"You don't seem surprised that I know things that I shouldn't?" I asked curiously
"Multiverse is a complex concept Mr. Springfield, even after all my life studying, I know very little of it. Even if you know about this world and its future it's probably won't be the same exact things as what you perceive it to be." she explained lightly, her chuckle adding a warm undertone.
That was probably right. Everything in this world was different, at least from my knowledge of the movie verse. It had elements of the MCU, with Tony Stark's uncanny resemblance, but it was undeniably distinct. Xavier's school exists, along with the Baxter Foundation and Oscorp. If... no, when it progressed to what I knew of the Marvel Universe, it would undoubtedly become a more dangerous place.
To be honest, I was afraid. No, terrified. All my meta knowledge wouldn't be enough to keep me safe. Even if I tried to hide, to lay low, the people here would inevitably come and find me. Sitting quietly in the background was no longer an option.
I sat there lost in thought, mulling over everything I knew, replaying every conversation with the Ancient One. She sat there patiently, as if giving me the space to gather my thoughts.
"What if... What if I know something about the future and I... and I try to change it before it happens?" I stammered, struggling to find the right words for my question.
She regarded me thoughtfully. "As I mentioned, what you know about this world may not align perfectly. Even if it does, the future is always in motion," she reassured.
I couldn't help but quip, "Did you just quote Yoda on me?"
"Master Yoda is indeed wise, and his words serve a purpose here," she replied good-naturedly. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected Yoda reference.
"That being said, Mr. Springfield, if you do decide to interfere..." She paused for a moment. "You must be prepared to handle the 'Consequences' of your actions." She said while stressing on the word.
As I listened to the Ancient One's words about consequences, a weight settled in the pit of my stomach. The gravity of her warning wasn't lost on me. My mind raced with a storm of thoughts. It was one thing to possess knowledge of this world's potential future, but another entirely to consider the implications of altering that course. 'Consequences', she said. It was a word that carried a world of weight. In my old life, consequences were usually confined to the realm of missed deadlines and traffic jams. But here, in this world of magic and superpowers, it took on an entirely new dimension.
I couldn't help but wonder: would my actions inadvertently alter the course of events, causing a ripple effect through this unfamiliar reality? Or would I stumble upon knowledge that was better left undiscovered, awakening forces beyond my control? The uncertainty gnawed at me. Even the smallest change could set off a chain reaction. What if by helping a hero, one never came into being? What if, because of my actions, it caused a lot of death? A lot of 'what if' scenarios surfaced in my mind. It was a humbling realization, and a stark reminder that playing with time and destiny was a perilous game, not to be taken lightly.
Yet, a spark of determination flickered within me. The Ancient One's words echoed in my mind, urging caution, but she didn't explicitly prohibit me from doing so. Maybe, just maybe, with careful planning and a clear understanding of the risks, I could make a difference in this world. I could influence certain events, shape its outcomes for the better. The choice was mine to make, and with it came the responsibility to bear whatever consequences would follow. Well, it's a thought I'll save for later.
"So, if you would indulge my curiosity, as previously you were so adamant about not learning magic, aside from needing a place to train, what made you change your mind?" She asked, her curiosity clear in her voice.
I took my time to construct my thoughts. "I... need 'power'," I replied.
"'Power'?" The Ancient One raised her eyebrow. "And what will you use that power for?"
"To live freely, to not be dictated by anyone, to live my life the way I want to, peacefully," I said, exhaling deeply.
"That seems to be contradictory, don't you think?" The Ancient One said, amusement lacing her tone.
"Yeah, ever since I gained this power, I knew it would attract trouble, whether from the mundane world or the magical kind. But... that doesn't mean I can't enjoy life in between. And if I can help a few people along the way, that's fine too, I guess."
As Saga speaks these words, his expression is a mixture of determined resolve and a hint of wistfulness. There's a glint of unwavering determination in his eyes, showing that he's aware of the challenges ahead. However, a subtle smile plays at the corners of his lips, revealing a sense of optimism and a readiness to embrace life's complexities. It's a look that suggests he's made peace with the risks and is determined to forge his own path, one that balances the pursuit of personal freedom with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on others.
"Now, let's begin, shall we?" the Ancient One said, rising from her seat and motioning for me to follow her.
As we walked, the Ancient One asked, "So... what do you know about magic?"
I pondered her question for a moment, recalling my knowledge of magic from various media like anime, manga, and so forth back in my world.
"Magic is the manipulation of energies through spells and incantations. It's the ability to change, alter, or create certain phenomena in the world based on what the caster intends," I explained.
"An apt description, Mr. Springfield. Well done," she commended. "Magic is just another way we can understand the world, the source code that shapes reality."
We continued to walk down the hallway for a while until we reached a library.
"I will allow you to use this library at your discretion. Everything you need about the basics of mystic art can be found here."
"Whoa... this is big," the library was massive. I couldn't help but wonder how much bigger the library in Kamar-Taj is.
"So, I will learn here?" I asked, feeling a bit confused. Didn't Dr. Strange have to go to Kamar-Taj to learn mystic arts?
"Yes, as you are an unofficial disciple, you will be learning here, for the time being. Master Drumm here will provide guidance when I am not available," she said, pointing towards Master Drumm, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Seriously, why does she even use the term 'unofficial'? It's like saying, 'You're not really a student, but you're kind of like a student, but also not really.' It's like they're trying to keep their options open in case I turn out to be a complete disaster.
"Besides, don't you still have school?" she asked. "The time difference will be a hindrance if you're going to be going back and forth between New York and Kamar-Taj."
I blinked, realizing that my mystic arts training would be slightly complicated by algebra and biology. Great, now I had to balance my magic with my math homework. Perfect. Can I ditch school? No. Aunt Cass would go apocalyptic on me. She'd nag, nag, and nag until she looked at me with her puppy-dog teary eyes and then I'd cave.
"Now then…" the Ancient One brought a stack of books out of nowhere. "Read all of this," she said with an impish smile.
I couldn't help but sweat drop at this. 'I'm not here to read books, damn it, but to practice magic,' I thought to myself.
"Ah, on the contrary, you will need all of this before you continue," she said as if reading my mind.
"..." I was speechless. I mustered a weak smile, Looking at the sea of magical manuscripts that was threatening to drown me. But before I could protest or come up with another great excuse like 'I left my reading glasses at home,'
"Oh, you can bring the books to your house; just remember to bring them back," she said before creating a portal and leaving.
"..." I turned to Master Drumm, whose poker face was as unbreakable as my will to survive this reading marathon.
"Yeah, she always did that," he deadpanned.
And with that, I was left alone in the library, a mountain of magical textbooks as my only company. I swear, one day I'm going to find a spell that turns textbooks into pizza. Until then, let the mystic cramming begin.
[Observation - Based on your current brain capability, it would take a couple of decades to completely assimilate all this knowledge; however, I will do my best to help you. Note to Host: Inquire about developing a 'time-turner' spell. End of commentary.] A.D.A my ever-helpful assistant offers her 'insight'
"...." Wonderful
1 week later
New York Sanctum - 17:45, 20 September 2008
As the days slipped by, my life settled into a rhythm. The Sanctum transformed into my training ground, a place of both wonders and frustration. My training was combination of magical exploration and scholarly pursuits, and, to put it mildly, it was boring.
Before delving into Mystic Arts, one had to master the language of magic: Sanskrit, Latin, hieroglyphs, Grecian, Anglo-Saxon, Kanji, and more. For the past week, I'd been painstakingly teaching myself how to read and spell in these languages, and progress was excruciatingly slow.
The first book The Ancient One give me contained basic instructions on how to manipulate my energy and it was written in English however these stacks of ancient texts that loomed over me like sentinels of arcane knowledge was written in other language. I try to read one of said text, the symbols within it did not make any sense whatsoever, suffice to said was unreadable for normal mortal like me. It was like trying to decipher hieroglyphics while blindfolded.
And to read all of that, I first needed to learn the language. My frustration knew no bounds, and I muttered curses at the cryptic runes. The Sanctum witnessed countless late-night study sessions. Candlelight cast eerie shadows on the ancient texts as I trying to memories the meaning of each symbol. I felt like a scholar on the verge of a major discovery, even though I had signed up for magic, not an advanced linguistics course.
One day, Master Drumm, ever watchful, observed my struggles from a distance. His wise eyes seemed to empathize with the tempest in my mind. He approached with measured steps and offered words of encouragement. "Learning the language is the key to unlocking the mystic arts," he gently reminded me.
'Yes, I know, what do you think I'm doing this for?' I raged internally. 'Thank you. It was a much-needed pep talk,' I thought, dripping with sarcasm.
Well, it's not all bad A.D.A my ever-helpful assistant actually helping a lot in this matter, as everything that I read were naturally being compile by her resulting in skill 'Multi-lingual' being created
Multilingual Lv 4/100:
· Sanskrit (2%)
· Latin (7%)
· Hieroglyphs (1%)
· Grecian (0%)
· Anglo-Saxon (5%)
· Kanji (1%)
· Runes (0%)
The higher my skill level, the easier I found it to comprehend the language. However, there was a downside. Skimming through text wouldn't increase the percentage of each language. I also had to spell each word perfectly. At times, I have to re-reading several pages just because I hadn't been paying close attention.
Languages written in alphabets like Latin and Anglo-Saxon were much easier for me to learn. But those written in symbols or strokes proved to be a real challenge.
I now understand why Dr. Strange was said to be the best of all sorcerers, he's a freaking genius with eidetic memories, he would steamroll all of this book and comprehend it much faster than any normal person, in the movie he went from novice to master in a year, and one of the sorcerer supreme candidate after that.
Well, I may have a cheat in my system, but comprehension still relies on my own IQ. My system doesn't have stats that increase intelligence. I'm just an average man with average intelligence after all.
When my eyes grew heavy from hours of reading, I usually sought refuge in the training area. Basic energy manipulation exercises filled my breaks. Slowly but surely, I began to feel more in control, Sorcerer of Kamar Taj used katas as training to focus their minds, conjuring sigils to create magic circles. This training also served as a basic form of martial arts, combining both magic and combat techniques. The katas mainly focused on hand movements and gestures, as sometimes sorcerers created magic circles while on the move, though I was still far from that.
I stood in the middle of the training room, legs apart and arms tucked at my sides. I moved according to a few kata patterns I had memorized. My stance remained rigid, hands moving in a pushing motion, one forward and one back, palms facing out. My leg movements followed suit. Shifting again, I placed both palms before me, spread them out in a circular motion, and then pulled both hands back toward my chest before pushing them out simultaneously. With each of these moves, I tried to adjust my energy accordingly. Instead of containing it inside, I pushed the energy out, creating patterns in front of me.
Kata training felt more natural to me, as I could already feel my energy and push it out. The challenge, however, was calculating how much energy I should pour into each movement. Sometimes, the energy generated from the Dragon Core didn't flow smoothly. I had to consciously concentrate on how much energy I should channel into my limbs. Kata training, much like martial arts, relied heavily on muscle memory. This meant repeating the kata, simultaneously with the flow of energy, until I could perform it by instinct.
It's amusing how sorcerer training and ninja training draw parallels. In Naruto, to perform Jutsu, you have to remember hand gestures and combine them in a certain pattern. The more mastery you have, the faster you can execute the hand gestures. But in Naruto, each hand gestures mold your chakra in a certain way. I don't know if this happens automatically or if you have to manually flow your energy, like sorcerers do.
In addition to my studies, I continued with my Saitama Regiment. Given that my meditation sessions effortlessly healed my sore muscles, I decided to intensify the training. I added weighted equipment all over my body - on both wrists, ankles, and even donned weighted clothing. Surprisingly, when I asked the Ancient One for these items, she provided them without a single question.
With my body under this added strain, I focused on training the infusion skill while in motion. The difference between my base stat and infusion stat was noticeable. I felt lighter on my feet, although I still struggled to contain the energy completely as its still leaks out here and there.
And thanks to the confines of the Mirror Dimension provided by Master Drumm I can experiment with my energy outside the sanctum without worrying about SHIELD/HYDRA knocking on my door, the shifting landscapes is also provided challenged to my balance and focus. Each step was like a dance, every turn a test of my adaptability. It was both exhilarating and disorienting.
The effect of this training is also seen, as the more I used the skill the more tired my body is but when I meditate to heal all the sore muscle my CON stat is rising steadily, I also gained minor regeneration skill. I will be able to heal my own wound as long as there is still an energy left on my DCU stats.
Aside from that, my MAG & SPR stats is also increasing due to my constant use of it as a result my DCU is also increasing.
I'm sure to some people, all of this training would seem unbearably monotonous, just repeating the same routines day after day. But for some reason, it reminds me of the days when I played JRPG games in the past, grinding levels. I used to camp out in the beginning area, battling low-level monsters until my character reached a decent level or the exp gained is too low before I moved again to other area, sometimes at the middle of the game I already have high enough level to solo the boss.
This whole week of grinding gets my previous weak body to have a body with high stamina enough that I can increase my 1 KM run to 5KM run without gasping for breath, next week I should be able to increasing further to 10 KM.
My next training in my to do list is actually concept that I borrowed from other anime which is chakra control exercise from Naruto, I mean my magic still going nowhere so I put more focus on physical training and experimenting with energy. With this training concept I really hope to achieve complete control of my energy.
17:45, 28 September 2008
Another week passed, until now I am still struggling to learn and remember the mystic language. because before I knew the language, I couldn't start studying magic theory according to The Ancient One, oh yeah, I started to called her Master TAO, since her titled is too mouthful and I don't know her name. When I first said that Drumm looks at me reproachfully while The Ancient One just laugh lightly and permitted me to call her that.
The kata training is progressing remarkably well. I've successfully committed all the series of movements in these katas to memory. My next goal is to transition seamlessly between them. Master Drumm took it upon himself to assist me in this training, a decision he made without my prompting. I'm unsure whether Master TAO instructed him to do so, but I'm genuinely grateful. He can be described as a no-nonsense man—strict, but I know he means well. His instructions are always clear, void of any cryptic messages. He suggested a sparring session, stating, 'To apply these katas in real-life scenarios.' Initially, I wondered if he simply wanted to challenge me or alleviate his boredom, but it became evident he truly knew what he was doing.
During our initial spar, I found myself getting hit all over, unable to land a single blow in return. After about five minutes, he reviewed my performance and offered suggestions before suggesting we spar again. That's how our sessions went, with him meticulously correcting my stances and motions for punches and kicks. But let me assure you, he never held back. Every punch seemed to rattle my bones, and there were moments when I couldn't catch my breath. Once, he even delivered a swift kick to my head that left me unconscious, only to revive me with a spell and resume the spar. If not for my minor regeneration ability, my body would have been a mosaic of bruises.
The silver lining, however, was that this rigorous training, combined with my existing physical conditioning, significantly improved my CON stats, especially my pain tolerance. I also found myself flinching less when faced with an incoming attack. He used to emphasize the importance of never losing sight of your opponent in battle. He'd say that once you do, your opponent could seize the opportunity to immobilize you or even land a fatal blow. Looking back, it was invaluable advice.
My energy control is improving steadily. It's possible that the relatively low level of my Dragon Core energy is making these exercises more manageable. Sticking leaves to my body was a easy. The next phase, tree walking, proved to be more challenging. While my energy isn't quite like chakra from Naruto, it does seem to be malleable—yes, that's the word I'd use. According to A.D.A's hypothesis, my energy is more volatile, better suited for destructive spells or direct attacks that rely on brute force. With this in mind, I've modified my training. Instead of practicing on trees, I'm now scaling the sides of buildings or any concrete surfaces before progressing to tree and water walking.
It's still not perfect. Sometimes I end up crushing the concrete beneath my feet. I've also managed to cover my entire body with energy, making me a sort of budget Spider-Man. Although I can imitate sticking to walls like him, unlike Spider-Man, I get dizzy if I defy gravity for too long. The higher I go, the faster I get dizzy. Maybe when my stats are high enough, it'll be better.
Walking on glass surfaces on the sides of buildings is also a bitch. It's much more fragile than a tree. The first time I attempted it, my entire body was cut by sharp glass. My legs had long gashes up to my hip, and to top it off, I fell to the ground from a 40-meter height. I'm pretty sure I broke my back. I could feel my bones breaking. Let me tell you, it was traumatizing. Even with my regeneration, it's not an instant fix. I think it takes at least a few hours to completely heal bones, and an hour or two to stitch my flesh back together due to my low DCU, as it runs out faster when healing from every damage of that scale. Because of that incident, I discovered the limitations of my regeneration. It can't replenish blood. Thank god I didn't have organ failure, I just got light-headed.
It appears that the more I subject my body to damage, the stronger it becomes after healing, I surmise that energy from the Dragon Core is highly beneficial to my body, the more I'm exposed to it, the more my cells seem to absorb, resulting in a continuous strengthening of my physique. even if I decided not to do any exercise my body will still become stronger albeit more slowly although pushing my limits certainly accelerates the development. Is it a boon? Definitely. Do I want to abuse it? for sure. but after that near death experience, even I want to take a break first.
16:45, 29 September 2008
Life outside of training surprisingly quiet. Aunt Cass, well, she's eccentric, to say the least. She's been questioning how I spend my time, and I'm running out of excuses. I'll have to think of something. I still attend school during the day after my morning Saitama regimen. After classes, it's straight to the Sanctum to dive into learning the mystic arts' languages. Then, it's back home for dinner. Once Aunt Cass drifts off to sleep, I sneak back to the Sanctum. It's a bit tedious, truth be told. Sometimes, I find myself yearning to learn how to create a portal, but Master TAO insists it's too early, and he hasn't given me a sling ring yet.
After my accident, today I'm gonna take it slow, relaxing at the Café helping aunt Cass a bit. The Little Cat Cafe, unsurprisingly, became quite popular. I mean, with three beautiful girls as workers/waitresses, it's bound to attract a crowd of horny teenagers and men. Even Aunt Cass, an undeniably attractive woman, used to receive a lot of date invitations from customers before recruiting the three main heroines of Spider-Man. Now, though, the number of customers seems to have exploded. With MJ, Gwen, and Felicia working there, it's no wonder. Yes, Felicia apparently joined as a cafe staff during the first week I was training in the Mirror Dimension. It was surprising to see her at the café. That smug smile she directed at me made it seem like she's only doing this to get back at me somehow.
"Well, well, well… look what the cat dragged in," Felicia purred, her fingers gently caressing Mochi, my Japanese Bobtail kitten. I'd found him on the street a few weeks ago. Initially, Cass was against bringing him home, but after a week of feeding and care, she'd grown attached. Now, she's the main caretaker, deeply concerned whenever Mochi is out of sight
I was stunned for a moment seeing Felicia at my house wearing our café signature aprons. After our first disastrous meeting, I naturally tried to avoid her whenever possible. Dealing with high school drama queens was the last thing I needed while already mentally drained from my studies in mystic arts. Despite my attempts to ignore her, she persisted in trying to goad me into another showdown. So, I took to finding a seat at lunch far away from her. Well, she sure is persistent accepting working here just to get back at me.
"Hey Mochi, come here, baby. Didn't I tell you not to get close to strangers?" I said in a soft and concerned tone, while cooing at Mochi. "They could potentially carry diseases that can make your crotch rotten."
Felicia, who the heard that, is understandably angry and confronts me. "Hey, who the hell is carrying STDs?!" she shouted, marching towards me menacingly while still holding Mochi in her arms.
Confused, I tilt my head innocently and ask, "Hmm…?"
"Don't act innocent, you asshole!!" Felicia snapped, clearly furious.
Perplexed, I maintain my smile and ask, "What do you mean? I only said that because sometimes female stray kittens have multiple partners. I don't want Mochi to get sick," I exaggeratedly said, emphasizing my tone and expression.
"Did you just...?" Felicia obviously understood what I implied is flabbergasted before her anger resurfaces. "Why you…?!"
MJ intervenes and restrains Felicia, trying to calm her down. "Okay Fel, calm down"
Felicia is obviously upset "Hey, he just called me a bitch"
"Who? Me? I… would never" I maintain a fake shocked expression and deny the accusation, struggling to contain my laughter at the whole situation.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my ear from behind, and when I turned around, I realized it was Aunt Cass pulling me.
"Ouch, hey Aunt Cass," I said, grinning through the pain of being pinched.
"Why are you bullying our newest recruits?" Aunt Cass said, her expression exasperated.
"I didn't…why is she here?" I asked, pointing at Felicia.
"I hired her, obviously. Don't change the subject, young man. I didn't raise you to treat girls that way," she said, admonishing me.
I sighed deeply, okay maybe I was a bit childish against felicia but in my defense she was goading me for weeks "Fine, sorry Aunt Cass."
Aunt Cass only said that I should apologize to Felicia, not her, so I muttered a half-hearted apology to Felicia. Aunt Cass raised her eyebrow, and I simply shrugged, "That's the best I could do. Take it or leave it."
Aunt Cass only sigh and said "I know you two don't like each other, MJ told me, but in this café at least be civil, okay?" she requested.
Reluctantly, Felicia and I replied with a half-hearted "okay/fine."
I reached out to take Mochi from Felicia, but she clung onto him protectively. I called out to Mochi, but he ignored me and nestled further into Felicia's breast. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Mochi. Love her or hate her, there was no denying that Felicia was a stunning girl with undeniable allure. Perhaps her 'assets' weren't as sizable as MJ's, but they certainly had a way of turning heads and making a guy feel a bit hot and bothered.
Aunt Cass then called Mochi then lo and behold like a furry comet, Mochi hurtled from Felicia's arms aunt Cass. Aunt Cass giggled and scooped him up, pressing her cheek against his fluffy fur, she then proceeds to the back and ushered us to serve the customer. Before I could go Felicia delivered a swift kick to my foot and she let out a triumphant harrumph as she sauntered toward the coffee maker. It was not hurt but it sure is annoying, MJ and Gwen exchanged amused glances, shaking their heads at our antics.
After the café closed for the day, as usual, all of the staff gathered for a dinner together. Following the dinner, MJ and Gwen left with Felicia in her car. After that, I accompanied Aunt Cass and watched some TV drama until she was ready to sleep. As usual, after Aunt Cass fell asleep, I quietly sneaked out again towards the Sanctum to continue my training. As traumatizing the incident before I still have long way to go before I could kick back and relax so I immerse myself again in intense training sessions, pushing my limits, and exploring the depths of my abilities...
20:45, 4 October 2008
My training in the Mirror Dimension continues. I'm focused on moving between buildings, utilizing wall sticking and jumping from rooftop to rooftop. The objective is to leave behind as little destruction as possible and land as softly as I can. I still steer clear of glass, especially after the incident. Additionally, I've begun practicing tree walking. I've chosen Central Park as my training ground, given its renown as a landmark in New York. It's strange to be surrounded by people, even though I can't interact with them. Truly the Mirror Dimension serves as the ultimate peeping tool—I mean observation tools, yup observation only. I am not going to abuse it…much.
Tree walking has become considerably easier, though occasional lapses in control still occur. I've managed to sustain it for an hour, moving back and forth, and I can remain even longer if I stay still. The biggest hurdle I find is that this kind of training is kind of boring. Impatience tends to set in, leading my mind to wander and causing a loss of concentration.
In addition, I've been honing my ability to project energy outwards, developing an offensive skill like an energy arrow. Shaping the energy is a bit difficult at first, so I've started with simpler forms, like a small ball roughly the size of a tennis ball, which I then launch. Its effect is not powerful, the attack damaged the tree but did not topple it. One thing I've noticed is the relatively high energy consumption, requiring 50 DCU per ball. It's a significant drain. My aim is to find ways to lower the consumption cost, increase the damage potential, modify its effects, and ultimately, to recreate iconic techniques like the Rasengan or the legendary Kamehameha.
My learning of mystic art language is going well actually My multilingual skill help a lot speeding the process I figure at least one more month before most of the language is at 100% percent. As per Master TAO instruction I could bring the book home so I mostly read it at home before sleep or read it if I have time at school away from everyone. Inventory is a very useful cheat, I just took all the books that I need and store it there including books for school most of my clothes is also store there as every dirty clothes that I put there become clean again when I tale it out, very useful feature but I can't use it much lest aunt Cass get suspicious.
Oh yeah, surprisingly, I also met another Marvel character. It was during my morning run, in Central Park as usual, in the real world, not the Mirror Dimension. Central Park is still quiet in the morning, around 6 am. There weren't many people there, just a few early birds. I spotted someone else running, just like me. There were also a couple of people engrossed in a game of chess on one of the nearby tables.
As I rested on a long chair in the park, someone else approached and asked if it was alright to sit beside me. I just nodded and said, "Sure." We engaged in a small talk for a while. The conversation continued when he asked if I was part of a sports team, considering I was already working out so early in the morning. I just explained it was just a regular workout routine.
After a sufficient rest, I proceeded to practice my kata (without using my energy, just the movements). The stranger commented that my moves were incorrect in a few places, as they didn't flow smoothly.
As the stranger offered his advice on kata training, I figured there was no harm in trying it out. His suggestions were precise, and I followed his instructions, adjusting my movements accordingly. We continued to chat, and I found myself at ease in his company. There was something familiar about him, a resemblance that tugged at the edges of my memory.
As our conversation flowed, I suddenly realized who was sitting beside me. It was Clint Barton, or at least he looked uncannily like Jeremy Renner, the actor who portrayed Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. My pulse quickened, but I masked my surprise with a friendly smile.
Before I could gather my thoughts, Clint stood up, glancing at his watch. "I hate to cut this short, but I've got to run. It was great talking to you." He gave a casual wave and started jogging away.
As Clint disappeared from view, I know now that I will involve in whatever this universe plot is, I mean who would believe that Hawkeye had just critiqued my kata in Central Park? Eh who cares, his suggestion is spot on, I could make the movement flow more naturally, this give me an idea to incorporating elements from various martial arts disciplines—kicks from Tae Kwon Do, punches from boxing, and more. Heck, maybe this was my version of MMA—Marvel Martial Arts.
To be continue…
AN: Well less than a week until Marvel Spiderman 2 released on PS5, as far as trailer goes its looks promising Lizard looks like Godzilla, Kraven looks menacing, Venom design is well spot on but I couldn't help but disappointed with MJ character design it was… how to put this delicately…. 'bad' maybe, I mean Miles and Peter looks good at least very similar from previous game but MJ looks really bad, oh well I'll wait for pc release maybe… for mods.