For a moment, there was only silence, a stillness in the vast expanse of nothing. Then, Jack's consciousness stirred, and slowly, he became aware of himself. He opened his eyes—or what he thought were his eyes—and found himself standing in a place that was both nowhere and everywhere.
His dimension.
Jack had never felt anything like it. The air buzzed with energy, thick with potential, like every particle was waiting for his command. This wasn't just a world—it was his world. A blank canvas waiting to be shaped.
"So, this is it, huh?" Jack muttered, stretching out his hand. He could feel power coursing through him, almost like it was woven into his very being. He wasn't human anymore; he was something... more.
"Alright, system," Jack called out, his voice echoing in the empty space. "Show yourself."
A soft chime rang out, and before him, a translucent panel blinked into existence, glowing with vibrant colors. Text flickered across the surface, and a calm, feminine voice spoke.
"Welcome, Jack. I am your Achievement and Resource Intelligence, or ARI for short. How may I assist you?"
Jack grinned. "ARI, huh? I like it. First things first—give me a rundown of what I can do."
"Certainly," ARI replied. "You are the first cosmic being, born from the fusion of the Seven Virtues and Seven Sins, which makes you a being of both creation and destruction. Your abilities include, but are not limited to:
- **Cosmic Energy Manipulation**: Control over all forms of cosmic energy, the very foundation of reality.
- **Immortality**: You exist beyond the bounds of time and death.
- **Creation and Destruction**: You can both forge entire worlds and obliterate them at will.
- **Growth through Concept Refinement**: Your power will increase as you refine your concepts of creation and destruction. By creating and destroying, you will deepen your mastery of these forces.
This is just the beginning of your potential, Jack. As you grow, so too will your understanding of the cosmos."
Jack closed his eyes as the information flooded his mind, an instant transmission of knowledge. He could almost feel the energy flowing through his body, a limitless supply of power he could bend to his will.
"Not bad," Jack murmured, feeling the weight of his new abilities settle over him. "So I grow stronger by working on this creation-destruction thing, huh?"
"Correct," ARI confirmed. "You must actively create and destroy to refine your concepts and ascend further. Your progress will be displayed in the achievement system as you continue to master these forces."
Jack nodded, his thoughts spinning. He had cosmic power, an entire dimension to shape, and the ability to grow even stronger. But something still didn't add up.
"Hey, ARI, where exactly am I? And what world am I supposed to be in?"
"You have been reincarnated into the Marvel Universe," ARI responded smoothly. "However, you currently exist before the creation of the First Firmament, the original sentient universe. The multiverse has yet to be formed. For now, your dimension is locked, as you cannot descend into the universe until a proper connection is established."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "So, I'm stuck here until the multiverse is created?"
"Correct. You will be able to enter the world once the First Firmament is destroyed and the multiverse begins to form. Until then, I recommend focusing on your growth by refining your abilities and preparing for your eventual descent."
Jack exhaled slowly. It sounded like he had some time before he could step into the real action. But that wasn't a bad thing. If he was going to survive in a universe like Marvel—especially before it even existed—he needed to be ready.
"Alright, I guess I'll be busy for a while," Jack said with a grin. "Let's get to work, ARI."
The panel blinked out of existence as Jack turned his attention to the void around him. His dimension was still in its raw form—nothing but endless space waiting to be shaped. He could feel the cosmic energy humming beneath the surface, ready to bend to his will.
He raised his hands, and the air crackled with power. Slowly, carefully, he began to shape his first creation—a small star, pulsing with energy, its light filling the emptiness. He watched it glow for a moment, then clenched his fist. In an instant, the star collapsed in on itself, vanishing into the darkness.
Creation and destruction.
It felt… right. But something was off.
Jack furrowed his brow, feeling a strange emptiness in the space around him, like his dimension was incomplete. Despite the power he wielded, there was a hollowness, an instability in the air.
"ARI," Jack called. "Is my dimension… unfinished?"
"Correct," ARI answered. "Your dimension is currently incomplete because it lacks a core. Typically, dimensions are born with natural cores that stabilize them and anchor their existence, but yours is unique. As the first cosmic being, your dimension is linked directly to you. To complete it, you must create a core to fully stabilize and unlock its potential."
Jack's eyes lit up. "So I can make this core myself, right? Using my powers?"
"Yes," ARI confirmed, "but I must advise caution. The core is the heart of your dimension, and creating it without proper experience could have unforeseen consequences. Given your current level of refinement, it would be wise to wait."
Jack frowned. "Wait? But if I can create it now—"
"While it is within your power, I strongly suggest checking your achievement panel. You may have already unlocked rewards that will assist in the creation of your core. Achievements often provide insights and resources that will speed up your growth and help you avoid mistakes."
Jack paused, considering ARI's advice. Rushing into something like this didn't feel like the smartest move, especially when his system was urging him to wait.
"Alright," Jack said finally, nodding. "I'll check the achievements."
He summoned the system interface, his mind already curious about what he might have unlocked.