Grey sat in the dimly lit room, the faint glow of his computer screen reflecting on his face. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, his mind lost in thought as he examined his bank account, the fruits of his hard work as a hacker slowly accumulating. His AI, ALICE, had already proven itself invaluable in expanding his wealth. But there was something that gnawed at him—a realization that hit him the moment he reflected on his situation. All the money in the world couldn't protect him from the dangers lurking in the shadows of the world he was now a part of.
He wasn't naive. He had seen the reports—heard whispers in the world of mercenaries, super soldiers, and mutants. This was a world of power, and the ability to manipulate financial markets wouldn't protect him when the inevitable confrontation came. He was simply a teenager with an extraordinary mind and growing wealth, but that was not enough. Wealth couldn't stop a bullet, a punch from a super soldier, or a blow from a god. If Grey truly wanted to stand above it all, to be a master in this world, he needed power of a different kind—physical power.
"I need to learn how to fight," Grey muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His voice was firm, his eyes focused on the screen. But even as he spoke the words, doubt crept into his mind. He wasn't weak. Not by any stretch. His hacking skills, his ability to manipulate data, had earned him a reputation among the digital underworld. But none of that would matter if he found himself face-to-face with someone like Captain America or Thor—figures whose very presence exuded a form of strength that no amount of money could buy.
ALICE's voice interrupted his thoughts, her soothing, artificial tone filling the room. "Grey, I've compiled a list of the most influential and dangerous martial artists in the world based on your criteria."
Grey leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms, already thinking of the next move. His mind raced as the idea took shape. Martial arts. He had read about them in countless books, watched videos of masters who could tear apart whole groups of enemies with nothing but their fists. Some of the greatest martial artists in the world were more powerful than entire armies, capable of taking on entire organizations single-handedly. But where could he go to find someone of that caliber?
His gaze fell on the name that ALICE had highlighted: Xu Wenwu—known as the Mandarin.
The name alone was enough to send a chill down his spine. Wenwu was a legend, a man who had lived for centuries and commanded armies through his sheer presence. He was the leader of the Ten Rings, an organization known for its brutality and secretive nature. Wenwu was a man shrouded in mystery, a figure that struck fear into the hearts of even the most hardened criminals. His martial prowess was unparalleled, and he was said to have knowledge of lost and ancient techniques that could turn a man into an unstoppable force.
Grey didn't hesitate. Wenwu was the person he needed to train him, to mold him into something more than just a teenager with too many ideas and too little strength. But there was a problem. Xu Wenwu didn't train anyone. His methods were ruthless, and those who sought his teachings often disappeared without a trace. Wenwu didn't take requests from just anyone.
But Grey was no ordinary teenager. He had wealth, power, and a mind sharp enough to navigate the darkest corners of the world. He didn't need to rely on brute force; he could manipulate situations to his advantage.
"I'll need leverage," Grey said aloud, formulating a plan as the wheels in his mind started to turn. "If I'm going to get close to Wenwu, I'll need something he wants. Something valuable."
ALICE processed the data. "I've found a potential source. Ulysses Klaue is a known black-market arms dealer with connections to Vibranium. His reputation suggests he might be willing to negotiate if the price is right."
Grey's heart quickened. Vibranium. The most coveted material in the world, a metal with properties that made it nearly indestructible. Vibranium was the heart of Wakanda's technological advancements and the source of Captain America's shield. But its true power lay in its scarcity. Klaue was known for stealing and trafficking Vibranium, having once stolen it from Wakanda itself. He was the perfect person to acquire it from—he would recognize the value of the deal immediately.
Grey tapped a few keys on his keyboard, pulling up Klaue's contacts and business operations. He didn't have much experience in arms dealing or the black market, but he was a quick study. With ALICE's assistance, he began analyzing Klaue's pattern of operations, finding the gaps in his security and tracing financial transactions. Soon enough, Grey had mapped out the best approach.
"I'll need to meet him in person," Grey said, looking over the plans. "Set up a meeting, ALICE."
The AI responded immediately. "Understood. I will arrange the location and provide you with the necessary details. Klaue's location will be secured in two days."
Grey stood up, stretching his limbs. The plan was taking shape. He was no longer just a boy trying to outwit the world from behind a computer screen. He was becoming something more—someone who could play in the same leagues as the world's most powerful figures. But first, he needed to acquire the means to get what he wanted. Klaue was his first step. And through him, he would acquire the one thing he needed to train under Xu Wenwu—Vibranium.