Ethan spent the next day immersing himself in the Marvel Universe, piecing together the timeline and assessing potential dangers. His research led him through internet forums, news articles, and even whispered conversations in the university halls. Every snippet of information painted a clearer picture of the world he now inhabited.
Mutants existed, their presence both a boon and a threat. The Fantastic Four were active, their exploits as much a scientific marvel as they were a cautionary tale. Iron Man, the armored Avenger, was already a prominent figure, his technological advancements pushing the boundaries of what Ethan had thought possible. However, the world had yet to face the cataclysmic Battle of New York, meaning Loki and the Chitauri invasion were still on the horizon.
What intrigued him most, however, was Peter Parker. The young man was still a normal human, his trip to Oscorp about a week away. Ethan couldn't help but marvel at how close he was to witnessing one of the most iconic origin stories firsthand.
The mix of elements from both the comics and the MCU made predicting future events difficult. Ethan knew he needed to remain vigilant, as the Crimson Code's quest still loomed over him:
[Quest: Establish a Foothold] [Objective: Avoid drawing attention to yourself. Learn about the current timeline and potential threats.] [Reward: Skill: Night Vision.] [Failure: Increased Vulnerability to Sunlight.]
After a day of meticulous research, the Crimson Code's cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
[Quest Completed: Establish a Foothold] [Reward Granted: Skill: Night Vision]
A rush of information flooded his senses. His vision sharpened, the world taking on an eerie clarity even in the dimmest of lights. He blinked, and the shadows seemed to peel away, revealing hidden details he hadn't noticed before. The skill would undoubtedly prove invaluable in his nocturnal existence.
Ethan became a quiet and frequent visitor of the library, his hunger for knowledge insatiable. The merging with the Crimson Code had not only boosted his physical abilities but also enhanced his intelligence and memory. He could consume books and articles at an incredible pace, retaining every detail as if he had lived the experiences himself. His mind felt sharper, more strategic, and the constant input of information kept his darker urges at bay.
Navigating this world required not just strength but strategy. Thankfully, as a vampire, he did not need sleep, but he still required periods of rest in the dark. The dorm room became his sanctuary, where he could recharge and strategize without prying eyes.
Though he didn't need sleep, Ethan found solace in the quiet darkness of his room. His enhanced senses allowed him to process information at an accelerated rate, and he often spent hours in meditative rest, letting the shadows wrap around him like a blanket. The Crimson Code provided a sense of detachment, a reminder that while his body no longer required human rest, his mind still needed moments of quiet to stave off the creeping influence of his vampiric instincts.
With every passing day, he grew more comfortable in his new skin. His strength and speed were off the charts, the Emmett Cullen template granting him a baseline power that far surpassed that of an ordinary vampire. The memories of centuries of combat and experience simmered beneath the surface, a well of knowledge he could draw from in an instant. Yet, he remained cautious. His goal was not to dominate this world but to survive within it, to carve out a place for himself without drawing unnecessary attention.
Ethan remained vigilant, suppressing his predatory instincts and using his newfound Blood Sense to keep tabs on the supernatural elements of the city. The Crimson Code's voice would occasionally chime in, offering suggestions or highlighting potential threats.