I stared at the screen, my mind running in circles. Someone was actually trying to become Spider-Man? That wasn't just fan enthusiasm—that was dangerous. The blurry photos showed a figure in a crude red-and-blue costume, swinging with what looked like homemade grappling hooks.
Comments flooded in.
"Is this real?"
"Dude's crazy. He's gonna break his neck."
"What if he's actually got powers?"
"No way, Spider-Man's just a comic character. Right?"
I clenched my jaw. In my old world, superheroes were fiction. But here? The real ones were only a matter of time. If someone took my stories as inspiration, it could accelerate things.
The system pinged.
[New Event: Inspired Individual. Actions taken based on your works will shape the world. Impact Level: Minor (For Now).]
"For now?" That wording didn't sit right with me. I needed more information.
"System, can I track these 'Inspired Individuals'?"
[Tracking Function Unavailable. Future Upgrades Required.]
Of course. Just my luck. I didn't have enough points to unlock that yet.
I sighed and glanced at my engagement stats.
[Spider-Man: 21,923 Readers. +1,043 Points.]
It was climbing fast. But that wasn't what worried me. The more people read my stories, the more reality would start shifting. If someone was already trying to become Spider-Man, what would happen when I released Iron Man? Or X-Men?
I opened my sketchbook, debating my next move. Should I slow down? Be more careful with what I release?
A new notification popped up before I could decide.
[Attention Drawn: 5%]
My stomach dropped. That number had increased. Someone—or something—was taking notice of me at a higher level.
Then, another ping.
[Unknown Individual is Searching for You.]
I felt a chill. This wasn't S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore. Someone else was after me.
And they weren't wasting time.