Evening. December 20. John's apartment/home.
The evening turned out to be surprisingly calm.
Dinner went almost the same as yesterday. Once again, she prepared something edible; I offered praise, and she gave an analytical nod. The ritual of sharing a meal seemed to be taking root. After dinner, we moved to the living room. I decided against turning on the TV; after the morning news about the Fantastic Four and space flights, my brain needed something more grounded. Or, conversely, something completely unrealistic, but of a different sort.
And so we sat. Or rather, she sat—2B—on the old sofa, legs tucked under her, once again immersed in a Batman comic. While I... I lay there, my head in her lap. Yes, just like that. The idea had come spontaneously, influenced by some vague memory from a past life, of pictures from the internet, of a simple human desire for comfort and proximity. To my surprise, she did not object. More precisely, she requested a logical justification.
"Commander John, according to an analysis of human psychophysiological reactions, tactile contact and certain postures can contribute to lowering stress levels and strengthening social bonds. Your desire to occupy this position... is acceptable in the context of... optimizing your psycho-emotional state after a stressful day. And... gathering additional data on non-verbal interaction."
"Gathering data."
Her universal excuse for everything that fell outside YoRHa protocols. I just chuckled and made myself comfortable. Her thighs, even through the fabric of her signature black dress, were surprisingly soft and gentle. She still exuded that same faint, barely perceptible scent of vanilla and flowers. It was... incredibly comforting. Absurd, considering who she was and who I was, yet comforting. And a little stirring. I closed my eyes, simply enjoying the moment of silence and her unintentional warmth. A part of me—the part that remembered the loneliness of an orphan-transmigrator—was happy.
I lay like that for probably twenty minutes, listening only to the rustle of turning pages and her even breathing. Occasionally, I felt her move slightly, making herself comfortable, or her fingers lightly, almost weightlessly, brush against my hair as she adjusted the comic book. I had almost dozed off when her voice broke the silence—quiet, melodic, but with a note of genuine puzzlement.
"Commander John?"
"Hmm?" I responded, without opening my eyes.
"I have analyzed several narrative modules... comics... regarding the subject 'Batman.' His motivation, methods... they raise questions. Especially one aspect."
I opened my eyes and looked up at her. The blindfold hid her gaze, but from the slight tilt of her head, it was obvious she was looking down at me. She set the comic aside and tucked a strand of her hair that had fallen onto my forehead behind my ear. Her touch was light, almost accidental, but it sent a rush of goosebumps through me.
"And which one is that?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"His refusal of... terminal elimination of opponents. Specifically, subject 'Joker.' This subject demonstrates a recurring pattern of extremely destructive, psychopathic behavior, resulting in numerous casualties among the civilian population. His neutralization appears to be the most logical and effective solution for preventing further damage. However, Batman systematically refuses this step, limiting himself to temporary detention, which leads to repeated escalations of conflict. Why?"
Good question. The eternal question for comic book fans. I chuckled.
"That, 2B, is one of the main philosophical dilemmas in Batman stories. And it has no single, definitive answer."
"Explain," she requested, genuine curiosity sounding in her voice.
"Well, you see," I pushed myself up slightly on my elbows, getting more comfortable on her lap. "First, Batman himself—Bruce Wayne—became who he is because of his parents' murder. That trauma shaped him. He swore an oath to fight crime so that no one else would ever have to experience what he did. And part of that oath is to never cross the line. To not become like those he fights. To not become a killer."
"But... efficiency? Prevention of future victims? Is that not a priority? Logic dictates that eliminating the source of the threat..."
"Android logic, perhaps," I interrupted her gently. "But human logic, especially for a character as traumatized as Batman, works differently. For him, killing the Joker is not simply removing a threat. It is a betrayal of himself, of his principles. It is crossing to the dark side. He fears that if he kills once, even a monster like the Joker, he won't be able to stop. Where does the line get drawn then? Who decides who deserves to die and who doesn't? He would turn from a protector into a judge and executioner."
I saw her processing my words. Her fingers pensively traced the edge of her blindfold.
"There is a concept called the 'slippery slope,'" I continued, recalling forum debates from my past life. "Kill the Joker, and then why not kill Two-Face? Or the Penguin? Or any other psychopath threatening the city? And after that, why not eliminate a corrupt politician? Or an ineffective police officer? It's a path that easily slips into tyranny. Batman holds onto his 'no-kill' rule like an anchor that keeps him from drowning in that darkness."
"But... the Joker continues to kill. People die because of Batman's principles. Does his moral code not become the cause of greater evil in the long term?"
"That exactly is the tragedy of Batman, 2B. He is locked in this cycle. He cannot kill the Joker because it would destroy himself. But by not killing him, he indirectly allows him to continue committing evil. It's an eternal conflict without an easy solution. Different comic authors interpret this differently. Some show Batman as almost a saint, others as an egoist putting his principles above the lives of innocents. Some hint that deep down, Batman... needs the Joker, as his perfect opposite, as a justification for his existence."
She remained silent, clearly immersed in analysis. It was a complex concept for a being whose past life was subject to the binary logic of war: enemy—target—elimination.
"Humans... are complex," she finally said quietly. "Their motivations, their morality... They do not submit to clear algorithms. It is... at the same time a weakness and... something else?"
"Strength?" I prompted. "Maybe. Our capacity for empathy, for forgiveness, for the hope of redemption... even where logic demands otherwise. Is that what distinguishes us from... machines?"
She flinched at the last word but answered nothing. She picked up a comic book again, but this time it was a different one—one with a red and blue symbol on the cover. Superman. Batman's perfect opposite in many ways. I wondered what conclusions she would draw from his story.
I decided to leave her to her thoughts. As for me... I decided to return to more pressing matters. To the Gacha. The morning's failure still stung like a thorn in my side. Ten points down the drain, a pile of useless junk... But I still had 20 Points left. And two ten-rolls with an increased chance. Surely I couldn't have such fatal bad luck twice in a row? Especially when near... well, let's say, my personal good luck charm in the form of a platinum-haired android? Nonsense, of course, but a little self-affirmation wouldn't hurt.
"Okay, System, take two. General pool. Show me that you're not just a generator of souvenirs and useless skills!"
I focused on the interface again, selected the "General" tab, and mentally activated the "[ Summon x10 ] (Cost: 10 GP)" button.
Once again, a crazy kaleidoscope of images and sounds. The world spun before my eyes. The drum of fortune, clicks, ringing... The wheel slows... Ten cards fly out and hover before me. 10 GP on the account. My heart skipped a beat. "Well, please..."
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Ability Upgrade Card (To Epic Level)
Type: Item (System Modifier, Consumable)
Rarity: Special
Origin: "Gacha" System
Description: A one-time-use card allowing the upgrade of one user-selected Ability (not a Character Template) by one rarity level, but no higher than Epic. For example, a Rare ability can be improved to Epic, a Common one to Rare. Not applicable to abilities of Epic or higher rarity. Ability selection and card activation are done through the System interface.
Note: "Even a good tool can be sharpened."
I sat up abruptly on the sofa, nearly jumping from surprise and delight. My eyes, half-closed until now, opened so wide that it felt as if they might pop out of their sockets at any moment. I almost poked my nose into the virtual card, trying to convince myself I wasn't dreaming.
"YES! Score! The very first card—and it's a Special! Upgrade to Epic!"
A wave of pure, unadulterated happiness ran through my body, washing away the remnants of the morning's disappointment.
"Excellent! Now I have TWO such upgrades! I can raise two Rare abilities to Epic! Radar sense? Photostatic veil? Instinctive aim? Wow, I'm going to have to think about this!" A wide, almost ear-to-ear smile stretched across my lips. The card was sent to the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Key to an Abandoned Bank Vault (Zurich)
Type: Item (Value/Information)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (Switzerland, early 20th century)
Description: A heavy brass key with an engraved box number and the name of a now-defunct Swiss bank. According to the attached mental tag of the System, safe deposit box #482 in the vault at the address [Classified until arrival on site] contains assets deposited in 1938 and unclaimed since then. Access to the vault is difficult (abandoned building, security systems possible), contents of the box are unknown, but potentially valuable (documents, securities, jewelry?). Requires a trip to Zurich and some effort to break in.
Note: "Sometimes the biggest treasures are hidden behind the rustiest locks."
My eyebrows shot up, the smile replaced by an expression of intrigued curiosity. I leaned forward, carefully studying the image of the key and the text of the description. "Key to a safe deposit box in Zurich? 1938?" Immediately, my inner Coulson switched on, evaluating potential risks and benefits. "Interesting. Very interesting. But requires preparation and resources. A trip to Europe, breaking-in equipment... Let's shelve this for now, but keep it in mind." Sent to inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Energy Accumulator "Arc Cell" (Small)
Type: Item (Technology/Component/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Unknown (Possibly high-tech Earth or another civilization)
Description: A compact cylindrical accumulator about the size of a D-cell battery. Contains an exotic form of stable energy. Capacity—about 100 kWh (equivalent to an average household's monthly consumption rate). Can be used as a power source for compatible devices (requires an adapter or knowledge of the interface) or as a valuable technological artifact. Non-rechargeable (at least by methods known on Earth).
Note: "Energy is life. Especially if it fits in a pocket."
I softly whistled, evaluating the specs. "A compact and powerful energy source!"
My engineering past and Toretto's skills instantly found an application for this. "Peter would definitely love this. This is the ideal power source for his electric webs! Or for other gadgets. Or maybe... sell it? Stark would give a lot for something like this. Or keep it for myself, power something..." A very useful item. To inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: "Necronomicon" (Cheap Fake)
Type: Item (Book/Souvenir)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (Joke shop / Quack occultist's shop)
Description: A book imitating the legendary grimoire. Leatherette cover, pages artificially aged, the text is a disjointed set of Latin phrases, pseudo-Sumerian symbols, and pizza recipes. Possesses no magical properties (except the ability to cause mild disappointment to those seeking true darkness). Can serve as a funny prop or gather dust on a shelf.
Note: "Cthulhu Fhtagn... And who ordered the pepperoni?"
I couldn't stifle a chuckle upon seeing the name and description. The tension of anticipation fell away, replaced by amusement. "Necronomicon! A fake! With pizza recipes!" I shook my head, smiling. "Well, at least it's something funny after this morning's junk. I'll keep it. I'll have something to scare Flash with." To inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Capsule with Concentrated Attraction Pheromone (Unisex)
Type: Item (Consumable/Biochemistry)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Unknown (Possibly futuristic Earth or biotech corporation)
Description: One gel capsule for oral ingestion. Contains synthetic pheromones increasing the user's attractiveness to representatives of both sexes by 20-30% within 6 hours. The effect manifests at a subconscious level (slight increase in charisma, positive perception of appearance). Does not cause falling in love or uncontrolled attraction. Side effects are minimal (slight headache possible). One-time use.
Note: "Stick it to her, bro!"
I chuckled, running a hand through my hair with slight self-irony. "Attraction pheromones?" A mischievous light flashed in my eyes. "Well, this is already more interesting than stamps. Could be useful for social engineering? Or just... to boost self-esteem in conversation with some unapproachable beauty? The effect isn't too strong, but it can give a slight advantage. We're keeping it." To inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Ability Upgrade Card (To Epic Level)
Type: Item (System Modifier, Consumable)
Rarity: Special
Origin: "Gacha" System
Description: A one-time-use card allowing the upgrade of one user-selected Ability (not a Character Template) by one rarity level, but no higher than Epic.
Note: "A twice-sharpened tool—is doubly effective."
My jaw dropped slightly. I blinked, rubbed my eyes, and looked at the card once more. I wasn't imagining it. "ANOTHER ONE! A third upgrade to Epic!" I clenched my fist, feeling excitement and anticipation spread through my veins. "The system clearly decided to compensate for the morning's failure! Three Rare abilities, three upgrades to Epic... This is simply gorgeous!" To inventory.
Seventh card. Blueprint of some complex mechanism.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Gravity Compensator Blueprints (Early Prototype)
Type: Item (Information/Technology/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Unknown (Sci-fi universe?)
Description: A set of detailed technical drawings and calculations to create a device capable of partially compensating for the gravitational effect on a small object (up to 5 kg) within a range of action (about 1 meter). The technology is complex, requires rare materials (stable exotic isotopes not existing on Earth) and precision production. Building a working prototype in current conditions is extremely unlikely, but the blueprints themselves represent value for theoretical physicists or technological corporations.
Note: "Levitation is just very complex physics."
I frowned thoughtfully, peering at the schematics. The excitement over the upgrades was replaced by engineering interest. "Anti-gravity... even if it is for small items and relies on non-existent isotopes." There's little practical benefit for now, but... "It is interesting from a theoretical point of view. Maybe Peter can draw something from this? Or I can sell the blueprints... when Stark returns? Into the inventory for now. Food for thought."
Eighth card. An old, worn coin.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Harvey Dent's "Lucky" Coin
Type: Item (Souvenir/Symbol)
Rarity: Common
Origin: DC Comics Universe (Gotham City)
Description: A US silver dollar featuring an Eagle. One side of the coin is heavily scratched and burned. Does not possess magical properties affecting luck. It is a symbol of duality, choice, and the tragedy of Harvey Dent (Two-Face).
Note: "Heads or tails? You decide your own fate... or the coin decides for you."
A strange expression appeared on my face—a mix of recognition and slight anxiety. I mentally flipped a virtual coin. "Two-Face's coin..." The recent conversation about Batman gave this artifact special weight. "We just discussed him, and here... a hello from Gotham. Ironic. And a little creepy. It's an absolutely useless thing, but... iconic. I'll leave it next to Stark's comic and the fake Necronomicon." To inventory.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Ability Upgrade Card (To Legendary Level)
Type: Item (System Modifier, Consumable)
Rarity: Special
Origin: "Gacha" System
Description: A one-time-use card allowing the upgrade of one user-selected Ability (not a Character Template) by one rarity level, but no higher than Legendary. For example, an Epic ability can be improved to Legendary, a Rare one to Epic, a Common one to Rare. Not applicable to abilities of Legendary or higher rarity. Ability selection and card activation are done through the System interface.
Note: "There are tools. And there are masterpieces."
At that moment, I literally gasped. The air stuck in my lungs. I jumped to my feet, unbelievingly staring at the golden glow of the card. My hands trembled slightly. My brain refused to process the information. "L-Legendary?! An upgrade to LEGENDARY level?!"
A wave of adrenaline and pure, unadulterated delight flooded me. I felt as if I had just won a lottery, not just for money, but for a whole universe of possibilities. "This... this changes EVERYTHING! Jackpot! A REAL jackpot! To upgrade one of my abilities to Legendary level... What will that give?! Radar sense? Veil? Marksmanship?" My head spun from the opening prospects. I felt goosebumps run down my back. "This... this needs to be thought over very, very carefully!" The card with the golden glow went to the inventory, feeling heavier than all the other treasures combined.
CARD RECEIVED!
Name: Uncut Precious Stones (Assorted, ~100 carats)
Type: Item (Material/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Various universes (Earth, fantasy worlds, etc.)
Description: A small velvet pouch containing about 100 carats of untreated precious stones of various types and quality (rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topazes, amethysts, etc.). Require cutting and appraisal by a specialist to determine exact cost. Potential value after processing—very high (tens, possibly, hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the quality of stones).
Note: "True beauty is often hidden under a rough shell."
I exhaled deeply, feeling the tension drop. The smile returned to my face, this time calm and satisfied. "Uncut stones... Another solid asset." After the Legendary upgrade, this no longer caused a storm of emotions, but it brought a pleasant feeling of financial stability. "Excellent. Just excellent. Another brick in the foundation of my financial independence." To inventory.
Summary of the second roll of the day: Three Special upgrades (two Epic, one Legendary!), seven Common cards, but among them—a key to a vault, a powerful accumulator, anti-gravity blueprints, pheromones, uncut stones, and a couple of funny but useless souvenirs. Compared to the morning fiasco—this was a resounding victory!
I lowered myself back onto the sofa, beside 2B, feeling fatigue mix with huge relief and satisfaction. The anger and disappointment from the morning's failure had completely evaporated. The System, after all, was not broken or configured against me. Simply... Gacha is Gacha. Sometimes feast, sometimes famine. And today clearly was a feast day.
For now... it was possible to simply enjoy the moment.
I looked at 2B again. She had put aside the Superman comic and was now simply sitting there, turning her head toward the window, outside which a light snow was beginning to fall again. Her silhouette in the lamp light seemed calm and... beautiful. Yes, damn it, she was incredibly beautiful, even with that stupid blindfold over her eyes.
"What are you thinking about now?" I asked quietly, breaking the cozy silence.
She turned her "gaze" to me.
"Analyzing the contrast," she replied in her melodic voice, which now had almost no mechanical overtones left. "Between the subject 'Batman,' driven by trauma and revenge, and the subject 'Superman,' driven by... hope and responsibility. Two different approaches to the use of power. Two different philosophies of protection. Which one is... right?"
"Does there have to be only one right one?" I smiled. "Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle? Or does every situation need its own approach? Batman is effective in the dark alleys of Gotham; Superman is needed when you have to stop a falling meteorite. They are both needed. Just in different ways."
"Perhaps," she touched her blindfold thoughtfully with a finger. "The concept... of contextual morality... is complex to process. But... interesting. And you, Commander John? Which approach is closer to you? The darkness of Batman or the light of Superman?"
I fell into thought. Before, I would have chosen Batman's pragmatic, sometimes cynical approach without hesitation. But now... with new possibilities, with responsibility for Peter, for 2B...
"I think I would like to be like Superman," I admitted honestly. "To believe in the best, to inspire hope. But the world... this world... it often looks more like Gotham. And sometimes, to protect the light, you have to... act in the darkness. So... probably somewhere in the middle. Trying to be the light, but being ready to use the shadow if necessary."
"Commander John," she said after a while. "Your chances... during a random draw... did they increase after..." she paused, searching for the word, "...the unsuccessful morning iteration?"
I chuckled.
"I don't know, 2B. Maybe it's just probability theory. Or maybe... it's you who brings me luck."
I felt her tense up again.
"I? A YoRHa unit... does not possess the ability to influence stochastic processes. That is... illogical."
"And who said luck is logical?" I smiled, looking at her. "Maybe it's not about logic, but about... presence?"
"There are ten points left, but spending them today isn't stupid, yet I want to figure out the received cards first," I mused, leaning back on the sofa and staring at the ceiling. "I need to keep a reserve. But as for the upgrades... three Epic, one Legendary. This is a chance to make a qualitative leap right here and now."
I looked at 2B. She was still immersed in the story of the last son of Krypton, her face under the blindfold impenetrable, but her posture itself—relaxed, cozy—suggested she felt... safe here? Or, at least, did not perceive an immediate threat. That was good. It gave me room to maneuver, to focus on myself.
"So, three Rare abilities: Veil, Radar, Aim. Three upgrades to Epic. It's logical to raise all three. Getting three Epic abilities—that's already a serious upgrade of my basic 'human' state mixed with Coulson and Toretto."
Decision made. To delay meant losing precious time. I called up the System interface again, this time opening the inventory and the first status page simultaneously to see both the tool and the target.
"Let's start with the Veil," I decided. The ability to disguise was one of the first I received, and its main drawback—the need for constant concentration—severely limited its practical application. The Epic level should fix that.
I selected the first Ability Upgrade Card to Epic Level. The System obediently requested a target. I pointed to "Photostatic Veil (Rare)."
[Confirm upgrade of ability "Photostatic Veil" to Epic level?]
"Confirm!"
The card flared with a soft blue light and dissolved. I felt a slight mental "click," as if a switch had been flipped in my brain. The feeling of background tension I had previously experienced when using the Veil vanished without a trace. I mentally activated the ability, taking on the appearance of a random passerby I had seen during the day. No effort at all. Absolutely none. The image held by itself, stable and clear, without requiring the slightest concentration from me. I could think about anything, talk, move—the disguise remained perfect.
"Wow!" I couldn't repress a satisfied smirk. "No more need to spend mental resources on maintaining the image! This changes everything! Now I can be 'undercover' for hours if necessary!"
I tried changing my voice—it worked. That very Epic bonus I had noticed before was now completely controlled and required no additional effort. I became myself again, feeling as if I had just gotten rid of uncomfortable, tight clothing. The interface immediately displayed updated information:
[ABILITY UPGRADED!]
Name: Photostatic Veil
Type: Ability (Active, Psionic)
Rarity: Epic
Origin: Marvel Universe (S.H.I.E.L.D. Technology/Psionics)
Description: Grants the user the psionic ability to change their appearance and voice at will, including clothing and basic anthropometric data (height, build within reasonable limits). The disguise effect is stable and does not require constant mental concentration, maintained until conscious deactivation by the user. Allows taking on the appearance of any humanoid whose image the user can clearly visualize in their mind. Does not copy unique mannerisms, biometric data (retina, fingerprints, DNA), or superpowers/skills/knowledge/experience of the imitated target.
Note: "The very best disguise is the one no one suspects." — Natasha Romanoff
"Next—Radar Sense." This was my main hope for survival in close combat and tactical advantage.
I selected the second Upgrade to Epic card, applied it to "Radar Sense (Rare)."
[Confirm upgrade of ability "Radar Sense" to Epic level?]
"Yes!"
Another flash of light, this time a barely perceptible vibration passed through my whole body. The world around became even more... three-dimensional for a moment. The mental map expanded—now I clearly "saw" not only the room but also adjacent premises, the street outside the window, passing cars, even a cat that had climbed onto the roof of the neighboring house. The radius had clearly exceeded 50-70 meters. Detail increased—I could distinguish the texture of the wallpaper on the wall behind me, hear 2B's heartbeat (even and calm, by the way), catch the slightest changes in air currents. Filtration improved too! The flow of information became more ordered; I could more easily focus on necessary objects, cutting out background noise. Sensory overload, which could have been a problem at the Rare level, now felt much less likely. Lie detection improved as well—now I could catch not only an accelerated heartbeat but also micro-changes in tone of voice, tension in facial muscles. This was like an upgrade from an old black-and-white TV to a modern plasma panel with high resolution—the world became sharper, clearer, more understandable.
"Excellent!" I nodded satisfied to myself. "Epic Radar is already a serious tool for analyzing the environment and opponents." The updated characteristics appeared in the interface:
[ABILITY UPGRADED!]
Name: Radar Sense
Type: Ability (Passive, Sensory)
Rarity: Epic
Origin: Marvel Universe (Daredevil / Matt Murdock)
Description: Grants the user an advanced version of Radar Sense. Allows perceiving the surrounding space within a radius of ~60-80 meters as a highly detailed three-dimensional mental map. Significantly sharpens hearing, smell, and touch. Allows "seeing" in complete darkness, through most obstacles (except particularly dense or soundproof materials), accurately detecting lies by physiological reactions (heartbeat, breathing, tone of voice). Improved filtration system reduces the risk of sensory overload. Requires practice for full mastery of potential.
Note: "The city is a symphony. You just have to learn how to listen to it." — Matt Murdock
There remained the last Epic upgrade and "Instinctive Aim." The ability that was supposed to turn me from just a pretty good shot (thanks to Coulson) into something far more dangerous.
Third Upgrade to Epic card. Target—"Instinctive Aim (Rare)."
[Confirm upgrade of ability "Instinctive Aim" to Epic level?]
"Activate!"
A flash. And a strange sensation—as if the world around slowed down for a fraction of a second, and all potential trajectories became visible, highlighted by thin lines. I looked at the pen still lying on the coffee table. My gaze automatically locked onto it, my brain instantly calculated a dozen throwing options—direct, bouncing off the wall, bouncing off the ceiling—and for each option, gave the ideal force and angle. An absolute, unshakable feeling of confidence appeared: if I decide to throw—I will hit. Right where I want. Aiming speed (even mental) increased many times over. An intuitive ability to calculate trajectories taking into account ricochets and target movement appeared. I felt I could hit a target the size of a fly at the other end of the room, even if it was moving.
"Now I can visit the shooting range more often," I thought with a predatory smirk. "Hawkeye, move over." The interface confirmed the improvement:
[ABILITY UPGRADED!]
Name: Instinctive Aim (Ranged Weapons)
Type: Ability (Passive, Active, Combat)
Rarity: Epic
Origin: Marvel Universe (Hawkeye / Clint Barton)
Description: Grants the user exceptional accuracy when using any ranged or throwing weapon. Allows instinctively and almost instantly calculating complex trajectories, including ricochets, wind corrections, and target movement. Significantly increases aiming speed and accuracy of snap shooting. Guarantees hitting the target if physical possibility for the shot/throw exists. Can be activated to perform particularly complex shots requiring superhuman precision.
Note: "We're fighting robots and I have a bow and arrow" — Clint Barton
So, three Rare abilities became Epic. I felt... stronger. Confident. More competent. This wasn't just a set of new skills; it was a qualitative change in my perception of the world and my capabilities.
I leaned back on the sofa again, taking a breath. The upgrades went smoothly, painlessly, but mentally it was quite intense. Now the main question remained. The Legendary upgrade. One card capable of raising one of my Epic abilities to a transcendent level.
"What to choose?" I plunged into thought again, looking at my updated list of abilities.
"Epic Photostatic Veil" was already magnificent. Constant disguise without concentration, voice imitation... What would the Legendary level give? Complete copying of biometrics? Invisibility? Resistance to technological scanners? This would make me the ideal spy, a master of infiltration. I could penetrate anywhere, become anyone. A huge strategic plus.
"Epic Radar Sense" gave an incredible tactical advantage. Legendary level? Maybe the radius will increase to kilometers? Or there will be the possibility to "see" through any obstacles? Or that same precognition of attacks several seconds ahead? Or telepathy on a basic level through analysis of biosignals? This would make me almost invulnerable in combat and an unsurpassed detector.
"Epic Instinctive Aim" already allowed hitting a needle's eye. Legendary? Shots curving around obstacles... like in the movie Wanted? Hitting a dozen targets with one throw? Or... something even more insane? This would turn me into an absolute weapon at a distance.
I rubbed my forehead. The choice was difficult. Each of the three abilities at the Legendary level promised incredible possibilities. Aim—pure combat power. Radar—survivability and information. Veil—stealth and penetration.
What do I need most right now? Considering Goblin on the horizon, it would seem combat or defensive abilities are more important. But... Goblin is not just a strong opponent. He is Norman Osborn. A man with resources, intelligence, and, probably, paranoia. But, in the future, other complications will arise. Hydra S.H.I.E.L.D., the schism... Wanda! Will remember how I drooled over her while watching Avengers: Age of Ultron, as well as the possibility to penetrate G.I.D.R.A. and rescue Winter Soldier from there, while neutralizing the organization's scientists and plundering their treasury—decided!
"Besides," I continued...
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~ Evey 150 PS = Bonus Chapter
~ ush the Story forward with your [Power Stones]