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Chapter 4 - CH4-HUSTLING

January 11, 1998 - (4 days later)

THIRD PERSON POV

The hall was eerily quiet, with only Alex lying on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the television screen. He didn't usually watch the news, but this particular report had caught his attention.

"Some are calling it a miracle in disguise—a divine intervention like never before! A patient, identified only as 'A,' has woken up after being declared brain-dead for two full days. Yes, you heard that right!" the news anchor, a woman in a crisp business suit, announced with practiced enthusiasm. 

She then turned to the right, gesturing towards the panel beside her. "Here with us are some of the top neurologists who will explain what makes this case so unique."

One of the doctors, a middle-aged man in glasses, began, "Well, I would like to state that in modern medical history, no one has ever woken—"

Before he could finish.

Alex switched off the TV, tossing the remote onto the couch beside him.

"What the fuck? I just woke up, and now the media's chasing me like I'm some kind of lab rat," he muttered, rubbing his temples. (Seriously, bruh, you're thirteen rn..)

He slumped further into the cushions, his mind whirling with irritation. The last thing he needed was reporters sniffing around, asking questions he couldn't—wouldn't—answer.

At the very least, Mr. Anish had ensured that the hospital and researchers couldn't disclose any personal information. Thanks to strict legal measures, only senior researchers with high-level clearance had access to Alex's name, while lower-level neurologists were kept in the dark. Even those with clearance would face severe legal consequences if they dared to reveal any personal details.

After an extensive check-up and three days of bed rest, the doctors finally discharged him. However, he was still required to attend weekly check-ups. If he couldn't make it to the hospital, Senior Resident Dr. Stephen would come to conduct the examinations at home.

As he stared at the ceiling, he remembered something.

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**flashback start**

January 9, 1998 - Metro General Hospital

ALEX'S POV

Krch Krch

"Alex, stop scraping the spoon against the plate. If you're done eating, just put it down," Nurse Christine scolded while I blankly stared into space.

When I didn't respond and continued making noise, she sighed and walked behind me, suddenly pinching my cheeks.

"Didn't I tell you to stop that? It's annoying." She tugged at my cheeks more aggressively, making me wince.

"Nurse Christine, please! You're always looking for an excuse to mess with my face," I grumbled, shifting my head out of her grip while rubbing my sore skin.

She smirked, picking up the plate from my tray. "Well, can you blame me? You're just too cute! Who could resist?"

Rolling my eyes, I mumbled, "You didn't even ask what I was thinking about."

She paused, her teasing expression softening. "Alright, spill. What's on your mind?"

I exhaled sharply. "They refused to let me see my mom and dad."

A flicker of sadness crossed her face before she stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. Gently, she ruffled my hair. "Alex, the doctors are worried that seeing your parents too soon might cause emotional trauma or worsen any complications from your injury. It's just a precaution. After two months of monitoring, you'll be able to see them."

I bit my lip, staring at the floor. I couldn't argue with the reasoning, not when it sounded so rational. But how could I explain that I was completely fine? That my injuries had healed the moment my soul—my reincarnated soul—had fully merged?

I can't even drink my enhancement potion, I thought bitterly. They're running so many tests on me that if they find anything unusual, they might genuinely think I'm some kind of mutant.

Yes. Mutant.

Because, in this world, MCU wasn't just a movie franchise—it was real. Stronger humans, mutants, hidden geniuses—X-Men and the Fantastic Four existed. Well, the Fantastic Four didn't yet have their powers, but I'd seen in the newspapers that Reed Richards was discussing a Starship project with the government.

Based on my knowledge, the government will probably refuse to fund it, which means he'll turn to Victor Von Doom. Then, they'll go to space, get blasted by cosmic rays, and—boom! Fantastic Four is born.

And then there were the mutants.

The X-Men were here, too. I was sure of it. I had even met one—a cute little redhead who had given me a flower pot.

But right now, none of that mattered. I was vulnerable. I had no defenses, no backup plan, nothing to protect me from the dangers of this world. And I couldn't afford to expose myself.

That's why I asked Mr. Anish to arrange for my discharge. I'd be safer at home than in a place where researchers and doctors could poke around.

After Christine left, I turned my attention to the screen hovering in front of me and clicked on the System Mall icon.

{SYSTEM MALL} (TIME LIMIT~January 7 -May 7, 1998)

[System Points: 10,000]

Green Lantern Ring (comic version no weaknesses) - 3,500 SP

Top Human Life Experience 

Combat (100 SP)

Blacksmith (50 SP)

Singing (80 SP)

Directing (80 SP)

Scientist/Researcher (200 SP) (Choose field before use)

computer skills (150 SP)

Smartphone Blueprint - 200 SP

DNA Manipulation (Ability) - 300 SP

Core Programming System of AI (Cortana, Red Queen, Skynet) - 2,500 SP

body Manipulation (Ability) - 300 SP

Vibranium Ore (5 KG) - 1,250SP

Golden Page of Library of Heaven's Path (Enhanced) - 200000 SP

Best Coffee Recipes in the Universe - 1,000 SP

Perman clone (enhanced) - 250 SP

{NOTE: You can select up to two items to add to your cart for future purchases. System mall will refresh itself after 4 months}

I scanned the list, already familiar with what each item could do. The Human Life Experience option would give me knowledge and practical field experience of top geniuses, but it wouldn't grant me physical reflexes, strength, or the emotions tied to those skills. Still, it was better than nothing. (emotion like enthusiasm regarding that field)

DNA manipulation could reverse any unnatural changes in my genes when they left my body, like blood anomalies or hair alterations.

Body manipulation allowed me to change my body in any form I could increase my height, and change my appearance. More importantly, these abilities didn't require any external energy to use.

All of these items are incredible… but how the hell is a newbie reincarnator supposed to afford that Golden Page?

I clicked on its info tag.

8. Golden Page of LOHP (enhanced version) - 200000 SP Can help you increase your strength (up to cluster level), kill (single universe level) opponent, heal anyone, and seal someone forever (multiversal level).

I gawked at the description.

"This… This is broken! What the hell, Zhang Xuan? How is this even fair?!"

Let's just buy all of them, well, except the obvious golden page, I will put it in the cart for the future.

**flashback end**

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January 11, 1998 - Home | 2:00 PM

ALEX'S POV

Hmm... I told Mr. Anish to collect all documents regarding my mother's company, their investments, and all personal assets, including cash and savings accounts. I thought while rummaging through my father's room.

(AN: You might be wondering how Alex can trust his steward. Well, Mr. Anish practically raised him, and the system already confirmed his trust value. Just because it wasn't shown before doesn't mean he didn't know. And no, the car accident wasn't some revenge plot—just a normal accident. No edgy Revenger arc here. He might act cruelly in the future, but he's not driven by vengeance.)

As I searched, I finally found what I was looking for—my father's laptop. Damn, this thing looks ancient. It's like a 2004 model, even though it's still 1998. Howard Stark, Zola, and the other top scientists really pushed technology ahead by at least half a decade.

Well, that was just for the public. The hidden tech in government facilities and companies like Stark Industries, Doom Enterprises, and Oscorp was definitely much more advanced.

But why was I searching for my father's laptop? Simple. My father was a senior scientist at Oscorp. There was no way he wasn't involved in some classified experiments. Even though the system confirmed his accident was normal, I needed to be prepared—especially for that psycho Norman Osborn.

"Aha... there it is," I muttered as I found a heavily encrypted folder. It required three different PINs to unlock.

Well, no problem for me.

How? Because I had already used my Human Life Experience card. Now, I had top-tier combat, crafting, singing, directing, scientific research (field: technology), and computer skills.

That was quite a lot, honestly.

The security codes would take time to crack, so I focused on something else first.

"Since I've already used the Human Experience Card, DNA Manipulation, and Body Manipulation… it's finally time to drink the Enhancement Potion," I muttered, staring at the golden liquid inside the tube.

I had originally planned to drink it after my two-month check-up. That had been the safe move—the careful one. But with DNA Manipulation and Body Manipulation now under my control, slipping past medical scans undetected was as easy as breathing. These abilities functioned like mantras—triggered by mere recitation. No energy needed. At least, not for me.If i give these mantras to others.

Others weren't so lucky.

For most, these skills required a medium—energy of some kind to fuel them. Mana, chakra, spiritual essence... it didn't really matter what name they gave it. But for those who lacked any form of internal energy, the price was steep. The skills would draw from their life force instead.

A cruel trade. One I didn't have to make.

"Here goes nothing."

With one gulp, I drank the potion.

The moment the liquid slid down my throat, I felt a fiery warmth spread through my veins, igniting every nerve in my body. My vision blurred momentarily as a surge of energy exploded from within, shaking me to the core.

A sharp crack echoed in the room.

"Shit—!" I gasped, clutching my arm as my bones shifted—no, they were evolving.

The pain was unbearable, but I refused to scream. This was nothing compared to the agony of the void.

My body twitched, spasmed, and reshaped—each moment felt like I was being torn apart and reforged. Like steel in a blazing furnace, I was being broken and rebuilt, transformed into something stronger.

Ding!

A notification blinked in my vision.

[System Notice: Enhancement Potion Activated!]

Enhancing Physical Strength, Speed, Agility, and Reflexes

Strengthening Cellular Structure

Accelerating Metabolic Optimization

Increasing Neurological Processing Speed

Improving Energy Absorption Efficiency

The words flickered in and out as my consciousness wavered.

Then—BOOM!

An invisible force erupted from my body, rattling the furniture and sending books flying off the shelves.

And then—just as suddenly as it began—it stopped.

Then, My mind snapped into hyper-clarity.

Every bit of knowledge I had ever encountered—every book, every conversation, every fleeting observation—became instantly accessible. My memory was now near-photographic, my thought process as sharp and efficient as a machine.

Then, the real transformation began.

His muscles tensed and expanded, raw strength flooding his limbs like an unrelenting tide. His once-slender 13-year-old frame stretched, bones elongating and reshaping as he rapidly grew to the stature of an 18-year-old.

My limbs thickened, my chest broadened, and a core of raw power radiated from within. The ache of transformation was brief, replaced by an intoxicating surge of vitality.

When it finally settled, Alex took a shaky breath and looked at his reflection on a nearby glass surface.

Image....

Gone was the small, boyish figure. In his place stood someone transformed—his face now perfectly symmetrical, with high cheekbones, a sharply defined jawline, and flawless skin that seemed to emit a faint, ethereal glow. His once-messy hair had thickened, now sleek and radiant with a healthy luster, while his eyes shimmered with a deep, intense bluish hue, reflecting a newfound depth and power.

My physique had changed completely. My once-average frame had transformed into a lean, muscular build with defined eight-pack abs, a V-cut waist, broad shoulders, and powerful, explosive muscles.

"Whoa... Look at you, lady killer. Now you can actually say that cheesy line: 'My grandmother said I'm handsome,' and it'd be true," I muttered, marveling at my reflection.

One moment, my viewpoint was at ground level, and now I was at first-floor height.

"My height shot up from 166 cm to 192 cm… This is insane."

I flexed my fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through me. If I hadn't had DNA Manipulation and Body Manipulation, I might have really ended up as a lab rat.

With a simple thought, I activated Body Manipulation, reverting my appearance back to my original 13-year-old form. However, some traces of my matured features remained—the sharpness of my jawline, and the smoothness of my skin—just enough to leave an impression.

Let's be honest—first impressions matter. Handsomeness plays a role, whether people admit it or not. And those who say, "Looks don't matter," or "Money isn't everything," are usually the ones who already have both.

"Phew… no need to worry now. Although I've already regained every memory from my past life, something still feels… off. For some reason, I just can't remember, even with my near-photographic memory." well I will think about it later. (AN: SOMETHING...)

Luckily, my Combat Experience card helped me adjust to my newfound strength. Otherwise, I might have crushed a door just by opening it.

But that was just everyday control—a completely different challenge compared to actual combat. In a fight, you don't just regulate your strength; you have to focus on everything—the environment, your opponent's movements, their next attack, their strength.

And if I didn't want to kill but simply defeat, it would become an even bigger challenge. Holding back in battle required more precision than simply going all out.

"Now for the first template"I had been waiting for this moment for four days.

As I clicked on the Draw option, a familiar notification rang in my ears.

Ding!

[Congratulations! You have drawn a Normal Template - Senku Ishigami]

[Assimilation: 52%]

I blinked. "Huh… Senku and already 52%!!??"

Well, that was unexpected. I had been hoping for a combat-oriented character as my first template, but this? This was actually better.

Senku Ishigami wasn't a fighter, but he was an intellectual powerhouse, a master strategist, and a scientific genius. In a world like this, where power alone wasn't everything, brains were just as important—if not more.

This filled one of my biggest weaknesses.

Senku's intelligence was insane, though, in this world, there were still geniuses even smarter than him. But with my photographic memory enhancement, I could optimize his knowledge even further.

I smirked and looked at my system panel.

.

[NAME]: Alex Jones (13years old)

[TEMPLATE]

Normal Template- Senku Ishigami (52% Assimilated)

[POWER LEVEL]:

Wall-Level Strength [lower] with GLR- green lantern ring Mountain-level[Upper](Can be increased if the ring acknowledges you more)

[ABILITIES]:

DNA Manipulation

Body Manipulation

Super Strength (20 tons), with GLR (400 tons) (Can be increased if the ring acknowledges you more)

Super Speed (50 m/s), with GLR (Mach 7)Can be increased if the ring acknowledges you more)

Super Stamina

Flight (GLR)

Various abilities of GLR

[DRAW]: 0

[MISSION]: Click to Expand

[SYSTEM POINTS]: 40

[SYSTEM MALL]

[SYSTEM SPACE]

[SYSTEM INVENTORY] (5 Items)

Green Lantern Ring (GLR)

Smartphone Blueprint

Core Program System AI (Cortana, Red Queen, and Skynet)

Vibranium Ore 5 KG

Best Coffee Recipes in the Universe

Perman clone(enhance)

I crossed my arms, staring at my stats.

"With the Green Lantern Ring, I might actually be a Hulk of MCU version but in peak rage, he punches about 800-1000 ton force.

I flexed my fingers, feeling the raw strength coursing through my body.

Now, I can confidently say it —I am strong.

And the craziest part?

I have only one template so far. And it wasn't even a combat template.

A grin stretched across my face.

"Oh… this is going to be fun."

Just then, my father's laptop security cracked open."Finally, let's see what secrets Oscorp has been hiding." At the same time, I decided to tour my System Space.

"I need to do many things and I have very little time" I muttered as I saw my to-do list:

 Open a café with 'Best Coffee Recipes in the Universe'

Complete Senku Template Assimilation in a month 

Meet with Larry Page (Founder of Google) & Jeff Bezos (Founder of Amazon) to invest in their companies

Create manga & anime (since post-90s works from my past life don't exist here—sorry, senseis, but I gotta do it!)

Train and fully control my powers in the System Space's training room

Develop and introduce smartphones as a revolutionary product to the market

Create Facebook, youtube and dominate the social media industry

"The world is still stuck with those clunky brick phones… A smartphone would shake up the tech industry and put me ahead of the game. Facebook doesn't exist yet… if I jump on this now, I'll control the entire social media landscape before Zuckerberg even gets the idea.

With my father's Oscorp files unlocked and a long list of plans ahead, I teleported into my System Space, ready to take the next step.

I had a lot to hustle "Alright then… Let's get to work."

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Author's Note:

So, folks, how did you like the chapter? This one clocked in at around 2,800 words (excluding this note). The next few chapters will be roughly the same length, but after that, things will settle into a more consistent 2000-word format but could be more.

I just need to wrap up this introduction arc so Alex can kickstart his business with a free mind—before his first isekai trip.

(Though technically… he's already in one—)

Now, let's address a few things:

1️⃣ Why does Alex trust his steward, Mr. Anish, so much?

 Well, they practically grew up together. Plus, the system already evaluated his trustworthiness—I just didn't explicitly show it earlier. Just because I didn't mention it right away doesn't mean Alex wasn't already aware of it.

2️⃣ The car accident.

 No, there's no revenge arc here. It was a normal accident, nothing shady or orchestrated. I don't want Alex to be some edgy, revenge-driven protagonist. Sure, he might act cool and dramatic when it suits him, but deep down, he's not some brooding avenger.

I honestly can't stand those generic Chinese MCs who only do **two things—slaving and killing—**and somehow, every woman still falls in love with them. Like, come on.

3️⃣ The tech level in this world.

 Yes, the laptop Alex finds is way too advanced for 1998—it's closer to a 2004 model. But that's because technological progress in this world is faster. With geniuses like Howard Stark, Arnim Zola, and others, public technology is about six years ahead of our timeline. But not all.

In secret government labs and corporate R&D departments (Stark Industries, Oscorp, Hammer, Doom Industries, etc.), the tech is even more advanced ABOUT 10 YEARS AHEAD.

Hope that clears things up! Let me know your thoughts.

Wish me luck!

Oh, and one last thing—

Don't masturb*te.

Have a good night, morning, or evening!

Byeeee!!!!

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