I woke up the next morning to sunlight streaming through my apartment window and a soft chime in my mind. A translucent notification hovered at the edge of my vision.
[Daily Quests Available! Would you like to view them?]
"Yeah, show me," I mumbled, still half-asleep.
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DAILY QUESTS - Day 1
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Morning Routine:
□ Morning Workout Exercise for at least 30 minutes
Reward: +1 END, 50 SP
□ Healthy Breakfast Consume a nutritious meal to start your day
Reward: +5 HP regeneration boost (24 hours), 25 SP
Social Development:
□ Social Butterfly Have a meaningful conversation with at least one person
Reward: +1 CHA, 50 SP
□ Network Expansion Exchange contact information with someone new
Reward: 75 SP, unlock "Contact List" feature
Personal Growth:
□ Financial Planning Review your investments and financial situation
Reward: 100 SP
□ Self Improvement Spend 1 hour learning a new skill
Reward: 100 SP, Random Skill Experience
□ Stay Informed Research current events and Marvel universe information
Reward: 50 SP
Note: Daily Quests reset at midnight. Uncompleted quests award no penalties but represent missed opportunities for growth.
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I sat up, rubbing my eyes. The system was essentially gamifying my life, turning self-improvement into a structured progression system. It was simultaneously absurd and brilliant.
"Alright, let's see what else unlocked yesterday."
I navigated to the Shop section, curious what seven hundred system points could get me.
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SYSTEM SHOP
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Current Balance : 700 SP
CATEGORIES:
► Stat Boosters
► Skills & Abilities
► Items & Consumables
► Equipment
► Special Purchases
FEATURED ITEMS:
Attribute Point x1 Cost: 1,000 SP Description: Permanently increase any attribute by 1 point
Beginner's Skill Pack Cost: 500 SP Description: Contains 3 random basic skills suitable for your level Note: First purchase discounted from 1,000 SP!
Perfect Gift Box Cost: 10,000 SP Description: Contains the ideal gift for any target. Guaranteed +5 to +10 affection gain.
Charm Boost Potion (Small) Cost: 250 SP Description: Temporarily increases CHARM by 10 for 2 hours. Perfect for important social situations!
Emergency Escape Talisman Cost: 8,000 SP Description: Instantly extract yourself from awkward or dangerous situations. Single use. Note: Cannot be used to escape actual combat scenarios.
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The Emergency Escape Talisman caught my eye. Something about its description made me think of all the comedy moments in the MCU—awkward encounters, misunderstandings, the universe's apparent sense of humor. Maybe I'd need that eventually.
But right now, the Beginner's Skill Pack seemed like the best investment. 500 SP for three skills was a solid deal.
I mentally selected it, and a confirmation window appeared.
Purchase Beginner's Skill Pack for 500 SP?Remaining Balance: 200 SP
[Yes]
[No]
I confirmed the purchase. The system points drained from my total, and three cards materialized in my vision, face-down. They flipped over one by one.
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NEW SKILLS ACQUIRED!
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[Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat - Lv.1] Type: Active CP Cost: 10 per minute Description: Fundamental martial arts training. Improves combat effectiveness by 20%. Can be leveled through practice or SP investment.
[Smooth Talker - Lv.1] Type: Passive/Active CP Cost: 5 per use (Active mode) Description: Enhances your natural conversational ability. Passive: +10% persuasion. Active: Provides optimal dialogue suggestions in real-time.
[Cooking Mastery - Lv.1] Type: Passive CP Cost: None Description: The way to anyone's heart is through their stomach. Prepare meals that taste significantly better than your skill level suggests. +15% affection gain when cooking for others.
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I couldn't help but grin. Combat skills for survival, social skills for the system's main purpose, and cooking? That last one was surprisingly practical. I remembered Tony Stark bonding with people over shawarma, Thor's love of pop-tarts, and various other food moments throughout the MCU.
"Okay, system. Let's tackle these daily quests."
I changed into workout clothes—the apartment had come with a surprisingly complete wardrobe—and headed out. Hell's Kitchen at 7 AM was already alive with activity. Food carts were setting up, early commuters rushed toward subway stations, and the smell of fresh bagels wafted from a nearby bakery.
I found a small public park two blocks away. It wasn't much—a single basketball court, some benches, and a patchy grass area—but it would work for a basic workout.
I started with stretches, then moved into a routine of push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Nothing fancy, but enough to get my blood pumping. The +2 to my physical stats from yesterday made the exercises feel easier than they should have. I wasn't suddenly superhuman, but I could definitely feel the difference.
About twenty minutes into my workout, I noticed I wasn't alone. An older man, probably in his sixties, was doing tai chi in the corner of the park. His movements were fluid, practiced, and there was something almost hypnotic about watching him.
When he finished his form, he noticed me watching and smiled. "Good morning, young man. Not many people your age up this early for exercise."
"Trying to build better habits," I said, catching my breath. "That tai chi looked impressive."
"Forty years of practice," he said with a hint of pride. "I'm Chen. I'm here most mornings if you're interested in learning. Free of charge—I just enjoy having students."
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OPPORTUNITY DETECTED!
Chen Wei offers potential training in Tai Chi.
Benefits:
Improved combat fundamentals
Better body control and balance
Potential AGI and END gains
Social connection (non-romantic)
This could synergize with your Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat skill!
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"I'd actually really like that," I said. "I'm Alex, by the way. Alex Carter."
"Excellent! Tomorrow morning, same time? We'll start with basic stances."
We shook hands, and I felt a small rush of satisfaction.
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[Daily Quest Progress Update]
✓ Morning Workout (30 minutes completed)
Rewards Granted:
Endurance : +1 (13/100)
System Points : +50 SP
Current Total : 250 SP
Bonus: Regular training partner found! Training efficiency will improve with consistent practice.
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I finished my workout and headed back to the apartment, feeling energized despite the exercise. A quick shower later, I was standing in my small kitchen contemplating breakfast.
Thanks to my new Cooking Mastery skill, I felt oddly confident as I started preparing eggs, toast, and some fruit. The movements came more naturally than they should have—cracking eggs with one hand, timing the toast perfectly, arranging everything aesthetically on the plate.
The result looked like something from a restaurant, and when I took a bite, I was genuinely impressed with myself.
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[Daily Quest Complete]
✓ Healthy Breakfast
Rewards Granted:
HP Regeneration : +5 boost for 24 hours
System Points : +25 SP
Current Total : 275 SP
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After breakfast, I settled at my laptop with coffee and started my research routine. I needed to stay on top of current events and figure out the exact timeline I was working with.
I pulled up news sites and started digging through articles about Stark Industries, SHIELD activities (or at least the publicly known ones), and any hints of superhuman activity.
Most interesting was an article buried on page three of a technology blog about "unusual atmospheric readings" in New Mexico. Nothing definitive, but it made me wonder if Thor's eventual arrival was already being set up somehow.
I also found an article about a "green monster" sighting that had been dismissed as a hoax. Bruce Banner was out there somewhere, already dealing with the Hulk.
The world was on the cusp of something massive, and I was one of the few people who knew it.
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[Daily Quest Complete]
✓ Stay Informed
Rewards Granted:
System Points : +50 SP
Current Total : 325 SP
NEW INFORMATION LOGGED:
Potential Thor-related activity in New Mexico
Hulk confirmed active
Timeline analysis updated
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I spent the next hour reviewing my investment portfolio. The stocks I'd purchased yesterday were already showing small gains—nothing dramatic, but movement in the right direction. I also researched upcoming opportunities, making notes about when to make my next moves.
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[Daily Quest Complete]
✓ Financial Planning
Rewards Granted:
System Points : +100 SP
Current Total : 425 SP
Financial Dashboard Update: Current Portfolio Value: $10,247
24-hour gain: $247 (+2.47%)
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Three daily quests down, four to go. The "Self Improvement" quest required learning a new skill for an hour, which gave me an idea. I navigated to the Skills section of my system.
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SKILLS
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ACTIVE SKILLS:
[Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat - Lv.1] CP Cost : 10 per minute Effect : +20% combat effectiveness EXP : 0/100 Next Level : +25% combat effectiveness, new techniques unlocked
[Smooth Talker - Lv.1] CP Cost : 5 per use (Active mode) Passive Effect : +10% persuasion success Active Effect : Real-time dialogue optimization EXP : 0/100 Next Level : +15% persuasion, better dialogue suggestions
PASSIVE SKILLS:
[Cooking Mastery - Lv.1] Effect : Significantly improved cooking quality +15% affection when cooking for others EXP : 15/100 Next Level : Unlock advanced recipes, +20% affection bonus
[Charm Aura - Lv.1] Effect : Naturally more attractive and likeable +10% first impression success Scales with CHARM stat EXP : 45/100 Next Level : +15% first impression, minor presence enhancement
SKILL DEVELOPMENT:
You can improve skills through:
Practical use (natural progression)
Dedicated training (accelerated growth)
SP investment (instant progress)
Skill books (large jumps in specific skills)
SKILL FUSION: [LOCKED - Unlock at Level 10]
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The system was detailed, but it also meant I had a clear path to improvement. I decided to work on my hand-to-hand combat skill. While I had the knowledge now, I needed muscle memory.
I spent the next hour in my apartment practicing basic strikes, blocks, and footwork. The system seemed to guide me subtly—when my form was wrong, I felt an instinctive need to correct it. When I did something right, there was a small satisfaction, like puzzle pieces clicking into place.
It was strange, working out in my tiny studio apartment, but I made it work. By the end of the hour, I was sweating and breathing hard, but I could feel the improvement.
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[Daily Quest Complete]
✓ Self Improvement
Rewards Granted:
System Points : +100 SP
Current Total : 525 SP
Skill EXP : +25 to Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat
[Skill Progress Update]
Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat: 25/100 EXP
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After a quick lunch—more practice for my Cooking Mastery skill—I decided it was time to tackle the social quests. I needed to have a meaningful conversation with someone and, ideally, exchange contact information.
The obvious place was The Grindhouse, the coffee shop from yesterday. It was becoming my regular spot, which wasn't a bad thing. Familiar places led to familiar faces, and familiar faces led to relationships.
I grabbed my laptop and headed out. The afternoon sun was warm, and the city felt alive in that uniquely New York way—always moving, always busy, always full of possibility.
The Grindhouse was moderately busy when I arrived. The purple-haired barista from yesterday was there again, and she gave me a small nod of recognition as I entered.
"Americano, right?" she asked as I approached the counter.
"Good memory. Yeah, large, black."
"Coming right up. That'll be three-fifty again." As she prepared my drink, she added, "New to the neighborhood? I haven't seen you before yesterday."
"Just moved in a couple days ago," I said. "Still getting my bearings."
"Well, welcome to Hell's Kitchen. It's a trip." She handed me my coffee. "I'm Jade, by the way."
"Alex. Thanks for the coffee, Jade."
I found a seat by the window again, set up my laptop, and pretended to work while actually observing the shop. People-watching was surprisingly entertaining—the stressed businessman on his phone, the college student buried in textbooks, the elderly couple sharing a pastry.
About twenty minutes in, the bell chimed, and someone familiar walked in.
It was her. Natalie Rushman. Or whoever she really was.
She was dressed more casually today—jeans, a simple black t-shirt, and a different jacket. Her hair was down this time, softening her appearance, though her eyes still scanned the room with that same practiced awareness.
Our eyes met, and I saw a flicker of recognition. She gave that same slight nod from yesterday and got in line to order.
My heart rate picked up. Should I say something? Try to start a conversation? The system had registered her as a potential connection, which meant she was important. But I also couldn't come across as creepy or desperate.
Be natural, I told myself. You're just a regular guy at a coffee shop, not someone who knows her secret identity.
She got her drink—same complicated espresso order—and turned to leave. But as she passed my table, she paused.
"You took my advice," she said.
I blinked. "What?"
"Yesterday. I said this neighborhood would get interesting. You're keeping your head down, staying in a quiet coffee shop with your laptop. Smart."
I couldn't help but smile. "Well, I figured if a mysterious woman with combat training warns me about the neighborhood, I should probably listen."
Her eyebrow raised slightly. "Combat training?"
"The way you move. The situational awareness. You're either military, law enforcement, or something else entirely."
For a moment, I thought I'd overplayed my hand. But then she smiled—a small, genuine smile that transformed her face.
"Observant. Most people don't notice things like that."
"I notice a lot of things," I said. Then, deciding to take a chance, I added, "I'm Alex, by the way. Alex Carter."
She hesitated for just a second. "Natalie. Natalie Rushman."
"Nice to officially meet you, Natalie. You work around here?"
"Freelance security consulting," she said smoothly. "Keeps me busy. You?"
"Just moved to the city, actually. Still figuring out my next move." Not entirely a lie—I was definitely figuring out my next move, just not in the way she'd assume.
"Well, Alex Carter, good luck with that. And seriously, keep your head down. This city has a way of chewing up people who stand out too much."
"Noted. Though I feel like having coffee with a mysterious security consultant might already be breaking that rule."
She actually laughed—a short, surprised sound. "Maybe. But I'm off the clock right now, so you're safe. For now."
With that, she headed for the door. But just before leaving, she turned back. "This your regular spot?"
"Seems like it's becoming that way."
She nodded, as if filing that information away, and then she was gone.
I sat there for a moment, processing what just happened. That had gone... well? I think? I hadn't embarrassed myself, at least. And more importantly, we'd actually had a conversation.
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RELATIONSHIP UPDATE
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Natalie Rushman
Affection : 1 → 8/100 [Stranger → Acquaintance]
Status : Second meeting, positive impression
Trust Level : 5/100 C
ompatibility : 79% (High)
Mood: Intrigued
Last Interaction: Just now
Progress Notes:
Successfully engaged in conversation
Demonstrated observational skills (she respects competence)
Showed humor without being overbearing
Established regular presence at shared location
Next Steps: Continue organic encounters at The Grindhouse. Do not force interactions or appear to be stalking. Let familiarity build naturally.
Warning: This individual is highly trained and perceptive. Any deception will be noticed. Maintain authenticity.
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Eight points of affection from one conversation. That was actually pretty good, considering we'd barely interacted yesterday. The system's warning about authenticity was noted, too. If she really was Natasha Romanoff, she'd see through any bullshit immediately.
I spent another hour at the coffee shop, actually doing some work—researching tech companies, reading about market trends, and planning my investment strategy for when Tony Stark's kidnapping hit the news.
When I finally packed up to leave, Jade called out from behind the counter.
"Hey, Alex! You coming back tomorrow?"
"Probably. This place has good coffee and better atmosphere."
She grinned. "Awesome. See you around!"
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[Daily Quest Complete]
✓ Social Butterfly
Rewards Granted:
Charisma : +1 (30/100)
System Points : +50 SP
Current Total : 575 SP
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I still needed to exchange contact information with someone to complete the last social quest. Jade seemed like a safe option—friendly, no complications, just a normal person in my new neighborhood.
Tomorrow, I decided. I'd come back, chat with her a bit more, and naturally ask if she wanted to grab coffee sometime outside of work. Purely platonic networking.
As I walked back to my apartment, I reviewed my progress for the day.
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DAILY QUEST SUMMARY
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Completed: 5/7
✓ Morning Workout ✓ Healthy Breakfast
✓ Stay Informed ✓ Financial Planning ✓ Self Improvement ✓ Social Butterfly
Remaining: □ Network Expansion (Exchange contact info)
Current SP: 575
Next Level: 1,800 EXP needed
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Not bad for my second day in the Marvel universe. I'd made progress with Natalie/Natasha, established a training routine, and was building a foundation for my life here.
As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, I couldn't help but think about what came next. Tony Stark would be kidnapped soon, probably within the next few weeks. That was my first major opportunity to potentially interact with the main timeline.
But how? I wasn't part of the military or Stark Industries. I had no legitimate reason to be anywhere near Afghanistan. And even if I did, what would I do? Save Tony? Change the timeline?
The system had been clear that my mission was to form connections with the heroines of this world. Tony Stark becoming Iron Man would set off a chain reaction that would bring all those heroines into play—Pepper Potts, Natasha, eventually the others.
Maybe my role wasn't to change the big events. Maybe it was to be there for the smaller moments, to build relationships in the spaces between the action.
That thought was strangely comforting.
I made dinner—practicing my Cooking Mastery again—and spent the evening going through my system in more detail, checking features I hadn't explored yet.
The Shop had dozens of items I couldn't afford yet. The Skill tree was extensive, branching into combat, social, crafting, and even mystical categories that were currently locked. The Relationships tab showed Natalie as my only registered contact, but there was room for many, many more.
As I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, I allowed myself to feel excited. Terrified, sure. Overwhelmed, definitely. But also excited.
I was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a system that turned dating into a superpower. It was absurd. It was impossible.
And I couldn't wait to see where it went.