The effect of the Monument of Life was astonishing.
Alex Ray had already seen the system's explanation. At first glance, it seemed modest—only a 1% boost in physical fitness and brain development. But with time, depending on each individual's aptitude and exposure, these enhancements would continue to grow.
Physical fitness could improve by up to 20%, and brain development by as much as 10%. While not everyone would reach these maximums, even a 10% improvement in physical capabilities would turn every resident of Hell's Kitchen into an Olympic-level athlete.
The brain development aspect was even more impressive. Einstein had an IQ of 200, yet only about 10% of his brain was considered "active." Most people never reached even 1% in their lifetime.
With the Monument of Life, everyone in Hell's Kitchen had the potential to become a genius—and the luckiest among them could rival Einstein himself.
More importantly, this monument didn't just work on ordinary people—it affected Alex Ray and his inner circle as well. That included someone like Kingpin, whose physical power was already near the human limit. An additional 20% boost would make him truly terrifying.
And what about the intellectual giants of the Marvel world—Doctor Strange, Bruce Banner, Tony Stark? Already among the most brilliant minds alive, with the Monument of Life enhancing their cognitive potential, Alex couldn't even begin to imagine what their future limits might look like.
The Monument's third effect was equally game-changing for mutants. It meant new mutants would gradually begin to appear in Hell's Kitchen—no longer limited to those who had come initially.
Alex was certain that both Professor Xavier and Magneto would be pleased with this development.
Even though the final effect—enhancing mutant powers—only had a 5% chance of triggering, it was already extraordinary. In general, mutant abilities were fixed from birth. Someone like Wanda Maximoff, Magneto, or Xavier had incredible power, but their limits were predetermined.
What the Monument offered was an increase in their ceiling, not their current power.
For example, Wanda was born an Omega-level mutant, placing her at multiverse-scale power. If the Monument's effect triggered, there was a 5% chance she could surpass even that—reaching a level comparable to cosmic entities like the Living Tribunal or Death herself.
There were already several Omega-level mutants living in Hell's Kitchen. If even one of them broke past their ceiling…
Alex could rule the world effortlessly.
With that thought in mind, he instructed the system to place the Monument of Life.
Following his command, a brilliant flash of light erupted, and a mysterious, ancient stone tablet materialized in front of the Good Luck Restaurant.
The tablet was etched with intricate runes, radiating a timeless vitality.
As it landed, a wave of mysterious energy spread out across Hell's Kitchen. A warm, radiant aura filled the air, and soft glimmers of light appeared on everyone's bodies.
These glowing particles floated through the night like fireflies—tiny lights of hope in a city long steeped in darkness.
Alex immediately felt the change. A surge of warmth wrapped around him, coursing through his veins like a living current.
His mind cleared. Questions that had plagued him for days were suddenly resolved with ease.
He closed his eyes, embracing the power that was now flowing freely through his body.
He could sense every cell in his body—every nerve, every heartbeat. His thoughts sharpened to a razor's edge, as if he could see the fabric of reality itself.
And he wasn't the only one feeling it.
Across Hell's Kitchen, both civilians and superheroes experienced the Monument's awakening power. Shock and joy spread across their faces like sunrise breaking over a warzone.
"My eyes… I can see?" Matt Murdock—Daredevil—covered his face, stunned. For years, his blindness had defined him. Now, he could see every detail of the world around him.
"I've got it! Of course—that modification angle was completely wrong. I really am a genius! Hold on, Jarvis, I'm upgrading you tonight!" Tony Stark's voice rang with excitement. A breakthrough in his work—one that had eluded him for months—had just come to him effortlessly.
"I… I can stand?" Professor X's voice trembled with disbelief. Looking out his window in the direction of Alex Ray, his eyes filled with gratitude. For the first time in decades, he rose from his chair.
He was right to stay in Hell's Kitchen.
"I finally broke through!" Pyro shouted, nearly mad with joy. For years, he'd struggled to surpass his limitations. Meanwhile, his longtime rival, Iceman, had steadily grown more powerful.
But now—he had broken through the barrier.
"Lord Ray was right… following him has made me stronger!"
If Alex could've heard him, he would've called Pyro ridiculously lucky. That 5% chance had activated for him. A Beta-level mutant just crossed into Alpha-tier.
It meant Pyro now had the potential to grow to Storm or Magneto's level.
He'd likely never surpass Iceman, but this new growth meant he could at least stand beside him.
Even Deadpool—curled up like a dog somewhere in Hell's Kitchen—was affected. The deep scars that disfigured his face had begun to smooth out. His body pulsed with renewed life.
The Monument wasn't just transforming superheroes or mutants—it was saving ordinary people, too.
Veterans who had lost limbs. Gang leaders riddled with bullets. People who should've died on the streets—they stood up again. Wounds faded. Old pains disappeared.
They knew this miracle had one source: Alex Ray.
As one, the people of Hell's Kitchen bowed in his direction. Some wept. Some whispered prayers.
No one here believed in God anymore. They had their own god now—Alex Ray.
Alex continued reviewing the system panel, going over the new rewards he'd received.
From senior Tsukasa Kadoya—also known as Kamen Rider Decade—he'd obtained the Dark Decade Driver.
He now possessed three Drivers. He had already handed over the Qilubas Driver to the Spider-Man Alliance for their use.
He planned to keep the Kamen Rider Legend Transformation Driver for himself. It offered the most well-rounded abilities. The other two Drivers, he would reserve for allies.
After all, Alex liked all three Riders—Legend, Dark Decade, and Eternal.
But from a practical standpoint, Kamen Rider Legend had the most comprehensive skill set. Choosing to wield that one himself was a strategic decision.
As for who would receive the remaining two Drivers, Alex would wait and see. He needed time to observe the people around him.
Satisfied, he stored the Drivers and returned to the system interface.
It was time to burn through some friendship points.
He was going to do a ten-pull combo.
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