Ethan leaned back in a plush chair in the hotel lobby, his gaze fixed on a passerby through the window. A faint blue flicker caught his eye as the system activated, analyzing the man's abilities—or lack thereof.
[Ability Detected: None]
Ethan let out a slow breath, closing the system with a thought. A week of testing had revealed a lot about his power. After countless experiments, Ethan had learned how the system worked. He needed to see at least half of someone's body to activate the conditions for copying. Binoculars worked for long distances, but phone cameras or other screens didn't cut it. That was important. 'The visual information has to hit my eyes directly,' he thought.
The one discovery brought him the most relief: he didn't need to see someone use their ability to copy it. Watching the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom in battle had left him worried that activation depended on witnessing powers in action.
Ethan also found that the system could detect F-Rank skills like medical expertise from a doctor who was using it. All things knowledge and wisdom-related were considered F-Rank skills. So it was possible to take the wisdom or knowledge of the smartest people like Reed Richards or Tony Stark. Now the issue was the question was it worth it to fill the Rank with it? Because Ethan assumed he would only gain their accumulated knowledge up to that point so even if he wanted to take such a scan he'd need to wait until later in the story when they're smarter. However, time was a luxury Ethan didn't have.
The 24-hour limit was another critical factor. If he didn't slot an ability within a day of copying it, the option disappeared. It made sense—he couldn't just collect abilities indefinitely. But the permanence of his choices added immense weight to every decision. One wrong move, and he'd waste a slot forever. The bright side of this was that he could keep a skill for 24 hours until he slotted it in. Since he was unsure about the effects like maybe he'll feel sleepy afterwards. So being able to hold it until he was in a safe space was a great boon.
During this time Ethan also learned more about his new identity. According to the ID he'd found in the hotel room, he was Ethan Kane, a senior at Midtown High School, and currently on summer vacation. This was a shock since in his previous life he had been 25 years old and now he was a 16-year kid about to turn 17. He had one month before classes began, and he intended to use that time wisely.
For three days, he'd done little else but think, categorizing the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe and prioritizing the abilities he needed most. It was a taxing exercise. The sheer volume of powers was overwhelming, and the stakes of each choice felt impossibly high. But in the end, one ability stood out as the clear frontrunner: Sage's supercomputer mind.
Tessa, better known as Sage, possessed an extraordinary mind. With her supercomputer-like brain, she could process vast amounts of data in seconds, make perfect tactical decisions, and analyze situations with unparalleled precision. Her ability to scan genetic codes and identify mutant powers was a bonus, but Ethan only cared about her intellect.
'It's one of the most underrated powers in Marvel,' he thought. 'And it's exactly what I need right now.'
The problem wasn't finding her. Ethan knew exactly where she was. Tessa was stationed at the New York branch of the Hellfire Club, a secretive organization of the wealthy and powerful. Her role was to monitor the Club's activities for Charles Xavier, using her position as Sebastian Shaw's assistant to gather intelligence.
No, the problem was getting in—and out—alive.
The Hellfire Club was dangerous. Its members included politicians, CEOs, and influential figures, all seeking power through manipulation and influence. Outwardly, it was a luxurious club for the elite. But behind closed doors, its Inner Circle played a far more sinister game, wielding power with deadly precision.
The Inner Circle's Black King, Sebastian Shaw, was a mutant with the ability to absorb and redirect energy, making him nearly invincible in a fight. Ethan had no intention of drawing his attention—or anyone else's.
It would be dangerous but Ethan couldn't afford to wait. Sage's ability was too valuable, too critical to delay. With it, so many possibilities would open up to him. He'd not only have the mental edge to navigate the countless looming threats that were coming but he could easily amass enough knowledge to match the smartest men in this universe.
Ethan spent hours in the hotel room, sketching out scenarios and possible routes. Getting in is one thing, he thought, staring at a crude floor of the upper floors of the Hellfire Club's layout he'd found online. Getting to the lower floors and even getting out is the real problem.
He needed a disguise, an alibi, and a way to avoid suspicion. The Club's members were all rich, famous, or influential—none of which described him or his new parents. Pretending to be someone important wasn't an option.
'But I don't need to get close to the Inner Circle,' he reasoned. 'I just need to see Sage. If I can get a clear view of her for a few seconds, I'll have what I need.'
The thought gave him hope. If he camped out at a building nearby with some binoculars he might never need to approach the building.
Ethan sat on the edge of his hotel bed, the hum of the air conditioner filling the silence as he stared at the crude floor plan of the Hellfire Club displayed on his laptop screen. He traced a finger along the digital blueprint, his mind racing through scenarios. If Sage was on the upper floors, I could spot her from the opposite building. But if she's on the lower levels... I'll have to go in.
The idea of infiltrating the Hellfire Club sent a chill down his spine. This wasn't just some exclusive club for the elite—it was a nest of vipers, and the wrong move could mean death. Still, waiting wasn't an option. Compared to the future dangers approaching this world the Hellfire Club could barely be considered dangerous.
With a sigh, Ethan leaned back and rubbed his temples. He needed supplies, and he needed to scout the area in person. If he was going to do this, he'd have to plan every detail to the letter.