Day 2 - Time 0 (Store Time)
Marco woke up from the best sleep he'd had in years. The bed was perfect. Not too soft, not too hard. It was like sleeping on a cloud that knew exactly what he needed.
She stretched, feeling her improved muscles respond with ease. There was no pain. No stiffness. Only energy.
"Good morning, TARS."
[Good morning, Marco. You slept for 8 hours and 47 minutes. Sleep efficiency: 97%. Your improved body has fully recovered from yesterday's emotional stress.]
Marco got up and went to the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror and was surprised again by the subtle changes. He was still himself, but there was a clarity in his eyes that hadn't been there before. An alertness. An awareness.
Is Loki still studying?
[Entering hour 190 of 200. It's in the final phase. The power levels emanating from the study room are... worrying.]
"Worrying how?"
[Worrying things like 'he could destroy a small city with a gesture' are worrying. The Grimoire of Cagliostro contained knowledge that entire civilizations would kill to possess. And Loki has absorbed 83% of its contents.]
Marco whistled softly as he washed his face.
"And he still has ten hours left?"
[Ten hours to consolidate what he's learned and master the most complex techniques. When he emerges, he'll be one of the most dangerous sorcerers in his universe.]
"Good. He's going to need it against Thanos ."
Marco got dressed—his clothes had also been mysteriously cleaned and repaired—and went out into the main store. The light was the same as always, that soft glow that didn't come from any specific source but illuminated everything perfectly.
"So, TARS. You mentioned training."
[Correct. You have 1,910,000 MC. A fortune by starting standards. But money without skill is just a number. You need to convert those credits into real survival ability.]
"And how do you propose to do that?"
[First, let's assess your current resources.]
A screen appeared:
║ PROFILE OF MARCO ANTONIO DURÁN ║
PHYSICAL STATISTICS:
Strength: 10/100 (Athletic Human)Speed: 10/100 (Athletic Human)Stamina: 10/100 (Athletic Human)Agility: 10/100 (Athletic Human)
MENTAL STATISTICS:
Intelligence: 25/100 (Above Average)Wisdom: 18/100 (Under Development)Charisma: 32/100 (Natural Trader)Willpower: 40/100 (Surprisingly High)
SKILLS ACQUIRED:
Basic Combat (Level 1)Multilingualism (10 terrestrial languages + 5 from Middle Earth)Machine translationMental Resistance Level 1Basic Danger Sense
CRITICAL WEAKNESSES:
No real combat experienceWithout magic or supernatural abilitiesTool/equipment dependentCatastrophic sense of direction (NOT CORRECTABLE)
Marco read his profile with a mixture of pride and embarrassment.
"Is 40 in Willpower good?"
[That's exceptional. Most humans have between 10 and 15. Your ability to stand up to Muzan and refuse to sell genocide despite fear and financial gain... that requires an iron will.]
"And my sense of direction is NOT CORRECTABLE?"
[It's a fundamental characteristic of your personality. Eliminating it would change who you are. So no, it's not correctable. Learn to live with it.]
Marco sighed.
"Great. I can speak Elvish , but I get lost in my own shop."
[Exactly. Now, let's talk about your development. You have three critical areas that you need to improve:]
ACTUAL COMBAT
2. PERSONAL POWER
3. EQUIPMENT
" Break it down ."
[Real Combat: You have theoretical knowledge of fighting. But you've never been in a life-or-death battle. You need practical training.]
[Personal Power: Currently you are only an enhanced human. In Middle-earth you will face orcs, trolls , potentially even Nazgûl . You need supernatural abilities.]
[Equipment: You need weapons, armor, survival tools. The basics.]
"Budget for all that?"
[I recommend spending 1,200,000 MC on your immediate development. That would leave you with 710,000 MC in reserve for emergencies.]
"That's a lot of money."
[It's an investment. A deadbeat owner can't serve customers. A powerful owner attracts better customers and can charge more.]
Marco sat in his chair, pondering. His merchant instincts were battling with his survival instincts.
"That's fine. But I want to see exactly how each credit is being spent."
[Of course. Let's start with REAL COMBAT.]
The screen changed:
║ COMBAT TRAINING ║
OPTION 1: Training Time Chamber
Duration: 1 subjective year / 1 actual hourIncludes: Combat simulations with adaptive AIProgression: From novice to competentCost: 300,000 MC
OPTION 2: Absorption of Warrior Experience
Source: Combat Memoirs of 100 Expert WarriorsEffect: Instant experience without physical skillLimitation: Knowledge only, no reflexesCost: 200,000 MC
OPTION 3: Training with a Holographic Master
Duration: 6 subjective months / 30 actual minutesInstructor: Miyamoto Musashi ( Fate Universe )Specialty: Sword and strategyCost: 400,000 MC
OPTION 4: Multidisciplinary Combat Package
Duration: 2 subjective years / 2 actual hoursIncludes: Sword, hand-to-hand, ranged weapons, tacticalFinal Level: Warrior proficient in multiple stylesCost: 500,000 MC
Marco studied the options.
"Which one do you recommend?"
[For your situation, the Multidisciplinary Pack. Middle-earth requires versatility. You'll face enemies ranging from melee orcs to enemy archers. You need to be prepared for anything.]
"Five hundred thousand... and how good will I be after that?"
[You won't be Aragorn or Legolas . But you will be competent. You will be able to defend yourself against multiple trained opponents. You will be able to survive.]
"That's enough for me. And the pain? Will it hurt like last time?"
[Physical training always hurts. But it's subjective. You'll experience two years of intensive training. There will be pain, sweat, and blood. But also growth.]
Marco took a deep breath.
" Okay . Let's do it. But first, give me a coffee."
[It's already prepared in your room.]
Marco went to get his coffee, took several long sips of the dark, bitter liquid that tasted exactly like his mother's, and returned to his desk.
"Okay. How does this work?"
[I will place you in a dimensional training chamber. Time flows differently there. Two years for you, two hours here. You will have an AI instructor who will adapt the training to your progress.]
"Can I leave if it's too much?"
[No. Once you start, you'll complete the full two years. That's the only way the training will be properly solidified.]
"Great. No pressure."
[Marco, you can do this. Your Willpower is 40. That means you have the mental determination of an elite soldier. Believe in yourself.]
Marco nodded, closing his eyes.
"Okay. Purchase confirmed. Let's do this."
[PURCHASE CONFIRMED: Multidisciplinary Combat Package - 500,000 MC][Debit processed. Current balance: 1,410,000 MC][Initiating transfer to Training Chamber...]
The world around Marco dissolved into white light.
TRAINING CHAMBER - YEAR 1, DAY 1
Marco appeared in a training field. It was simple: a packed-earth floor, practice poles, racks with training weapons, and an eternally gray sky with neither sun nor moon.
And in front of him, a humanoid figure made of blue light.
"Greetings, Marco Antonio Durán." The voice was neutral, gender-neutral. "I am your Adaptive Combat Instructor. The next two years of your life will be dedicated to transforming you from a civilian into a warrior. Are you ready?"
Do I have a choice?
"No. Let's begin. Day one: Current capabilities assessment. Attack me."
Marco looked at the instructor, then at his own hands.
"With what? My fists?"
"With whatever it is. Show me what you can do."
Marco, feeling ridiculous, clenched his fists and lunged forward with an awkward punch.
The instructor effortlessly dodged him and knocked him down with a leg sweep.
Marco fell hard on his back. The air left his lungs.
"Analysis: Adequate speed. Terrible technique. Poor balance. Nonexistent tactical awareness. We have a lot of work to do."
And so began the two most brutal years of Marco's life.
TRAINING EXCERPTS
MONTH 3:
Marco blocked a blow with his forearm, feeling the impact resonate deep in his bones. He countered with a low kick that the instructor dodged, but Marco was already adjusting, pivoting in time to throw a follow-up punch.
The instructor blocked him.
"Better. You're starting to think two moves ahead. But your defense is still reactive. You need to anticipate."
"How can I anticipate what you'll do when I don't know?"
"Observing micro-expressions. Weight changes. Shoulder angles. Everything communicates intention before the movement."
MONTH 7:
Marco wielded a training sword, sweat dripping from his forehead. He had been practicing forms for six hours.
"Again," the instructor ordered.
"I'm exhausted..."
"The orcs won't stop because you're tired. The Nazgûl won't wait for you to catch your breath. AGAIN."
Marco grunted and returned to his starting position. He executed the form. Thrust, block, turn, horizontal cut, defensive retreat.
"Better. Your balance has improved. But your grip is too tight. Relax your hands. The sword is an extension of your arm, not a separate tool."
YEAR 1, MONTH 3:
"Today you will learn archery," the instructor announced, handing him a bow.
Marco took it, feeling the weight of the wood.
"I've never used a bow in my life."
"That's why you're here. Aim for the target."
Marco pulled the rope, feeling the tension in his arms. He aimed at the target thirty meters away.
He let go.
The arrow flew... and stuck in the ground five meters in front of the target.
"Pathetic. Again."
YEAR 1, MONTH 9:
Marco dodged a series of simulated blows, his body moving with a fluidity that had taken him months to develop. He counterattacked with a combination: punch, elbow, knee, sweep.
The instructor blocked some, evaded others. But Marco managed to connect with the sweep.
The instructor fell.
For the first time in almost two years, Marco had shot down his instructor.
"Excellent," said the instructor, standing up. "You've progressed beyond initial expectations. You're ready for advanced training."
"More advanced than this?"
"Much more. Until now you have fought against one opponent. Now you will fight against several. Simultaneously."
Three copies of the instructor materialized.
"Oh shit..."
YEAR 2, MONTH 6:
Marco was in a battle simulation. Virtual orcs were attacking him from all directions. They were projections, but his brain treated them as real.
He cut down the first with his sword. He blocked the second's axe. He rolled under the third's attack. He got up and pierced his throat with surgical precision.
Five more orcs appeared.
His Danger Sense buzzed constantly, helping him anticipate attacks from blind angles.
He fought for twenty minutes before the last orc fell.
He was covered in sweat. His breathing was heavy. But he was alive.
And all the orcs were dead.
"Complete analysis," the instructor said. "In two years you've progressed from incompetent civilian to competent warrior. Your updated stats:"
STRENGTH: 10 → 25
SPEED: 10 → 28
ENDURANCE: 10 → 30
AGILITY: 10 → 26
NEW SKILLS:
Sword Combat (Level 4/10)Hand-to-Hand Combat (Level 5/10)Archery (Level 3/10)Dagger Combat (Level 4/10)Survival Tactics (Level 6/10)Battle Awareness (Level 5/10)
"You're not a master," the instructor continued. "But you're dangerous. Dangerous enough to survive. Dangerous enough to protect what's yours. Your training is complete."
Marco collapsed to the ground, exhausted but satisfied.
Two years.
Seven hundred and thirty days of pain, blood, sweat, and determination.
But it had worked.
He was no longer the helpless taco vendor who had died watching football.
He was a warrior.
Not the best. Not even close.
But it was enough.
"Thank you," Marco said to the instructor.
"Don't thank me. You did the work. I just showed you how." The figure began to fade. "Now go, Marco Antonio Durán. Go and prove that these two years weren't wasted."
The world dissolved into white light once again.
THE STORE - 2 HOURS LATER
Marco opened his eyes and was back at his desk.
But it felt different.
His hands had calluses that weren't there before. His muscles held the memory of a thousand battles. His mind had strategies etched deep within.
Welcome back, Marco. How are you feeling?
Marco stood up and executed a perfect sword form without thinking. His body moved with deadly grace.
"I feel... ready."
[Your stats have been permanently updated. Your physical body has adapted to reflect your training. You are now officially a competent warrior.]
Marco smiled. Then his stomach growled like a hungry bear.
"And apparently a HUNGRY warrior. What's going on?"
[Two years of intense exercise require massive calories. Your body processed them on accelerated time, but now that you're back to normal time, the calorie debt is being collected. I suggest you eat. A lot.]
Marco staggered to his room, where he found the refrigerator mysteriously full of food.
He ate like he'd never eaten in his life. Tacos, tortas, pozole, tamales. Everything arrived hot and perfect.
After his tenth cake, he finally felt satisfied.
[Impressive. You consumed approximately 15,000 calories in thirty minutes.]
"It was worth every bite." Marco leaned back, satisfied. " Okay , what's next? You mentioned Personal Power."
[That's right. You're a warrior now. But Middle-earth has magic. It has creatures no ordinary human can defeat. You need more than just physical skill.]
"Magic?"
[Or something equivalent. Let me show you some options.]
Marco returned to the main desktop. A new screen appeared:
║ SUPERNATURAL POWER UPGRADES ║
CATEGORY: MAGIC
Basic Magic System (Generic) - 300,000 MCGrimoire of Minor Spells - 200,000 MCAccess to Personal Mana - 250,000 MC
CATEGORY: SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES
Body Reinforcement ( Nasuverse Style ) - 400,000 MCNen (Hunter x Hunter Universe) - 450,000 MCHaki (Universe One) Piece ) - 380,000 MCKi Control ( Dragon Universe) Ball - limited edition) - 500,000 MC
CATEGORY: BIOLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS
Lesser Dragon Blood - 600,000 MCElemental Spirit Blessing - 350,000 MCControlled Evolution - 550,000 MC
CATEGORY: HYBRIDS
Basic Warrior-Mage (Balance 50/50) - 700,000 MC
Marco studied the options carefully.
"Give me the pros and cons of the main options."
[Magic System: Versatile but requires a lot of study. You would be a beginner for years.]
[Body Strengthening: Simple, effective, but limited. You only improve what you already have.]
[ Nen : Extremely versatile, unlimited potential, but takes a long time to master.]
[ Haki : Three different types, useful for defense and perception, but not truly offensive.]
[Ki Control: Incredible raw power, but the limited version would only give you the basics. You wouldn't be flying or launching Kamehamehas .]
[Warrior-Mage: The best of both worlds, but master of neither.]
"Which one would best suit my style?"
[Based on your personality, charisma, and tendency to negotiate before fighting... Nen . It's a system that adapts to its user. Your Nen would develop abilities based on WHO you are, not just who you want to be.]
Marco considered this. He vaguely remembered Hunter x Hunter. Gon , Killua , and all those characters with unique abilities based on their personalities.
"And how long would it take me to become competent?"
[With your Willpower of 40 and accelerated training... I could give you a basic 6-month immersion course. I would teach you the fundamentals: Ten, Zetsu , Ren , basic Hatsu . You wouldn't be a master, but you would be functional.]
"Total cost?"
[450,000 MC for access to Nen + 200,000 MC for 6 months of accelerated training. Total: 650,000 MC.]
Marco did mental calculations.
500,000 in combat (spent) 650,000 in Nen (proposed) = 1,150,000 MC spent
He would have 760,000 MC left.
"And equipment? I need real weapons, armor..."
[A basic survival kit - decent sword, light armor, tools - would cost around 100,000 MC.]
1,150,000 + 100,000 = 1,250,000 MC total. There would be: 660,000 MC in reserve .
"Okay. Do it. More training and more basic equipment."
[Are you confirming? It's a significant investment.]
"I confirm. If I'm going to be a multiversal merchant , I need to be able to protect myself. And protect my shop."
[CONFIRMED PURCHASES:][- Access to Basic Nen : 450,000 MC][- Nen Training (6 months): 200,000 MC][- Equipment Package: 100,000 MC][TOTAL: 750,000 MC][REMAINING BALANCE: 660,000 MC]
Nen Training Chamber ...]
Marco sighed.
"Dimensional training again. At least now I know what to expect."
[Marco, before you go...]
"Yeah?"
Loki will complete his training in approximately 3 hours of real time. When you return from your 6 months, he'll be ready to leave. Just... prepare for goodbyes.
Marco felt a lump in his throat.
"We've grown quite fond of the God of Lies, haven't we?"
[He's your first client who became an ally. It's natural.]
"Okay. Then let's finish this quickly so I can say goodbye properly."
[Starting transfer in 3... 2... 1...]
The world dissolved again.
And Marco Antonio Durán, former taco vendor, now trained warrior, was about to add " Nen user " to his growing list of impossible skills.
Because in the multiverse , impossible was just another word for "not yet bought."
[END OF CHAPTER 6 - PART 1]