Warning: This is AU. I don't own anything besides my OC. Huge shoutout to BronzeDeck for allowing people to use his Chaos Gacha.
"To be a man is to walk beside death. To think is to receive criticism. To love is to expect betrayal. To speak is to be open to ridicule and opinions. To know is shallow, to understand is profound. And at the end, to live is to one day die."
[3rd Person POV]
Somewhere in the Land of Freedom for the Wealthy, there was a boy, no older than 15, with wavy brown hair and a handsome face, sleeping in a room of an apartment building. In an instant, his eyes opened, and he sat up, with a look of confusion and grogginess on his face. He looked around the room with a paradoxical mix of familiarity and foreignness on his face. He seemed to be on the verge of remembering something, and at just that moment, he screamed silently, for a pain so painful exploded in his head, that his eyes rolled back, and his body slumped back into the bed he had just gotten up from just a moment ago.
[1st Person POV]
I woke up from a deep sleep; it felt like the most restful sleep I had gotten in a long while. I got up and instantly noticed that I was in an unfamiliar room, with posters of comic books and actors covering the walls. The room was painted cyan and carefully decorated; those were the first thoughts that came to mind while looking around. A feeling of deja vu crept up, and I was trying to remember how I got here. Just as I was thinking, a searing pain shot out through my head. I blacked out after a few seconds of the headache and fell on my bed, then fell into darkness....
[After an hour]
*Ring Ring Dingaling Chingaling Ting Ting* The alarm was relentless in its onslaught, bashing one's ears with its demonic-sounding ringtone. The time showed 10:00 AM. I woke up again, thanks to the godforsaken alarm, with 'new' memories this time, or old ones; it was honestly confusing.
Last I remember, I was studying for my finals and got a headache, so I went to sleep. Now I woke up here, in a new bed, a new body, and probably in a new world. In this world, my name is the same as it was in my old one, Andrew Kaiser, age 14, but I was an orphan here. My parents died in a car crash when I was just a few months old and left me with a house and a generous sum of 300,000 dollars, plus the insurance money. And I am a pretty accomplished child genius here. I have won various awards for mathematics, science, arts, music, and a few spelling bees as well. I even got my emancipation letter from a jury a year back, so I was pretty much free to do as I wanted.
As I review my memories, I realize this life is nicer than my old one. I was a kid with no parents, just studying and hoping to get a better life. That is kind of sad... but this life is much better. I am recognized, rich, and smart. What more could I want?
While I was planning on where to go from here, I realized I was still in bed. I got up, went to the washroom, brushed my teeth, and went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. I grabbed some eggs, milk, and toast, and some dishes as well. I ate in silence and normalcy. I finished my breakfast and went outside.
I live in a 700 sq. feet apartment in San Francisco, a very nice location and expensive too. The sun looked weirdly sunny to me, and everything looked... different. I went to the market and realized why I was feeling that way. The people here are all way too good-looking! The average person here was at least a 7 or higher, and 9s were everywhere! I looked at myself in a mirror and realized that I had also changed, still looking like my old self, but better.
The world was also generally better than before. Clouds were covering the sky, the air was clean and fresh, birds chirped all around the city, and artists sang their songs and played their music on the streets. This is a world truly worth living in. I spent a few hours in the markets, trying bakeries and food stalls, genuinely having fun. I stopped to see an old man in a Hawaiian shirt, buying bait and octopi from a fisherman. He looked familiar, like I had seen him before.
After he bought what he needed, two teens, a boy and a girl, my age, went to his side and said, "Grandpa Max, when are we leaving? This place smells like funky fish and dead rat," said the boy. "Yeah, Grandpa, we should hurry and leave. We have to reach the campsite in an hour, or we'll be late," added the girl. Both looked frustrated and annoyed. "Alright, alright, Ben, Gwen. We'll leave now. When we reach the campsite, I'll let you guys taste some of my favourite camp food, Pickled Tentacles," said the old man whose name was Max.
'Wait... doesn't the boy look like Ben Tennyson from the cartoon? and the old man as well, He looks like Max Tennyson.' I thought. I just realized that this world is not the fantastical world I thought it was. 'This is the Ben 10 Universe, a world where aliens hid under the nose of humanity, the universe was destroyed every Thursday, and where humanity's entire future depended almost entirely on the actions of a fourteen-year-old boy.' There was only one conclusion I could reach after thinking for a while.
'I am so fucked.'
I hurried home after this revelation and began thinking about how to survive in this crazy world.' I don't have any cheats, and I can't get the Omnitrix, because I am not related to Max by blood. The only thing I have going for me is my mind and my knowledge of the future. I am so thoroughly and irreversably fucked that it's actually funny.' I thought grimly.
Just then, a translucent hologram appeared in front of me.
[Welcome, Host to the Ben 10 Omniverse. This is a place full of exciting but dangerous new adventures. You are given the Chaos Gacha, an aid to help you survive and thrive in this world and even further. You are given this gift with no malice or purpose in mind. You're just lucky enough to be chosen and granted this opportunity, or unlucky, depending on the perspective.
You have been given 1 Platinum Ability Ticket and 1 Diamond Trait Ticket as a starting gift. You can gain more of these by achieving 'feats', and the more amazing the 'feat' is, the better the ticket given. The tickets are categorized into Ability, Trait, Item, Familiar, Skill, and Advantage, where two options are given. The pull ranks go from Trash, Common, Uncommon, Rare, Elite, Epic, Legendary, Mythical, Divine, and Transcendent. The Tickets go from Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Legendary, Mythical, and Divine.
With this, the Architect wishes you the best of luck and the most satisfying of journeys.]
I read the message and instantly, relief flooded my soul. Followed by doubt and suspicion. This is truly a great opportunity, but why was it given out in the first place? I have to find out by myself.
Now, the most important thing would be rolling the tickets. 'I'll first use the Platinum ticket. An offensive ability on the first draw is the best I could hope for. I am already physically fit and mentally strong, so I need an offensive-type ability right now.' The screen turned into a slot machine and began to spin. It slowed down and shone for a moment before revealing the result.
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[Dismantle] [Rare Ability] Allows you to send invisible slashes that you direct through hand motions. The more powerful a slash is, the more energy you need to expend.
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'Fantastic! Got it on the first try. This ability is like Sakuna's, so I can definitely say things like 'Nah, I'd win' without it feeling cringe... maybe. Now for the trait.' I rolled the ticket. The slot machine spun.
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[Convergence Point] [Epic Trait]
You have the natural ability to combine several of your different advantages into a singular power that is exponentially increased in power. Matching them at will. Combining what would normally be separate sources of power, such as the power of an Evil Piece, a Sacred Gear, and a temporary spell, could create a level of effect many times more effective than simply using them at the same time, perhaps even creating a whole new branch that you can work with. Synchronizing and forcefully harmonizing abilities that are opposite to each other is also possible, if a bit draining, until you get accustomed to it.
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'Thank RNGesus. I was hoping for a more powerful trait, but it's very good nevertheless.' 'Now, what should be my plan moving forward?' The only logical plan I see going forward is sticking close to the Tennyson Family. The Chaos Gacha requires me to do certain feats to gain tickets, so I have to at least participate in the craziness of this world, and if I have to get involved, it would be better to be at the center of the storm and control what is happening than to be reacting to the aftermath of actions that Ben takes.
Finding the place where they are camping is easy. If I remember correctly, the name of the place was Yosemite National Park, which isn't that far away. I went outside and checked my phone; the time was 3:30 PM. I went to a mall near me and bought camping gear. I also bought a few other necessities and went back to my apartment. I called a friend of mine, a rich dude who had an obsessive interest in cool tech. I had helped a few of his engineers in building a prototype hoverboard and some other projects, so we were tight.
The call went through, and he picked up.
"Yo, Andrew, what's up? It's been a while since we last met." He said in a jolly tone. His voice was something familiar and not at the same time. Guess I haven't adapted to this new life yet.
"Yeah, Burr, It's been a while. I am doing well. Just wanted a favour."
"No problem, dude, what do you want?"
"A car and a driver. I am planning on going on a summer trip to loosen up and get some inspiration."
"That's... surprising. You were always a holed-up mad scientist typa guy. But it's still a good thing. Make some friends and stop being so emo, bro. I'll send over a car and a driver to your crib over in Cali."
"Dude, shut up. For your information, I am a normal guy; I just don't like to spend time on people and relationships."
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, talk to you later, I have a meeting with a few old bastards in ten. See you soon. Oh, and good luck."
The call cut off. I smiled. He was a genuine guy who told you everything upfront, a good friend. The smile faded, and my face hardened. I have to get way stronger to actually survive this place.
I put a can on the table. I pointed to it with my hands, and an invisible slash that I could see appeared. In the blink of an eye, the slash cleanly cut the can in two. The slashes were invisible, and their normal speed was 5 m/s. The slash was sharper than a knife and didn't disappear until they hit a target or until they reached 50 meters. I could launch them from anywhere within a radius of a meter with me as its center, and I had to control it with my hands. The sheer potential for this ability was enormous. I practiced for a few more hours and realized that I was growing tired, physically and mentally. My limit was about 4 hours of small and medium slashes. I was surprised at my energy reserves. 'It's probably because I am a reincarnator.' I thought.
I checked my watch; it was 6:30, and my doorbell rang. I opened the door, and a middle-aged gentleman in a suit stood there.
"Hello, my name is Alistor Winston. Are you Mr. Andrew Kaiser?" The man asked in a British accent.
"Yes, you must be the chauffeur, yes? "He nodded.
"Hmm. Right now, I have to go to Yosemite National Park."
"Please leave it to me. We'll arrive in 20 minutes at the latest."
We went outside, and in front of me stood a beautiful car, a Dodge Demon 170, black in colour, with blue highlights. I smiled at the beauty of this beast. I put my luggage in the trunk and sat in the back seat. Alistor started the car, and the engine revved to life. Alistor put on some smooth jazz, a soothing melody, and drove away.
[20 minutes later]
We arrived, and I quickly went into the forest with my backpack, telling Alistor to book himself a room in the lodging and giving him some money. I arrived at a good spot ten minutes into the forest. I set up a tent and lit a campfire with some wood I cut using Dismantle. The fire crackled, and I sat beside it. I took out some jerky and water, with some condiments, and boiled it in a pot to make a stew.
It was 8:00 PM, and I was waiting for it to happen. Just as a few minutes passed and I grew weary, a meteor appeared in the sky, and I followed its trajectory with my eyes. It flew past my tent and into the east of the forest. I rushed to the meteor crash site. After 10 minutes of running, I saw smoke rising in the distance. 'So he already transformed, huh.' I thought. I ran even faster towards the forest fire, and when I reached there, Ben was transformed into Heatblast and talking to Gwen.
I went there, pulled out a Glock I had with me, and said. "Hey! What are you and what are you doing to that girl?" I asked with practiced aggression in my voice. Ben grew frightened. "Whoa, whoa. I am human, and this girl is my cousin. I am not doing anything." I turned to Gwen, and she said, "Hmm, he's my cousin. I don't know how, but he became a big fire monster and started a forest fire." She said with a surprisingly straight face. At that moment, the Omnitrix's battery died, and Ben reverted to his normal, human form. I looked at him with a bit of surprise on my face.
"You should thank god that you turned back into human form. If you hadn't, I would've hurt or captured you." I said with a serious face. He looked terrified, and his gaze went to my gun. I looked at his watch and said, "Did you transform because of the watch?"
"Y...Yeah. I was just strolling in the forest when all of a sudden a meteor crashed in front of me. I slipped into the crater, and the watch latched onto my hand. You have to believe me!" He grew very scared at the end.
"Fine. Where are your parents?" This time, Gwen answered, "We came with our Grandpa, he's nearby."
"Take me to him," I told them. We went towards their camp. Max was standing there with concern in his eyes. When he saw Gwen and Ben, he was relieved, but when he saw me, he grew curious. "Kids, I am so happy you're safe. And who is this friend of yours?" He said.
"My name is Andrew Kaiser, and I think you should sit down for what your grandkids are going to tell you."
Both Gwen and Ben retold their story, and Max's expression grew more and more serious as the story progressed. At the end, he sighed. He turned towards me and said, "Why did you threaten my grandson?" He said with some anger in his voice.
"Max, if you don't mind me calling you that, your grandson at that time was a 7-foot Alien made of molten fire. I think I was very justified in wanting to protect myself." I said in a solemn tone. He seemed to understand. "Alien? Why do you think that was an alien?" asked Gwen.
"Let's just say, I am more knowledgeable than many when it comes to extraterrestrial topics." Max's expression stiffened, and I gave him a pointed look. "Anyways, Ben, you have to be extremely careful. The watch that you have on your hand is a device that is coveted as the most powerful object in the universe. You have to be extremely careful while using it. Do you understand?"
"Y... yes." He said. I smiled, "You don't have to be afraid, Ben. I was just a bit aggressive because I thought you were an alien. I hope you don't hold a grudge." No, it's okay. If I were in your shoes, I would also be very afraid." He said in an understanding tone. Huh, so Ben can be mature at times.
I turned to Max, "Max, He will be inevitably targeted by various forces of the Universe vying for total power over the Universe. Take care of him." Max seemed to be thinking, "Can you remove the watch?" he asked with hope in his voice. "No. If it were that easy, I would take it for myself. I am not a saint. But, alas, it's his destiny to hold it. I can't do anything about it." I said with regret in my voice. All of their faces turned a bit grim.
"Ben, Gwen, Its late. You should go to sleep." Both of them went into the RV without complaint. I looked at Max, "So, you're a Plumber?" He looked a bit startled, but still answered, "Yes. But how do you know about these things?" He looked curious while asking." I have some friends here and there," I said with a smile. Max, as if accepting the answer, sighed.
"You should go back to your tent, it's late."
"Hmm." I went back to my tent. When I reached my tent, I was greeted by a new message.
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New Feat!!!
[You met with three core characters of the Ben 10 Franchise.]
[Gained 1x Gold Item Ticket.]
[Gained 1x Gold Trait Ticket.]
[Gained 1x Advantage Gold Ticket.]
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'As I thought. Sticking close to the main cast will lead to more rewards.' I rolled the item ticket. A slot machine rolled.
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[Shusui] [Rare Item]
One Piece - A masterpiece sword once wielded by the mythical samurai Ryuma, this sword's blade has permanently blackened from absorbing Ryuma's hardening over time. This sword is nigh unbreakable, sharper than a razor, and is an excellent conductor of energy.
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A sword appeared in front of me. It looked beautiful sheathed, but as I unsheathed it, the blade blew me away. 'Truly an excellent sword.' I rolled the Trait ticket next. The slot machine rolled again.
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[Explorer's Heart] [Rare Trait]
In the very ancient days, the people of the Summer Isles believed themselves to be alone, encompassed by a world-spanning ocean. A chance discovery led to them learning of the Ghiscari Empire, and so they created great ships to learn more of the world. This desire to explore is inside you as well, and so long as you yearn to see more, you will always find more secrets and new lands. This works even in totally mundane settings, and you may decide just how these discoveries manifest.
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'Uh... totally useful! For the future me... maybe?' Now the advantage ticket.
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[The Golem Core] [Rare Familiar]
A sentient golem core the size of a basketball that can pull material from the surroundings to transform itself into a full golem. It can freely abandon and assimilate material into itself to make itself stronger and change its own shape depending on what is needed. The golem is intelligent and is capable of understanding speech and nuance.
OR
[Midas' Bag of Holding] [Rare Item]
A small pouch the size of a human hand that contains a 1km x 1km square of space inside of it; whoever puts their hand inside can pull out what they are looking for. The weight of the pouch does not change, no matter how much is stored within it.
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I could barely control my smile right now. 'Hail RNGesus!!' I could get the golem core, but I don't need offence right now. I can't carry items like Shisui on hand, so the bag of holding is the best option. As soon as I chose the bag, an ornate bag appeared. It was black in colour, smaller than a notebook, and had gold designs on it. I put Shisui and the backpack inside it. I slept soundly and dreamt of flying through the skies with a blueberry ice cream in my hand. Dreams really are weird sometimes.