A month had passed since that night in the alley when, bleeding out, I received a peculiar "gift of fate" in the form of the Gacha System.
November in New York City was damp and gray, but for me, this month became a period not only of recovery but of intense, purposeful self-improvement.
The city lived its life. My conversation with Peter at his house seemed to have had an effect. No reports of a mysterious vigilante in red-and-blue spandex crawling the walls of Manhattan appeared in the news. No rumors of Spider-Man. It seemed the main influence was the fact that Uncle Ben didn't die. Peter appeared to be training—I occasionally noticed manifestations of his increased strength or agility at school, which he immediately brought under control—but Pete was in no hurry to put on a mask and throw himself onto the front lines.
Instead, he focused on his studies. Without the need to patrol the city at night, he stopped being late, his grades climbed, and he became more composed and attentive even in class. He still hung out with us—me, Gwen, Harry, and even Mary Jane, though he kept a bit of distance from her after that night at the wrestling match. It seemed he was truly contemplating his path, weighing the possibilities his power gave him, not just in terms of fighting crime, but in science and everyday life. Perhaps my calculation that Peter Parker, without tragedy, could become someone like Reed Richards wasn't so far from the truth. Time would tell.
As for me, having obtained the Phil Coulson template, I set a clear goal: reach one hundred percent assimilation. The System, as I quickly realized, was not a sentient mentor or a genie in a bottle. It felt more like... an interface. A tool with a limited set of functions: accumulating and exchanging Gacha Points, performing draws, and displaying status and inventory. It didn't provide hints, set tasks, or react to my successes or failures. It simply existed, providing access to a lottery of possibilities. This meant development was my responsibility.
And I took it with the utmost seriousness. Coulson's template provided not just knowledge, but an understanding of how to train effectively. Every morning began with a run—not just jogging, but interval training aimed at endurance and speed. Then came a series of exercises: push-ups, pull-ups (luckily, there was a bar in the yard), squats, and planks—all according to methods surfacing in my memory as if they were second nature, aimed at developing the strength and agility of an agent.
Parallel to this, I worked on languages. Coulson surely knew several. I chose Spanish—common in New York City—and added the basics of Russian, simply because it was familiar from my past life and restoring it seemed like a logical step. Textbooks, online courses, and movies without subtitles—everything was utilized.
Several times a week, I headed to the outskirts of the city to an inexpensive shooting range. Handgun proficiency was one of Coulson's core skills. For now, I could only afford to rent the simplest pistol and a limited amount of ammunition, but even that was enough to practice stance, grip, aiming, and breath control—all the details that distinguish a professional from an amateur. My hands gradually adjusted, and my accuracy grew.
But the main training was mental. Every day, I analyzed. My actions, school situations, and the behavior of people around me. I applied Coulson's tactical thinking to mundane things: how to plan the day more effectively, how to convince a teacher I was right, and how to resolve small conflicts between classmates using logic and psychological knowledge rather than emotion. I learned to stay calm in any situation, suppress unnecessary emotions, and think several steps ahead. It was difficult. Sometimes my own "self" rebelled against this borrowed coldness, but I persisted, realizing these qualities would help me survive and act effectively in the future.
I regularly checked my status through the System interface. Progress was slow but steady. 15%... 28%... 45%... Every percent was earned with sweat and effort. I felt Coulson's skills becoming more natural, his experience integrating deeper into my consciousness. But along with this, the sensation of a foreign presence intensified, as if I were wearing an invisible mask.
Then, one evening, after an especially intense training session at the range and a long session analyzing the day, I called up my status once more.
[Page 1/3]
John Smith
Race: Human
Character Assimilation
Complete Assimilation:
[Phil Coulson (S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Template)] - 100%
In Progress:
[Empty]
[Empty]
Summoned Characters:
None
Abilities:
None
Equipped Items:
None
One hundred percent. I reached the goal. The template moved to the "Complete Assimilation" section. In that same moment, I felt the last bit of tension vanish—the slight "duality" of consciousness that had accompanied me all month. The feeling of a foreign personality was gone. Only I remained—John Smith. But a John Smith who now possessed all the experience, knowledge, and skills of Phil Coulson as naturally as his own. It no longer felt like wearing a suit. It became my second skin. Composure, analytics, tactical thinking—these were no longer just borrowed traits, but tools I mastered perfectly without losing my individuality, my sense of humor, or my emotions. They simply became... deeper, more controlled. Though, occasionally, advice would pop into my head... from Coulson...
Now I understood the mechanics of assimilation. During the process (from 1 to 99%), the template inevitably affects the host's personality, creating difficulty and discomfort. But upon reaching 100%, everything extraneous leaves, leaving only the pure extract of experience and abilities, fully subject to the user's will. This meant that assimilating other templates in the future might be mentally challenging, but the result was worth it.
I looked at the second page of the status.
[Page 2/3]
CARD DRAW
Select Draw Type:
[ General ] [ Marvel ]
Gacha Points (GP) Available: 40
Monthly Exchange ($1000 = 10 GP): Available in 1 day
Draw Options:
<-------------------------------------->
| [ Summon x1 ] |
| Cost: 1 GP |
| Free: [ No ] |
<-------------------------------------->
<-------------------------------------->
| [ Summon x10 ] |
| Cost: 10 GP |
| Rate Up! |
<-------------------------------------->
Forty Gacha Points. Daily bonuses accumulated over the month plus the ten I bought once. Now that assimilation was complete, these points could be spent on the System's main function—the lottery.
And I felt the time had come. The month had passed quietly, but it was just the calm before the storm. Harry still walked around gloomy; sometimes phrases slipped out about his father, his obsession with work, and some new "groundbreaking but risky" developments at Oscorp. The threat of the Green Goblin hadn't gone anywhere. My Coulson skills, useful as they were, might not be enough against a madman with superhuman strength and an arsenal of deadly gadgets. I needed something else. Something to give me an edge.
I wasn't worried about The Lizard yet. According to Gwen, Dr. Connors was still in the early stages of experimenting with his serum, and he was funded by a different company, not Oscorp, which gave hope for a less catastrophic turn of events in that direction. But Osborn... he was a powder keg with a lit fuse.
December 9th.
So, today. A December evening. Snow fell quietly outside the window. I sat in my room, door locked. Time to play with the system. Forty points. Four rounds of ten summons with an increased chance for something worthwhile. And I knew which pool to choose. Marvel. I needed tools to fight the threats of this world.
I took a deep breath, calming my nerves (an old habit, though now the self-control of a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent made it almost redundant). I focused on the interface and selected the "Marvel" tab.
"Well, Gacha System," I thought. "Show me what you're capable of. Time to pull some cards."
I mentally activated the "[ Summon x10 ] (Cost: 10 GP)" button.
The interface flashed with the familiar kaleidoscope of Marvel symbols. A whirlwind of images, sound effects... and then, the first ten cards flew out of the virtual portal and froze before me in a row, face down. On the backs was that same Marvel logo. The GP counter dropped to 30.
I mentally flipped the first card...
The card depicted a stylized silhouette of a person changing shape, flowing from one appearance to another, against a background of a complex diagram resembling a neural network.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Photostatic Veil
Type: Ability (Active, Psionic)
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Marvel Universe (S.H.I.E.L.D. Tech/Psionics)
Description: Grants the user the psionic ability to change their appearance at will, including clothing and basic anthropometric data (height, build within reasonable limits). Allows assuming the appearance of any humanoid whose image the user can clearly visualize. Does not copy voice, unique mannerisms, biometric data (retina, fingerprints, DNA), or superpowers of the imitated subject. Requires constant mental concentration to maintain, especially for complex or unfamiliar transformations. Prolonged use or frequent changes can cause mental fatigue and headaches.
Note: "The best disguise is the one no one suspects." — Natasha Romanoff
"Photostatic veil... Isn't that S.H.I.E.L.D. technology? Since when did it reclassify as an ability? And with such drawbacks? Fine..."
The ability to disguise is a most valuable tool for anyone who prefers to act unnoticed. There are limitations—voice, biometrics, concentration—but for operational work, intelligence gathering, or a quick exit, it's exactly what's needed. It will require practice, but the potential is enormous. Quite good for the first card. The ability was activated; I felt it as a new resource available in my arsenal.
I flipped the second card. A shining sports car.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Audi R8 (Stark Expo Edition)
Type: Item (Vehicle)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Earth)
Description: A brand new 2008 Audi R8 V8 Coupe in perfect condition. Exclusive body color "Stark Expo Blue." Comes with a full package of legal documents (title, registration, insurance for the first year) issued in the user's name (John Smith). Keys included (materialize with the user). Tank filled with high-octane gasoline. Equipped with an advanced audio system.
Note: "You know, I don't like to be modest. If you're going to drive, do it so everyone sees." — Tony Stark
A car. A real R8. Legally mine. Okay, no panic. Analyze.
Asset obtained.
Value—extremely high.
Potential problems: attracting unwanted attention (taxes, neighbors, criminals), operating costs after the first year, lack of a secure storage location.
Possible solutions: Storage—long-term rental of a garage in a secure parking lot not connected to my home address.
Costs—the asset can be viewed as an investment or a reserve fund for the System; if necessary, it can be sold (though that creates new questions).
Attention/Cover story—the most difficult point, but solvable; legal documents allow for a plausible story (e.g., an inheritance).
Conclusion: a valuable asset, risks are manageable. "Not the most conspicuous choice for someone who values the shadows," I smirked to myself. "But refusing such a resource is inefficient. I'll take it. I'll deal with the logistics later." The keys to the R8 appeared in my pocket. The card went to the inventory marked "Awaiting materialization."
Two cards—and both quite valuable. Let's see what the other eight brought. I prepared for the lottery, studying each card for potential use, even if non-obvious.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Shawarma of Questionable Origin
Type: Item (Consumable)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (New York City)
Description: Still slightly warm shawarma. Consumption provides a temporary (5 minutes) "Camaraderie" effect, increasing persuasiveness when proposing joint activities (especially those involving food). Minor risk of stomach upset.
Note: "Guys, have you tried shawarma? There's a place around the corner..." — Tony Stark
"Shawarma with a persuasion buff for food proposals? Funny."
A very specific effect. Might come in handy in a social situation to sway friends toward a specific cafe? Or is it just a culinary risk?
"Fine, I'll keep it for now. Who knows, I might have to convince someone to share a meal." Into the inventory.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Doombot Command Cheat Sheet (Fragment)
Type: Item (Information)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Latveria)
Description: A torn scrap of paper with several basic voice commands for a Doombot, written in English phonetic transcription (e.g., "Ak'tivieren Ohranen Rezhim", "Prinesiten Plashch Duma!"). Functionality without Doctor Doom's authorization codes is not guaranteed.
Note: "Even Doom occasionally needs reminders." — Doctor Doom
"Commands for a Doombot... The chance to use them is near absolute zero. But what if?"
Extremely unlikely, but information takes up no space. "Let it be." Into the inventory.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Hulk-Sized Toothbrush
Type: Item (Tool/Souvenir)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (?)
Description: A disproportionately large toothbrush. Bristles are extremely stiff. Handle is made of high-strength polymer, virtually indestructible.
Note: "HULK BRUSH!" — Hulk
"Indestructible handle... and stiff bristles."
My thought immediately turned toward gaining an advantage and effective use.
"This is an excellent tool! It could be used as a lever, a light club, or actually as a brush for very tough grime. Definitely keeping it." Into the inventory.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Mjolnir Authenticity Test Kit
Type: Item (Consumable, Diagnostic)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (S.H.I.E.L.D.)
Description: A small chemical test kit. Changes color upon contact with genuine Uru metal or a significant level of Asgardian magic. Single use.
Note: "For field use. Protocol 7G."
"A test for Mjolnir. Usefulness is doubtful, but in this world, anything is possible. Takes up no space. Keep it." Into the inventory.
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Sugar Cube to Attract Ants
Type: Item (Consumable/Bait)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Pym Lab?)
Description: A sugar cube treated with special pheromones. When crushed and scattered, it intensely attracts common ants within a radius of ~3 meters for ~15 minutes.
Note: "His name was Antony." — Scott Lang
"Attracting ants... Why?"
My mind began searching for non-standard applications and tactical advantages.
"Sabotage? Distraction? Creating chaos in a specific spot? Sounds crazy, but there's potential for a non-standard move. Keeping it."
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: "Inspirational" Howard Stark Sketch
Type: Item (Information/Temporary Effect)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (USA)
Description: A pencil sketch of a triangular shield on a napkin. Close study (1 minute) causes a short-term (10 minutes) burst of non-standard thinking (+ to 'Creativity'), but simultaneously imposes a penalty to understanding physical laws (- to 'Aerodynamics').
Note: "Needs more... zing?" — Howard Stark 1943
"Creativity buff with a physics penalty? Interesting."
I smirked.
"Could help in a situation where a non-standard approach is needed and physical laws are temporarily irrelevant? Or just a funny artifact. Keeping it."
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Slightly Enchanted Asgardian Soil
Type: Item (Material/Component)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Asgard)
Description: A small jar of soil collected at the foot of the Bifrost. Contains residual traces of Asgardian magic. Unsuitable for serious spells, but plants grown with its addition display increased vitality and brightness.
Note: "Where the Rainbow Bridge touches, life finds a way."
"Magical soil for gardening?"
A smile appeared on my face.
"Not the most obvious application for Asgardian magic, but why not? Maybe grow something useful? Or give it to Gwen? Keeping it."
CARD OBTAINED!
Name: Incredibly Sticky Daily Bugle Sticker
Type: Item (Tool/Stationery)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (New York City)
Description: A standard-looking sticker with the headline "Spider-Man: Threat or Menace?". The adhesive layer has abnormally high adhesion, capable of supporting weight up to ~2 kg. Single use.
Note: "Parker! I need pictures of Spider-Man! And make him look threatening!" — J. Jonah Jameson
"Sticker with superglue. Funny and potentially useful."
The irony of the headline was still present, but now I saw a practical application.
"Could be used for minor repairs, as a trap, or for... creative mischief. Keeping it."
So, the first ten were rolled. One rare ability, nine common items with varying degrees of usefulness and strangeness—one might even say uselessness. Not a single piece of outright trash that I wanted to throw away immediately. The System provided a chance to find a use for even the most unexpected things.
I checked the inventory on the third status page. It now looked like this:
[Page 3/3]
LIST OF UNUSED CARDS
[Item: Audi R8 (Stark Expo Edition) (Common)] - Awaiting materialization
[Item: Shawarma of Questionable Origin (Common)]
[Item: Doombot Command Cheat Sheet (Fragment) (Common)]
[Item: Hulk-Sized Toothbrush (Common)]
[Item: Mjolnir Authenticity Test Strip (Common)]
[Item: Sugar Cube to Attract Ants (Common)]
[Item: "Inspirational" Howard Stark Sketch (Common)]
[Item: Slightly Enchanted Asgardian Soil (Common)]
[Item: Incredibly Sticky Daily Bugle Sticker (Common)]
I had 30 Gacha Points left. Three more attempts of ten cards each. The temptation to immediately launch the next ten was strong. But common sense and the newly acquired habit of analysis suggested—a pause was needed. Analyze what I received. Master the "Veil," plan the logistics for the R8, and simply grasp the potential of even the strangest trifles in the inventory.