~ Internet ~
"Did you see Laplace's latest piece?"
"Seriously, do you think there's anyone left who hasn't?"
"Yeah, man, it's insane. If it actually happens, my entire worldview is going to collapse."
"Uh... I haven't seen it. What are you talking about?"
"You haven't? Go watch it now!"
"An alien invasion. That's what he predicted."
"You're joking, right? There's no way that's actually happening."
"I wouldn't believe it either if it weren't Laplace. So far, everything he's said has come true."
"Really? I thought his last prediction had something to do with Tony Stark."
"He confirmed it himself, you know? He publicly thanked Laplace for his help."
"Damn, that really happened? Where did you see it?"
"Twitter."
"Twitter."
"Twitter."
"Who doesn't use Twitter these days? What century are you living in?"
"Shouldn't we start worrying a bit more?"
"Well, it'll be in the U.S., right? What do you want me to do from the other side of the world?"
"Yeah, besides, the government must already be preparing. They definitely know more than we do."
"Of course they know. They're just hiding it."
"Better not talk about that. I'm sure they'll save us."
"Save us? Who?"
"Who? The Avengers, obviously! Have you been living under a rock?"
"I feel kinda dumb asking this now, but... who are they?"
"Oh my God... Listen: a few months ago, Laplace predicted that an incredible group of heroes would rise. He even said one of them would refuse to join the Avengers. We don't know exactly who they are, but the way he talked about them... they must be amazing."
"Exactly. And if they don't show up now, then when?"
"Exactly! People are already speculating about who might be part of the team."
"Iron Man and Ghost Spider are definitely in."
"And Laplace. I don't think he'll fight, but he'll definitely be part of the team."
"Yeah, those three are a given."
"But... isn't that a bit few for a team?"
"Obviously. There are more. We just don't know who they are yet."
"Rumors are flying everywhere. Some even say Captain America might come back."
"That's crazy! Captain America has been dead for over fifty years."
"You don't get it. His body was the peak of human evolution. He fell into a frozen part of the ocean. It's obvious he's still in suspended animation and will wake up when we need him most!"
"Oh no... a frozen Cap fan. Ignore him."
"Ignore him."
"Ignore him."
"By the way, what happened to the newbie who asked the question?"
"Who knows? Maybe we scared them off."
"Probably."
At that moment, the "newbie" user was about to type something... but didn't make it. A government message popped up on their screen:
---
[ALERT!]
A highly dangerous gas has been released in Manhattan. Do not panic. We are working to neutralize it. The gas poses no short-term danger, but continuous exposure for six months could be harmful.
For your safety, Manhattan will be gradually evacuated over the next three months.
Each family will receive personalized instructions on when and how to leave the area, assisted by official personnel.
Workers will be informed through their supervisors about specific measures. We guarantee continued employment or subsidies if temporary leave is required.
Please stay tuned to the national television channel for updates.
---
"Did everyone get the message?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
...
"They're being a little obvious, don't you think?"
"Damn... I was doubting at first, but now it's clear this has to do with the invasion."
"Yeah. How stupid do they think we are? I studied chemistry, and I've never heard of a gas like this. It spreads over all of Manhattan and takes months to dissipate? Please! What's the name of this 'mysterious gas'?"
"Haha, incredible. An alien invasion is coming."
"We're laughing... but something really serious is happening."
"Yeah. I really hope the Avengers are real."
---
Leonardo, discreetly reading the forums to gauge the impact of his painting, couldn't help but be surprised.
They didn't seem terrified.
But reading more carefully, he understood: humor was their refuge. A way to cope with the fear they all felt deep down but didn't know how to face.
They joked to keep from breaking.
As for the government... even Leonardo had to admit he was impressed by how quickly they reacted.
The excuse they gave was ridiculous, but they surely knew most people already sensed the truth.
They couldn't just come out and say: "We're evacuating Manhattan because a painting from the future says aliens are coming." They had to invent something, even if it was barely believable.
There was a reason why Leonardo had decided to reveal this painting before unveiling visions of hope, like the future Avengers.
He needed to level up to execute his plan: take down HYDRA.
"Status."
He murmured, and a light-blue screen appeared in front of him.
Status:
Name: Leonardo Valentino
Mission: Become the world's number one artist [In progress]
Level: 4 (2,004,190/30,000,000)
Active Power: Soul - Mind - Space - Power
Unique Skill: Anonymous Wereabouts
He focused on the new "Power" ability, and a brief description popped up:
[Active Power: Power]
Ability to temporarily grant someone their future powers, including skills, technology, weapons, etc. (Does not include Infinity Stones).
"Good!"
Leonardo thought, excited.
He had already noticed: his active powers seemed to align with his most urgent wishes or needs whenever he leveled up.
When he first arrived in this world and wanted to level up faster, he got the ability to accumulate experience more quickly.
Later, upon realizing he was in the MCU, he wished to see how his works affected future events.
Again, it was granted.
This time, he had wished... to grant power.
The new gift wasn't as perfect as it sounded: it only lasted thirty minutes, it didn't work on just anyone —he had to know their future— and it didn't grant special artifacts like the Infinity Stones.
Even weapons or artifacts given had to have a personal connection to him.
He could give Tony Stark a future armor, but not the gauntlet he would use for the final snap.
He could hand Ant-Man his suit, but not the one used for time travel.
And everything would disappear after half an hour.
However, during those thirty minutes, someone like Tony could analyze the technology received, massively accelerating its development.
And most important for Leonardo: resonance.
If he temporarily granted, say, a certain red-haired witch her future magic... even if the energy vanished afterward, her body would have already learned how to control it.
The chaos magic sleeping within her could awaken immediately.
Not at full strength, of course.
But enough.
"Good... now that we've leveled up, let's not leave people trapped in fear."
Leonardo said softly, and without wasting time, he began working on his next painting.
Now that he had leveled up, he would give them what they wanted.
______________________________________
+21 chapters in advance on Patreon.
p-atreon.com/IAMME26
(just delete the hyphen)
80 power stones = 1 extra chapter (cumulative)