Marvel: Omni-Gacha

Chapter 6: The Aftermath



[Saturday, October 14, 2006 ~ Location: Manhattan, New York ~ 6:31 AM]

The sky outside his window was a soft, dusty blue, adorned with wispy clouds that hinted at the dawn of a new day when Grayson finally stirred from his restless sleep. Groggy and disoriented, he blinked against the morning light, but the lingering discomfort in his muscles quickly brought him back to reality. It wasn't the satisfying ache that accompanied a grueling training session; it was the deep, throbbing reminder of the fierce battle he had fought just hours earlier.

Memories flooded his thoughts: the terrifying forms of stone-skinned mutants charging at him, their grotesque features illuminated by flashes of chaos; the psychic who had disrupted his mind with their unsettling abilities; the pain of his own bruised knuckles from throwing punch after punch and from the bruised patches on his chest and stomuck, a stark reminder of the violence he had encountered. 

But rather than allowing the pain to weigh him down, it fueled his determination. He couldn't afford to falter; he needed to do better, to be better. The thought of improvement drove him, igniting a fierce ambition within that demanded more discipline and more training.

With renewed purpose, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and planted his feet firmly on the floor. The chill of the wooden surface jolted him fully awake, and he took a deep breath, letting the crisp morning air fill his lungs. Grayson thrust himself into motion, ready to embrace the challenges of the day ahead.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 6:55 AM]

Push-ups. Sit-ups. Squats. The relentless routine had become ingrained in Grayson's very being, its rhythm echoing through every joint and muscle. As he pushed himself through each rep, he could feel the familiar burn tightening in his chest and arms, a reminder of the effort required to build strength. Droplets of sweat formed early, trickling down his forehead and mingling with the cool morning air, creating a contrast that invigorated him. 

In the brisk dawn, with the sun just beginning to rise, he powered through the last set, his determination unwavering despite the fatigue wrapping around him like a heavy cloak. The subsequent 10km run loomed ahead, a daunting challenge that felt almost brutal. Each step seemed to set his muscles aflame, yet he pressed on, his breaths coming sharp and shallow as he fought to maintain his pace. 

The sound of his feet striking the pavement resonated like a drumbeat, a rhythmic reminder of his commitment. With every stride, the world around him blurred slightly, and all that mattered was the steady beat of his heart and the endurance he was building. Grayson knew this was more than just a physical challenge; it was a testament to his resilience, a test of willpower that pushed him closer to his goals.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 8:59 AM]

The System chimed softly in his mind, a gentle reminder that was accompanied by the icy rush of cold water enveloping him in the shower. As the frigid spray cascaded down his body, it numbed his tired limbs and invigorated his senses, washing away the remnants of fatigue that clung to him like a morning fog. Each drop felt like a tiny wake-up call, clearing his thoughts and sharpening his focus, pulling him out of the lingering haze of sleep.

After stepping out and wrapping himself in a towel, he made his way to the kitchen, where the aroma of fried eggs began to fill the air. He skillfully prepared a simple yet satisfying breakfast—golden-brown fried egg sandwiches stacked between slices of soft bread, complemented by a crisp apple that gleamed invitingly on the counter. To complete the meal, he brewed a cup of instant coffee, the rich, dark liquid steaming as he poured it into his favorite mug.

With the last bite of his breakfast still lingering on his lips, he turned his attention to his updated status screen, which flickered to life before him.

|Username: Grayson Matthew|

Level: 5 (425/800)

HP: 915 / ENE: 680

VIT: 21

STR: 21

END: 21

DEX: 21

AGI: 21

PER: 21

INT: 21

WIS: 20

LCK: ??? (Obscured) 

Stat Points: 5

Inventory: [8 regular items] [19 ticket items]

Quest: [2 in progress]

Character Card: [Empty]

Skills: [4 skills]

Available Tickets: [30 Bronze] [0 Silver] [1 Gold]

Gacha Points: 1940 GP

|Worlds Access: None|

He took a moment to absorb the changes that had been made. The improvements he had noticed just the night before were undeniable; he had felt a surge of confidence and an instinctual agility coursing through him as he traversed the rooftops, each leap and bound feeling more natural than before. This newfound clarity and control were exciting, hinting at the potential that lay ahead as he prepared for the challenges of the day.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 10:15 AM]

The training warehouse stood in hushed stillness as Grayson arrived, its vast interior shadowy and dust motes dancing in the beams of light filtering through the high windows. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and lingering sweat, a silent testament to countless hours of toil. Without a moment's hesitation, he set to work. Grayson carefully positioned his battered striking dummy, the canvas seams frayed from years of use, and began running through precision drills with his signature technique, [Red Lotus Reflex]. With each practiced movement, he focused on his form, channeling energy into fluidity and speed.

Next, he incorporated [Runic Surge Spells], a dynamic move aimed at darting swiftly between makeshift cover and the sturdy reinforced beams that lined the space. For over three hours, he moved methodically, honing his control, timing, and spatial awareness. Each swing and strike resonated in the empty warehouse, his mind replaying the mistakes of the previous night—hesitation that cost him valuable seconds, poor positioning that left him exposed, and inefficient energy use that drained his stamina too quickly.

With every repetition, Grayson scrutinized his errors, mentally dissecting each misstep and embedding the lessons deep within. As the clock ticked towards noon, his knuckles bore the familiar bruises of his relentless work ethic, the skin raw but resilient. Sweat dripped down his forehead, soaking the fabric of his shirt, which clung to him like a second skin.

Grayson decided it was time to pause. He took a deep breath, letting the rhythmic sound of his inhalations ground him as he reached for his refillable water bottle. After a long drink, he found a stack of mats in the corner and settled down cross-legged, feeling the slight give of the cushioning beneath him as he sought to steady his breathing and clear his mind.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 1:35 PM]

The tranquility was interrupted by the sudden buzz of his phone. He glanced at the screen, smirking as he read the message from Peter.

Peter: {"Lunch? Food truck on 8th and Madison. Ned's buying (he lost a bet)."}

Grayson chuckled softly, his spirits lifting at the thought of a well-deserved meal. He quickly typed back.

Grayson: {"Give me 30 minutes."}

With a newfound sense of urgency, he jogged back to his apartment, the familiar route energizing him. Upon reaching his door, he kicked off his shoes and tossed his sweaty clothes into the hamper with a practiced flick of his wrist. The shower called to him, and he stepped under the hot spray, letting the water wash away the fatigue and grime of his exertion.

After freshening up, he slipped into a comfortable hoodie and dark jeans, feeling the fabric wrap around him as he moved. With his wallet secured and keys in hand, Grayson took one last glance at the training gear scattered around his living space, then headed out, ready to refuel and recharge for the challenges ahead.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 2:05 PM]

Peter waved enthusiastically from their usual bench situated just off the bustling sidewalk, where the tantalizing aroma of grilled meat mingled with the savory scent of spiced fries, drifting through the warm afternoon air. Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, casting dappled patterns across the wooden bench.

"Right on time," Ned called out, his voice cheerful, as he took a massive bite from a burrito that was almost as large as his forearm. The filling oozed slightly, a mixture of beans, rice, and various meats, making a bit of a mess as he chewed.

"Barely," Grayson replied, a light smile gracing his lips as he approached. "So, this is what losing a bet tastes like?"

Ned let out a dismissive grunt, his eyes still focused on the delicious burrito. "You don't even want to know what I had to wager. It's not pretty."

As Grayson took his seat, Peter's gaze shifted to his friend's hands, noticing the faint redness around Grayson's knuckles. "Hey, why are your knuckles so red? You okay?" he asked, concern etching his features.

Grayson shrugged nonchalantly, his expression almost deflecting the question. "It's nothing, just a little scratch from work yesterday. You know how it can be."

They settled into the afternoon sun, enveloped in an easy camaraderie, digging into their food while laughter echoed around them. The conversation flowed effortlessly, like the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. They meandered from juicy school gossip—candid tales of teachers and classmates—to the latest buzz about the new substitute teacher, a character named Storm who was rumored to have an intense personality. 

Gwen's latest sarcastic monologue in biology class became a highlight, prompting snickers and lively discussions about her irreverent humor. Meanwhile, Peter's eyes lit up as he animatedly shared his insights on Oscorp's recent intern recruitment talk, his passion igniting his usually reserved demeanor.

Grayson mostly listened, soaking in the warmth of the moment, the rhythm of their banter creating a cocoon of camaraderie. For a few precious hours, the pressures of their everyday lives—the weight of powers, the complexities of their world, and the lurking shadows of danger—seemed to dissipate into the background, overshadowed by the simple joy of shared laughter, dropped sodas, and the crispy, golden fries they passed between them.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 4:47 PM]

They parted ways with casual goodbyes, the air thick with the scent of evening dew as the sun dipped below the horizon. Grayson picked up his pace, jogging towards the construction site where he could see the silhouette of the building rising against the twilight sky. As he approached, Kyle, his co-worker, acknowledged him with a knowing nod, the corners of his mouth curling up in a smirk.

"Still alive, huh?" Kyle teased, his voice carrying the camaraderie forged through long hours of hard work.

"Barely," Grayson replied, flashing a crooked grin that hinted at the exhaustion lingering beneath the surface. 

The shift unfolded steadily, marked by the rhythmic sounds of tools clinking and the murmurs of scattered conversations. They moved through the motions of the day—swinging hammers, measuring lengths of drywall, and expertly pouring concrete into forms. Each task required focus and effort, pulling Grayson deeper into the physicality of the work. 

As the sun sank lower, casting long shadows across the site, Grayson could feel the familiar ache settling into his arms—not from the brawls of his past, but from honest labor. Sweat trickled down his brow, mingling with the dust from the drywall, and by the end of the shift, his muscles throbbed with fatigue, a testament to his dedication and the sheer strength it took to build something lasting.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 8:23 PM]

Upon arriving back home, he moved with purpose, quickly freshening up to wash away the remnants of the day. The water splashed against his skin, invigorating him and clearing his mind. After a brisk shower, he changed into his darker attire, opting for durable black sneakers that offered traction and support. He slipped on reinforced gloves, ensuring his grip would be secure. The fitted hoodie he chose embraced his form, but beneath it, he wore a tactical undershirt — the kind designed for utility, with pockets and moisture-wicking fabric. As he made his final preparations, the fire escape door groaned softly on its hinges, a familiar sound that echoed through the quiet alley. Stepping outside, the cool night air enveloped him, pulling at his clothes as darkness blanketed the city once more. He navigated the dimly lit streets with purpose, his destination clear in his mind: the warehouse that loomed ahead, shrouded in shadows and secrets.

[14, 10, 2006 ~ 9:39 PM]

Inside the dimly lit warehouse, Grayson found himself once again standing beneath a shattered skylight, the soft glow of the moonlight pouring in and cascading over him like liquid silver. The cool beams illuminated the dust motes dancing through the air, creating an otherworldly atmosphere amidst the shadows. With deliberate focus, he accessed the Tickets menu, his mind racing with anticipation. He mentally selected his Bronze Tickets; he drew them forth, ready to convert them into the more prestigious Silver Tickets. The faint sound of rustling paper filled the silence as he completed the process, feeling the weight of his choices behind him in the darkness.

|🎫 Conversion Details:|

You are exchanging Bronze Tickets for Silver Tickets.

Exchange Rate:

10 Bronze → 1 Silver

10 Silver → 1 Gold

10 Gold → 1 Platinum

10 Platinum → 1 World

Result:

30 Bronze Tickets → 3 Silver Tickets

|0 Bronze Tickets remain.|

|🎟️ Silver Ticket Roll – Standard Draw|

🎲 Pull Odds:

Common: 50%

Uncommon: 30%

Rare: 12%

Epic: 3%

🎯 Category: Armor, Weapons, Magic, Items, Skills, Toys, Property

🌍 Worlds Included: All 107 worlds, equal odds (~0.9346% each)

🌀 Rolling...

🎉 Rarity Rolled: Rare

Item Name: Arc Reactor Field Cell

Category: Property

World: Marvel

Rarity: Rare

Description: A stabilized, compact version of Stark Industries' early arc reactor prototypes, this field unit is designed for field engineers, rogue agents, or experimental tech users operating outside Tony's usual chain of command. It's the size of a thick coin, glowing faintly with the signature cyan-blue of arc energy. While not as powerful as Tony's full-scale models, it's clean, efficient, and dangerously flexible.

Special Effects:

*Micro-Generator: Supplies sustained power to one medium device or suit for up to 48 hours.

*EMP Shielded: Immune to most electronic disruptions; protects connected tech from interference.

*Overdrive Pulse: Once per day, boost connected tech's performance by 50% for 10 seconds (cooldown: 24 hours).

*Fusion Sync: Can interface with both magical and alien systems with minor calibration.

Recycle Cost: 260 GP

Shop Price: 1,850 GP

GP earned: 12 GP

|Would you like to roll another ticket or do something else with this Item?|

He hears the drop before he sees it—a faint clink as something rolls across the floor and bumps gently into his foot. He looks down.

A coin-sized device, glowing faintly blue. The cyan core hums with potential. Smooth casing. Stark-grade design. Compact, clean. Elegant.

He drops to his knees and picks it up slowly.

"No way."

|⚡ Arc Reactor Field Cell Detected||⚙️ Power Output: [Stable]||🔒 Compatible Devices: [Grapple Gauntlet (Yes), Phantom Suit (Yes), Custom Rigs (Pending)]|

His breath hitches. This isn't some off-world magic. This is homegrown Marvel tech. A piece of Tony Stark's legacy. And now it's in his hand.

"This is... a foundation," he whispers.

He pulls the Grapple Gauntlet from his inventory. Wondering if this will make it more effective in his patrols. Now, with this?

He taps a port on the side of the gauntlet. The Arc Reactor clicks into place.

The lights come alive—stronger. Sharper. Cable tension adjusts automatically. No sparks this time.

It purrs.

"Now we're talking."

He takes the coin back and sends the device back to the inventory, his hands trembling just slightly. Not from fear—from possibility.

"Stark tech in my gauntlet. Viltrumite energy in my back pocket. Assassin steel on my belt. And I'm not even at level one."

He stands taller. Looks toward the punching dummy—and then past it. Toward the wide-open city beyond the warehouse doors.

"I'm not surviving anymore," he says aloud. "I'm building something."

|🎟️ Silver Ticket Roll – Standard Draw|

🎲 Pull Odds:

Common: 50%

Uncommon: 30%

Rare: 12%

Epic: 3%

🎯 Category: Armor, Weapons, Magic, Items, Skills, Toys, Property

🌍 Worlds Included: All 107 worlds, equal odds (~0.9346% each)

🌀 Rolling...

🎉 Rarity Rolled: Epic

Item Name: Quirk Seed: Phantom Stride

Category: Skills

World: My Hero Academia

Rarity: Epic

Description: A genetically compressed Quirk Seed containing the essence of a stealth-type quirk originally extracted from a second-gen vigilante. Once implanted or activated via bonding (non-genetic version), the user gains an innate ability to partially phase in and out of the visible spectrum, similar to a ghost or mirage. While limited in duration, it offers powerful battlefield repositioning and evasion potential.

Special Effects:

*Specter Form: Phase out of direct visibility for 8 seconds (cooldown: 20 seconds).

*Shadow Entry: Pass through thin barriers (windows, weak walls, fences) while phased.

*Footstep Null: While active, makes no sound when moving.

*Cooldown: Phases cannot stack. Overuse causes physical fatigue.

Recycle Cost: 460 GP

Shop Price: 3,000 GP

GP earned: 30 GP

|Would you like to roll another ticket or do something else with this Item?|

His body stiffens as a strange shape flickers into existence in front of him. A small, crystalline capsule—silver veins running through it like circuitry—floating gently in the air. It pulses with a dull white glow, then settles into his open palm.

For a moment, he just stares at it.

"…A Quirk," he breathes. "You're kidding."

|📦 Phantom Stride [EPIC Quirk Seed]||⚠️ Warning: [Bond is irreversible upon activation]||Effects: [Partial phasing, stealth locomotion, silent traversal]||Source: [Second-generation MHA vigilante]|

He swallows.

"This isn't just stealth," he mutters, pacing. "This is—a power. Not gear. Not tricks. This is me, changing."

He lifts the capsule to the light. A flicker of movement inside. A ghostly figure. His own reflection—transparent, flickering, watching him back.

"Specter Form... Shadow Entry... No sound…"

He remembers the first time he ran from a fight in this world. The second time. The third. And now?

Now he could disappear.

Slip through walls. Evade drones. Watch before striking. Be the ghost in the system.

He holds the seed tighter. "This isn't for glory. It's for survival."

|⚙️ Initiate Bond?||▷ YES||▷ LATER|

He stares at the options for a long moment… then slowly selects LATER.

Not out of fear, but out of respect.

"I'll use you when it matters," he whispers, placing the capsule in a hidden pouch behind a reinforced panel. "When I need to become something they'll never see coming."

Outside, a horn blares. A siren wails.

Inside, the warehouse holds its breath.

|🎟️ Silver Ticket Roll – Standard Draw|

🎲 Pull Odds:

Common: 50%

Uncommon: 30%

Rare: 12%

Epic: 3%

🎯 Category: Armor, Weapons, Magic, Items, Skills, Toys, Property

🌍 Worlds Included: All 107 worlds, equal odds (~0.9346% each)

🌀 Rolling...

🎉 Rarity Rolled: Uncommon

Item Name: Devil Arm Core: Ember Talon

Category: Weapons

World: Devil May Cry

Rarity: Uncommon

Description: A crystallized essence of a lesser fire demon bound and forged by devil-smith artisans of the underworld. The Ember Talon is a claw-like weapon core that fuses with the user's hand or gear, imbuing it with blazing slashing capabilities. Though not as powerful as full Devil Arms, it grants fast, fiery strikes and a taste of infernal combat technique.

Special Effects:

*Flame Slash: Light melee attacks ignite targets for mild fire damage over 3 seconds.

*Combo Chain+: Light attacks can chain up to 3 hits with increasing speed.

*Infernal Glow: When unsheathed, it lightly illuminates dark areas and intimidates lesser enemies.

Recycle Cost: 90 GP

Shop Price: 520 GP

GP earned: 11 GP 

|Would you like to roll another ticket or do something else with this Item?|

He freezes.

A low hum begins to echo—not from outside, but within the room. A smell like scorched leather and hot iron floods the air.

On the cracked floor in front of him, a small, jagged crystal erupts in a soft blaze of orange flame. Blackened at the edges, glowing like a coal fed on rage.

It pulses in sync with his heartbeat.

He inches forward.

"…A Devil Arm?"

His voice is hushed. Not in fear—reverence.

He kneels beside it. The air around the Ember Talon Core is warmer now, almost alive. Not scalding, but insistent. Hungry.

|🔥 Weapon Core Identified: [Ember Talon]||⚙️ Integration Option Available [Glove, Gauntlet, or Raw Grip]||🔒 Warning: [May influence aggression if unbalanced]|

He stares at his left arm—the Grapple Gauntlet, charged by a Stark reactor, functional... but not lethal. Not until now.

He raises the gauntlet slowly, the Talon pulsing as if sensing its new home.

"This is a weapon built to tear through hellspawn," he mutters, "and I'm about to plug it into some scavenged Stark tech."

He laughs once. Dry. A little crazed.

"Perfect."

The Talon flares as he accepts the fusion. Light blazes through the warehouse for a heartbeat. Then it's over.

The Gauntlet smolders faintly, the metal etched with new flame-like veins, red-orange lines glowing beneath the surface. He flexes—and when he swipes the air, a thin trail of fire licks behind his hand.

|✅ Integration Complete: Grapple Gauntlet + Ember Talon||➕ Flame Slash, Combo Chain+, Infernal Glow unlocked|

He exhales through his teeth, tension rolling off his shoulders.

"I'm not a hero," he whispers, eyes fixed on the flaming arc traced in the air.

"I'm a problem." And now he's got fire in his veins to match the war he's preparing for. Now, he draws his gold ticket in hopes of something amazing.

|🎟️ Gold Ticket Roll – Standard Draw|

🎲 Pull Odds:

Common: 35%

Uncommon: 30%

Rare: 20%

Epic: 10%

Legendary: 4%

Mystic: 1%

🎯 Categories Included: Armor, Weapons, Magic, Items, Skills, Toys, Property

🌍 Worlds Included: All 107 worlds, equal odds (~0.9346% each)

🌀 Rolling...

🎉 Rarity Rolled: Rare

Item Pulled: Chaos Shield Exosuit

Category: Armor

World: Sonic the Hedgehog

Rarity: Rare

Description: A lightweight, speed-optimized exosuit infused with residual Chaos Energy and forged in the labs of G.U.N. The suit resembles sleek combat armor with flexible plating designed for high-velocity maneuvering. It comes with a glowing chest core that pulses faintly with cyan light and small hover stabilizers on the boots for quick bursts or soft landings.

Special Effects:

*Chaos Dash: Grants short bursts of enhanced speed, making the wearer nearly invisible for 0.5 seconds. (1 second cooldown)

*Impact Buffering: Reduces fall and collision damage by 50%.

*Chaos Shield: Once per hour, automatically generates a temporary shield that blocks one ranged attack.

Recycle Cost: 210 GP

Shop Price: 1,600 GP

GP earned: GP

|Would you like to roll another ticket or do something else with this Item?|

A pulse of light shimmered in the center of the warehouse, and a sleek armor case unfolded itself from pure energy. It landed with a weighty clang. He approached it cautiously, barefoot against the cool floor, eyes narrowing.

The casing dissolved, revealing something... strange.

Not militaristic like the N7 suit. Not mystical like anything he had gotten.

No — this armor was sleek, almost sporty. Lightweight. Lined with glowing cyan circuits. A central core pulsed on the chest piece, and the words "Chaos Shield - G.U.N. Prototype" flickered on the inner HUD.

"Wait a second..." he muttered. "Sonic...?"

He laughed. Actually laughed, short and breathless. "They gave me Sonic tech. In Marvel."

He expected to be annoyed. Maybe even disappointed. But as he slipped into the exosuit, he felt something hum against his skin — fast, responsive, alive. The HUD blinked to life, overlaying speed metrics, thermal scans, and threat indicators.

|Chaos Dash calibration: [complete]||Impact Buffer: [active]||Emergency Chaos Shield: [ready]|

He activated [Chaos Dash], took a step forward, and vanished.

Not teleported. Not phased. Just gone, faster than the eye could follow. He reappeared near the far wall, sliding slightly across the floor, his breath catching in his throat.

He stood still for a second. Then grinned.

"Okay... this isn't a joke."

He zipped across the floor again, once, twice, bounding off a wall with zero effort. The speed didn't just make him faster. It made him unpredictable.

In a world full of Avengers, mutants, and literal gods, maybe he wasn't the strongest. But he could be the hardest to hit. And right now? That was enough. He then tested the suit for a few minutes and then took it off.

Grayson clenched his fists, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. It was time to make his move. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the sleek, form-fitting Phantom Suit that enveloped him like a second skin, its dark fabric shimmering with a faint iridescence under the moonlight. He reached for the Ember Talon Grapple Gauntlet, feeling the weight of it in his hand—a formidable tool now enhanced with the raw power of a Stark arc reactor coin core. As he strapped it onto his forearm, he took a moment to check his weapons, ensuring each gun was loaded and ready.

Once satisfied, Grayson approached the edge of the warehouse roof, taking in the sprawling city beneath him. The urban landscape was an intricate tapestry of glowing lights, pulsating like the neural connections of a giant sleeping titan. Skyscrapers loomed like ancient sentinels, their silhouettes stark against the starry sky.

He inhaled deeply, the cool air filling his lungs as he steadied his racing heart. With a determined gaze fixed on the horizon, he sprinted toward the precipice as the helmet formed, locking into place. The world around him seemed to slow as he neared the edge, everything sharpening into focus. Without hesitation, he leapt into the void, the thrill of soaring through the air electrifying his senses.

Night Patrol #2 had begun.

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