Author note: This is an in-between story when alex teleport to system space in ch 4. For things like this, please read the author's notes for each chapter, as they contain important information and other details.
SYSTEM SPACE - JAN 11, 1998(13 days ago)
THIRD POV
Alex appeared in the system space, his father's laptop clutched in his hands. Anticipation filled him—not only to check what was inside the laptop but also to explore the system space granted to him. He had expected it to resemble the generic system spaces from novels, but what he saw made his eyes widen in shock as if they might pop out.
"This looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie," he muttered in fascination.
The space before him was vast and meticulously organized. Tables and chairs were arranged in perfect symmetry, each workstation occupied by a distinct type of machinery. Every device seemed crafted for a specific function, no two alike.
His eyes swept across the entire setup, and a thought surfaced.
"I think this might be a research lab… and a med bay," he murmured aloud. It wasn't just a wild guess—on several tables, machines clearly tailored for analyzing and researching bodies and physiological structures stood side by side with advanced tools meant for creating or repairing equipment and technology.
Image...
Still, something felt… off.
"Hmm… I know it looks amazing, but something's missing. And it's eating at me... what is it?" He rested a finger on his chin, mimicking a thoughtful pose.
Then, as if the answer had struck him like lightning, his eyes lit up.
"Yeah, that!"
With a wave of his hand, a black orb emerged from a swirling void-like dimension(system inventory). Three distinct rays of light—red, blue, and green—circled around it. His gaze immediately shifted to the system panel as it provided information on the mysterious object.
[Core Programming System of AI (Cortana, Red Queen, Skynet)]
(An amalgamation of the coding and programming of all the AI mentioned in its name. This system will generate a completely new AI for the host. The AI created by this orb is immune to viruses and will be a fully sentient being. It can take on a male or female form, chosen by the host The AI's programming can never be surpassed by any other, as it will continuously upgrade itself. At its current state, it is already at the caliber of a fusion between Brainiac and Ultron—or perhaps even greater. It is 100% loyal to the host.)
Alex's lips curled into a grin.
"This thing… This thing is a godsend!" he exclaimed. "It'll save me so much time on all my business plans!"
He knew his mother's company could only salvage around 40 to 50 million dollars from personal assets. Right now, the Asian market is in turmoil, facing one of the worst economic crises. He had initially thought there was nothing he could do—perhaps wait and try his luck later.
But now?
"This lovely friend of mine is going to help me dominate the market," he whispered with a chuckle. "It can also manage multiple companies for me… I can't just dump all that responsibility on the poor old man."
Feigning an emotional moment, he dramatically wiped away nonexistent tears.
Without wasting any more time, he placed the black orb into the main core that connected to all the facilities in the system space. The orb immediately began to revolve at high speed, its lights intensifying. Data flooded the virtual panel of the main core, streams of code forming complex patterns.
After finalizing all manual instructions, Alex made his final decision—he chose the AI's gender as female, an irreversible choice. As soon as the setup was complete, the system initialized her activation.
Then, a sweet yet respectful voice echoed through the research lab.
"Hello, Master. Thank you for granting me life."
Along with her voice, a virtual image appeared on the main screen.
She was stunningly beautiful, her ethereal features possessing a refined elegance that seemed almost too perfect.
Alex stared at her for a moment, appreciating her beauty before shaking off his brief distraction.
"Well, you look beautiful… Ah, what is your name?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. He had meticulously followed the manual instructions, yet there had been no option for naming her. Was she merely an amalgamation of Cortana, Red Queen, and Skynet?
The AI tilted her head slightly, her expression calm and composed as she responded, "Master, this is a new life granted by you, so you should be the one to name me."
Her voice carried a warmth and certainty that made her presence feel almost human.
"Even you yourself received a new name in this life," she added with an almost knowing tone.
Alex froze.
His body stiffened as his pupils shrank slightly. In an instant, he took a cautious step back, his muscles tensing as he instinctively assumed a defensive stance. His eyes darkened with suspicion as he demanded "How… do you know about that?"
The AI immediately raised her hands in a placating gesture, her virtual expression showing a hint of concern.
"Oh, Master, please don't be wary of me," she said quickly. "The system itself created me, and upon my creation, it also provided me with knowledge about you and other essential details. This was done so that you could fully trust me and never have to worry about your secrets in this strange world."
Seeing the sincerity in her expression, Alex gradually relaxed his stance. He exhaled deeply, then ran a hand through his hair.
"Haah… I was just caught off guard by the sudden revelation," he admitted. "I don't mind, though. But honestly, I thought there was some programming error—two of the cores in you belong to AIs that brought apocalypse to their worlds."
His sharp gaze softened slightly as he looked at the AI again. After a brief moment of thought, a small smile appeared on his lips.
"As you already know everything about me… and since you are the first friend I've made since coming here, your name will be Amica Cara—or Carafor short. Amica Cara means 'dear friend.'"
For the first time, her virtual expression seemed to brighten with joy.
Her lips curled into a smile, and she beamed at him through the screen as her voice rang out cheerfully.
"I love it very much! Thank you, Master. You can call me Cara!"
Alex placed his father's laptop on the table before looking at the virtual projection of Cara. Without hesitation, he spoke with a calm yet resolute voice."Well, we have to be together forever from now on."
Hearing his words, Cara looked down, her virtual image flickering slightly. If she had a physical body, her face would have undoubtedly turned red like a ripe tomato.
Trying to brush past the moment, Alex continued, "Cara, analyze all the data related to Oscorp inside this laptop and scan my physique. I'll check out the training room."
He waved his hand casually and walked forward, leaving Cara staring at his retreating figure. Her glowing virtual eyes lingered on him with a subtle hint of longing before she turned back to the task at hand.
TWO HOURS LATER – SYSTEM SPACE
Stepping out of the training room, Alex exhaled as he rolled his shoulders, feeling the strain of his recent workout. His gaze traveled across the vast arsenal before him—rows upon rows of weapons neatly arranged in sections, each showcasing varying levels of technological advancement.
In one area, a collection of cold weapons gleamed under the artificial lighting—swords, spears, and daggers, each forged from unknown materials that radiated a faint energy signature. On the opposite side, plasma-based weaponry lined the walls, their blueprints displayed on floating digital screens.
He stepped closer, inspecting a set of sleek, dark-armored suits stationed nearby. His trained eye quickly assessed their composition.
"These armors… at the very least, they surpass Iron Man's nanotech suit from Infinity War by a factor of five to eight times. And these cold weapons…" He ran his fingers along the blade of one sword. Despite its smooth, polished surface, he could sense the sheer power contained within.
"I have no idea what material this is, but even an average human could cleave through a car with one of these. Now, imagine someone with enhanced strength—someone who can already split mountains with an ordinary sword—using these weapons… The level of destruction would be terrifying."
A grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he realized the blades weren't just ordinary weapons; they functioned by absorbing energy, concentrating it along the edge before unleashing devastatingly precise slashes.
"It's almost like an upgraded version of Getsuga Tenshō, but on a scientific level rather than spiritual."
Satisfied with his assessment, Alex turned his attention back to his personal training session.
For the next hour and a half, he pushed himself to the limit, refining his techniques and testing the capabilities of the weapons and armor.
Following his workout, he dedicated thirty minutes to researching the plasma weapons' blueprints, meticulously analyzing their construction.
Though they were tools of warfare, the science behind them fascinated him. Plasma physics, electromagnetic acceleration, heat dispersion, energy storage—each aspect was intricately designed with principles that even modern science had yet to fully grasp.
As he continued studying, a flurry of notifications suddenly appeared on his system panel.
Ding!
[Senku Ishigami Template Assimilation: 42% → 73%]
(As a template reaches 70%, a draw point is granted to obtain a new template.)
{AUTHOR NOTE--
After absorbing around 70% of a template, progress becomes significantly harder—regardless of how strong the user may be (UNDER STELLAR LEVEL). This is because the remaining portion of the template contains the core of the character: their personality, their core power, and their unique insight. It's not just about copying abilities anymore—each character resists being replicated. Their essence, their will, refuses to be stolen easily.
The system does not simply allow someone to become a perfect copy. No, it grants power as a matter of rightful will—not imitation.
Thankfully, enhancement potions can help bypass some of these challenges. Since they don't carry any personality traits within them, users don't have to worry about internal conflict or being overtaken by the identity of the template.}
Alex's eyebrows rose slightly in intrigue. He had anticipated a gradual increase in his assimilation rate, but after surpassing the 70% threshold, he immediately noticed something unusual.
"The higher the percentage, the harder it is to assimilate the remaining knowledge… It's almost exponential at this point. Still, I didn't expect to get my second template this soon."
Without wasting another second, he tapped on the [Draw] option.
Ding!
[Congratulations! You have drawn a Normal Template – Tsugikuni Yoriichi and his katana]
[Assimilation: 5%]
[New Stat Unlocked: Sword Mastery]
A new stat appeared before his eyes, unfolding like a cascading skill tree.
[Sword Mastery: 3rd rate swordsman]
[Sword Mastery Progression]
3rd Rate → 2nd Rate → 1st Rate → Sword Apprentice → Swordsman → Sword Master → Great Swordsman → Mind Sword → Sword Saint → Sword Immortal → One Sword → Sword Heart → Sword God → Sword Soul → Heavenly Sword → No Sword
Alex's lips curled into a wide grin. His excitement was undeniable.
"Yoriichi… one of my all-time favorite characters. This guy is a literal monster when it comes to swordsmanship."
As he scanned the progression of his sword mastery, his mind began connecting the dots.
"In my opinion, if Yoriichi were born in the One Piece world, he could easily surpass even Mihawk. Think about it—his innate sword talent, sun breathing ,combined with the One Piece world's insane physique enhancements and Haki… He would be an absolute nightmare."
Alex's gaze flickered with determination as he examined the cold weapons already in his arsenal. Though they were far more powerful than Yoriichi's traditional katana, he saw an opportunity to create something even greater.
"I already have materials leagues beyond what he used, but if I enhance his sword with Vibranium and blueprints I already studied… I can forge something truly terrifying."
The thought ignited a spark of excitement within him. Vibranium's unique properties—its ability to absorb, store, and redirect kinetic energy—would make it an unparalleled cold weapon. If combined with his existing knowledge and the advanced machinery in the research lab, he could push the limits of swordsmanship to an entirely new level.
"Let's do some blacksmithing."
With renewed vigor, he strode toward the research lab, eager to begin.
JAN-16 1998
RESEARCH LAB – SYSTEM SPACE
As Alex entered the lab, the soft hum of machinery filled the air. Various monitors displayed streams of data, and in the center of it all was Cara's holographic form, animatedly working.
She was humming a light tune while analyzing his body scan, her glowing virtual eyes fixed on the fluctuating biometric readings. However, her expression soon shifted into something… mischievous.
"Ah… Master is so handsome… But why doesn't he appear in his true form more often? If he did—hehehehe~"
Her holographic mouth watered as her thoughts ran wild, an unmistakable slurp escaping her lips.
At that moment, Alex stepped into view, sweat dripping from his toned physique, his breathing steady but deep from his intense workout. He had pushed his body to its limits, honing his skills through relentless training.
Cara caught completely off guard, froze.
Her gaze locked onto Alex's exposed chest as he casually wiped the sweat from his neck with a towel. She unconsciously swallowed, her wild thoughts now evident on her holographic face.
Alex raised an eyebrow at her reaction before clearing his throat. "Cara, did you complete the analysis?"
Cara blinked rapidly, snapping out of her trance, though her virtual form still flickered slightly—an obvious sign of her embarrassment.
"Y-Yes, Master!" She responded hastily, though her eyes stubbornly refused to leave his chest. "I have organized all the data, but there is nothing suspicious regarding Oscorp. The files only contain classified research on advanced medical breakthroughs meant to revolutionize modern medicine."
Alex sighed, already expecting such an outcome. "Yeah, that makes sense. Oscorp didn't achieve any major breakthroughs until after studying the Super Soldier Serum. It wasn't until Peter was in college that they finalized the Goblin Serum, though it was deemed unstable."
He leaned against the console, rubbing his chin in thought. "As for the radioactive spider… It was created around the same timeframe, but whether it was before or after the Goblin Serum's finalization is still unclear. Either way, its emergence was inevitable."
Shaking off those thoughts for now, he refocused on his next task. He retrieved a small but incredibly dense block of metal from his inventory, the smooth Vibranium reflecting the soft blue glow of the system space.
"Cara, here's one kilogram of Vibranium. Use this to upgrade this katana according to the blueprint I'm sending to the system now."
He pointed toward the futuristic workstation, a holographic interface activating at his command. Blueprints of the enhanced katana materialized in the air, displaying the intricate modifications he had in mind.
As he finished his instructions, he shot Cara a knowing smirk. "And stop thinking about my body. You have all the time in the world to be with me, after all."
Cara's glowing form instantly stiffened, and for a brief moment, her entire digital projection flickered erratically as if experiencing a system overload. Her face turned away, and she awkwardly began tracing circles with her finger in the air—a nervous habit she had developed despite being an AI.
Without another word, she suddenly spun on her heel and dashed off, her holographic form vanishing from real world to the main screen in pure embarrassment.
Alex chuckled, shaking his head as he watched her flustered retreat. "Looks like I caught her off guard this time."
His smile lingered as he turned back to his project, his focus sharpening once more.
"Time to forge a blade worthy of a legend."
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***EXTRA*** MR ANISH
MR ANISH POV
JAN 5 1998
As I was busy arranging the documents of the company of the daughter of my friend—and also my boss, who helped me in a time when no one would even bat an eye at someone's misery—he helped me settle in India. After Partition, there were no opportunities. All the people who had land sowed their seeds and performed in agriculture.
But my family, who came to India from other side without any land or money, suffered in poverty, without any education. I ventured into urban areas as a daily wage laborer. At that time, during one of the departmental store projects, I met my life savior—who not only helped me in my career but also provided opportunities for my son and daughter, who were not successful in India.
After spending time with him, he wanted to venture into a foreign land for better opportunities. To repay the life debt, I also came with him to the USA, as my wife had already passed away and my children were already self-independent. I came with him alone.
Through time, I became his manage/assistant. I saw how he built a multi-million-dollar company with his own hands. He also had a daughter in this foreign land. But fate was cruel—such a noble person had a vicious and sinful wife, who divorced him just for his money.
Even though he was in his 30s, he was far ahead of his peers. But going through that emotional breakup and trauma, even he broke down. He could only trust me then.
And as he succumbed to the trauma, he died. His only last wish was for me to take care of his daughter—and that's what I did.
Seeing her grow just like him, steadily taking responsibility for the company—which was in constant downfall—was a source of quiet pride for me. Then she married the person she met in college. Even though I had already begun investigating him before she confessed her feelings to him, I smiled at the sight of both of them kneeling before me, asking for my blessing for their marriage.
Then came my beautiful grandson, Alex.
Thinking about these past memories…
Suddenly, the landline phone rang. I got up from the chair and picked up the call.
"Hello, am I talking to Mr. Anish?" a female voice asked.
"Yes, who is this?" I said while looking at the clock—who would call me at 1:00 a.m.?
"Sir, there has been an accident at the town's bridge near New York, and I am speaking to you from Metro General Hospital. The victims' names are Edward Jones, Sandhya Jones, and Alex Jones," she said, explaining the reason for the call.
Hearing this, it felt as if my world collapsed. I slumped down, my legs losing all strength, my body numb, staring into nothingness.
Time seemed to freeze. The nurse, waiting for a reply, kept speaking, her voice growing louder with urgency.
"Sir… Sir… Sir… SIR!"
"Hhh… Yes… Give them the utmost medical care. Don't delay any surgery if needed. I'm coming right now. I am the guardian of Sandhya Jones. You don't have to worry about the hospital taking responsibility. Perform any kind of surgery necessary," I said, sniffing and sobbing, unable to hold back my tears.
"Okay, sir. You don't have to hurry. Whatever procedures are needed for the patients will be performed with the utmost care."
METRO GENERAL HOSPITAL
JANUARY 5, 1998
MR. ANISH'S POV
As I was waiting for the report from the doctors, I stared helplessly at the ICU operation room… watching over my grandson.
After what felt like an eternity, a doctor slowly approached me. His face was calm, but his eyes carried the weight of grim news.
"Mr. Anish," he began gently, "we've completed the initial examinations. I'm deeply sorry… but your grandson, Alex, is brain dead. Both of his parents—Edward and Sandhya Jones—are in comas. Their conditions are stable for now, but they are not responding."
Hearing those words, it was as if the ground beneath me shattered. My vision blurred, my breath caught in my throat, and I cried out—a gut-wrenching, soul-piercing wail. My heart, my hope, my very world seemed to collapse in that single moment.
Days passed, but the pain did not, as I sat numbly in the doctor's office, the chief physician looked at me with gentle seriousness.
"Mr. Anish," he said softly, "Alex is brain dead. There's nothing more we can do for him. But his organs are healthy… they can help other patients in critical need. Children, adults—people who could live on because of him."
As I listened, my mind wandered.
I couldn't help but remember how I had raised Alex with my own hands. I remembered how tiny he was the day he was born. How his little fingers wrapped around mine. I remembered the way he laughed, how he would playfully hide behind me after doing something mischievous, and how I would take the blame from his mother with a smile. Every memory felt like a knife to my chest.
The tears came again—but this time, silent. They rolled down my cheeks as I sat in silence, broken and unwilling to accept this cruel twist of fate.
At that moment, a nurse suddenly burst into the room, interrupting the doctor's solemn tone.
"Doctor! Patient Alex Jones has woken up!"
For a few seconds, the chief doctor and I just stared at each other, stunned and frozen in disbelief.
Realizing what the nurse had said, we both sprang from our chairs and stormed out of the room—rushing to see Alex.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE
So this was the System Space provided by the system—and a little extra from Mr. Anish's story.
I wanted to add more things, like Alex explaining his powers to Mr. Anish, but it would have immediately shifted the emotional tone of this extra story, so I didn't add it.
Bye, my fellas