Two figures drifted in the infinite black. The only illumination in this desolate expanse came from a swirling golden field, ancient symbols drifting within its luminous depths, positioned behind one of the figures.
One of these beings was a young man of mixed Asian and American heritage. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, but his naked form was translucent, a clear indication that he was no longer bound by flesh and bone. He was a soul adrift.
The other figure was an elderly man, his long white hair cascading over battle-worn robes, as if he had just emerged from a fierce conflict. His face, etched with the wisdom of ages, held a hint of regret.
"I am sorry, child," the old man said, his voice resonating with an ancient power. "It seems that during my struggle against a… malevolent entity, a stray blast struck your world. Your untimely death has pulled you from your own reality. We are currently in the void between universes."
A flicker of surprise crossed Shiv's translucent face, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by an unnerving calm. Dead? The word echoed silently in his mind. He'd always imagined death would be… more. But the old man's words resonated with a strange truth. He knew it wasn't a lie.
"I see," Shiv replied, his voice surprisingly steady.
He hadn't panicked. He hadn't screamed. He hadn't even felt the urge to cry. Perhaps he was still in shock. Or perhaps, a part of him had always suspected that there was something more to existence than the mundane reality he'd known.
"So," Shiv continued, after a moment of contemplation, "will you reincarnate me into another world?"
The old man shook his head slowly. "Why seek another world, child? I can restore you to your own, rewind the clock as if this… unfortunate incident had never occurred."
"No," Shiv said, a surprising firmness in his spectral voice. "Please, send me to another world. One I know. And… if possible, as someone I choose."
The old man's brow furrowed. "Are you certain?"
Shiv nodded, a flicker of something – excitement? – in his eyes.
The old man sighed, a sound like the rustling of ancient leaves. "Very well. Since you are an existing soul being transplanted, I will grant your request. Furthermore, I will bestow upon you three additional gifts, as long as they are within my power."
A spark ignited within Shiv. His initial plan had been simple: reincarnate as a protagonist with plot armor thicker than a tank, a destiny powerful enough to shape reality itself. He was a fan of stories, after all. Reborn as a chosen one, he could ride the wave of fate, avoiding its pitfalls while enjoying the perks. He was certain he could reach the pinnacle of that world.
But three extra wishes? That changed everything.
"First," the old man began, breaking through Shiv's thoughts, "your destination. Do you have a preference? The multiverse is vast, infinite. Realities beyond imagining exist."
Shiv focused, pushing aside the images of power and adventure that danced in his mind. "Yes. I want to be reincarnated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… as Superman."
"Are you sure?" The old man's voice was laced with concern. "The Marvel Universe is… chaotic. Even gods bleed there."
"I am sure," Shiv affirmed. "I don't aspire to be a saint. I'm a selfish man who wants a fulfilling life. My own existence has taught me that hesitation is the path to regret."
His life had been a rollercoaster. He remembered the warmth of his parents' love, the searing pain of their loss, the endless grind of warehouse work, the fleeting solace of a rented room and a flickering screen. He'd learned early on that life wasn't fair, and you had to grab what you could while you could. His recent binge of Marvel movies and comics before his death had simply solidified his choice. He wanted fun, not to fix the universe. And, if he was being honest with himself, he wanted the girls. All of them.
The old man nodded slowly. "Very well. And your three gifts?"
"First," Shiv said, "the power to traverse the multiverse. To travel between realities as easily as walking through a door."
"Second, a universe of my own. A personal domain where I can rule, store anything I desire, and shape my own destiny. I want absolute control over it, and it must be permanently bound to me, so no one can ever take it away."
"And finally," Shiv concluded, "the potential to become a god. The ability to transcend mortal limitations and achieve divinity through my own efforts."
The old man considered these requests. "Intriguing. And for the artifact that will contain these powers… what form do you desire?"
"A ring," Shiv replied without hesitation.
"Very well," the old man said, raising his hand. "If you are certain…"
Shiv braced himself.
The old man waved his hand, and a brilliant light engulfed Shiv's translucent form. It wasn't painful, but it was… unsettling. While Shiv was disoriented, the old man worked. He tore a rift in the fabric of space, a swirling vortex of raw energy. He manipulated the tear, widening and stabilizing it until it became a shimmering gateway.
He waited patiently for Shiv to regain his bearings. Then, he tossed a gleaming ring towards the young man. "This is your artifact. Now, I will send you to your destination."
Shiv nodded, a hint of gratitude in his spectral eyes. "Thank you for granting my… selfish requests."
The old man's lips curved into a wry smile. "Don't thank me too quickly, child. Your… unfortunate demise was, after all, a cosmic miscalculation on my part. And who knows what challenges await you in the Marvel Universe?"
With that, a golden aura enveloped Shiv. The light intensified, and then—he was gone.
The old man watched until the last trace of Shiv vanished. Then, he too, dissolved into the void, leaving only the swirling golden field and its ancient symbols behind.