I'M IN MARVEL

[Name: Russell (Mortal)]

[Lifespan: 25/250]

[Constitution: 100]

[Perception: 100]

[Spirit: 100]

Talent 1 [Energy Absorption]: Can absorb any form of energy and convert it into attribute points, including extending lifespan.

Talent 2 [Attribute Transfer]: [Lifespan] can be transformed into [Constitution], [Perception], and [Spirit].

Description: Upgrading (approximately 7 days remaining).

Three months.

This is the result of Russell's tireless three-month effort in New York City within the Marvel Universe, the home of the Avengers, X-Men, and countless other superhumans.

Although the panel rates him as a "Mortal," his attributes of 100 each give him astonishing abilities: one-arm strength of 1 ton, resistance to small-caliber firearms, reaction speed rivaling Quicksilver's early feats, and even the ability to project minor psychic attacks.

By now, Russell could fight Captain America to a 60-40 standstill!

When he first crossed into this universe, Russell was thrilled to discover his Talent 1: [Energy Absorption].

But he never expected even his "golden finger" would engage in false advertising.

After testing, he found that this talent primarily absorbs physical energies such as light, electricity, kinetic, and thermal energy. However, the absorption power is limited, and its efficiency in converting attribute points is disappointingly low.

Russell didn't dare test nuclear energy for fear of meeting a fate like Bruce Banner's disastrous gamma experiment… but he suspected it would be similarly inefficient.

On the other hand, the talent truly shines when absorbing special energy, such as the residual mystical essence of souls—energy linked to good and evil. It absorbs quickly and converts efficiently.

The more virtuous or malevolent a person, the more energy they yield upon their demise.

Russell's observations revealed gangsters provided a moderate amount of energy, while attending the funerals of several philanthropists over three months yielded a grand total of… 1 attribute point.

Better to camp out near a hospital, he concluded.

More than 20 days ago, after pushing all attributes to the max (100), the system prompted an upgrade, estimated to take one month.

Russell activated it without hesitation.

A few days ago, a gang war erupted in Hell's Kitchen—home turf of Daredevil and the Punisher.

Although the panel was still upgrading and couldn't add points, Russell decided to take advantage of the chaos. He sneaked into the battlefield and absorbed over 200 attribute points.

He didn't expect, however, to experience debilitating side effects: depression, lethargy, and waves of negative emotions.

Unable to eat, sleep, or even move properly, Russell resolved to seek professional help.

---

Manhattan, New York City – The Big Apple.

A private psychology clinic, [Yao's House].

Russell knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He pushed the door open, greeted by a soothing, fragrant aroma.

Sitting inside was a woman in black with short platinum-blonde hair, scanning some papers. This was Dr. Yao.

Dr. Yao looked up, smiled gently, and motioned for him to sit.

"Mr. Russell, please have a seat."

Russell froze.

The moment he saw her face, his mind raced.

Though entirely different from the bald head and monk robes associated with the Ancient One… the resemblance was undeniable.

No way, could it be

you! The Ancient One!

A time traveler delivered straight to her doorstep?

"Mr. Russell, would you like coffee or tea?"

"Tea."

As Dr. Yao prepared the tea, Russell calmed himself. If this really was the Ancient One, he should make the best of it.

When the tea was ready, Dr. Yao sat across from him, a faint mystical aura clinging to her presence.

"Mr. Russell, shall we begin?"

"Yes."

The conversation began with simple questions:

"How long have you been experiencing depression?"

"About a week."

"What is your occupation?"

"Reading room administrator." (An understatement—his "side job" involved provoking gang wars and absorbing energy.)

"Any family?"

"I'm an orphan."

Dr. Yao studied his responses intently, seemingly reading more than just his words. Her questions were precise and professional—perhaps she really was just a psychologist.

But no rule said the Ancient One couldn't moonlight as one.

"Do you live alone?"

"Yes."

"Have you considered finding roommates or hiring staff for your reading room?"

"Is that your professional advice, Dr. Yao?"

"Yes."

Russell promised to consider it.

After a long discussion, Dr. Yao suggested he lie back and rest. Her words, her movements, everything about her exuded calm authority.

---

As Russell drifted to sleep, Dr. Yao stood quietly over him.

No, not Dr. Yao. The "Ancient One", Master of the Mystic Arts, protector of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and mentor of Doctor Strange.

"Such an impatient little one," she mused.

With a wave of her hand, she dispelled the black mist clinging to his body—a remnant of the corrupted energies he had absorbed.

"You should be more careful, Russell. But perhaps... you'll prove yourself."

With that, she opened a shimmering portal, stepping through and vanishing into the vastness of the multiverse.