Chapter 2: Mission and Reborn

As the swirling vortex of colors and patterns enveloped us, I couldn't help but feel like I was on the wildest rollercoaster ride of my life, hurtling through space at warp speed, with no destination in sight and no certainty of what lay ahead.

But amidst the chaos, there was an electrifying rush coursing through my veins—a thrill of anticipation that urged me forward, eager to embrace whatever adventures awaited us on the other side.

As the vortex gradually subsided, I found myself standing on solid ground once more, the surreal landscape of the ethereal realm unfolding before me like something out of a dream.

Towering spires of crystalline energy pierced the sky, casting mesmerizing reflections upon the tranquil waters of a vast cosmic sea. The air was thick with an otherworldly energy, crackling with possibilities and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

I turned to Stan Lee, my eyes wide with wonder. "Where are we?" I asked, my voice tinged with excitement.

Stan Lee grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he gestured towards the broad horizon. "Welcome to my humble abode," he exclaimed, his voice filled with pride. "What do you think? Pretty awesome, right?"

"If you'd ask me, I would have thought this was heaven," I said, still in awe of the breathtaking beauty surrounding us.

"Now, now, that's enough drooling," Stan Lee chuckled, rising from his beach chair and strolling towards the shoreline. "Come, sit down. We've got work to do."

I snapped out of my reverie and hurried to join him, perching on the small stool he indicated. The sand beneath my feet felt warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the surreal surroundings.

"Now listen closely," Stan Lee said, his tone serious as he fixed me with a penetrating gaze. "What I'm about to tell you is crucial."

"I summoned you here because of a mistake those clueless kids made with the Marvel Universe while I was away," Stan Lee explained, his frustration evident. "They're more interested in making a quick buck than preserving the integrity of our beloved characters."

"Wait, you mean like altering the outcome of the battle against Thanos?" I asked, realization dawning on me.

"Exactly," Stan Lee nodded, his expression grave. "But it's not just Thanos. There are far greater threats lurking out there, and we need to set things right before it's too late."

As Stan Lee spoke, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency wash over me. The fate of the Marvel Universe hung in the balance, and it was up to me to ensure that its legacy endured.

"But excuse me, how am I supposed to stop it when I don't even hold a candle to Hawkeye?" I interjected, feeling a surge of self-doubt.

"Hmm... well, I can help you with that. After all, backstories are what I'm good at," Stan Lee said, rubbing his hands together with excitement.

He then gestured with both hands, each forming a fist. "On one hand, we have a wack power that can obliterate universes if used carelessly. On the other hand, we have an op power that will be limited to the standard of Earth and won't be too much," he explained, walking in front of me.

"Choose one, and that will be your power," he said, anticipation evident in his voice.

Without hesitation, I pointed to the right hand, instinctively drawn to it as if it held all my luck.

"Boom! You chose the op power that will be limited to Earth standards. Can you guess what it is?" Stan Lee asked, a hint of joy in his voice.

"What?" I asked, barely containing my excitement.

"Space manipulation!" Stan Lee exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious.

As he straightened himself up, a serious expression crossed his face once more. "Now, with everything set, you will have to go. Your powers will come to you at a point in time in your life, and you will not be born with it to fool the eyes of strong beings. You will also forget all your memories of me and your previous life to remove loose ends."

"But how will I know what my mission is?" I asked, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"It will be etched into you in the form of heroic spirits," Stan Lee said, opening a portal to who-knows-where.

"Now step into the portal, and your new life awaits."

"But don't forget this is the last and only help you'll be receiving, so good luck," Stan Lee added with a solemn nod.

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of adrenaline as I stepped into the unknown, ready to embrace the adventure that lay ahead.