DC – THUNDER

The darkness surrounding Alex felt strangely comforting, like a cocoon keeping him safe from the weight of reality. He was floating, or maybe he was standing—it was impossible to tell in this void. All he knew was that he had died. And now, he was… here.

"Alex," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the emptiness, pulling him from his thoughts. It wasn't harsh, but it was authoritative—an entity that commanded respect without needing to demand it. "You have been granted a second chance. I am the Presence, and before you is the power to shape your future. You may ask for six wishes—use them wisely, for they will determine your destiny."

Alex's heart raced. The Presence? He had read about this being in DC comics—God, in its purest form. The idea that this wasn't a dream, that he was being offered such a monumental opportunity, filled him with excitement, but also fear. He needed to think carefully.

"I understand," Alex said, his voice steady, despite the surreal nature of his situation. "For my first wish, I want the abilities of Superman—but without his weaknesses. No kryptonite, no magic vulnerability."

There was a pause before the Presence responded. "Granted. But understand that power brings responsibility. How you wield it will shape your path."

Alex nodded, already planning his next request. "For my second wish, I want the powers of Thor, from the Marvel universe. I want his control over thunder, his strength, and… Stormbreaker, the weapon."

"Granted," the Presence said again, without hesitation.

Alex took a deep breath. This was happening. He was about to become one of the most powerful beings in existence. But he knew raw strength wouldn't be enough. He needed protection. "For my third wish, I want infinite potential—no limits on my growth or what I can achieve."

This time, the Presence seemed to linger on his words. "Growth is a journey, not a destination. But granted."

Alex smiled. Infinite potential would ensure that he could always adapt, always improve. But with great power came great risks. He needed to protect himself from threats that could take advantage of his abilities. "For my fourth wish, I want protection and resistance against any attempts to steal my powers, clone me, attack my mind, or harm my soul. I need to be immune to these kinds of threats."

"Granted," the Presence intoned. "Such protections are wise."

Alex considered his next move. If he was going to make it through this world and beyond, luck would be just as important as power. "For my fifth wish, I want supernatural luck. I need the odds to always favor me in difficult situations."

"Luck is a dangerous tool, but it can be wielded wisely. Granted."

Now came the last, and most important, wish. Power and luck were good, but skill was necessary to survive in the chaotic world of heroes and villains. "For my final wish, I want mastery of every form of combat, from hand-to-hand to weapons, strategy, and tactics. I want to be a master in the art of war."

"Granted," the Presence said, its voice echoing with finality. "Your six wishes have been fulfilled."

Alex felt the energy of the wishes wash over him, filling him with a sensation of raw power. It was exhilarating, like nothing he had ever experienced. But before he could speak again, the Presence's voice broke through his thoughts once more.

"Before I send you into this world, there is one final thing to note: your knowledge of the future. You must not reveal what you know of the world's events, not to anyone. To interfere too greatly in the fabric of fate could have catastrophic consequences. Do you understand?"

Alex paused, feeling the weight of the Presence's words. "I understand. I won't reveal anything. I'll act like I know nothing about what's going to happen."

"Good," the Presence said, its tone shifting slightly. "You are now bound to this path. Your destiny is your own, Alex. But remember, the choices you make will ripple across the world."

With those words, the darkness around him vanished, and the sensation of solid ground beneath his feet returned. He blinked against the brightness of the sun, adjusting to his new reality. When his vision cleared, he saw it—lush greenery, soft white sand beneath his boots, and the sound of waves gently crashing nearby.

Themyscira.

He was standing on the fabled island of the Amazons. Everything looked as glorious as he had imagined: the pristine beaches, the tall cliffs, and the sound of warriors sparring in the distance. Alex could see them now—Amazons, in all their grace and power, training under the clear sky.

In the distance, he spotted her. Diana. Wonder Woman, though she didn't yet carry that title. She was sparring fiercely with another Amazon, her movements precise and powerful, like an elegant dance of war.

For a brief moment, Alex was caught in awe of the sight. 'I'm really here.'

His moment of wonder was short-lived as one of the Amazons spotted him. "Halt!" she shouted, immediately drawing her sword. "A man has trespassed on Themyscira!"

Diana snapped her head toward him, her expression sharp and commanding. In an instant, she was between him and the other Amazons, her sword raised. "Who are you, and how did you come to be on this island? Speak quickly!"

Alex raised his hands in surrender. "Wait, please! I don't mean any harm!"

Diana's eyes narrowed, the blade of her sword glinting in the sunlight. "You are a man, and men are forbidden here. Give me a reason not to strike you down where you stand."

Alex swallowed hard, trying to think of the best way to explain. "I was… sent here. I don't know exactly how, but I'm not a threat. My name is Alex. I've been given powers—powers to help the world. I was placed here by… something beyond your understanding."

Diana didn't lower her sword. "You speak in riddles. How can I trust you? If you were truly sent by a higher power, why would you come here?"

"Because this is where it all starts," Alex said, lowering his hands. "The world is on the brink of destruction. A war unlike anything humanity has ever seen is coming. I've been sent to help, to make sure the world survives."

Diana's eyes softened slightly, though her guard remained up. "And how do you know this?"

Alex hesitated. He couldn't tell her the truth—not about the future. "I can't explain everything. But I know things. I know you, Diana. I know you're destined to save the world."

Diana lowered her sword slightly, studying him with a mix of curiosity and caution. "What you say is difficult to believe. But there is something about you… something different. Very well, I will take you to my mother, Queen Hippolyta. She will decide your fate."

Alex exhaled in relief, his heart still racing. "Thank you."

"But," Diana warned, stepping closer, her voice low, "if I sense even a hint of deception, I will not hesitate to stop you."

Alex nodded, his expression serious. "I understand."

As they walked together, Alex glanced at Diana, feeling the gravity of his situation. He had the power of gods now, but the responsibility of using it wisely weighed heavily on him. He couldn't reveal his knowledge of the future, but he could guide it, subtly, ensuring that history unfolded in the right direction.

'This is only the beginning,' he thought, as they approached the grand halls of Themyscira.