Chapter 229: Across the Spider-Verse (53)  

Michael stood at the precipice of a decision that would alter the very fabric of reality. His heart raced, not out of fear, but from a resolute determination to protect those he cared for. He felt the weight of countless lives resting on his shoulders, the lives of his friends, family, and all those connected to the Spider-Verse.

In his mind, he focused intently on his System. "I will use that, system.." he declared, his thoughts clear and unwavering.

"But host, that power..." the System began, its tone laced with caution. It was a voice he had grown accustomed to over the years, a guide that had led him through countless battles and challenges.

Michael interrupted, firm in his resolve. "I know, I know, but that's the only shot we've got." He understood the risks; he had weighed them time and time again. The Rewrite power was dangerous, its implications daunting, but desperation clawed at him, urging him to take action.

"Show it to me, System. That power description." he commanded, willing the information to surface.

"Affirmative, host." the System responded, its voice steadying as it initiated the panel display.

Suddenly, a shimmering interface appeared in his mind's eye, glowing with an otherworldly light. It was a vivid, holographic representation, pulsating gently as if alive with energy. The details began to materialize, filling his thoughts with clarity and purpose.

Rewrite (Forbidden Power)

Effect: The wielder of "Rewrite" can alter any event, outcome, or aspect of reality, giving them the ability to reshape the world as they see fit. Every change made through "Rewrite" is permanent and absolute, erasing the original timeline completely. No matter how significant or minor the change, once done, it cannot be undone. The wielder essentially becomes the architect of fate itself.

The price for using "Rewrite" is the complete erasure of the user's existence. Once activated, the user will cease to exist in any form — their body, spirit, and presence will vanish from the world. However, unlike traditional erasure, their contributions, actions, and the impact they made on others will remain intact. People will remember the user, their achievements, and everything they did, but the user themselves will no longer be a part of the world. It's as though they never existed, but their actions live on.

Michael stood amidst the chaos, staring into the distance with a determined yet somber expression. The system's forbidden power—Rewrite—hovered in his thoughts, its weight heavy on his shoulders. As he mentally accessed the panel, the description of this ultimate power unfolded before him.

Michael sighed deeply, his heart heavy with the burden of such a decision. His eyes scanned the devastation around him—his allies struggling against impossible odds, the fallen bodies of comrades, and his nephew Thomas, desperately clinging to hope. Mindy and Emily and Mark were sobbing over Loe's lifeless body, pleading for his return. All of this… Michael could change it. He could rewrite everything, but at what cost?

Inside his mind, the Spider-Man System chimed in, its usually stoic tone now layered with something akin to emotion.

System: "Host… I intended to hide this power from you. Because I knew… I knew that you would use it."

Michael's mind whirled with conflicting thoughts, but his resolve remained unshaken. He responded internally, "I know you wanted to protect me. I understand why you did it."

The System's voice softened, almost pleading, "You will cease to exist, host. I don't want to see you make that choice… to vanish forever."

Michael chuckled lightly in his mind, a bittersweet smile forming on his lips. "I thought AI didn't have feelings."

The System paused for a moment before replying, "I'm not just any AI, host. I am the Spider-Man System. Your system, crafted specifically for you. I've been with you through every battle, every victory, every loss."

Michael's smile faded as the gravity of the situation settled in. He responded softly, "Yeah, right…"

He looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath. Rewrite was more than just a tool; it was the ultimate sacrifice. But Michael had always lived by the mantra of Spider-Man: "With great power, comes great responsibility." And now, with this forbidden power, he had to make the ultimate choice. For the world, for his family, for his friends—he had to rewrite fate itself.

His eyes narrowed, a steely determination settling in. Michael Wilson, the legendary Spider-Man, was ready to face his final battle.

"I'm doing this… for all of you."

As Michael stood there, eyes closed, clutching the Infinity Stones, the world around him seemed to fall into a deep, almost unnatural stillness. Everyone watched with bated breath, unsure of what was happening, but feeling the weight of something monumental building in the air. The tension was palpable.

Wong, sensing the intensity of the moment, turned to Doctor Strange and whispered, "Shouldn't we… you know… do something?"

Doctor Strange shook his head, his expression unreadable. "Just watch.." he said quietly, his eyes never leaving Michael. Even he, with all his knowledge of magic and the multiverse, felt a certain awe at what was unfolding before them.

Wong hesitated but nodded, trusting Strange's judgment. "Okay, okay," he muttered, folding his arms and keeping a close watch on the scene.

Miguel O'Hara, the futuristic Spider-Man, was equally perplexed. He watched as Michael stood, perfectly still, his eyes shut tight, as if he were reaching for something beyond their understanding. Miguel murmured under his breath, "What are you planning, Michael? Can you really save the entire Spider-Verse…?"

Peter Parker, the young 16-year-old Spider-Man who had trained under Michael, felt a knot of emotion rise in his throat. His mentor, his captain, was standing at the crossroads of fate. "Captain..." he whispered, his voice filled with both awe and fear. He could sense something powerful stirring, something far beyond the simple heroics they were used to.

Mark Taylor, Michael's best friend, stood close by, a pit forming in his stomach. He could feel it—the shift in the air, the gravity of the moment. Something irreversible was coming. "Mike…" he said quietly, his voice barely audible, as if afraid to disturb whatever Michael was doing.

Emily, standing beside her husband Mark, held her breath. "Michael…" she whispered, her voice trembling. She had seen Michael in many difficult situations, but this felt different. There was a finality to his stance, a quiet acceptance of something she couldn't yet understand.

Mindy, cradling Loe's lifeless body, her heart heavy with grief, watched as Michael seemed to channel an energy far greater than anything she'd ever witnessed. Her voice was fragile, filled with hope and desperation. "Michael…" she called, her eyes red from tears, silently begging for a miracle.

And then there was Thomas, Loe's son. His young heart clenched in fear and confusion, but also with a strange sense of hope. He stared at his uncle—his godfather—and whispered, "Uncle…"

The silence grew heavier. And then, suddenly, the ground beneath Michael began to hum with energy, a soft glow emanating from the Infinity Stones in his hands. It started as a flicker, then gradually became brighter and brighter, until the very air seemed to vibrate with power.

Michael stood in the center of a swirling vortex of power, the energy of the Infinity Stones from countless universes surging through him. His hands crackled with the raw, untamable force of the multiverse, and his eyes glowed with a brightness that could rival a star. The air around him buzzed with the intensity of his decision, and his smirk faded into a determined expression. This was the moment—everything he'd fought for led to this.

"System," he said, his voice resonating with both authority and resignation, "activate Rewrite."

The System hesitated, its usual calm tone now laced with something that almost resembled concern. "Host, are you sure you want to do this? Once Rewrite is activated, the process is irreversible. You will be erased from existence."

Michael clenched his fists, feeling the immense weight of the stones trying to break free from his grasp. He nodded, his smirk returning. "I told you, I don't care if I die. As long as I can save everyone."

The System paused, and then finally, with a heavy tone, it responded. "Affirmative, host. Activating Rewrite…"

A series of digital dings echoed in Michael's mind, followed by the deep hum of forbidden power taking form. The rules of reality itself bent as the Rewrite began, a process no one was ever meant to wield. The Infinity Stones, which once could only function in their respective universes, now transcended those barriers. Rewrite connected them to Michael's will, allowing him to channel the combined might of every universe's stones.

A holographic display appeared before Michael, outlining the new rules he could impose on the multiverse. His fingers, steady yet trembling with the knowledge of the consequences, hovered over the options.

[Rewrite (Forbidden Power) + Multiverse Infinity Stones]

Effect:

The wielder of "Rewrite" takes the Infinity Stones from different universe, a feat previously impossible due to the stones' unique connection to their home universe. However, with the power of "Rewrite," the user can transcend the rules of reality. By rewriting the multiverse's laws, they can wield the stones across realities, absorbing their power and bending all of existence to their will.

Rule 1: Reviving the Fallen With a single thought, the heroes, civilians, and innocents who were erased by Thanos and his forces were brought back. Spider-Men across dimensions, the Avengers, X-Men, even those from obscure timelines, returned to life, their fates rewritten. Michael's heart swelled, knowing he had undone the devastating loss. The devastation, the cries of those left behind—erased as if it never happened.

Rule 2: Erasing Thanos and His Forces In one decisive motion, Michael erased Thanos and his armies from every reality. They were not just defeated—they ceased to exist. There would be no remnants, no scars of their actions left in any timeline. It was as though Thanos had never lived, and his monstrous conquest across the cosmos became nothing more than a forgotten nightmare.

Rule 3: Changing Canon Events This was the part that truly tested Michael's resolve. He knew that in every multiverse, certain events were deemed "canon"—fixed points in time that even gods couldn't alter. But with Rewrite, Michael could defy that. No longer would heroes like Peter Parker be doomed to lose their loved ones. No longer would tragic events define them. Canon was rewritten, allowing heroes and civilians alike to find happiness in place of sorrow. They now had futures filled with hope, rather than preordained loss.

Michael sighed as he watched the multiverse reshape before his very eyes. His body trembled as the energy coursed through him, far more than any mortal could handle.

"System," he muttered, feeling his existence beginning to fade. His body flickered, becoming more translucent with each passing second. "I'm ready."

The System's voice was soft, as though mourning the loss of its host. "Host… I must remind you one final time—activating Rewrite means your existence will be erased. No one in the multiverse will ever remember you, except your universe and those who knows you. But your actions will remain, but your name, your face, everything about you will be wiped from the collective memory of every universe."

Michael's fading hand clenched. "I know," he said, his voice steady despite the growing emptiness inside him. "But... that's a small price to pay for saving everyone."

As his form flickered, he laughed, not in despair, but with the laughter of a man who knew he had accomplished his goal. "At least," he said through a strained breath, "even if I die, everyone will still remember what I did."

His body, still flickering, seemed to grow light. He could feel himself unraveling, the power of the Infinity Stones and Rewrite taking its toll. Yet, the burden he carried felt easier, knowing that those he saved would remember not just their new futures but also the one who gave it all to ensure them.

"System, let's finish this." Michael said with a smirk, a final flash of determination in his eyes.

To be continue