Chapter 1: National City Calling – A New Beginning
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: INITIATING TRANSMIGRATION SEQUENCE. DESTINATION: National City. SUBJECT: ADAM STIELS. ABILITIES: COPY SYSTEM, FUTURE INSIGHT, FINANCIAL RESOURCES. PRIMARY DIRECTIVE: INTEGRATE. SECONDARY DIRECTIVE: ENGAGE WITH CANON CHARACTERS. TERTIARY DIRECTIVE: AVOID PARADOXES (OR AT LEAST, MAKE THEM INTERESTING). MISSION PARAMETERS: MINGLE, MANGLE, AND MAKE MERRY (AND MAYBE SAVE THE WORLD).]
The world dissolved into a blinding white, accompanied by a cacophony of sounds that defied description – a high-pitched whine, a deep thrumming, and a sense of being stretched thin across an infinite canvas. Adam Stiels felt as if his very molecules were being rearranged, pulled apart and reassembled in a chaotic dance of cosmic proportions. One moment, he was in his familiar, slightly cluttered apartment, the comforting glow of his monitor illuminating another late-night deep dive into Arrowverse fan theories. The next, the ethereal storm ceased, replaced by a sudden, profound silence, broken only by the distant hum of a city he didn't recognize.
He blinked, his eyelids feeling heavy, and opened his eyes to a startlingly unfamiliar reality. Sunlight, impossibly bright and crisp, streamed through massive, floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a room that was the epitome of modern luxury. Gone were his worn-out bedsheets and the stack of comic books precariously balanced on his nightstand. In their place was a sprawling, king-sized bed with silk sheets, a duvet that felt like a cloud, and pillows so plush they practically swallowed his head.
Adam pushed himself up, his limbs feeling strangely light, almost… optimized. He wore silk pajamas, something he'd never owned in his life. As he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet sank into a deep-pile, cream-colored carpet. This wasn't just a dream; it was an entirely new dimension of existence. His gaze drifted to the expansive view outside the window. A magnificent skyline stretched before him, a tapestry of steel and glass piercing the sky. Dominating the vista was a majestic art deco building, its distinctive globe emblem unmistakable. The Daily Planet.
A slow, incredulous grin spread across Adam's face. "No way," he whispered, his voice resonating with an unfamiliar richness, a confidence he hadn't possessed moments ago. A torrent of information, sharp and precise, flooded his mind, settling into place as if it had always been there. National City The very heart of the DC universe, the city of Superman and, more importantly for his immediate goals, Supergirl. This was a goldmine. This was the launchpad for everything.
His new identity materialized in his consciousness: Adam Stiels, a mysterious, incredibly wealthy investor. His financial resources were practically limitless, drawn from an obscure network of offshore accounts and shell corporations, providing an impenetrable cover. His ostensible occupation was vague but impressive: "extensive international business ventures" that somehow kept him too busy for detailed scrutiny. His new abode was a penthouse suite so grand it could host a small convention, complete with panoramic views, a private gym, and a kitchen that looked like it belonged in a Michelin-star restaurant. He even had a fleet of high-end vehicles, including a custom-built Aston Martin that surely cost more than his entire past life's net worth.
And then, the truly extraordinary. His core abilities in this new existence: the Copy System, a miraculous power allowing him to absorb up to 50% proficiency of one distinct skill from another person. The catch? It required close proximity and was triggered by strong, genuine emotions directed towards him – be it friendship, love, or even intense hate. This meant he couldn't just randomly pilfer powers; he had to build relationships, forge bonds, or even cultivate rivalries. Next, Future Insight, his encyclopedic knowledge of Arrowverse canon. Every major plot point, every character arc, every major villain, every dramatic reveal – it was all there, etched into his mind. This was his cheat sheet, his pre-written script, though he knew interference could cause unforeseen ripples. Lastly, his Financial Resources – a virtually endless supply of cash that could grease any wheels, buy any tech, or fund any project. And underpinning it all, his enhanced personality: comedic, sarcastic, and witty, a quick-thinking mind now perfectly suited to deliver cutting remarks and charming banter with effortless grace.
"Well," Adam mused aloud, striding towards the sleek, minimalist kitchen. He peered at his reflection in the polished chrome of the futuristic appliances. Taller, leaner, with sharper features and an undeniably athletic build. He ran a hand through his slightly longer, impeccably styled hair. This wasn't just a new life; it was a character upgrade. "This is a significant improvement from lukewarm coffee and the nagging fear of rent day."
He effortlessly navigated the state-of-the-art coffee machine, its digital display intuitive and responsive. The rich, earthy aroma of freshly brewed espresso filled the vast space, a comforting scent in this alien grandeur. As he sipped the perfectly frothed latte, he walked back to the window, absorbing the vibrancy of National City The city hummed with a palpable energy, a subtle thrum that seemed to vibrate with the potential for adventure.
His immediate objectives, once abstract desires, now became concrete plans:
Secure a relationship with Kara Danvers. This was paramount. Not just for romantic reasons, though that was certainly a powerful motivator, but because his Copy System indicated she would be his first major source of power. Her growing affection would be the key.
Forge strong friendships with Team Flash. Barry Allen, Cisco Ramon, Caitlin Snow. The dynamic with Barry, the shared geek-outs and fast-paced banter, was a personal priority. Cisco's tech genius and emotional expressiveness made him a prime candidate for skill acquisition.
Mitigate impending tragedies. He possessed the knowledge to prevent countless heartbreaks and disasters. He couldn't just stand by. Savitar, Flashpoint, major character deaths – these were now preventable, or at least alterable.
Expand his repertoire of copied skills. Super-speed, flight, tactical combat, advanced hacking, even elemental control – the system offered a veritable buffet of powers. He needed to strategically acquire them to be truly effective.
Eventually, join the Legends of Tomorrow. The Waverider, the time-traveling shenanigans, the chaotic but ultimately heroic family – it was the ultimate fanboy dream.
He pulled out the new smartphone from his silk pajama pocket. It was a model he didn't recognize, sleek and almost impossibly thin, its interface a marvel of intuitive design. A quick search confirmed local news reports of minor metahuman skirmishes, subtle yet undeniable proof that this was indeed the nascent superhero world he knew. He checked for CatCo Worldwide Media's headquarters, confirming its location. Everything was falling into place with eerie precision.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of establishing his new reality. He remotely activated the dormant shell corporations, initiating a flurry of legitimate-looking "investment" inquiries that would keep the financial world busy while he focused on more pressing matters. He made an appointment with a bespoke tailor, ordering enough custom suits and casual wear to ensure he always looked effortlessly stylish, radiating an aura of understated power. He visited a few luxury car dealerships, making purchases that would subtly yet definitively plant him as a new, prominent, and undeniably wealthy resident. He needed to be visible enough to be noticed, but discreet enough to avoid immediate, intense scrutiny. He wasn't a celebrity; he was an enigma with deep pockets.
As evening descended, painting the National City skyline in hues of amber and rose, Adam stood once more on his penthouse balcony. The city lights twinkled below, a vast, glittering expanse that stretched to the horizon. He took a deep breath, the cool, crisp National City air filling his lungs. This was it. The start of an epic. He was no longer a passive observer, dreaming from afar. He was a participant, an active player in the grand narrative of the Arrowverse.
"Alright, Arrowverse," he murmured, a wide, confident smile playing on his lips. "Adam Stiels has officially arrived. Let the charming chaos begin." He raised his now-empty coffee cup in a silent toast to the glittering city. "First order of business: perfect coffee. Second: a flawless meet-cute with the Girl of Steel. Third: subtly impress everyone with my uncanny foresight and devastating wit. This is going to be absolutely legendary." He felt an exhilarating surge of anticipation, a thrilling blend of excitement and a healthy respect for the monumental task ahead. The low thrum of the Copy System within him felt like a silent, powerful promise of what was to come. It was time to turn his fanboy fantasies into a living, breathing reality, one sarcastic remark and strategically copied skill at a time. The game was on.