[Ding!]
Status:
Name: Leonardo Valentino
Mission: Become the number one artist on the planet [in progress]
Level: 1 (17/1000)
Active Power: Soul
Unique Skill: Anonymous Whereabouts
"I see… I don't get it. Hey, system, what do the levels mean? What's the point of leveling up, and what's this active power thing?"
At first, Leonardo thought that leveling up would instantly boost his artistic abilities. But he quickly discarded that idea when he noticed that although his skills had indeed improved, it was only slightly. Still, an improvement was an improvement, confirming that EXP was what enhanced his abilities, just as the system had said.
['Levels' and the 'active power' are connected. The main purpose of levels is to define the limit of your growth, since every concept has an end. Therefore, it's divided into 7 levels total, and with each one, you'll unlock a new active power.]
[Active powers were created to help you and your works become more realistic and impactful. Each power is linked to an original concept of the world.]
"Original concepts? What are those?"
[The six original concepts created at the beginning of the universe are:
Soul - Mind - Space - Time - Power - Reality]
"Wait, wait, wait… are you serious? Those are clearly the Infinity Stones! You can't just copy something already invented and say it's real. Also, aren't there supposed to be 7 levels? Why are there only 6 concepts?"
[Host, original concepts vary depending on the world. These are simply the ones from this world. The system has not altered reality for this. As for level 7, the host does not currently meet the requirements to access that information.]
"Okay, let's say I believe you… but what did you mean by 'for this'? Did you change reality for something else?"
[...]
"Hey, don't ignore me. Fine, whatever. What does this Soul active power actually do?"
[Ding!]
Active Power: Soul
Grants the ability to enhance skills through the absorption of soul energy fluctuations (emotional value), whose origin is directly or indirectly linked to the bearer of said skills (only usable by the host).
"Wait, isn't that the power that's been improving my artistic abilities? So it's not a direct function of the system, it's an ability I unlocked. And there are five more… Incredible. You're way more impressive than I thought at first."
Leonardo looked excited, but suddenly he frowned, remembering something:
"But didn't you say earlier that that was your function? So you just took credit for the ability and claimed it as part of your system?"
[Active powers are my function.]
"…"
"Alright, fine. Let's just leave it there. I'm not going to argue with an emotionless system."
---
~ Present - Valentino Exhibition Hall ~
'Seeing my works get more attention really does make me happy. Let's go talk to some people.'
Without overthinking it, Leonardo walked over to find someone to chat with. After a bit of thought, he decided to approach a regular visitor. Surprisingly, she had been there since the first day his work was displayed and had even come back several times to see the same paintings again.
"Ancient One, a pleasure. Are you looking at my first work this time?"
'Ancient One' was what he called her. He never knew her name, and while she certainly looked elderly, the real reason for the nickname was her uncanny resemblance to a character from the "movies" in his mind. Of course, he'd never say that to her face—it'd be rude. It was just an inside joke Leonardo had.
"Yes. This piece is really stirring things up lately, you know? Your life might be about to change completely."
The Ancient One spoke with a kind smile. Although Leonardo wasn't an expert at reading people, he could tell she seemed like someone who'd been through a lot—wise, yet always gentle, even seemingly concerned for him.
"Haha, really? I didn't realize it was becoming that popular. Though I did notice more people coming lately to see this piece in particular… I didn't think it was that serious."
"Even if it doesn't look like much here, this painting isn't just seen in person. Through other means, it's been getting quite a bit of buzz recently."
"I see."
Leonardo nodded thoughtfully. It really didn't seem like just these few people could generate that much emotional value. But if the painting was being talked about online, it would make sense—online reach was much faster and more efficient.
'Ah… I really should start poking around the internet. Ever since I got the movies, all I've been doing is painting, sleeping, eating, thinking about what to paint… and then painting more.'
'Even before that, all I did was study and improve my technique. I never really learned much about the outside world… I was in my own world, you could say.'
While he was thinking, the Ancient One gave a subtle smile—just enough for Leonardo to notice. But before he could ask about it, she was already speaking again.
"Well, it's time I left. I wouldn't want to interfere with destiny."
"Destiny?"
Leonardo got no answer. He kept thinking. She often spoke cryptically—unusual, but he thought it was cool.
'Of course she has to be like that. Her looks alone wouldn't justify the nickname, haha.'
As Leonardo laughed at his own inner joke, someone suddenly bumped into him.
"Ah! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I was looking at the painting… It's pretty amazing, right? You really feel the impact of the moment, like you're there. Are you a fan of the painter too?"
The girl spoke a lot and was very friendly. She was quite beautiful: sky-blue eyes, shoulder-length blonde hair, about 5'7". She wore tight black jeans and a loose white and pink hoodie with a spider design in the middle. Her look was a mix of charm and innocence, the kind that could easily captivate anyone. She was probably very popular—but Leonardo wasn't focused on that. Not at all. What really concerned him was that this woman was Gwen Stacy. Of course she was. Who wouldn't recognize GwenStacy?
He wasn't bothered by her per se, but by what her presence implied. If she was here, then he might be in an extremely dangerous universe…Marvel.
[Ding!]
[Host, the existence of Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy in this world is due to external interference by the administrator. For that reason, it is advised not to draw conclusions based solely on her presence.]
'Ah… I see. You scared me for a second. I really thought I was in that universe full of superpowered beings that can kill you at any moment… wait, this is the change you mentioned earlier, isn't it? Why would you add her to this world?'
[The reason for her existence here is unknown. However, it is tied to calculations made by the administrator's servant: #$L@¶l4(3!#]
'Damn it, system… that's the third thing you've stolen from somewhere else. Aren't you ashamed of ripping off things that aren't yours?'
While Leonardo mentally argued with the system, a voice snapped him back to reality.
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Eh, ah, yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking about something. Yeah, I've been a fan of his work for a few months now."
At his response, Gwen lit up, like she'd found a rare specimen.
"Really? Wow! I've heard of people who've been following his work since before three days ago, but you're the first one I've actually met. So… what do you think about the future theory? Is it true that this piece has been here for four months?"
Leonardo was surprised by the girl's sudden excitement, but he responded, although a bit confused:
"Uh… yeah. This piece has been here for four months, and the others started showing up every two months after that. But… what's this future theory?"
"You haven't heard? It's one of the most popular theories right now! You see, this painting, according to the date, was made four months ago, but Tony Stark only admitted to being Iron Man at the press conference four days ago. Isn't that insane?"
Gwen's explanation left Leonardo stunned for a moment before he asked:
"That happened four days ago, you said?"
"Yep, four days ago. People say the painter saw the future and painted it. It's wild! And also…"
Gwen kept talking, but Leonardo wasn't listening anymore. His mind had gone blank.
'System, what is going on here? Didn't you just tell me we're not in Marvel?'
[Negative. The system merely stated that Gwen Stacy's presence is not valid proof of the world's identity. It never denied being in the Marvel Universe.]
'…'
'System! You little…'