"Breaking news! Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, has been confirmed safe following the accident at the racetrack. Stark Industries' stock, which had been on a downward trend, has surged consecutively since the market opened today in response to this positive development!"
"Meanwhile, a recent surge in mutant-related attacks has resulted in significant casualties and property damage."
"Authorities are now considering imposing sanctions on mutants. Professor X has urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate the situation."
"In other news, this year marks the 65th anniversary of Captain America. To celebrate, The Daily Bugle has partnered with New York's largest toy manufacturer to release a limited-edition Captain America card collection."
Click.
A golden plastic card slipped from between the pages of the newspaper, landing on the counter with a crisp sound, drawing Fang Xing out of his daze. His gaze shifted from the glowing Captain America card to the newspaper in his hands, where an image of Tony Stark—his arrogant expression resembling Robert Downey Jr.—stared back at him from the front page.
"Did I... travel through time? That can't be right! It hurts!"
Disbelief clouded Fang Xing's thoughts as he reflexively punched himself in the face with his well-trained right arm, sculpted from years of singlehood. The sharp sting and the solid presence of the newspaper in his hands made it undeniable—he had indeed become one of the many travelers from the Celestial Empire.
"But why am I in the Marvel universe? Is this because of the movie I watched last night?"
Sighing helplessly, Fang Xing felt the weight of his predicament. Just the night before, he had attended a midnight screening of Avengers 4—solely to arm himself with spoilers for the coming days. But he never expected fate to play such a cruel joke on him. Was this divine punishment for his love of spoiling movies?
"Now that I'm part of the proud lineage of transmigrators, shouldn't I have some kind of cheat ability?"
Stepping in front of a mirror, Fang Xing studied his reflection. He was no longer the frail, bookish young man from his previous life but instead had the robust physique of a fifteen-year-old. However, his initial excitement dimmed as he recalled the contents of the newspaper.
This world wasn't just the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The presence of the X-Men and other elements hinted that everything from the comics, not just the movies, existed here. That meant an even greater level of chaos and danger.
He might be able to navigate this world using his knowledge of the 21 Marvel films, but in just a few years, Thanos—the universe's most notorious "family planner"—would snap his fingers. How could he possibly survive that?
A deep sense of powerlessness crept over him.
Just as he was drowning in anxiety, a cold, mechanical voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Host awakening detected."
"The Dimensional Black Shop System is now online!"
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Manager. I am the Black Shop Support System."
Fang Xing blinked. "Wait… did you just call it a Black Shop outright? Isn't that a little too honest?"
"This system is dedicated to creating the ultimate Dimensional Black Shop—a store so irresistible that everyone will want to visit."
Ignoring Fang Xing's complaints, the system continued its explanation. As it spoke, a translucent panel materialized in front of him.
Name: Fang Xing
Age: 15
Identity: Black Shop Owner (Sole Proprietor)
Strength: 5 (Equivalent to five pieces of trash in combat!)
Fang Xing stared at the information and then at the displayed inventory of his shop—rows of colorful jars, each offering different mysterious rewards. However, the odds of obtaining anything worthwhile were abysmally low.
"System, do you know someone named Ma Huateng? Doesn't your conscience hurt?"
The gacha-like mechanism reminded him of Tencent's infamous monetization tactics. Realizing what the term "Black Shop" truly meant, he sighed in resignation.
"Mr. Manager, please prepare for business."
Ignoring his complaints, the system prompted him to begin operations. Before his eyes, the entire store transformed—shelves previously stocked with miscellaneous goods were replaced with rows of vibrantly colored jars. The shop had been completely reborn under the system's power.
Creak!
Just as the transformation was completed, the shop's wooden door swung open with an old, weathered groan. A lean man with blonde, curly hair and an air of determination stepped inside.
His sharp gaze locked onto Fang Xing as he asked curiously, "Young man, what is this place? And do you know how to get to U.A. High School?"