NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Final Sleep & A New Beginning
Washington D.C. - October 30, 2040
The autumn evening settled over Washington with a gentle grace, painting the sky in hues of amber and gold. In his private study within his Georgetown residence, former President Trent Kaito Kyle sat in his favorite leather armchair, a well-worn copy of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" resting in his lap. At sixty-eight, his face carried the dignified lines of a life spent in service to his nation, each wrinkle a testament to decisions that had shaped American history.
The room, filled with mementos from his remarkable career—photographs with world leaders, his CIA badges, the Presidential seal—seemed to hold the weight of history itself. A particular photo caught his eye: himself as a young Marine, standing proud in his dress blues. A small smile touched his lips as memories of that eager young man flooded back.
His breathing was steady, peaceful. Years of CIA training had taught him to read his own body's signals, and tonight, they spoke of an approaching end. He felt no fear, only a profound sense of completion. His father, the Baltimore detective, had always told him that a man's true measure was in how he lived, not how he died.
With careful movements, he placed the book on his side table and adjusted his position in the chair. The last rays of sunlight streamed through the window, warming his face. His thoughts drifted to his successes: from Marine to CIA analyst, from Deputy Director to Vice President, and finally to President of the United States. Two non-consecutive terms serving his country at the highest level.
As his consciousness began to fade, his last thoughts were of gratitude. For a life well-lived. For opportunities to serve. For the chance to make a difference.
And then, darkness.
---
The transition was seamless—no tunnel of light, no dramatic revelations. One moment he was in his study, and the next, he stood in an endless expanse of white. His analytical mind, honed by decades of intelligence work, immediately began processing his surroundings.
"Interesting choice of setting," Trent observed calmly, his voice carrying the same measured tone he'd used in countless high-stakes negotiations. "The Matrix homage isn't subtle, but it's effective."
A figure materialized before him—Morgan Freeman, or rather, something wearing Morgan Freeman's likeness. Trent's lips quirked slightly. Years of reading intelligence briefings on extraterrestrial phenomena and countless hours spent consuming science fiction in his spare time had prepared him for this moment.
"ROB," Trent stated simply, not a question but an acknowledgment. "Random Omnipotent Being. I've read enough stories to recognize this scenario."
The entity's smile widened, genuine amusement dancing in its ageless eyes. "You are truly an intelligent mortal," ROB responded, his voice carrying the weight of eternity. "And also a ruthless one. You will entertain me well, just like a captured dolphin at SeaWorld."
Trent raised an eyebrow but remained silent, his CIA training automatically kicking in. Never reveal more than necessary, let the other party fill the silence.
"There it is," ROB chuckled, "that famous calm nonchalant attitude of a man who has never bowed his head to anyone."
The former President maintained his composure, though his mind was already racing through possibilities, analyzing potential outcomes. ROB's presence suggested reincarnation, and the mention of entertainment implied a challenge or task.
"You'll be sent to the Marvel Cinematic Universe," ROB continued, confirming Trent's internal speculation. "Merged with the Blade trilogy. And to make things interesting, you'll have two chances at spinning the Wheel of Boons." The entity gestured, and an enormous wheel materialized beside them. "Though there's a catch—all boons are characters with no powers from across the omniverse."
Trent absorbed this information without visible reaction. The MCU—a universe he knew intimately from both the films and comics he'd consumed during his rare moments of leisure. A slight smile touched his lips as he considered the possibilities. No powers? That had never stopped him before.
His mind was already formulating strategies, considering angles. The espionage side of Marvel's universe beckoned—a natural fit for his skillset. S.H.I.E.L.D. was immediately dismissed; his intelligence background had taught him to recognize compromised organizations, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s HYDRA infestation was a textbook example.
The Wheel of Boons towered before him, displaying over a hundred options ranging from Tintin to Lex Luthor. With measured steps, Trent approached the wheel, his eyes scanning the possibilities. His first spin sent the wheel into a blur of motion, eventually settling on Colin King—Ninjak.
A pleased expression flickered across his features. Ninjak, the greatest mercenary in the Valiant Universe, master of combat and infiltration. Perfect.
His second spin yielded an unexpected but intriguing result: The Emperor Eye of Seijūrō Akashi from Kuroko no Basuke. The ability to read and predict movements would be invaluable in his future endeavors.
"These boons," ROB observed, "they suit your plans well. Better than overpowered rewards for someone of your... particular skills."
"Choose your appearance," ROB instructed.
Trent considered carefully before selecting the likeness of Paul Walker—a tribute to a talent lost too soon, and a practical choice for blending in while maintaining a commanding presence.
As the white space began to fade, Trent felt the weight of his new destiny settling upon him. He would make this second chance count, just as he had made every opportunity count in his previous life.
The void beckoned, and Trent Kaito Kyle—soon to be Caspian Valemont—stepped forward into his new existence, ready to reshape the Marvel Universe from the shadows.