Marvel Template System:Spectrum

**Imagine Having Friends...**

Wait, what?

Why would you even need to imagine that?

Most people have friends! Or at least close acquaintances they can hang out with, have fun, and spend time together...

So, everyone has their own idea of "friendship." Chris was no exception, as he seemed to have found a close friend.

I mean, just think about it.

Jessica had helped Chris in so many ways. If it weren't for her, Chris couldn't even imagine where he'd be right now.

Jessica is awesome! Great and powerful! Yeah!...

And Chris tried his best... to listen to Jessica?

Honestly, the recent events had been so rushed, unbelievable, and chaotic that Chris still couldn't wrap his head around everything.

It seemed like in just a few days, he had managed to die six times, gain superpowers, make a friend, and lose his job and permanent place to live.

And the only stable thing in Chris's life right now was Jessica. Sure, she hadn't been in his life for long, but...

At least it's something, right?

Wait, what do you mean, "at least something"? Jessica is awesome! She's really cool!

Chris flinched at the loud snoring coming from his right. If you looked closely, you could see Jessica sprawled across the bar counter, still clutching a bottle of whiskey. Old habits die hard.

Chris had already gotten used to Jessica's nightly snoring. Well, in their old place, the walls were so thin and flimsy that it was impossible not to get used to it.

But he expected something completely different from a friendly hangout! Not what ended up happening...

As it turned out, Chris's regenerative factor was off the charts! It only took him a couple of days to heal from the numerous wounds, bruises, and injuries from the RPG blast. Not even a scar remained, which was strange!

Anyway, realizing that Chris was pretty much fully healed, Jessica decided to combine the celebration with a night out. Finally, without any obstacles or incidents along the way, the colorful duo made it to a small bar called "Luke's."

And as soon as they parked themselves at the bar counter, Jessica started ordering bottles of whiskey and downing them one after another. She didn't talk to the bartender or Chris, she just got drunk. In a matter of minutes! And then...

She passed out. With a half-empty bottle still in her hand.

Chris had imagined hanging out with friends in many ways. But...

Definitely not like this!

- Typical Jessica, - the Asian-looking man smirked, glancing at the sleeping figure. It seemed like Jessica's antics were just another day for him. - At least this time she brought someone who'll pay for her. I'm sick of this drunk skipping out on the bill.

Chris awkwardly looked away. The bartender's experienced eye didn't miss the gesture.

- I see... - He pursed his lips. - Birds of a feather, huh?!

- Yeah, yeah... - Chris raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. - I'll pay next time! For both of us!

- Jessica's tab alone is already at fifteen hundred bucks...

Chris immediately backtracked.

- I'll pay for myself! I don't even know that girl!...

- I know your type, Harlem scum! - The bartender scowled, still wiping glasses. - You'll leave us bankrupt, you damn parasites! One day I'll make you pay!

Looking closer, Chris tried to... figure out what kind of person this guy was. Slanted eyes, fairly light skin, around thirty years old. Considering his "threats," Chris made a not-so-confident guess:

- So, are you with the Triad?

Assuming the first Asian guy you meet is part of the infamous Asian mafia was pure racism. But, first of all, the guy owned a bar in the most crime-ridden part of the city, and secondly, he acted pretty confidently, especially around a natural-born troublemaker like Jessica.

But judging by the bartender's instantly red face, Chris was way off.

- What Triad?! - He snorted angrily. - What, just because I'm Asian, I'm automatically Triad?! And anyway, I'm Kazakh!

- Kazakh? - Chris asked blankly. - Where's that? In Kazahia?

- Your mom's Kazahia! Kak je zaebali eti tupie pindosi! - The bartender muttered something incomprehensible under his breath.

- What language is that? - Chris scratched his head. - Is that Russian? But you're... Kazakh, right?

- I know my question might sound stupid, - the bartender began with a heavy dose of sarcasm. - But do you Americans know any language besides English?

- Hey, that's a dumb stereotype! - Chris retorted indignantly. - I know a little Spanish! Me puede decir dónde está el baño? Sí, este maíz es más sabroso que la Pepsi! (trans. "Can you tell me where the bathroom is? Yeah, this corn is tastier than Pepsi!")

- I-I-I... I also know Spanish! - The corpse next to Chris suddenly came to life and joined the utterly pointless argument. - Messi es mejor que Ronaldo! Konnichiwa, kurwa mazafaka! (trans. "Messi is better than Ronaldo! Hello, beautiful stranger!")

- Yeah... - The bartender looked at the pair in disbelief. - What was I even expecting? You Americans don't care about this nonsense, do you? In your minds, the whole world revolves around you! When there's a planetary alignment, America comes first, and then all the other celestial bodies! When God created the world, the first thing He made was the USA!

- That's a filthy lie! - Chris retorted indignantly. - We're an international country! For example, we... uh... Jessica, don't just sit there!

- Brits are cool! - Jessica chimed in drunkenly.

- Yeah, yeah, they have such a cool accent!

- Ignorant fools! - The bartender grabbed his head. - The language you're speaking is English! Not American, English! You're the ones with the accent!...

It seemed like the entire half-empty bar froze in stunned silence as the bartender vented his frustrations. Until...

- Ha-ha-ha-ha...

- Oh man, Yerzhan, you crack me up sometimes!...

- Yerzhan, wake up, it's time for work!...

- We have an accent! What's next? That we were a British colony? Ha-ha-ha-ha...

The bartender had to shut up, though his red face and bulging veins spoke volumes about his true opinion of his customers' mental capacities. And it wasn't a flattering one.

- This country is beyond saving, - the bartender muttered under his breath.

- Yerzhan? - Chris asked, confused, after laughing. - Aren't you Luke? The bar's called "Luke's"...

- Luke's my boss, I'm his replacement, - the bartender cleared his throat. - My name's Yerzhan, and I'm from Kazakhstan...

- K-Kazakhstan?! - Jessica suddenly "woke up" again. - Give Stark back!

- It was Afghanistan that kidnapped Stark, you dumb drunk! - Yerzhan exploded again.

- You're asking for it!...

- You're the one who'd get it if it weren't for your friendship with Luke! With your debts, you're practically our slave already!

- Alright, alright, I give up...

The last topic of their conversation—or rather, the heated argument between friends—made Chris glance thoughtfully at the TV, where the same news had been playing for the second day straight.

Tony Stark had been captured by a terrorist organization called the Ten Rings.

The incident happened during another demonstration of the latest weapons developed by Stark Industries, the hegemon of American military production.

The company was founded by Howard Stark and rose to prominence during World War II. The man's genius allowed him to create technology that was years ahead of the competition. Within a few decades, Stark Industries became the primary military contractor for the US, the country that spends more on its military budget than anyone else in the world.

And the founder's son, Anthony Stark, was the perfect heir to his father! He inherited not only his business acumen but, most importantly, a mind that rivaled his father's! A true dynasty of geniuses equipping America with the best weapons in the world!

Although...

The mind might be genius-level, but Stark's personality left much to be desired. I mean, Stark himself was just a bit... spoiled. Though, he got away with it. After all, he was both brilliant and charming. He drank regularly, partied with anyone, flaunted his wealth, and made tons of money...

And Chris isn't jealous! Well, maybe a little... Okay, fine, Chris was jealous! It seemed like Tony Stark had the perfect, trouble-free life! Everything was handed to him on a silver platter! Talent, money, fame...

Anyway, just a couple of days ago, that perfect life hit a snag. After another demonstration, Stark's convoy was attacked. And the attack was successful!

Every channel was playing footage of a bloodied Tony Stark being held in a dirty basement. And the whole uproar became a constant, seemingly unstoppable topic of conversation.

- They'll probably pay the ransom, - Jessica started her second round of drinking. Though this time, she actually joined the conversation. - I mean, we can get Stark back, right?

- He's done for, - Yerzhan had a completely different opinion. And unlike Jessica, he was absolutely certain. - Afghanistan won't let him go. They don't need money.

- He'll get out, - Chris's confident statement made Jessica and Yerzhan look at him in surprise. - He'll definitely get out.

- Why do you think that? - The bartender frowned. - Afghanistan is made of different stuff, kid. Neither the USSR nor the US could make them back down. Trust me, Tony Stark, as a representative of the "Western" way of life, is done for. They'll never let such an opportunity slip...

Chris didn't know much about politics. Or history. Or, well, much of anything, really. But Yerzhan, being from the CIS and just a seasoned guy, had a well-formed and well-informed opinion on the matter.

But...

Chris was absolutely sure of one thing.

- Tony Stark will get out, - even Jessica started looking at him with a hint of sobriety in her eyes, and Yerzhan somehow lost his earlier confidence. Chris didn't provide any arguments, but the conviction in his voice was enough for ten people. - Somehow... I just know it.

***********

Chris's abilities had no name. There was no manual, neither written nor spoken. Yes, the inscriptions formed immediately in his mind and before his eyes, but there were no "notes" attached to these inscriptions. And you can't just Google such things. Not even a mythical place like the library—Chris had only heard about it in legends—could help!

So, it turned out that Chris had to figure everything out on his own. Personally, by trial and error, making assumption after assumption until everything clicked.

In truth, this situation didn't irritate him at all. On the contrary, Chris was more inspired than ever. He felt like an archaeologist standing at the threshold of a lost city or a treasure trove of unimaginable riches. Because...

His powers were incredible! He wanted to explore them over and over again, hour after hour, stumbling upon new and increasingly incredible details. It seemed like his gray and hopeless life was coming to an end! After all, he now had not only a real friend but also powers that would allow him to... ignore most of the problems he had acquired since childhood.

Now he wouldn't get shot in some random alley. He didn't need to come up with excuses or funny jokes to stop thugs from taking his already thin wallet. And the gap in practical skills would eventually close. I mean, who wouldn't want a super-strong, super-durable, and super-fast worker?!

But first, he had to reach the point in his research where difficulties would arise due to the low percentage of synchronization. In other words, he needed to confirm his assumptions based on the available information!

SYNCHRONIZATION [Berserker ???] [Rank: Legendary]: 39.04%

In the "main" column—if all the inscriptions could be standardized—there were no changes. Well, there was nothing surprising about that. In these past few days, he had only managed to heal and go to a bar with Jessica. His main theory revolved around the "object's thirst for action." That is, the "template," which was the source of the "percentage," wanted Chris to use its powers. And to use them in certain situations, for which Chris was rewarded with a higher percentage of synchronization. A simple scheme: use the powers as the "berserker" wants, gain more power, and repeat until the column reaches one hundred. And then...

Well, then we'll see.

But the overall increase in physical characteristics wasn't the only aspect of the berserker! After all, he had skills! Or, as Chris's "craziness" called them—he decided to name his abilities that, or "schizophrenia" if fully—Phantasm!

After all, every game character must have a standout skill! A special ability that sets the character apart from the gray masses!

For example, the assassin from the game series has Eagle Vision. Mario has his big jump. Sonic has super speed and the ability to turn into a ball! Every hero needs a "super" skill or an "ultimate" ability.

And Chris had them too. Well, more accurately, the Berserker, who passed his abilities to Chris.

Allow me to introduce the first, most incredible and useful skill of Chris:

Phantasm [Rank: A]: God's Hand: Twelve Labors [6/12]

Your glory and deeds have not only amazed the gods but have also entered history! Now receive your reward! You are immortal! Well, almost...

The Twelve Labors symbolize eleven extra lives. Don't waste them, Chosen One!

Replenishment Conditions: ???

Yes!

Phantasm, baby! A super skill that gives Chris a whole eleven extra lives! An indispensable thing that allowed Chris to get back on his feet in the early days and get rid of the most annoying complexes and psychological issues.

Just imagine what would have happened without this skill! Well, some alternate timeline from the real universe!

Act one: thugs enter Chris's store and take all the cash.

Act two: Chris gets angry, gathers his courage, grabs a gun, and goes after his offenders.

Act three: Chris gets shot. He dies.

The end.

Not a very interesting story, huh? Now no one doubts the usefulness of this skill, right?! Everyone has only one chance to make a mistake, but Chris has eleven! Well, five left...

Actually, this isn't the best reason to boast, but Chris doesn't have any others...

But let's not dwell on the sad stuff!

After all, the increased synchronization percentage added an extremely important line to this skill! You could say, "life-saving" information!

Replenishment Conditions: ???

Many would say: Chris, there's nothing written here! Why are you so happy, huh?!

And Chris would reply that the very presence of this line speaks volumes! That is, Chris has some secret condition under which he can replenish his lives! This skill isn't "one-time use"! It can be replenished, and maybe—Chris really, really hoped—it can go beyond the limit of eleven lives!

But the problem remains relevant, yes... Chris has no idea what exactly needs to be done to replenish his lives. And something tells Chris that these conditions are going to be difficult. I mean, this isn't some small thing, it's a whole life! Or, on the contrary, the condition is too specific. For example, eat thirty-two bananas and wash it all down with motor oil while riding a unicycle...

Yeah...

Chris really hoped that with the increased synchronization percentage, the condition would be revealed. He didn't want to drink motor oil and learn to ride a unicycle...

Anyway, the next skill:

Phantasm [Rank: C]: Mad Enhancement

An exclusive skill of berserkers that allows them to increase their base parameters in exchange for sanity.

Activates in two cases:

In response to numerous physical and psychological injuries, or at the will of the Chosen One.

Warning:

The coefficient of additional strength depends on the degree of loss of sanity. Be careful, Chosen One!

An extremely useful thing! At the "border"—that is, the perfect balance of "madness" and sanity—Chris was able to increase his strength by about a third of the possible! And don't think that's not much! Imagine you can lift ten tons, and then another three tons become a very noticeable bonus.

Well, the skill itself is painfully simple. Become stronger, but dumber and more aggressive.

Although there was one curious moment. "Mad Enhancement" has a rank of "C," while "God's Hand" has a rank of "A." The gradation is pretty intuitive. Of course, Chris only has two examples before his eyes, but even a fool can see that the "importance" or "coolness" of the phantasm decreases. That is, "C" or "D" is cool, but "A" is even better!

Although Chris wasn't sure if God's Hand was the strongest skill. I mean, the skill is top-tier, but what if there's something even cooler?

Just imagine Chris, wearing sunglasses—definitely like Neo—standing with his back to the enemies, snapping his fingers, and they explode. The mere thought filled his mind with joyful anticipation...

- Is this your guy? - A low voice came from somewhere in front of Chris, but he didn't snap out of his imagination.

- What? - Jessica's voice took on a mocking tone. - Jealous?

- I already feel sorry for this poor guy...

Sighing, Jessica snapped her fingers in front of the dreamy Chris.

- Earth to Chris, come in!

- Huh? - Chris snapped out of it, looking around. - What?

- Meet Luke, - Jessica sighed and pointed to the new bartender. - The owner of this place...

Surely many have come across that funny picture on the internet where a fragile white girl sits on a couch, and behind her are a bunch of muscular black guys. Well, Luke looked like he stepped right out of that meme. A two-meter-tall, muscular, bald African-American who could end bar fights with just his presence.

- Chris Wallace, - Chris blinked and introduced himself. - Nice to meet you.

- Luke Cage, likewise, - the man smiled surprisingly amiably.

Just a few days ago, Chris might have been intimidated. Seriously, compared to Luke, Chris looked like a total weakling. Unfortunately, whatever the source of his supernatural power was, it didn't add any muscles. He remained a not-too-short but skinny guy.

But now the boundaries of Chris's internal fears had significantly expanded. Literally a few days ago, dozens of people were shooting at him with rifles! After something like that, you can't help but toughen up.

Besides, Luke, despite his intimidating appearance, didn't show any signs of disliking Chris. Although Chris somehow subconsciously sensed some chemistry between Jessica and this guy. However, he didn't want to meddle in that, especially since Chris didn't see Jessica as a romantic interest, despite her natural beauty. Honestly, she drinks like a man, swears like a man, and lives like a man. She was the complete opposite of the girl of his dreams! Just a best friend and nothing more!

- Um... - Chris hesitantly asked Luke. - You don't happen to have any work, do you?

He couldn't just live off Jessica, could he? He felt awkward! And one of the main goals of this outing was to find a job.

Scratching his bald head in confusion, Luke first looked at Jessica, who nodded, and then at Erzhan, who shrugged.

- What can you do? - Luke didn't send Chris away.

- Well... - Chris shrugged with his usual look, that is, with the eyes of a naive deer. - I'm strong. I can work as a bouncer...

Erzhan skeptically looked Chris over and then turned to his boss, who was practically hitting his head on the ceiling.

- We don't need a bouncer...

- He's strong, - Jessica interjected, and Luke looked at her with great surprise. The girl just shrugged in response and turned to Chris. - See those guys in the corner? Remember how you promised to punch someone in a bar?

- I don't think I promised anything...

- Well, go pick a fight.

- Jessica! - Luke frowned indignantly.

- Don't worry... - And then she reminded Chris. - Just no corpses!

Apparently, Luke himself was curious to see the show, so he didn't stop Chris, although he was ready to break up the fight at any moment.

Taking a deep breath, Chris approached a couple of fierce-looking bikers. Now he had to gather his courage and get a job!

- Hey, you!...

- What do you want? - A bald man in his forties frowned.

- Where are you from? - Chris tried to put on an independent look.

- From San Francisco...

- I heard only gays and millionaires come from San Francisco, - Chris smirked, trying to keep a straight face. - And I don't see your suitcase with a million...

He still wasn't used to being aggressive, so he felt out of place.

- Yeah, - the man shrugged. - You're right.

- W-what? - Chris immediately lost his momentum and hunched over in confusion. - Are you a millionaire?

- No.

- Oh... - Realization began to flood Chris's mind like an endless stream. The atmosphere of awkwardness instantly engulfed the entire bar. Even the spectators in the form of Jessica, Luke, and Erzhan tried not to look in that direction, as if Chris wasn't with them. - Oh...

- What do you want?

- I wanted to say... - Chris said as awkwardly as possible. - That it's very cute and all! You two look really cute together...

- That's my brother, by the way...

- Oh, for fuck's sake... - Chris was ready to sink through the floor. - Well, you know... Bye!

Watching Chris return to the counter with a horrified expression, Luke, Jessica, and Erzhan sighed.

- Couldn't you have picked someone else? - Jessica grumbled. - Why did you go after the "rainbow" guys?!

- How was I supposed to know?!