Chương 1: Chapter 1 reborn b*****d

In a middle school in California, a mixed-race boy named Mark, of Chinese and American descent, sat at his desk and yawned. His teacher was explaining basic physics, but to Mark, it all felt like meaningless drivel. The classroom was a mix of Black and white students, but no Asian faces were present.

Mark helplessly watched the teacher continue with the lesson. Being the son of Wanshan, a renowned scientist at the United States Institute of Science, the subject matter seemed too elementary for him. If not for his status as a time traveler, he might have found the class somewhat bearable. His mixed-race identity, even down to his name, felt like an awkward combination of East and West.

In the experimental class, parts were scattered on tables, allowing students to assemble gadgets of their own imagination. The teacher, meanwhile, sipped coffee and read the newspaper unless someone had a question. This was American education at its finest: free-spirited and hands-off. If you were a genius, it was a nurturing environment; if not, it was just another free period to enjoy. Most students used the class as playtime, while Mark tinkered with his project, his mind racing with thoughts.

It had been a month since Mark realized where he was and the world he had entered after time traveling. Yes, time travel—the stuff of fantasy—was real, at least for him. He had landed in 1938, a year before World War II began. Strangely, this world was a fusion of Marvel and DC universes, with the likes of Stark Industries, Gotham City, and Metropolis coexisting.

"Hey, Mark, what are you doing? The teacher asked us to test the principle of power generation, and you're just sitting there. Did you stay up playing games last night?" asked a chubby Black boy who patted Mark's shoulder.

Like in any novel, the protagonist has sidekicks, and Aoli, a Black classmate and childhood friend, filled that role for Mark. They had been classmates since elementary school. Mark shook his head and shrugged. "No games, just reading at home. But look at this! It's a great invention!"

On the desk lay a curious coil—an iron ring with wires wound around it, along with some other scattered parts. To the untrained eye, it seemed random, but up close, it resembled something familiar. If anyone scoffed, Mark would retort, "This is a replica of the Ark Reactor!" Okay, a mini-replica. Mark didn't have the resources to build the real thing, but this was close enough.

Aoli glanced at his friend suspiciously, recalling the crazy experiment Mark had attempted six months ago, which nearly ended in disaster. He had been lucky to survive. Seeing Aoli's expression, Mark knew what he was thinking. The original owner of his body had died in an explosion while attempting to build a bomb for revenge after his parents were killed in a terrorist attack. That act had caught the military's attention, as Wanshan had been a top scientist, and his son, despite his rashness, was seen as someone with potential.

Mark, now more level-headed, reassured Aoli. "Don't worry, man. I'm not going to die again. I've learned my lesson."

Relieved, Aoli chuckled. "Good. Don't die on me, or I'll have no one to hang out with. Are you coming to the park after school?"

In the 1930s, entertainment options were limited. There were no video games, and movies were both scarce and expensive. Most kids had to settle for simple games or poker. Mark, with the mind of a 20-something, found such activities boring.

"Sure, let's go to the park," Mark agreed half-heartedly, though he was already thinking about gathering materials for his experiment. "Maybe later we can head to Laolin Street. I need a few supplies."

Aoli, knowing Mark too well, saw right through him. "I'm not carrying stuff for you again unless you pay me. Five cents, at least."

Mark laughed. A dollar could feed a family of three for a week, so five cents wasn't too bad. "Fine, you greedy businessman," he joked. Mark had enough money from his parents' inheritance to be considered well-off, but he was always thinking about how to make more.

Throughout the class, Mark was absorbed in his experiments, his mind racing with formulas and concepts. The boy whose body he had taken over was incredibly bright, which made sense given that his parents were scientists. Mark had inherited not only his memories but also his vast knowledge.

While others dozed off or chatted, Mark focused on his work. He knew the world was dangerous, especially with the looming World War and the emerging presence of superheroes like Wonder Woman and Captain America. His only defense would be to turn his scientific knowledge into something powerful.

The experiment was slow and tedious without the help of modern technology. He often envied Tony Stark for having J.A.R.V.I.S., an AI assistant that could streamline any task. Here, he had to do everything by hand, recording each step with paper and pencil.

By the time class ended, Mark had constructed a small prototype—a coil that emitted a faint blue glow, reminiscent of Iron Man's hand repulsor. It was crude, but the sight of it filled him with excitement. He had grown up dreaming about superhero tech, and now, he was closer than ever to realizing that dream.

Packing up his things, Mark smiled to himself. One day, he'd be more than just a bystander in this world of heroes. He'd be one of them.