The golden afternoon light bathed Akira's emporium as the city hummed beyond its enchanted walls. Despite the calm exterior, inside, preparations were underway—silent, meticulous, and tinged with mag
Akira stood in the heart of his personal chamber, lines of runic energy dancing across the floor. His decision was made. The other world—the new challenge—awaited. But he wouldn't abandon his achievements here.
First: stability
With a series of complex gestures and whispered incantations, Akira activated the ancient mirror standing against the far wall. Its surface rippled like water, revealing his reflection—one that smirked knowingly back at him.
"Time to meet… well, myself," Akira murmured.
The mirror's frame pulsed, and from its surface, a second figure emerged—a perfect copy of Akira, from his silver-green eyes to the faint glow of magical energy that clung to him like mist.
The clone stretched, cracking his neck. "Ah, full memories, skills… autonomy? You've outdone yourself this time," the duplicate grinned.
Akira nodded. "You'll manage the store. The merchants, the employees, the supply chains. Maintain peace, protect the city—and above all, keep trade flourishing."
"Consider it done," the clone replied with a confident salute. "I assume I get access to the good tea?"
Akira rolled his eyes, handing over a freshly brewed cup. "Of course. No skimping on quality—my reputation's on the line."
Second: continuity.
In the central courtyard of the emporium, Akira inscribed a vast portal rune onto the marble tiles. Ancient, multi-dimensional symbols spiraled outward, shimmering with layered enchantments.
This would be his Trade Nexus, a stable, inter-world portal connecting his emporium to wherever he roamed—even across universes.
"Trade must never sleep," Akira whispered, channeling his power into the sigils.
The portal activated, a swirling vortex of light and energy forming at its core. Its edges pulsed with anti-tampering enchantments, detection barriers, and temporal stabilization—ensuring only authorized individuals could use it.
Through this gateway, shipments would continue. Spices, artifacts, enchanted items—all flowing between realms, a commercial artery fueled by Akira's vision.
Third: goodbyes… and beginnings.
The clone accompanied Akira to the rooftop, where the city sprawled beneath them—a tapestry of rooftops, market stalls, and distant airships gliding along trade winds.
"You'll keep them safe?" Akira asked quietly, his gaze scanning the horizon.
"I'll guard them like they're my own… because, well, they are," the clone quipped, but sincerity laced his tone.
Akira smirked, satisfied.
Above them, space itself rippled—a vertical tear forming mid-air. Celestial light bled through as the dimensional veil parted.
On the other side: skyscrapers of steel and glass, flying vehicles, neon-lit streets—a world unmistakably Earth-like, but teeming with… more.
Superheroes.
Villains.
Gods walking among mortals.
The Marvel Universe.
Akira's eyes narrowed with anticipation. "So that's where destiny leads next… fascinating."
Through the rift, distant figures could be seen—men clad in iron suits, gods wielding hammers, beings radiating cosmic power. Yet beneath the spectacle, Akira sensed imbalance. Conflicts brewing, factions forming, threats looming beyond comprehension.
Perfect.
"I've built an empire from dust once," Akira declared, stepping toward the portal. "Let's see how commerce, magic, and a touch of elven ingenuity shake the foundations of another world."
The clone gave a parting wave. "Try not to overthrow any governments your first week."
"No promises," Akira called back, his figure vanishing into the radiant tear.
The portal sealed behind him, leaving the emporium under vigilant care.
But on the other side, Akira materialized onto a rooftop in New York City—skyscrapers towering above, the streets alive with honking cars and hurried pedestrians.