Chapter 1: The Day It All Changed
They say be careful what you wish for. I didn't listen.
One moment, I was doom-scrolling through Reddit at 2 a.m., half-laughing at a Two and a Half Men meme, the next… darkness. Like, full-on "screen turned off" darkness. Then a voice—calm, deep, powerful—spoke right into my skull.
"You have been chosen. Two wishes. No take-backs."
I don't know why I didn't hesitate. Maybe because part of me wanted out of my mediocre life. I'd seen enough anime and isekai stories to know how this worked.
"I wish to have Tony Stark's intelligence and knowledge."
The being paused. "Tony Stark with all of Tony's knowledge? Hmm… no. That would be catastrophic for the world you're going to. Instead, I shall grant you his genius-level IQ and access to a curated portion of his scientific understanding—just enough to innovate, not obliterate."
""For my second wish, I want perfect genetics. I want to grow into one of the most handsome men alive—flawless features, perfect proportions, a body that develops into peak physical form without needing a gym."
"Granted. Enjoy your new life."
Before I could ask where that life would be, everything went white.
When I came to, I was standing in a giant beach house. The sun was way too bright. There was a cheap suitcase in my hand. A woman was arguing with a sad-looking man next to me.
"You're not dumping him on your brother again, Alan! Grow up!"
Judith.
Alan.
And... me?
I looked down. My arms were short. My hands were pudgy. My voice—when I accidentally mumbled, "What the hell?"—was high-pitched and whiny.
I'd been dropped into the body of Jake Harper.
Only this Jake Harper had a brain firing at 200 IQ and facial structure that could give Brad Pitt in Troy a run for his money.
I wasn't just Jake Harper. I was the upgraded version.