Grayson Family Home — April 17th, 2013
The sound of the door opening echoed through the living room as Mark tossed his backpack onto the couch with a relieved sigh. William came in right behind him, holding two sodas and a bag of chips, as if he already knew the way by heart.
"Training was rough today, but physics class… that one killed me," William grumbled, flopping down beside his friend.
"You say that every day," Mark replied with a laugh, turning on the video game. "And yet you never study."
"That's why I'm here. Emotional support."
The room was quickly filled with the sound of clicking controllers, digital characters trading blows on screen, and the occasional burst of cheers or groans. The late afternoon light filtered in through the blinds, bathing the space in a soft golden hue.
A little before five, Debbie arrived home from work with her purse slung over one shoulder and exhaustion on her face. She dropped the keys on the counter and gave the house a quick once-over.
"Hey, boys!" she called from the kitchen. "Mark, is Kai home already?"
Mark didn't even look away from the screen. "I don't think so… I haven't seen him today. I came in and went straight to gaming."
"I see…" Debbie murmured, opening the fridge. "What do you want for dinner?"
"Anything with cheese is perfect."
"You and your cheese…" she said with a tired smile.
The evening dragged on peacefully. William stayed late, and the house remained quiet — only the sounds of games and laughter filled the air.
Around ten o'clock, William said his goodbyes, stepping lazily out onto the porch.
Mark headed upstairs, still chuckling to himself from a joke William had made, and nudged the door open with his shoulder.
The dim light of the lamp illuminated only part of the room.
Kai was there, lying motionless on the bed.
Mark blinked. "Whoa… already asleep?"
He shut the door and called downstairs:
"Mom, Kai's already asleep. Didn't say a word, just came in and knocked out."
From the kitchen, Debbie's voice came muffled but clear.
"That boy… Just when I thought he was starting to be more present, he shows up, doesn't say anything, and skips dinner? You and your brother are going to drive me crazy."
The rest of the night passed in silence.
Until the clock struck 4:30 AM.
Early Morning, Dark Alley, Somewhere in Chicago — April 18th, 2013
Red lights flickered between the dark alleys of a shattered city. The muffled screams of criminals blended with the metallic echo of Kai's footsteps.
His body was cloaked in rippling shadows, his eyes glowing with an intense shade of blue.
Five… six… seven enemies surrounded him.
They didn't last two seconds.
Kai moved like a ghost among them, distorting space, dodging bullets before they were even fired, crushing bones with almost silent touches. Each burst of void energy pulsed through him like an addiction — enveloping, warm, satisfying.
With every death, he felt the weight lift from his chest. As if this… was necessary.
As if, finally, he was in control.
One of the thugs tried to run. Kai reached out, and a spinning blue sphere formed, imploding the air around it — the man vanished in an instant.
Time stopped.
Literally.
Kai looked around, and everything froze. The wind halted. The lights hung motionless. Silence reigned.
And then a voice echoed.
"Kai…?"
Cosmic hovered just a few meters away, a look of shock on his face. "You killed them all… This isn't you."
Kai opened his mouth to reply — but a silhouette tore through the sky like lightning.
Omni-Man burst from the clouds like a living projectile. Without warning, his closed fist tore through Cosmic's chest, exploding blood and starlight in all directions.
Kai's expression froze.
"So, you do have powers… I knew it," Nolan said, his eyes burning with rage. "Back in Rock Cliff, I was right."
He floated in the air, like a shadow weighing a thousand tons.
"Time to destroy this planet, kill all these weaklings. You're coming with me, son. We're wiping everything out. Including that pathetic Mark, who hasn't even awakened yet."
Kai took a step back… and screamed.
Reality — Grayson Twins' Bedroom — April 18th, 2013 — 4:31 AM
The sheets were soaked in sweat.
Kai sat up suddenly, gasping, as if yanked out of another world.
The room was still dark. The only light came from a streetlamp outside, filtered through the blinds. His breathing was erratic, his forehead burning, every muscle in his body tense.
It was just a dream…
Just a dream…
He looked around with wide eyes, trying to separate reality from illusion. But the void… the void inside him was still pulsing.
As if it had been real.
As if it were warning him.
He scanned the dimly lit room, trying to calm his breath.
What…?
The pillow was drenched, the blanket twisted up beside the bed. Kai ran a hand across his forehead, feeling the heat and moisture on his skin — though his regeneration already seemed to be easing the physical symptoms. The headache, however, remained — like someone hammering a sledgehammer inside his skull.
Slowly, he turned his neck toward the other bed.
Mark was there, sleeping on his side, half his face buried in the pillow, snoring softly.
Kai reached for his phone on the nightstand.
The screen lit up.
4:31 AM — April 18th, 2013.
He froze.
Eighteenth…?
But the fight happened on the night of the sixteenth…
That means I've been out for more than twenty-four hours...?
His heart pounded for a moment. He swiped through the notifications piling up on his screen.
Among them, two messages stood out:
04/17 — 1:45 PM | Cosmic:
"Kai, good work. The GDA crew was satisfied with your performance and praised your recent actions. Want to train with me today?"
04/18 — 12:10 AM | Cosmic:
"I'll be in Chicago until Sunday. Let me know which day you're free. I've got something to tell you."
Kai locked the screen and rested his arm on his knee, still processing it all.
The void.
The battle.
The last thing he remembered was the pain, the pressure… and then darkness. His vision fading as he took a step toward the couch.
And now I'm here?
He began to rise slowly, like each muscle was waking up after a coma. The headache lingered, but he stumbled down the hallway toward the kitchen.
Halfway there, a flash of memory struck him.
Silver…
His eyes narrowed.
Kiana… She's Silver.
The way she fought. The precision of her movements. Her presence on the battlefield. And now it all made sense — the absences, the looks, the strength.
So she controls wind?
Though it seemed like more than that…
He entered the kitchen and started making a strong pot of coffee. The silence of the early morning wrapped around him, broken only by the hum of the electric coffee maker.
While he waited, he opened the fridge. Hunger gnawed at him like a black hole.
Bread, cheese, leftover lasagna, yogurt, fruit. He piled everything onto the counter and began devouring it like he hadn't eaten in days.
Which, technically, was true.
By the time the clock hit 5:00 AM, light footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Debbie appeared, wearing a cotton robe and rubbing her eyes. As soon as she saw the scene in the kitchen, she stopped on the last step, hands on her hips.
Kai glanced over, already bracing to come up with an excuse for having slept through an entire day. But before he could say a word…
"You came home from school yesterday and didn't say a thing, huh?" she raised an eyebrow. "I know school's been draining you, but you should make time for your family too."
Kai swallowed the mouthful he was chewing and looked at her, confused.
She thinks I came home yesterday?
He showed a hint of discomfort, but quickly replaced it with a calm, natural expression.
"Sorry, Mom… I guess I really was wiped out."
She sighed and walked over to the counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee. Her expression softened with understanding.
"Yeah… I know. Your father carried you to your room the day before yesterday when you passed out on the couch."
Kai's eyes widened slightly.
He… carried me?
"Uh-huh. Said you were completely exhausted."
Kai sighed inwardly.
So that's how I ended up in bed... Great, one mystery solved.
I guess the universe took pity on me for once.
"But now, changing the subject… Your school… Is everything okay? I found it strange that no one from there has called me so far. No one ever checked in? Usually schools reach out on the first day. It's been three months and nothing yet — just some generic emails."
Kai glanced away for a second, then replied calmly — this was one of the perks of attending Oakwood.
"It's a bit different there. They teach everything… and being independent is part of the deal. They don't call parents over every little thing."
"Oh. Someone at work mentioned that, I just wanted to confirm." Debbie nodded, accepting the explanation. "Well, as long as you're really learning something, that's fair."
She took a sip of coffee and glanced at the mountain of food Kai was devouring.
"I know you skipped dinner yesterday, but does that mean eating the entire fridge?"
He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Woke up with a hunger from another world. I think I burned more energy than I should've."
"Must be that growth spurt," she muttered with a smile. "With those Viltrumite genes, who knows what to expect. Just try to leave something for me."
Kai finished the last bite of bread and stretched, finally feeling his body respond again.
"I'm heading up to change. Need to get to school."
"Want me to drive you today?"
Kai paused for a moment, weighing his options. It was better than taking the bus, and flying didn't seem like the best idea right now... But deep down, maybe he just wanted that trace of peace Debbie always brought to linger a little longer.
He turned back to her.
"That'd be great. Thanks."
And so, a quiet morning between mother and son unfolded — briefly dimming the storm of thoughts still swirling inside him.
Oakwood — April 18th, 2013 — 6:50 AM
Kai arrived at Oakwood with the hood of his sweatshirt slightly raised, his eyes still tired. As soon as Debbie parked, he waved her a quick goodbye and walked alone through the main entrance.
The hallways were silent, still empty—just as they usually were in the first few minutes before the bell rang. The cold lights reflected off the spotless floor, creating a polished, almost soulless glow. Each step echoed softly as he moved steadily toward his classroom.
As he turned the hallway and stepped through the last door, he saw the classroom was still practically empty. Only three students sat scattered across the room — one staring out the window, the others lost in their screens.
Kai walked toward his desk, but before he could reach it, a voice intercepted him.
"Can we talk?" said Kiana, stepping into his path with her arms crossed.
He stopped. Her gaze was direct, but there was a subtle hesitation there.
Silver...
True to form, he gave her nothing but the bare minimum.
"Go ahead."
"Not here." She glanced around. "Alone."
Kai sighed, averting his gaze and turning to walk toward his seat. He was just about to come up with some excuse, anything to avoid further interaction. But then...
"Hey. I'm serious. We need to talk... Grey."
The name whispered stopped him cold. His muscles tensed instantly, as if something had yanked him back mid-step.
Slowly, he turned to face her.
Kiana lowered her gaze for a moment, as if gathering courage, then lifted it again, steady and determined.
"Let's go to the rooftop before class starts."
Without a word, Kai gave a slight nod, and the two walked side by side through the empty halls toward the emergency stairs that led to the top.
Neither of them said a word on the way.
But Kiana's silence felt heavy — clearly determined to something...
A decision that might have been made due to Kai's absence the day before.
The morning breeze slipped through as the rooftop door creaked open — still unfixed after all this time.
Kiana walked a few steps ahead and stopped near the metal railing. The sky was clear, brushed with soft tones of blue and gold.
Kai stood still, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on her.
"So..." he started, his voice low and controlled, then frowned and finished in a firmer tone, almost like a threat—
"How did you find out... Silver?"
Kiana slowly turned her head toward him, the wind pushing her platinum hair to the side, revealing the delicate curve of her face. There was no fear or tension in her eyes—just calm.
"So you noticed too..."
Her faint smile wasn't one of surprise — just quiet confirmation.
"That day... even with the mask... and the white hair... I knew."
She took a deep breath, keeping her eyes on the ground for a moment.
"When you caught me... in that moment... I thought I was going to die... and suddenly I was in your arms. You moved so fast I didn't even see it. But the way you held me..." — her voice softened as she looked away. — "It felt familiar."
Kai was about to respond, but she raised a hand, cutting him off.
"I won't tell anyone. Even if you tell the others who I am." she said, turning her gaze to the horizon.
She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear with delicate fingers.
"Thank you for saving me. Without you... I wouldn't be here right now."
Kai watched her, and for a fleeting second, he noticed something else — the way the golden morning light caught in her hair, the wind playing with her loose strands, her expression both firm and a gentle calm in her eyes.
The tension he had brought with him had already dissolved in her calm.
She's… really beautiful.
But the thought came only to be buried.
She has no idea. She doesn't deserve to get close to someone like me.
This would only end badly, and she's too young.
He took a small step back and averted his gaze, already imagining where she was going with this conversation.
"I did what had to be done."
She noticed the change in his posture. She stepped forward, but hesitated.
"The girl in pink... Atom Eve..." — her voice grew quieter. — "Is she your girlfriend?"
Kai looked at her, surprised and confused by the assumption.
"No. Nothing like that. Where did that come from?"
Kiana looked away and held her own arm, her fingers pressing lightly into the fabric of her sleeve.
"It's just... you left with her. Before the medics arrived. And you looked clearly exhausted… your breathing... like someone at their limit."
She looked at him with a touch of vulnerability.
"You two flew off together... and she was helping you fly… It looked like a couple."
Kai let out a brief, almost involuntary chuckle.
"We met before. That's all there is to it."
Kiana raised her eyes to him, stepping closer once again.
"But you looked at her… in a different way. Why did you go with her before the GDA wrapped things up? Why didn't you stay with the team?"
Kai took a deep breath.
"I have my reasons. I want to stay hidden."
The words came out colder than he intended. But they were necessary.
Kiana fell silent for a moment.
Kai ran a hand through his hair, turning his eyes to the rooftop view.
"And look, she said she's looking for someone... probably a boyfriend. And I'm not interested in that kind of relationship. If someone tried anything with me... I'd shut it down right away."
He locked eyes with her.
"Those things always end badly. And I've got too much going on already. No distractions."
Kiana pressed her lips together, her face turning to the side.
"I get what you mean, you stopping the gangs as Grey... But... sometimes, someone might help you with those things. Support you—"
Before she could finish, the sharp ring of the school bell cut through the air.
Kai looked up at the sky for a second, releasing a silent sigh.
Once again, the universe seems to take pity on the chaos it's been throwing at me.
He turned to her with a neutral expression, taking the opportunity.
"Class is starting. Shall we go?"
Then he walked ahead, not waiting for a response.
Kiana stayed behind, watching him walk away. Her eyes held no anger, no sadness—just a quiet acceptance.
Kai's words had rejected her before she even had the chance to decide what she wanted to say.
The wind blew again.
She stepped closer to the railing and stood there for a few more seconds, her gaze lost in the clouds.
The morning light touched her face gently, highlighting her fair skin and the platinum strands dancing in the wind. Her dark brows framed eyes so pale they were nearly gray. In them, there was something between admiration, gratitude… and a feeling she forced herself to silence.
He saved me. And that's enough.
If he needs space… I'll give it to him.
No daydreams... or acting in ways he clearly doesn't want.
She remained there for a moment longer, letting the breeze caress her skin as if trying to carry her away from that moment—before finally heading back down the stairs.
The morning classes passed quietly. Kai remained in his seat—not dozing off this time, but with his gaze often lost in thoughts that kept him a step removed from everything.
When the bell rang for break, he made his way down the stairs from the second floor and crossed the side hallway toward the outdoor courtyard. The clear sky and fresh spring breeze rustled the leaves of the garden trees. Near the stone fountain, he found Dimitry and the usual boys, the same ones he'd been checking in with ever since the school gang incidents started.
"Anything new?" he asked, straight to the point.
Dimitry chewed his gum indifferently and shook his head.
"Not for now... Maybe they're waiting for the dust to settle after all your moves against the gangs these past few weeks."
Kai nodded and didn't press. He said goodbye briefly with the same instructions as always—then headed alone toward the food court.
The place was packed, as usual. The loudest groups had already claimed the best tables. Even so, the wide variety of food stalls kept the lines from forming too long.
He didn't have to look far—he spotted Cassie, Samuel, and Kiana gathered at one of the back tables, near the side window. He headed to the counter, grabbed a tray with four large sandwiches and a drink, and walked over to them.
Within five minutes, he was seated at the table with his stack of food.
Cassie raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly with a half-smile.
"Planning to feed the whole school, or just making sure your parents go bankrupt?"
Samuel let out a low whistle, laughing.
"Damn, you eat like seven starving guys... What, fasting for two days or something?"
Kai shrugged, biting into the first sandwich like nothing was out of the ordinary.
"I paid with my own money. And you know... growth spurt," he mumbled through a mouthful.
Kiana chuckled softly.
Cassie glanced at her, then at Kai, and teased him with that typical tone that always aimed for a reaction.
"You missed yesterday. You should've seen Kiana—she looked like she'd just come from a funeral, all gloomy and miserable."
Kiana, who had been quietly observing with her chin resting on her hand, turned abruptly and elbowed Cassie lightly in the ribs.
"Ow!" Cassie complained, laughing.
"Stop making stuff up, Cassie. Seriously," Kiana muttered, looking away.
Samuel stirred the food on his plate with his spoon and flashed a mischievous grin.
"I'm only disagreeing with Cassie this time because I don't want to get elbowed too."
They laughed.
"You too?" Kiana gave him an incredulous look.
Despite the teasing, the mood was light—there was something natural in that routine.
Kiana was no longer tense around Kai. Now, there was comfort in his presence. A faint smile formed on her lips as she watched Kai devour the third sandwich before even touching the drink he brought.
That kind of peace during break had become common since the four of them started hanging out together.
But this time… the peace didn't last.
From the other side of the cafeteria, a voice rose above the buzz.
"Hey, Greyson!"
Kai kept chewing. He didn't need to look to know who it was.
Liam. Again. And, of course, with two of his usual orbiting idiots.
"I challenge you to a ranked match!" — he raised his arm, drawing the attention of several students in the hall. "Now that you're in the boxing club, I want to see what you're made of!"
Heads turned. Murmurs spread.
Kai didn't even look away from his food. The act of ignoring—blunt and direct—caused even more noise than a reply would've.
The boys beside Liam laughed.
"What, you scared?" one of them mocked. "Makes sense. That boxing club of Cassie's is garbage anyway. No one ranked there except her."
Kai finally looked up but stayed silent.
Idiots. That's what they want... to provoke a reaction, hurt my pride.
Too bad for them… I don't have any.
But beside him, Cassie furrowed her brow, trying to stay calm.
"Get lost. You're ranked thirty-fourth. He's not even on the board—he's not obligated to accept," she said firmly.
Liam smirked.
"Knew he wouldn't accept. Your club's a joke," he said, turning to his friend. "Word is you and Dimitry fought David together and still got your asses handed to you. Maybe if Kai survives five minutes, the Muay Thai club will let him in too."
Cassie slammed her hand on the table, shoved her chair back, and stood up in one motion. Her eyes were tense, filled with something beyond anger.
"If you want a fight, I accept," she said firmly.
Kai noticed the tension growing in Cassie. He didn't care about taunts, but he knew how deeply those words affected her.
Liam laughed.
"You? Please. You're way up in the rankings—there's no glory in beating me. Everyone already knows you'd win. Unless..." — he looked at his friend — "...you just need an easy win to boost your ego."
Cassie clenched her fists. For a moment, her gaze faltered, like a flame ready to either go out—or burn everything down.
Kai was still watching in silence—the look in her eyes wasn't just anger. It was wounded pride.
He knew those words weren't just mockery to her—they were attacks on something deeper: her father's fighting style. The name she wanted to honor.
Before she could say anything, Kai set down the last sandwich on his tray.
"I accept," he said with the same indifferent tone as always.
Cassie, Kiana, and Samuel all turned to him at once.
Liam looked surprised but quickly grinned, puffing his chest.
"Perfect. I'll talk to the student council right now. This time, you won't get out of it."
He turned around and walked off, basking in the murmurs and chuckles feeding his ego.
"Not even worth watching. The other guy's not ranked—everyone already knows who's gonna win," someone near the exit commented.
Kai simply grabbed his drink and sipped, as if nothing had happened.
Samuel leaned slightly toward him, still unsure.
"You sure? He's ranked. You haven't even had one official match..."
Kai took one last sip.
"It's just a fight."
Kiana smiled.
"I was already getting annoyed by how smug he was. We're both in the school's top 10—why let some idiot bother you, Cassie?"
Cassie took a deep breath, relaxing her shoulders and unclenching her fists, slowly calming down.
"You're right... The only idiots I care about are you guys. And the club."
The bell for the end of break echoed from the loudspeakers.
Kiana and Samuel left first. Cassie and Kai followed right after.
"You okay now?" Kai asked without turning around, his tone laced with mild concern.
Cassie quickened her pace, walking a few steps behind him.
"I'm fine. Thanks for stepping in."
Kai just shrugged.
Then she stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kai turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder.
Cassie's expression was calmer now, but still serious.
"... I know you don't want to show what you can really do… so, it's okay if you want to lose to him," she said softly.
Kai looked at her for a moment and nodded.
"Alright."
She sighed, shoved her hands into her pockets, and walked beside him.
"Just don't lose too badly, okay? Don't make us look that bad."
Kai gave her a half-smile.
"Alright… I'll try."
Cassie punched him lightly on the arm.
"You're not gonna say anything about what just happened? Your cryptic, one-liner attitude gets on my nerves sometimes. Say a full sentence, come on. Damn."
Kai looked at her with a mocking smile.
"Better not… If we get into it, you'll start talking about dreams and give another motivational speech, like always."
Cassie shoved his shoulder, but couldn't stop smiling.
"You better not skip practice today. I want to see if that lazy posture of yours has improved."
Kai sighed, looking at her with tired eyes.
"Okay, General. Your test dummy will be there again."
"Good. Idiot."
And they walked on together, side by side, as if nothing had changed.
The rest of the morning classes passed without major distractions— pages turning, muffled voices, and the clock's ticking dragging time toward the final bell.
During a brief break between periods, Kai pulled his phone from his pocket and replied to Cosmic's message with a few words, confirming another training session for Friday night.
After classes ended, boxing club practice started right on time. But this time, Kiana didn't show—she had mentioned having a commitment.
Cassie, on the other hand, was there as always, focused and precise.
Kai stayed with her, absorbing everything he could.
The strikes she demonstrated weren't just technical—they carried history, tradition, the weight of a legacy she seemed to hold in her fists. Every movement was deliberate, firm, and honest.
And even in silence, Kai followed everything with attention, completely swept up by Cassie's determination to see how far her father's fighting style could go.
During a short water break, Lana walked across the mat with a towel slung over her shoulder and a smirk on her face.
"You guys heard, right? He's gonna fight a ranked guy to defend our club's honor," she said in a tone between teasing and pride.
Dex, sitting on a bench near the cooler, chuckled under his breath.
"Poor guy. Now Cassie's gonna destroy him in training."
Amy, beside him, sipped her sports drink and shook her head.
"He's gonna be her personal project until that fight. And the date hasn't even been set yet."
The three laughed. But it was a lighthearted laugh—not mocking, but the kind that, even amid jokes, already began to root for him.
There, on that floor marked by footsteps and sweat, the two kept training side by side—without rush, without distractions, shaping technique with patience.
The day went by, and the following morning unfolded like any other — the world spinning, teachers lecturing, students laughing, all pretending to understand their roles in that grand school play.
But while Oakwood moved through its routine, the gears of the underworld kept turning as well.
Deals continued to be stitched together far from the reach of any camera. And that Friday, as the sun began to dip behind the tall buildings of Oak Park, a new agreement was taking shape.
Oak Park – Friday, April 19th, 2013 – 5:12 PM
The rooftop of a commercial building with a discreet façade and reinforced security sat atop one of the many properties Russell controlled indirectly. There, away from the city's watchful eyes, four young men waited with arms crossed.
Chris checked his wristwatch. The black leather strap glinted in the golden glow of the late afternoon. Punctuality was part of the game — and he despised anyone who played outside the rules.
"Five twelve," he muttered. "This guy's late."
Ty leaned against one of the metallic pillars, eyes locked on the elevator door. The wind swept across the rooftop, rustling his hoodie. He looked nervous, though he tried to appear relaxed.
"You wanted progress, influence, connections... I brought them. Stay calm. He doesn't know who you are. And to be honest, you don't know who you're dealing with either."
Scott, as always, stood with impatient eyes — the one at the center of it all.
"You trust this guy?" Scott asked, arms still crossed, standing slightly apart from the group.
"I trust that he pays. Better than anyone in the city," Ty replied. "And unlike the others, he's got ties to the real bosses. The cartels like him."
"Well, at least the view's nice," Bruce said, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Almost makes you forget what's happening below."
"Nice views won't fix our problems," Chris muttered.
Scott stayed silent.
The elevator beeped. The doors opened smoothly.
Russell stepped out like he already owned the place. Dressed in a navy-blue blazer, no tie, polished shoes, and the expression of someone who already knew how the conversation would end before it even began. Behind him, a silent, broad-shouldered bodyguard followed.
"Gentlemen," Russell greeted with a nod, eyes scanning each of them. "Ty spoke about you. Said you're the ones running the delivery system going on under the radar around here."
Scott took a step forward. "And you are?"
"Someone interested in what you've built," Russell replied calmly. "The delivery model you created... regular kids, low-profile, moving through neighborhoods and schools. Efficient. Quiet. Ignored by heroes. Brilliant. That kind of structure... it's exactly what the cartels need right now."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you want? You could've just hired the service like everyone else."
Russell smiled.
"I want more than that. I want you handling all of my deliveries. And I'll be your liaison with the cartels."
Scott crossed his arms, thoughtful.
Russell went on. "Heroes are shutting down routes. The cartels are losing shipments. I just want to ensure the product gets where it needs to go. You've got the right system. And the kind of people no one notices. That's all I need."
Chris exchanged looks with Bruce.
"What keeps us hidden is sticking to a limited number of drops — just enough for our teams to handle without drawing attention. What you're asking for... would mean mass deliveries for cartels. We don't have that kind of manpower. I assume your offer makes up for that."
Russell nodded, still smiling. "I provide logistics, intel, and a direct line to the ones really running this city."
Scott finally spoke. "So we make the deliveries and you take the credit with the cartels?"
"No. We work together. A partnership. I just want results. If you deliver, you grow. If you fail... someone else takes your place."
Russell stepped closer.
"Picture it: every cartel depending on your delivery network. In return, you get a generous cut — fifty percent of all successful runs."
Ty remained quiet, calculating just how much money that could mean.
"And if we say no?" Scott asked, unwavering.
"If you refuse, nothing happens. We walk away. But if you say yes, consider us partners. I'll back you with everything you need. In return, I expect total discretion and loyalty."
Chris looked at Scott and gave a slight nod.
Russell smiled and stepped forward, extending his hand toward Scott.
Scott paused for a second, his eyes narrowing just enough to show he was measuring more than the offer.
Then, he smiled and shook Russell's hand.
"I'll send you all the details you'll need..." Russell said, then pointed at the three with a curious look. "But there's one thing I'm still wondering... how have you managed to keep so many kids — even gang members — under control for this long?"
Scott raised his right hand. A living flame flared in his palm, growing and dancing before their eyes.
"With a little respect," Scott said, playing with the fire. "Just know this — cartel, government, or any hero in a cape. We don't bow to anyone."
Russell raised a brow, not surprised — merely intrigued.
"You're from Oakwood?"
Chris glanced up, surprised by the question.
"Former student," Scott replied. "The other two are still there."
Russell ran a hand over his forehead and let out a brief laugh, like he was confirming an old suspicion.
"Of course. Makes sense now. Oakwood... I'm one of the sponsors there. I invested a lot into that school. Seeing it produce such useful results... seems it was the right call."
Chris looked away, hiding a faint grin.
Scott kept his face unreadable.
"So... are we in?" Ty asked, trying to keep up with it all.
Russell returned his gaze with a satisfied smile.
"If you're as good as you seem... this is just the beginning."
And just like that, a new alliance was forged — one that would soon shift the tides of criminal operations in Chicago.
Remote Area Near Chicago — Unknown Location — 1:32 AM, April 20th, 2013
The sky was moonless. Only a faint band of stars dotted the dark void above, distant and indifferent to the world. Amidst an arid field surrounded by low vegetation and old, abandoned concrete structures, silence reigned — broken only by the sound of the wind dragging dust across the ground.
Kai landed softly at the center of the terrain, his boots sinking slightly into the dry earth. He was already wearing the outfit he used when acting as Grey, his white hair exposed, strands dancing with the wind and brushing against his face.
Despite the freezing midnight air, his body seemed at ease. There was something almost therapeutic about that isolation.
Cosmic was already there, sitting on a broken concrete slab, elbows resting on his knees and eyes fixed on the sky. When he noticed Kai's presence, he stood with a calm smile.
"You're late," he teased, folding his arms lightly.
"Mark and William were gaming until late," Kai replied with a half-smile. "I was forced to watch them die fifty times before sleep won. Mark only knocked out around midnight... Then I had to wait a bit longer to leave."
Kai walked over to him, stopping beside the block where Cosmic had been seated.
"And now you start dating and suddenly vanish… Seen that movie before," he added with a raised brow, sarcasm in his voice.
Cosmic let out a soft laugh.
"I didn't expect it either, but I've been helping a lot of people in Africa."
Kai looked at him, sighing and shaking his head.
"You're an alien and still more altruistic than most people."
Cosmic gazed at Kai calmly.
"You know, it's not a bad thing… I think eventually, you'll find someone too."
Kai's smile faded. His gaze hardened slightly.
"Cosmic… people the age I'm supposed to be are way too young," he said firmly, without a trace of humor. "Or have you forgotten that, in my past life, I was already past twenty?"
Cosmic slowly shook his head, a serene gesture, as if he didn't agree with Kai's view.
There was a brief silence, until he shifted the subject.
"...So it was your Blue that tore that Void creature open?"
Kai simply nodded, his eyes lost for a moment in the darkness ahead.
"I saw the GDA's report," Cosmic continued, now speaking in a lower tone. "They were satisfied with your contribution. They want you on the team."
Kai crossed his arms slowly, glancing toward the horizon.
"This again? I'll pass. I'd rather stay in the shadows."
Cosmic sighed, though he didn't seem surprised.
He paused, studying the boy's face. "You know… I wanted to hear your version of what happened."
Kai stayed silent for a moment, as if reliving every detail. Then he began to speak, slowly, recounting everything that had happened — until the moment he crossed the line — and went beyond.
"...When the creature charged, everything got… heavy. It wasn't just smashing structures — it was strong, fast, and had terrifying instincts. I got thrown far, and that's when I saw Silver was in danger..." Kai lowered his gaze. "So I used that."
Cosmic looked at him.
"That?"
"I found the trigger. I think it's the Six Eyes. I saw the exact moment Silver was going to be hit. I stopped time, like before. But this time… I managed to deactivate it. Just a few seconds. Long enough to get her out of there."
His voice wavered slightly. "I didn't know if it would work. I just did it."
Cosmic raised a brow in genuine surprise.
"You stopped time… consciously?"
Kai nodded.
"After that, I used Blue. I focused everything. Every drop I had left. I struck a single point — and it ripped through the creature's body."
He paused briefly, eyes fixed on the ground.
"But I paid the price. I passed out right after. Slept for over a full day. And even now… the headache hasn't fully gone. It's manageable, but it's still there."
Cosmic listened to every word with full attention. When Kai finished, he remained silent for a few more seconds, digesting it all.
"What do you think about the choice Atlas made when he assessed the creature's power?"
Kai clenched his jaw slightly.
"Choosing to retreat — to not die for nothing… wasn't exactly wrong. But he stayed out even after seeing everyone give their all against that thing."
His expression grew more serious.
"Even when Kian— I mean, Silver, was in danger," Kai added, the anger slipping through, contrasting with his usually indifferent tone.
Cosmic gave a faint smile, lifting a brow.
"I see… I wanted to hear your opinion as a human. I wanted to know if I perceive things differently."
He then unfolded his arms and stepped forward.
"Well… shall we test what you can do, then?"
Kai cracked his neck. His eyes glowed with a cold, deep light, reflecting a silent conviction. A restrained smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Thought you'd never start. It's about time."
The air seemed to stop for a moment.
The sound of a breeze cutting through the field came just before the first movement.
Then came the thud — a muffled crash against the ground — and Kai vanished.
A bluish flash exploded beneath his feet at the exact moment the Blue Technique activated. The ground cracked under the force of the leap, snapping like thin glass under pressure. He crossed several meters in a second, the dust swirling behind him as if the air itself had been torn from its place.
Cosmic raised his eyes calmly — and smiled.
Kai appeared in front of him with a right hook, direct and precise. The Six Eyes were active, absorbing the surroundings with absolute clarity. His read of the battlefield flowed like instinct.
Cosmic reacted immediately.
A purple energy field surged in front of his body. The impact exploded against the shield with a deep, muffled boom, sending translucent violet waves into the air like ripples in a pond.
"Straight to the point, huh?" Cosmic spun midair, effortlessly dissipating the pressure of the blow. With a fluid motion, he launched a dense, dark sphere of energy that streaked through the sky and detonated the dry soil. Chunks of earth flew up like a grenade, forcing Kai to retreat.
"No warm-up?" Cosmic continued, raising an eyebrow.
"You said you wanted to test me." Kai's voice came from above.
He reappeared behind Cosmic, moving with a brutal combination of Viltrumite flight, Mugen propulsion, and gravity twisted by the Blue Technique. The air around him distorted in waves, as if reality itself repelled his presence.
"I guess I should choose my words more carefully." Cosmic smiled, charging energy into his hands.
Kai watched him for a moment, his breathing starting to pick up.
If I keep using the void like this... I'll burn out fast.
Let's test it...
The battle rose into the skies.
Kai shot forward like a comet, his silhouette streaking the sky between bursts of light. Each thrust left behind trails as Cosmic responded with pulsing force fields and explosive violet spheres. The night sky became a stage lit by muffled blasts, sparks, and flashes of raw energy.
Fists. Knees. Spins. Counters.
Each sequence more fierce than the last — but there was control. There was refinement.
Kai moved across the battlefield like water flowing over stone: calculated, precise, balanced. Even using only the bare minimum of void energy, his technique already surpassed the brute force of his previous fights.
What would Cassie say if she saw this now?
Although knowing her, she'd still find a way to say my stance is sloppy.
Cosmic backed up two meters, floating just above the cracked ground. His eyes were serious now, and his smile shifted into something close to admiration.
"You're faster. Cleaner. The way you dodge and counter..."
Kai went for another punch — Cosmic barely avoided it. A follow-up aerial sweep came next. A partial barrier flared just in time to block direct contact.
"We're not far from being equals, you know?" said Cosmic.
Kai landed softly. His feet touched the ground like they already knew where to fall.
"In raw strength, being a Viltrumite, you've already caught up to me — maybe even surpassed me." Cosmic's voice was sincere. "And something's different... your fighting style. It's more calculated. Technical."
Kai rolled his shoulders, his body feeling the weight of its own evolution.
"I've been training with a friend at school. Her dad's fighting style."
He rushed forward again. Two quick jabs followed by a spinning aerial hook.
Cosmic raised his arms. The force field vibrated with the impact, tension cracking through it, the violet edges flickering for a second before reforming.
He's different. He feels more... alive... present.
Something must've happened. Maybe the last fight against the monster.
"Yeah... it shows."
He floated back a step, eyes still locked on his opponent. Then he raised a hand, signaling for a pause — not out of weakness, but out of caution.
The smile returned, now slightly tired.
"You stopped using the void in those last moves... You're conserving energy. It's getting risky to keep going off instinct. If we keep this up, I'd have to get serious."
Kai relaxed, deactivating the eyes. His hair drifted lightly in the breeze.
"I wanted to ask you something..." Kai looked directly at him, his breathing under control. "You fought alongside my father in London... Am I still far from reaching his level?"
Cosmic remained silent for a few seconds. The wind blew between the broken structures.
"You've improved, but from what I've seen... you're not there yet."
Kai just nodded, as if he already expected that.
"But it's not impossible," Cosmic added. "You're on the right path. Especially if you keep improving at this pace."
A new silence settled between them.
"You still haven't told me..." said Cosmic, crossing his arms. "How did you discover the trigger to stop time?"
Kai turned away, gazing toward the horizon for a moment. His eyes lost in some distant memory, as if reliving a thread he didn't want to pull.
Then he told him. No embellishment. No pride.
He described what happened in the clearing: the moment he focused energy into his eyes — and when he opened them, the world stopped. He explained how it nearly consumed him. How he couldn't deactivate it. How he collapsed, waking up 17 hours later, lying between two small animals whose brains had been compromised… just for being near him.
And then he spoke of the last battle. Of the moment when something in him responded on instinct — and time stopped again.
"I don't know how I turned it off that time. It just... happened. I wanted to save Silver. When I realized, she was already in my arms. And time had started flowing again."
Cosmic remained silent for a few seconds. The relaxed expression on his face faded.
"Stopping time, even in a limited area... is dangerous." He crossed his arms. "That time, you externalized the perception you have in your eyes to everything around you. That breaks too many laws."
After a moment, he added:
"Want to try it here with me?"
Kai hesitated. He knew the answer wasn't simple.
"Focus the energy into your eyes," Cosmic instructed firmly. "But we'll stop if it gets too intense. If you lose control… I'll use your energy to shut it down again."
Kai took a deep breath and nodded.
He positioned himself carefully, feet steady on the ground. He murmured something to himself, so low it was nearly lost in the wind.
"Create a gesture… something that makes my body act on instinct every time I do it."
Cosmic watched in absolute silence.
Kai closed his eyes and gathered the energy within them. The next whisper came with the weight of an invocation.
"Muryu Kusho."
In the next instant, his eyes lit up with a vivid blue.
The edges of the field around him began to bend subtly, as if reality itself was being pulled inward. The grass rippled against the wind, but the sound... the sound seemed to drift away, like the world was holding its breath.
The air grew heavy. The sense of time... suspended.
"Can you stop now?" Cosmic asked, his voice low and tense.
Kai tried.
But that... that thing felt like it was swallowing him whole.
The tension in his muscles intensified. His eyes vibrated with excess energy. A faint, imperceptible buzzing started to echo around — and then Cosmic noticed. Something was wrong.
He raised a hand to intervene — but nothing happened.
His powers wouldn't manifest inside the space around Kai. The distortion was already underway.
But he had anticipated this. Cosmic moved forward, slipping through the forming field as if gliding through reality itself. He placed a hand on Kai's shoulder — and this time, absorbed part of the energy.
The flow ceased.
Kai dropped to his knees, chest heaving.
His breathing was ragged, but his eyes still glowed faintly.
"Same pattern," Cosmic said, glancing around. "I couldn't access my powers inside that space. The only reason I could acted at all was because I drew energy from you. It's like the void... bends to you."
Kai was still panting, his shoulders rising and falling heavily. It took him a few seconds before he could speak.
"When I'm inside... it's like an immensity unfolds before my eyes. And the more time stops, the bigger it gets. The stronger it becomes."
Cosmic's expression hardened. His eyes slowly turned to the dark sky.
"It's the Infinity."
Kai looked at him, confused. The concept sounded too grand — and at the same time, vague. Almost impossible to grasp.
"Infinity?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Cosmic nodded, eyes scanning Kai from head to toe.
"Your control of the void is unlike anything I've ever seen… and I've seen a lot. No one's ever done this. At least, not without a fragment."
He stepped forward, his tone more serious now.
"Using void energy up to a certain point... that's manageable. But stopping time? That's a whole other level. What you see — what you feel — the Infinity... touching that could destroy your brain or leave aftereffects even Viltrumite regeneration couldn't fix."
The words hung heavy in the air.
"The headaches. The collapse. They're clear signs. You can't use that again. Not even in emergencies. Not just for your sake — but for anyone caught within that... field."
Kai lowered his gaze. He absorbed every syllable. Then, he took a deep breath. When he looked back up, there was acceptance — but also resolve.
"I don't plan on using it again... But even so, it saved Silver's life. I don't regret doing it."
Cosmic stared at him for a moment. The weight of Kai's resolve hung between them like smoke. Then… a faint smile returned to his lips.
"The way you talk... sounds like you're pretty close to her," his smile faded, replaced by a sincere invitation. "Join the Young Team."
Kai shook his head, already more composed.
"I already said… I won't. I'd rather work alone."
Cosmic seemed to expect that. Instead of insisting, he extended his hand, revealing a small earpiece communicator.
"Then don't be an official member. Don't reveal yourself. They already knew you'd say that. I spoke with them. This one has no tracker."
He rotated the device so Kai could see it for himself.
"Keep it on you. If it flashes red, it's a mission. If you want to join, just put it on and ask for the details. Nothing mandatory."
Kai hesitated. The silence between them felt denser than before.
Then, he took a breath — and accepted the communicator.
Kai's fingers closed around the device. He looked Cosmic in the eye.
"No tracker, right?"
Cosmic met his gaze without flinching.
"None."
They spent several minutes just talking.
Cosmic spoke of his adventures in Africa, of how he'd been helping local communities alongside his companion. He didn't hesitate to call her his girlfriend as he described the medical work she did there.
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"A girlfriend? I was just teasing before... but I guess it's official." He let out a sigh. "Why do people keep getting themselves into those kinds of complications?"
Cosmic chuckled softly.
"Never had anyone like that… I mean, in your previous life?"
Kai looked away toward the horizon. His eyes wandered across memories that seemed old and worn.
"I did. A few times. But it never ended well."
He turned slightly, his expression lowering, shoulders subtly hunched.
"People only stay together when they get something out of it. When you provide something they find important."
Cosmic frowned, intrigued. Kai continued, his voice calm, but laced with a weariness far too old for his age.
"They judge those who marry for money, but everyone wants something. The difference is just that what they want sounds more... acceptable. Some want children. Others want a house. Some are just scared of being alone. Others want comfort, sex, stability. There's always an interest involved. And when that interest fades... or someone else offers more... you're discarded. They say the love is gone. But deep down, that 'love' was just whatever it was you could offer."
Cosmic looked at him with quiet empathy.
"So... you're saying everyone has a selfish reason behind it?"
Kai slowly shook his head.
"Not always selfish. But... no one loves just for the sake of loving. What humans call love is often just the feeling of getting what they want. A couple might be great together, but if one finds out the other can't have kids—and that was their dream—that relationship might end. Even if everything else is perfect. I don't think that's a wrong choice... I just don't agree with it. That kind of love is hollow. And the real problem is that it's easier to change people than to face problems together."
Cosmic remained silent for a while, absorbing each word.
"So... are you saying Elizabeth's only with me because I offer her something? But what?"
Kai looked at him with calm clarity.
"Sometimes the reasons aren't clear. It could be something simple. The way you care for people. Your calmness. The hope you carry. Maybe that's what she wants close to her."
Cosmic looked away, gazing at the sky with a thoughtful expression.
"That makes sense... I think I agree with you. Humans are complicated." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "But even if it is because of that… I wouldn't give up the moments I've had with her. That's part of living in the present."
Kai narrowed his eyes.
"Cosmic… 'living in the present' is exactly the kind of thing a careless teenager says right before screwing up. Don't get yourself hurt."
The other man laughed, taking no offense.
"I've lived for a few thousand years. My perspective's a bit different. But the way you speak... reminds me of my people. They always projected the pains of the past onto the present, trying to avoid mistakes in the future."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Sounds like a wise way to live." His smile held a teasing edge.
"Actually..." Cosmic replied, his gaze softening, "after spending time on Earth, it feels more like a wise way to not live. I imagine a lot of bad things happened in your previous life. But this world… it's made of unpredictable variables. Don't let the void decide the outcome of all of them for you."
Kai didn't respond. He simply held his gaze.
"In any case..." Cosmic continued, "you've been learning a fighting style from someone, you saved Silver while risking everything, and even though Atlas landed the final blow, you're the one who organized the team, made the plan work... Maybe you're already living more than you realize."
Kai looked away, a shadow flickering across his face.
"Cosmic… earlier you said that the void could change the way I think if I overused it, right?"
"Yes. Why?" — he arched a brow, alert now.
"It's just that… normally, I feel tired of everything. Like I don't care about anything. But lately... when I use the void intensely... I feel something. Energy. Drive. Like the void wipes away the apathy and gives me purpose… like I want to see how far it can go."
Cosmic narrowed his eyes.
"Well… when you push the void too far, your body takes damage — including your brain. Maybe those damages are temporarily affecting certain areas. Until your Viltrumite regeneration fixes it all, that could be shifting your brain chemistry. Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine… Just a theory, but it might be messing with your emotional state."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinephrine… did you swallow a medical encyclopedia?"
Cosmic laughed.
"I'm an alien who only needs four hours of sleep a night, and I'm dating a doctor with an entire library at home. What did you expect?"
Kai laughed with him.
"Fair enough..."
"Apart from my powers, I want to become a doctor too. Understand your people's science. Seeing what Elize does, even without any powers… it inspires me."
Kai smiled, a hint of irony on his face.
"What I lack in motivation, you make up for both of us."
Cosmic shook his head with a small smile.
"You're still too bound to the shadows of your past. Maybe... it's time to let go of who you were. And accept who you are now."
Kai took a deep breath, weighing the idea.
"Yeah… maybe you're right."
Cosmic stepped closer.
"Next time, I'll ask a friend from the GDA to upgrade my wristband. Or set up some equipment to monitor your brain during void usage. That way, we'll know for sure."
"Sounds good. When can we do that?" Kai asked.
"Not sure. I'll still be in Africa for a while."
Kai let out a resigned sigh.
"Great… I'm getting closer to becoming a lab rat. And now my friend's got a girlfriend."
Cosmic burst out laughing, a playful glow in his eyes.
Kai gave him a half-smile.
"Kidding… I'm happy for you. But I think that wraps things up for tonight."
Cosmic nodded.
"Send my regards to the First Lady." Kai smirked faintly at the corner of his lips.
Cosmic shook his head, hiding a grin as he turned. Both of them stood up.
The sky was still dark, but a thin line of light was beginning to stretch across the horizon. Without another word, they both looked upward. The silence between them was more comfortable than any rehearsed goodbye.
In a blink, Cosmic launched into the air, leaving behind a trail of violet light slicing through the clouds.
Kai followed his path for a moment, then took off with a gentle motion, cutting through the sky in another direction, his trail barely noticeable.
The field was empty again.
As if the void had taken every trace of what had just happened.
Interlude — Part 1: Bonds and MemoriesVance Hayes Mansion – Saturday, April 20th, 2013 – 8:12 PM
The dining hall of the Hayes Mansion was wide and refined, with a solid oak table stretching beneath the soft glow of a crystal chandelier. The tall windows displayed the garden's shadows under the night sky, while a lit fireplace completed the noble and welcoming atmosphere.
Kiana sat near the center of the table, beside her father. Fine china and silverware rested on embroidered placemats. A young maid with light brown hair, around thirty-two years old, smiled kindly as she served roast with vegetables onto Kiana's plate.
"Thank you, Claire," said the girl with a tired smile.
"It was made with care," Claire replied. "You looked like you needed something warm today."
Across the room, the butler — a slender man with impeccable posture named Thomas, his hair almost entirely white — supervised discreetly, as he had for over two decades in that house.
"You have no idea how much I missed a decent dinner," Mr. Hayes said, grabbing his fork.
Kiana smiled just from having her father near again.
"I know what you mean. The food at school restaurants is all the same... only looks good in the pictures," said Kiana, taking the first bite with elegance.
Mr. Hayes let out a soft laugh, settling the napkin onto his lap.
"You've always been picky," he said. "But rightly so. I was sick of that hotel. It has no soul. Good food is made where there's memory."
She watched her father for a moment. Despite his demanding routine and the gray creeping along his temples, he still carried the steady gaze of a man who knew exactly where he wanted to go — and what he wanted to protect.
"Your brother called from Seoul," he commented while taking a sip of wine. "He said he might visit next month, depending on the progress at the new branch."
Kiana raised an eyebrow.
"I doubt it. I think Noah will end up marrying his job before he steps foot here."
"He takes after me," her father said with pride. "But you... you got more from your mother. Maybe that's why I spoiled you so much," he added with a warm smile in her direction.
Kiana smiled back, but something was restrained in her eyes. She stirred her food slowly with her fork, as if searching for courage among the potatoes.
"Did you see the videos? Of the Young Team in Chicago?" she asked lightly, but clearly rehearsed.
Mr. Hayes stopped. He set his silverware down with ceremonial precision and leaned back in his chair. The warmth in his eyes vanished.
"I did," he answered. His voice was neutral but carried weight. "And I wish I hadn't."
She hesitated, but didn't back down.
"They stopped the creature from destroying the city. Atlas, Reflex, Vortex, Grey, and even—"
"I know who was there," her father interrupted firmly, though without raising his voice. "And you know how much I hate that subject."
Thomas, alert in the background, quietly stepped away. Claire, sensing the mood, retreated in silence. Only father and daughter remained before a now cold table.
"Ever since your mother died, Kiana... this world has only become more dangerous," he said, his gaze fixed somewhere in the past. "Heroes, powers, battles for ideals… That's what took her away."
Kiana kept her gaze low. His words weren't aggressive, but they cut deep.
"She believed she could change the world," he continued. "But the world doesn't change. It crushes those who believe too much."
"Maybe that's why someone has to keep trying," Kiana murmured.
Her father closed his eyes for a moment. Took a slow breath, controlled.
"Promise me you'll never get involved in this. Promise you'll move on with your life — with intelligence, not impulse."
She took a while to respond. Disappointing her father was the last thing she wanted to do. She only gave a small nod, neither confirming nor denying. The conversation ended there. And so did the dinner, in silence.
She wanted to tell him she was Silver. But somehow… it felt like the lake was getting further and further away.
Interlude — Part 2: In Development
Subterranean Laboratory – Radcliffe Institute Facilities
Sunday, April 21st, 2013 – 2:07 PM
The room was wide and silent, marked by a clinical coldness that went beyond air conditioning. Metallic surfaces gleamed under the direct white lighting from the ceiling, while monitors lining the walls displayed graphs, energy pulses, and waves oscillating in irregular patterns.
Brandon lay on a stretcher, with sensors attached to his chest, arms, and temples. The wires connected to him fed a system analyzing more than just vital signs. It was a real-time genetic map.
His eyes wandered across the ceiling, restless. There was no fear or hesitation in his expression — only a burning anticipation.
Let's go... enough tests, the faster this ends, the faster I return. And stronger than ever.
On the other side of the one-way mirror, in an observation room, Dr. Malcolm Patel studied the data closely. Around forty years old, his dark hair combed to the side and a neatly trimmed goatee, he scanned the screens with the precision of someone who couldn't afford to make mistakes.
"The spikes are still present," he said to the assistant beside him. "But nothing beyond 60%. It's like the gene is still... adjusting."
"Or waiting for a final activation key," the assistant murmured.
Patel narrowed his eyes and activated the containment room's intercom.
"Brandon," he said, his tone firm and professional, "your signals remain unstable. The altered gene hasn't fully settled yet. That means your ability — what some are calling your 'Ego' — is still forming."
Brandon turned his head toward the mirror with a half-smile.
"So... I can still get stronger?"
Patel studied the data a moment longer before replying.
"Yes. Technically, yes. But that growth might come with side effects. Sporadic pain, strength fluctuations, maybe episodes of exhaustion or loss of control. Your body is still adapting."
Brandon sat up, removing one of the sensors with ease.
"And school? Can I go back?"
"You can," Patel replied. "But you must follow the same protocols as the other serum users. Enhanced strength, stamina, and any expected physical traits are cleared. But if your Ego manifests — if it turns out to be something out of the ordinary — keep it hidden. Those abilities are still classified. We'll run tests with another Ego user soon; we're just waiting for Mr. Radcliffe's clearance."
Brandon nodded, already standing.
"Got it."
He adjusted his shirt and glanced at his reflection in the mirror.
Still in development... but not for long.
Patel watched him in silence for a few seconds.
"You're not an experiment, Brandon. But you're not the final result either. You're under construction. And that... is rarer than you think. Not everyone who takes the serum develops an Ego."
A monitor beeped softly. A slight neuromuscular spike lit up on the screen — unlike anything they had recorded so far.
Brandon cast a final look at the graph and smiled.
"Good."