And that's all for today's lesson. The homework for this week is chapters 8 & 9. If there are no questions, you all can leave the class," the teacher said dismissively as he hurriedly wrote the homework on the whiteboard.
"Mr. Goh, I've got a question," Luce said, raising his hand.
The teacher shot a quick, irritated glance at him before replying. "On page 37, there are sketches and notes done by the metahumans detailing their plan to overthrow humanity during the Great War. How would we know these articles are credible and not forged? Perhaps they were just protecting themselves from their attackers," Luce asked, voice steady.
Mr. Goh's expression hardened. "Luce, if you had paid attention in class instead of wasting time daydreaming, you'd know that Koi Var, the original leader of the Five, burnt all the evidence before he was captured by the authorities—hoping to remove suspicion from his comrades," he said sharply, his tone dripping with disdain. "But I suppose it's too much to expect from you to remember that. Now, if there are no more questions about the homework, kindly move your lazy self out of my class."
Almost as if on cue, the school bell rang, and noise and excited chatter filled the hallways as students prepared to head home for the week.
Luce packed his belongings and headed toward his locker. As he was placing his books inside, he was suddenly pulled backward, and his locker door slammed shut.
"Hey, egghead. Do you honestly think those so-called superpowered freaks are heroes? HA! If they're so great, let's see them save your sorry ass from getting crushed," a rough voice sneered. A figure loomed over Luce, sneering as he raised his fist and delivered a harsh punch across his jaw. Without hesitation, he kicked Luce in the chest, causing him to stumble backward. Just as a third blow was about to land, a loud cough interrupted the assault.
Standing nearby was a girl with blonde hair, dressed neatly in a white shirt with a tie and dark blue jeans. She stared sternly at the bullies. "Stop it, or I'll send you straight to the principal's office," she warned firmly.
Fearing suspension or expulsion, the bullies scoffed derisively at Luce and backed away, their eyes full of contempt as they retreated.
"Ello! I'm Sarah the head prefect from your class!" Sarah said with a bright smile on her face. "Are you alright? Here, let me help you up" extending her towards him.
"Yikes! Did you hit the door on your way out of class again?" A boy dressed in a hoodie and bermudas mocked.
"Hardy har har, got into a fight with Jason and friends." Luce sulked as Sarah tended to his injuries.
"Again? That's like the third time this week. But hey, at least you got a beauty tending to your injuries this time. Ever planning on introducing her to me?" the boy said.
"Hiii! I'm Sarah, head prefect of Luce's class. And you are?" Sarah said cheerfully, extending out her hand once more.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Luce's childhood and only friend, Eddy." introduced Eddy.
"Well, you're not his only friend anymore! Let's all be friends. You know what they say, one more friend is one less enemy" Sarah said cleaning up the mess. Without waiting for a reply she left the two to their business.
"Hey, I didn't get your—" Luce started, but was interrupted by the beeping of Eddy's watch. They exchanged a quick, understanding glance, nodded to each other, and quickly slipped out of the school together.
As they hurried away, Eddy grinned and teased, "Honestly, I don't get it. How does a nervous wreck like Luce manage to get so many girls? It's like some kind of magic—either that, or he's got a secret superpower I don't know about!"
"Are you sure the girl is here? We've been searching for a couple of hours now, and there's still no sign of her," Jay asked.
"Well, according to the information from Oracle, she was last spotted here. Oracle said to look for a light-brown building beyond the speedrail station at the end of town," Kayden replied without looking back at Jay.
"That's all? No specific locations or details? Almost every building in this town fits that description," Jay said, puzzled. "By the way, what happened between you two? I haven't seen you guys talk since the—"
The tension in the air thickened as the distant chaos echoed through the uniform blocks of Arce City. Kayden's eyes flicked toward Jay, reading the hesitation etched on his friend's face. The mission was clear: locate and rescue the lost metahuman before the government's patrols could snatch her away. But the scream—sharp and desperate—was a stark reminder that time was running out.
Kayden clenched his fists, voice low but commanding. "We don't have the luxury of hesitation. If that girl's in trouble, we can't just leave her." His gaze hardened. "We're here for her, and not for every one of the lost. We can't afford to turn back now."
Jay hesitated, torn between the mission's strict orders and the moral imperative to help someone in distress. He looked back toward the direction of the scream, then at Kayden, whose expression betrayed a mixture of resolve and concern.
Kayden's jaw tightened as the distant scream pierced the silence of the city, echoing off the cold, concrete facades. His eyes flicked toward Jay, noticing the flicker of hesitation, the flicker of doubt that clouded his friend's face. For a moment, Kayden's mind raced—every second ticking away was another chance for the government patrols to seize the girl, to erase her existence before they even had a shot at saving her.
But beneath his resolve, there was a flicker of conflict. Kayden knew the stakes; he'd seen what the government did to metahumans left behind—hunted, suppressed, erased. They weren't just enemies; they were innocent lives caught in a brutal game. His heart clenched at the thought of her suffering, of the helplessness she must be feeling right now. A voice inside him whispered that they had a mission—an obligation to stay focused, to avoid unnecessary risks that could jeopardize their entire operation. If they got caught, it wouldn't just be her—he could be captured, exposed, and their entire effort to rescue the lost would be thwarted. The mission was clear: find her, then get out. Anything else was a distraction, a gamble with consequences they couldn't afford.
Yet, another part of him—a deeper, more instinctual part—urged him to act. To help. To save a life, regardless of the risks. His eyes darted back to the alleyway where the scream had come from, feeling the weight of helplessness pressing down on him
After a tense moment, Jay nodded, his jaw tightening. "Alright. We do this, but we stay sharp. We don't get caught—either by the government or in a trap. Let's move quickly, but carefully." With that, the duo melted into the shadows, moving swiftly and silently toward the source of the cry. They knew the risks, but their shared commitment to the lost and the hope of saving her outweighed the danger. Their mission had just become personal.
After hours of searching, the duo finally spotted a girl who matched the description provided by APOLLO. Just as Kayden and Jay prepared to pursue her, a piercing scream shattered the silence, followed by the rumble of heavy footsteps—an unmistakable sign that the army had been deployed. Recognizing the familiar and ominous sound, Kayden urged Jay to quicken their pace. Behind them, the Bayonets emerged from the shadows—hulking, relentless machines born for destruction. Their sleek, armored frames gleamed coldly under the dim light, scarred with deep gouges from countless battles. Standing nearly eight feet tall, their limbs fused with brutal efficiency, sharp blade-like appendages jutting from their forearms—razor-edged weapons gleaming menacingly as they moved. Their glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness, scanning with cold, unfeeling intelligence, while low, ominous hums from their vents added to the dread. The metallic click of their joints echoed ominously, each step heavy and deliberate, as if hunting prey with ruthless patience. Knowing these killers had no mercy, Kayden pushed Jay to run faster, desperate to escape the relentless, deadly pursuit of the Bayonets.
"Arghh... where did she put it?" the girl muttered, rummaging frantically through the closet that once belonged to her late parents. Her impatience grew with each passing second, as if time itself was slipping away. After a tense search, she finally found what she was looking for: a rusted silver box embossed with an eagle logo. She hesitated for a moment before opening it, revealing a small black case containing a pair of wireless earbuds. She quickly inserted them into her ears. "How does this junk work?" she whispered, fiddling with the earbuds. As she double-tapped one, a sleek armor began to materialize around her, engraved with the words 'STCA-MK II' on the shoulder pads. Just as the armor was taking shape, a loud knock sounded at the door. Without waiting for the suit to fully finish forming, she leapt through the window, landing feet first on the ground below.
Barely managing to shake the army metal robots off, Kayden and Jay hid behind the elevator.
"We're too late, looks like they found her before we did." Kayden whispered
"I guess we have no choice but to leave her be." Jay let out a heavy sigh.
"No. From the looks of it, they're not bayonetts. Just regular armed guards. Two armed guns with standard taser batons. As long as we catch them by surprise, we should be able to handle them. This should buy the girl enough time to run away." Kayden said glancing upwards from the corner behind the elevator. As the elevator door opened, the duo grabbed the guards by the neck with their arms and pressed their collarbones, knocking them out. Without wasting time, they ran after the girl.
Several blocks away from the chaos, a deafening boom reverberated through the air, causing nearby civilians to scream and scatter in all directions. The girl's heart pounded in her chest as the sounds of destruction echoed behind her. Without hesitation, she clenched her fists and summoned every ounce of strength she had, releasing another powerful blast of sound. But to her horror, the bayonetts—hulking, unyielding—kept coming, seemingly unaffected by her efforts. Their relentless advance grew faster, their heavy footsteps pounding closer with every second.
Panic surged through her veins, but she forced herself to act. Her voice cracked as she screamed, "Get back! Run!" her words barely audible over the chaos. She knew she couldn't hold them off alone—her power was fading, exhaustion weighing her down, her breaths ragged. Still, she pushed herself forward, placing her body between the bayonetts and the fragile child she was desperate to shield.
The girl's vision blurred with tears, but she refused to let them fall, fighting to stay upright. She reached out desperately, clutching the child tighter, her trembling arms trembling with the effort to keep her safe. "I'm… I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you," she choked out, voice thick with anguish. Her tears spilled freely as she closed her eyes, pressing her forehead against the child's tiny head. Her hands trembled violently as she pulled the girl even closer, her body shuddering with silent sobs and sheer desperation.
In that moment, she was willing to sacrifice everything—her strength, her hope, even her life—to ensure the little girl's safety. Her tears bore witness to her mounting despair, yet also to her unwavering resolve in the face of impossible odds.
"3… 2… 1…" the girl counted softly, her eyes closed.
Unexpectedly, nothing happened. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see Jay standing before her—tall and lean, with a lithe build that exuded confidence. His sharp jawline was framed by dark, slightly tousled hair that fell just above his piercing eyes, which shimmered with calm intensity. A faint smirk played on his lips as he effortlessly deflected the incoming bullets, his movements smooth and precise, radiating a sense of control amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, Kayden, Luce, and Eddy bravely stood their ground, fiercely holding off the advancing bayonets with unwavering determination. Their combined efforts created a tense moment of resistance, as they desperately tried to repel the imminent threat and protect their comrades from the relentless assault. Despite the danger and the chaos surrounding them, they continued to fight with the upmost courage and resilience.
"Surprise, hun. Your miracle is here. Now, if you'd be so kind, could you do me a favor and toss something my way? Deflecting bullets with just air isn't very efficient." Waving his arms to track the trajectory, Jay sent the rod flying through the air, smashing the bayonets in its path, demonstrating both his agility and confidence.
"Pleased to meet your acquaintance, the name's Slingshot. And yours?" Jay politely introduced himself to the still shaking girl.
"Hailey. The little girl over here is Kai and we're-"
"Focus, mannerisms can wait till later, we don't have much time till their backup arrives." Kayden said, interrupting Hailey as he sliced apart the last bayonett. Immediately as the last words left his mouth, they were ambushed by multiple new soldiers which had caught them by surprise.
"Under normal circumstances, I would've killed you freaks of nature right here and now but due to some nonsensical law called the 'Gene Replacement Act' you freaks get to live. Sounds like a ticking time bomb if you ask me." A man wearing a full black uniform filled with numerous bages and a silver chest piece growled.
The man stands tall and imposing, his stature accentuated by the sleek, black uniform that molds perfectly to his muscular frame. The fabric is matte, designed for stealth and agility, yet reinforced with subtle armor plating along the shoulders, forearms, and sides, hinting at his readiness for combat. Numerous badges and insignias are affixed across his chest and sleeves—each symbol representing his rank, achievements, or affiliations —adding a layer of authority and history to his appearance. His chest piece, crafted from gleaming silver, contrasts sharply with the dark fabric, serving both as protection and a symbol of rank. It reflects faint light, giving him an almost armored presence. The uniform's high collar frames his chiseled jawline and sharp features, which are set in a grim, unwavering expression. His piercing eyes, cold and calculating, are partially obscured beneath a tactical black visor or mask, which conceals his face further and hints at a no-nonsense attitude. A utility belt with various pouches and weapons hangs low around his waist, ready for quick access. His gloves are reinforced, gripping whatever weaponry he carries—perhaps a high-tech firearm or blade—prepared for imminent conflict. Overall, he exudes authority, discipline, and a dangerous edge, a soldier hardened by countless battles, yet bound by strict laws that restrict his lethal instincts.
In a calm yet menacing tone, he declares, "Oh? Trying to squirm? Escaping is futile you know, these soldiers have been physically enhanced and trained to handle metahumans in the event the Bayonetts are unable to perform their duties." His voice carried an air of confidence and menace, underscoring the lethal efficiency behind his formidable presence.
"Le… Leave us… Alone... " Kai muttered.
"What's that little girl? Didn't your parents teach you to speak up when you talk?" the man said mockingly.
"Oh my bad, they got killed by a bayonett few years back." The man smirked as he approached the kid.
Agitated by the remark, Kai clenched her fists, her brow furrowing with intense concentration. Wisps of shimmering energy spiraled around her as she summoned her telekinesis. With a sudden surge, the surrounding vehicles lifted off the ground, hovering ominously in the air, casting long shadows across the tense scene. Noticing the danger, soldiers nearby quickly responded, deploying tasers in an attempt to subdue her. The electric shock overwhelmed Kai, causing her grip on the telekinetic energy to falter. The hovering vehicles spiraled out of control, crashing into a nearby power plant with a deafening explosion, sparks flying as the structure erupted into chaos.
Seconds before the blast, the suits of Kayden, Jay, Luce, Eddy, and Hailey began to glow with an intense, radiant light—an unmistakable signal that Eddy was preparing to teleport them to safety, away from the impending catastrophe.
"Targets rematerializing in 3...2...1" A woman said as she stared at a computer screen.
The team rematerialised on the ground panting, heart pounding quicker than a race car.
Lying on the ground, Hailey breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"We're finally safe now Kai! We can finally lead the safe and free life mum and dad always told us about."
Silence filled the room as Hailey waited for a reply, a minute passed. Two minutes passed. Three minutes passed. Those around her started growing concerned and stared at one another, debating on who should break the news to her.
"Kai?"
Hailey said worryingly as there was no reply. Looking around, she started getting nervous and walked out of the room calling for her sister and telling her that this wasn't the time for games.
Hailey's voice trembled as she called out again, her heart pounding in her chest. "Kai? Where are you?" The silence was deafening. The once warm and cheerful room now felt cold and empty. She stepped cautiously toward the window, peering outside. The street was eerily quiet, shadows stretching in the fading light. Her mind raced with worst-case scenarios—had something happened to Kai? Had she run away? Or worse, had the soldiers taken her?
A sudden creak from the hallway made Hailey spin around. Her breath hitched as she clutched her chest, trying to steady herself. Slowly, she moved toward the door, each step deliberate and trembling.
"Come on, Kai," she whispered desperately. "Please answer me..."
She approached the door, her heart pounding fiercely. A faint, distant cry reached her ears—a fragile sound that made her hope blossom anew. Her breath hitched. Maybe he was just hiding, playing a game. She pushed the door open gently, her eyes searching desperately. Inside, a group of children looked up at her, but Kai was nowhere to be seen. Her chest ached with a flicker of panic, but she clung to the fragile thought: He's okay. He's safe.
Her mind refused to accept the truth. She told herself over and over: He's probably just hiding. He's clever. He's alive. The faint cry echoed again, softer this time, tugging at her heartstrings. She stepped inside, trembling, scanning every corner, every face—trying to find him, to prove to herself that everything was still alright.
But as the seconds stretched long, the silence that followed the cry grew deafening. Her stomach twisted into knots. Her hands trembled uncontrollably. A cold dread seeped into her bones. Slowly, painfully, she realized the impossible—Kai was not here because he was gone. Dead. The truth hit her like a blow to the chest, knocking the air from her lungs. She hurried back into the main hall, her face twisted with rage and despair. Without hesitation, she raised her voice, loud enough to shake the walls.
"Why didn't you all do more? Why didn't you try harder to save him?!" Her voice cracked with fury, tears blending with her screams.
Her hands trembled as she pointed accusingly at everyone around her. "He's gone because you all failed him! You didn't fight enough! You didn't look hard enough! How could you just stand there and do nothing?"
Her chest heaved with every breath, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger, grief, and blame. She was shouting at the world—and at herself—her voice echoing through the empty space. The pain of loss was sharp and raw, and in her rage, she was blaming Kai himself as much as everyone else.
"Why didn't you try harder, Kai? Why didn't you stay? Why did you leave me?" Her voice broke into a sob, but her anger still burned fiercely, a desperate cry for answers she knew she wouldn't find.
"Don't you dare pretend we didn't try! Given the hell we're in, this is the best we could do—if we hadn't bothered at all, you'd be dead right now. Wake up and smell the damn roses, kid. Life isn't what it used to be. We're in a war for our very survival, and no matter how much you scream or struggle, it doesn't change a damn thing. You can't save everyone—so get over it." Kayden snapped fiercely, his voice dripping with frustration and rage.
A low, menacing voice sliced through the thick air behind them. "Oh, how original coming from someone drowning in blood on their hands."