The clones swarmed like locusts.
Each one wore your face—twisted reflections of your strength, your speed, your decisions. But they lacked one thing you held dear.
Will.
You moved first, striking the closest with a spinning kick. It blocked — barely — but you could already feel your Adaptation surging.
[Adaptation Level 1 → 2 Unlocked]– Reaction time increased by 20%– Tactical foresight boosted– Partial immunity to copied abilities gained
You ducked low as one clone lunged from behind. You grabbed its wrist, twisted it, and used its momentum to hurl it into two others.
Daredevil was a whirlwind of precision. Batons cracking ribs. He didn't speak, didn't hesitate. He knew this was your battle — and he had your back.
Spider-Man zipped overhead, webbing two clones into a pillar, then flipping back into the fray. "You weren't kidding — these things fight like you with caffeine and rage!"
"I don't fight that stiff," you muttered, dodging another roundhouse from a clone.
You focused and reached out with your inner sense. You didn't just fight anymore — you read the patterns.
Every movement, every shift of muscle fibre, every ounce of energy they exerted — your body was logging, learning, optimising.
One clone aimed a blast of energy — a mimicry of your Pulse Wave. But your body adjusted before it even fired.
You dashed in and slammed your palm into its chest, triggering Arc Discharge at point-blank range.
It flew across the lab, circuits sparking.
A voice echoed above.
Phantom.
"Impressive. Your power is blooming faster than projected. But let's remove the distractions."
A pulse surged from the ceiling. Daredevil dropped to his knees, gripping his head. Spider-Man staggered, clutching at his mask.
You felt the edges of the pulse but resisted it.
[Adaptation Immunity Triggered: Neural Interference Reduced]
"Neuroshock field," Phantom announced. "Effective on baseline minds. You, however…"
You stood tall, eyes narrowing.
"Still standing," you said, cracking your neck.
Phantom appeared at the far end of the chamber — this time, descending from the shadows.
No mask.
No distortion.
A man.
Tall. Scarred jaw. One eye glowing silver.
"You wanted a face?" he said. "Then face your origin."
You frowned.
"…What?"
He stepped forward.
"I'm not your creator. I'm your predecessor. Project Echo wasn't just about you. I was the alpha test."