July 15, 2012 — Secret Surgery Room — 8:30 AM
The room was cold and emotionless. The lab was pristine, the fluorescent lights reflecting off the metal and glass surfaces. The smell of sterility in the air was suffocating. Rex lay on the operating table, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he felt the weight of what was about to happen. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain the power he had always wanted. But at the same time, the fear of losing control consumed him.
Radcliffe stood beside the table, his posture firm and his gaze serious. He seemed more like a shadow than a real person, his expression unreadable.
"Relax, Rex," said Radcliffe, trying to ease the young man. "It'll be quick. You'll get used to it."
Rex didn't respond. He wanted to, but fear was evident in his eyes. Radcliffe already knew that — but he wasn't the type to offer emotional support.
The lead surgeon entered the room — a stern-faced man with no patience, dressed in a white lab coat. He glanced briefly at the monitors, then gestured for the procedure to begin.
"Let's begin," the scientist commanded with a clipped tone.
Rex barely had time to think before he felt the prick of the needle. The anesthesia surged through his veins, quickly dulling his senses. He allowed himself to fall into a deep sleep, fully aware that when he woke up, nothing would be the same.
Several hours later...
Rex awoke slowly. The room seemed to spin around him, his mind foggy. But something felt different. He sensed something in his body — something powerful. His eyes opened gradually, and he found himself in a new room, now fully awake.
"What... happened?" Rex asked, his voice hoarse and confused.
The scientist stood by the bed, observing him with a stern expression.
"The surgery was successful. The implants were completed. You now have power," the scientist said flatly, devoid of empathy.
Radcliffe entered the room at that moment, his presence as cold as ever.
"Now, we test," said Radcliffe, his voice devoid of emotion.
Rex looked at his hands, feeling the energy pulsing within them. He was curious, but also unsure of what exactly he could do. The scientist watched him closely, still showing no sign of sympathy.
"Control is what you need. Don't abuse this power," the scientist said, his tone strict. "The last thing we need is another experimental failure."
Already tired of all the warnings, Rex looked at the scientist and smirked arrogantly.
"Experimental failure? I'm the one in control now," Rex said, mocking and full of renewed confidence.
Before the scientist could respond, Rex raised one hand, creating a small energy burst in his palm. The energy was concentrated and caused no damage, but when he noticed the scientist's gas mask, a mischievous grin crossed his face.
With a quick motion, Rex fired a focused blast at the mask. The explosion caused no real harm, but the impact knocked the mask off, making the scientist stumble back.
The scientist stared at him, clearly irritated but also surprised by the force of the attack.
"You think this is a game, kid?" the scientist growled. "This kind of power needs to be controlled."
Rex just laughed, giving him a cocky stare.
"Sorry, I just wanted to see what else I can do. But don't worry, you're safe... for now. I wouldn't want to ruin the fun too soon," Rex said with a mocking tone.
Radcliffe watched it all in silence, his face impassive, but with a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"You're in control, Rex," said Radcliffe with a faint smile. "Now use it wisely. There won't be room for mistakes from here on."
The scientist looked like he wanted to argue, but he knew Rex had just shown enough to prove he was holding the reins — at least for now.
Rex stared at his hands, feeling the power growing within him. He knew this was only the beginning. He had what he wanted. Now, it was time to see how far he could go.
Far from there…July 17, 2012 — GDA Training Base — 10:45 AM
The young team of heroes was once again gathered at the GDA training field. Mirage observed everything with her calm demeanor and sharp gaze, ready to guide the new recruits. Vortex, with his usual irreverence, leaned casually against a wall, barely pretending to be interested. Reflex stood a step behind, silently absorbing every detail.
The three new recruits were ready to show what they could do. Kiana, about 14 or 15 years old, had hair so light it was nearly white, contrasting with her darker eyebrows and storm-gray eyes. Her presence was calm and focused. Her chosen hero name was Silver. Next was another girl — Ghost Girl — 14 years old, with dark blonde hair and light brown eyes. Last was Andrey, 17, with light brown hair and blue eyes, who went by the hero name Atlas.
Ghost Girl was supposed to be the first to demonstrate her powers, but Kiana noticed she was a bit uncomfortable. Without hesitation, Kiana stepped forward.
Mirage nodded for her to begin.
Kiana took a deep breath and smoothly drew a knife from her pocket. She darted toward a training target, showcasing superhuman strength, speed, and reflexes.
Mirage immediately noticed her fluid movements, already impressed by her control. Before she could comment, Kiana's next action caught everyone's attention.
Kiana stopped three meters away from the target, crouched, and scooped up some sand from the ground.
"That's it? Is she going to throw sand in the enemy's eyes now?" Vortex said sarcastically.
After touching the sand with her left hand, a swirl of grains lifted into the air, surrounding her knife. In one rapid motion, she lunged at the target, driving the knife into it alongside a powerful burst of sand.
Kiana gave a quick wink in the direction of Ghost Girl and Vortex.
Vortex eyed her from head to toe, clearly intrigued, though he refused to show it.
"I take it back — but your knife's still stuck and the target has some leftovers." He smirked, trying not to lose face but clearly impressed.
Kiana smiled, raised her hand shoulder-high, and, without turning around, summoned the knife back to her hand. It sliced off the remaining part of the target cleanly before flying perfectly into her grip.
Vortex was speechless.
"Wow…" Ghost Girl murmured.
"Just so you know, I can use more than just sand. I've got synergy with any element for quick attacks." Kiana said, her stance never breaking.
Mirage, still watching, commented,"Very good, Silver. Now we need to work on team-based applications. Stay fast, but don't lose your calm. That final move was just for show — avoid that in real combat."
Kiana nodded, accepting the feedback.
Mirage signaled for Ghost Girl to step forward.
She moved into position, still uncomfortable in her new hero outfit — it was her first time wearing one.
Her body began to fade. In seconds, she was completely invisible. No one could see her — not even reflections in the nearby water.
"Now you see me, now you don't," Ghost Girl said, her voice echoing around the field with no visible source. She was focused, testing her control over her invisibility, but would occasionally flicker back into view.
"Very good, Ghost Girl. Now try moving fast. Invisibility is useful, but it can't be your only trick — and it needs to remain active in motion," Mirage encouraged.
Ghost Girl began moving, running and jumping. She demonstrated physical ability well above that of an average adult, though her invisibility still broke at times, revealing her form mid-motion.
"Looks like you've got more than invisibility, but still need practice," Mirage said with a soft smile, never taking her eyes off the girl.
"What do you mean more?" Ghost Girl asked, unaware of her full potential.
Mirage approached her calmly.
"The performance you just showed — your speed and strength — exceed a normal person's. You're new to this, but there's potential."
Ghost Girl smiled back, returning to her spot with a bit more confidence.
"That's it?" Andrey's voice broke in, arms crossed.
Mirage turned to him, her expression serious.
"Alright. Let's see what Atlas can do."
Andrey, with his trademark confidence, stepped forward. At 17, his presence was imposing — arrogant even — as if he already owned the room, he was the only one who didn't even bother to hide his identity.
Mirage watched as he took his position. He moved slowly, deliberately, exuding certainty. Vortex barely looked, but Reflex's focus sharpened.
When the signal came, Andrey dashed forward with staggering speed, almost too fast to follow. When he landed, the ground cracked under the force. Then, he floated a meter off the ground.
"I can fly, too. I'm obviously the best here," Atlas said, flashing an arrogant grin at the others.
Reflex, watching silently, didn't hold back.
"He's strong, but his ego is bigger than the planet."
Mirage remained quiet, but she knew the real test was still to come — control.
"Let's see if you can maintain that power, Atlas," she said evenly.
Atlas just chuckled and braced himself.
He turned and punched the ground. The sheer force shattered the earth, leaving deep fissures.
"Impressive…" Vortex muttered, part mockery, part admiration.
"It's not just strength — it's control, Atlas," Mirage said calmly, her voice firm. "If you can't control it, you'll destroy everything around you."
Andrey laughed, arrogantly.
"Control? I trained my whole damn life. I don't need more of it." With a swift move, a red glow lit up his eyes. He fired a laser beam, slicing through a metal pillar and every surrounding target with ease.
The sound echoed through the training field.
"You know… They said I'd get paid well. That's why I'm here." Andrey added, clearly unimpressed.
Mirage stepped closer, studying him.
"You can manipulate energy. Now let's see how well you handle it in real situations."
At the edge of the field, Jenny (Reflex) stood next to Silver and Ghost Girl.
"He's cute, but what a pain in the ass," Reflex commented.
Silver and Ghost Girl laughed.
Meanwhile, in a more distant observation room, Cecil and Donald watched with files in hand. Cosmic was present as well, more as company than as an analyst. They were evaluating the new recruits, and Cecil couldn't ignore the skill gaps.
"Silver is promising. Ghost Girl too, but she needs better control," Cecil said, flipping through her file. "Invisibility's great, but she needs more field-ready execution."
Donald, pragmatic as ever, nodded.
"Considering she just discovered her powers, she did well. Now she just needs refinement."
"She and her mother believed she was a normal girl until recently. They only agreed to this if we kept her identity confidential," Cecil added.
"Sir, does she know the origin of her powers?" Donald asked.
Cecil walked over with several files in hand.
"She has no idea, but I found a connection too strong to ignore." His voice was serious as he laid down the documents.
"Look at their birth dates and the medical teams. Dr. Mikhail was involved in every single one."
Donald's face tightened.
"Dr. Gero Mikhail… the lunatic who experimented on pregnant women?"
"Exactly. And we don't even know how many births he's been involved in — or how many he altered."
Cosmic looked over the files, visibly disturbed.
"Why would anyone experiment on someone carrying life?" he asked solemnly.
Cecil leaned back, tone cold.
"Let's just say Earth went through wars. Those wars sparked a power race between nations. That led to the genetic experiments of the '80s and '90s. Most of them failed — including Mikhail's. He's been locked up for over a decade."
"But if she has powers, doesn't that mean Mikhail succeeded?" Cosmic asked.
"Until now, none of the experiments had results. That's why we weren't tracking them. But then something else happened… and it's too much of a coincidence. Remember July 2010? The -20 dB Crisis?"
Donald leaned in.
"Yes sir, the energy analysis confirmed it wasn't from Earth. But what does that have to do with Mikhail?"
Cecil pointed to the medical records.
"On the day of the -20 dB Crisis, all of the recruits here — except Atlas — were taken to hospitals with unexplained high fevers. The fever vanished without medical cause."
He added:
"We detected a burst of energy from Cosmic's location and a few others. Do you remember that?"
"Yes. What I felt that day… was the Void," Cosmic said, lost in thought.
"Could it have been a Fragment of the Void?" Cecil asked directly.
Cosmic got up and looked out the window toward the trainees.
"Maybe. But there are no other fragments near Earth. And I don't sense Void energy in any of them."
They remained in contemplative silence until a loud sound from the field snapped them back.
Cecil's eyes narrowed. It was Andrey.
"This kid… Andrey, son of a Russian spy, right?" Cecil muttered. "He's got everything — super strength, speed, x-ray vision, flight, laser eyes… But that ego's going to be a problem."
Donald raised a brow.
"You think his ego makes him a threat?"
Cecil gave a bitter smile.
"It's not fear. To be a hero, he'll need to learn humility. If he can't work with others, he'll be dangerous."
Donald nodded, watching Andrey show off.
"He's a weapon. If he learns control, we'll have something powerful. But the real question is… can he choose to use it for good?"
He leaned forward, scanning Andrey's file.
"From lab rat to fugitive — raised in Russian labs, escaped during an attack, made it to the U.S. Now he's looking for something. Maybe his mother."
Cecil remained still, eyes on the field.
"We need more than power. We need heroes with heart. And right now, that's not a guarantee."
As the young team continued to train — with Ghost Girl, Silver, and Atlas pushing their limits — a feeling hung in the air.
Something bigger was coming. The pieces were moving.A new generation of heroes was forming.But what would happen when they faced a real threat?
No one knew yet.
Emotions in the Void
August 2012 — Chicago Secondary School — 10:45 AM
It was just another regular day at school, with the last class period nearing its end and students already mentally checked out, ready for the weekend. Kai and Mark were sitting side by side in the cafeteria, as usual. Mark leaned on Kai a bit more than usual to deal with small daily tasks. It wasn't uncommon for Mark to ask for help with simple things like math problems or understanding something he couldn't grasp right away.
"Hey Kai, can you give me a hand here? I can't make sense of this!" Mark said, frowning at the algebra exercise.
Kai glanced at the page and quickly explained the problem while Mark scribbled down notes, still looking confused. For Mark, having his brother nearby was like having extra support for all the little obstacles he encountered. For Kai, it was starting to feel like a burden — a growing sense that maybe he wasn't giving Mark enough space to become more independent.
"Here, Mark, you just solve it like this..." Kai explained patiently, pointing at the solution. Mark blinked, a look of relief on his face as he tried to process it.
"You're amazing, Kai! I don't know what I'd do without you, seriously," Mark said, smiling as he patted his brother's shoulder.
Kai gave a forced smile, trying to hide his discomfort. He knew he was always there for Mark, but something inside him had begun to question just how much he should be involved. Maybe it's time he started standing on his own...
At the table next to them, Becky and July were chatting quietly. Becky, her eyes subtly drifting toward Mark, made a casual comment to July.
"My mom's decided — I'm going to the same all-girls school as you. She insisted it'd be good for us to stick together, and I agreed," Becky said with a shy smile. But something in her eyes betrayed a bit of apprehension.
July looked at her, visibly excited.
"That's great! It's gonna be nice to be at the same school. My mom's already excited. It'll be a new beginning — and we'll be together, right?"
Becky smiled nervously. She glanced at Mark briefly but said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Derick, who had been sitting a little further away, suddenly walked over. He looked at everyone at the table and spoke with a laid-back tone:
"I'm going to a private school in Milford. My mom thought it'd be better, you know, with all this change happening and stuff. It's not much different from public school, but I figured it'd be good to take things a bit more seriously," Derick explained, sounding almost like he was justifying himself.
The mood at the table grew a bit heavy, silence hanging in the air for a few moments. Becky looked at July, who seemed thoughtful. Mark, sensing the tension, decided to lighten the mood with his usual upbeat energy.
"Hey guys, come on! Look on the bright side! We'll still see each other after school like always, right?" Mark said with a cheerful grin, trying to lift everyone's spirits.
His words brought some relief to the group, but underneath it all, something lingered between Becky and July. Both girls seemed more distracted than usual, their eyes drifting toward Mark without really knowing how to deal with what they felt. Becky, in particular, was confused. She knew she liked Mark, but she had no idea how to act — especially knowing that July seemed to feel the same way. She didn't want their friendship to suffer, but her feelings for Mark were becoming harder and harder to ignore.
July, on the other hand, tried to hide her emotions. She kept a shy smile on her face as she looked at Mark, her cheeks slightly flushed. But the uncertainty of how to express herself kept her quiet. She liked Mark too — but knowing Becky might feel the same made her even more hesitant. She was scared that making a move could ruin their friendship, and that fear held her back.
Mark, completely unaware of the growing tension, kept chatting away, excited by his own attempt to keep things positive.
Becky looked at July and whispered, trying to ease some of the pressure in the air:
"I hope we can still keep things the way they are... without this changing anything between us."
July gave a soft smile and nodded, though her eyes were filled with doubt. She didn't want anything to change either, but the weight of her feelings for Mark — and the realization that Becky was likely feeling the same — made everything harder.
The situation was clear: things were changing. And even if Mark's words tried to soften the blow, nothing would stay the same. Their friendship was about to be tested by emotions that hadn't yet been voiced.
And those feelings — tangled, confusing, and deep — would linger for a long time.
Chicago Secondary School — August 2012, a few days later...
The sound of chatter and laughter echoed through the hallways as students made their way to class. Kai walked at a relaxed pace, the sound of his shoes clicking slightly louder than normal due to his almost lazy rhythm. The school was in full swing, and as always, he felt a little out of place. Not because he was unpopular — he already knew that wasn't it — but because everything felt so pointless, repetitive. It was all just so tedious.
That's when he heard a voice call his name.
"Hey, Kai!" It was Becky. She was with July. Both of them looked a bit nervous, but also determined.
He stopped, almost reluctantly, and looked at them. Their eyes were cast downward, but he could tell they were tense. It was obvious, and for some reason, he felt like he already knew exactly what they wanted.
"What now?" Kai asked, leaning against the wall. He tried to mask his indifference, but he was already starting to feel bothered. He didn't want to be the center of attention, but he knew he was about to be.
Becky, with a timid look, was the first to speak:
"Kai, we need... we need to talk to you about something." She glanced at July, who also seemed hesitant. "It's about... Mark."
Kai raised an eyebrow. He had zero interest in teenage drama, but he knew he had a role to play here, as always. Life never seemed to go any other way.
"Okay, just spit it out. What do you want?" he asked, sounding impatient but still calm.
July took a deep breath, like she was gathering the courage to say something she knew wouldn't be easy.
"We... well, we both like Mark. And we don't know what to do about it." She finally lifted her eyes to him. "We want to know what you think, what we should do. How can we deal with this?"
Kai made a vague expression — something between disdain and understanding. He felt the weight of the moment, but at the same time, he knew he wasn't going to get too involved. He'd been through this kind of situation countless times in his past life, and things never really changed. Same questions, same dilemmas, always the same cycle.
"Oh. That." Kai replied with a sigh. "Look, I'm not exactly the best person for this kind of advice, you know? It's not that I don't care, it's just... it's all so... predictable."
He leaned back more comfortably against the wall and looked at them, trying to find the right words — but without wanting to sound like some sentimental counselor. Deep down, he knew what they needed to hear wasn't what they wanted to hear.
"Here's a tip, Becky, July... Life — especially this kind of 'liking someone' stuff — is never as simple as it looks. There's no magic formula. Mark... he's a nice guy, right? But the dude doesn't even realize you two have feelings for him." He paused, watching their reactions, then continued. "And he's gonna stay like that. He's the type who can't see what's right in front of him. I've seen it before — it's a cycle that never ends. This isn't the kind of drama that suddenly changes."
The two girls looked at each other, processing his words. Kai knew this wasn't what they'd been hoping to hear, but he also knew it was what they needed. He took a deep breath, staring into the distance for a moment, as if reflecting on his own life.
"So what should you do? I don't know. But I do know that forcing something that isn't going to happen is just a recipe for heartbreak." Kai shrugged lightly. "Maybe it's best to take a step back. If he's into one of you, it'll happen in his own way — not the way you want it to."
Becky looked a little disappointed, but July nodded slowly, taking it in. They stayed quiet, maybe expecting more advice, but Kai wasn't about to give them a motivational speech.
"The important thing is — don't get lost in this, okay? Don't let yourselves get stuck in a fantasy. Mark is a good guy, but he's also immature. He's not looking at anything beyond his own little world. And no matter how much you care, you both have more important things to think about. Like growing, improving yourselves, and figuring life out independently." He paused and looked at them with a bit more softness, though still maintaining his distant tone. "Don't wait for him to sort himself out for your sake. Because if you're counting on that... you'll be waiting forever."
Becky sighed, and July gave a small smile, but Kai's words had hit home.
"Thanks, Kai... I'm not sure if that helps much, but... thank you," Becky said, still trying to digest it all.
Kai gave a faint smile — the kind only he could give. The kind that said he already knew exactly how it was all going to end, but wouldn't lift a finger to stop it.
"Don't expect too much from me. Just... move on, don't stay stuck because of this," he said, turning to leave.
They both knew he was right, in a way. And what came next would be, as always, just a matter of time.
Before Kai walked off, Becky called out to him.
"You try so hard to act like you're not... but you're a good guy, Kai," Becky said.
"Cut it out. I'm not," Kai replied quickly in his usual calm, bored tone, without even turning around.
July chimed in right after.
"You are! And you always know exactly what to say," she said warmly.
Kai waved without looking back, raised a hand to his forehead, and continued on his way to class.
Time, Heroes, and Zombies
August 14, 2012 – Training with Cosmic – 1:35 AM
The night sky was clear, with the moon shining brightly — typical for the desert climate where they usually trained. The ground was still, except for the rustling wind and the occasional buzz through the sparse grass and trees nearby.
The training field remained calm, but the intensity between Kai and Cosmic gave the air a heavier density. Kai moved with precision and fluidity, focusing entirely on mastering his powers.
He activated Blue. Energy expanded around his body, and with a single, deliberate motion, he funneled it into his legs. Combining Blue with Mugen, his speed surged. He shot forward, the field around him blurring as if he was breaking the horizon.
The acceleration was impressive, but exhaustion quickly followed. The toll of using both Blue and Mugen drained his reserves rapidly. His muscles tightened as the energy waned, almost as if the Void itself was clinging to his body for stability. He couldn't maintain it much longer.
Panting, Kai slowed down and stumbled slightly, eventually leaning against a nearby metal column to keep from falling.
Cosmic remained silent, watching — not judging, just observing.
"Good speed. You can already use that for short bursts," Cosmic said calmly, his voice soft and measured. "You could maintain it longer if you control how much energy you're using. That's good, but… you seem to be pushing yourself harder than usual lately. Don't overdo it."
Kai nodded, still catching his breath.
"I know. I just... wanted to see what I could do." His voice carried its usual bored tone, his eyes distant. "I already know it's dangerous."
Cosmic smiled gently, no trace of criticism.
"It's not always about pushing to the limit. But it's good you're testing them. It almost seems like the empty soul from your past life is finding something. What's been motivating you?"
The truth was that Kai didn't know either. The boredom with the world was constant, and everything felt meaningless. He started to reflect on Cosmic's question...
Maybe that girl with the pink light powers... maybe protecting Debbie and Mark... or maybe just remembering that accident years ago.
But before he could draw a conclusion, something pulsed inside him. His eyes lit up in an intense blue glow. The Void within him began to stir.
He didn't even realize what was happening until—
Reality started to slow.
The world around him began to stop. The field, the pillars, the grass... everything seemed frozen. He stood there, unmoving, as if reality itself was being distorted. He looked at his hands, seeing energy concentrate around them in a new way — but it wasn't something he had planned.
Time itself stilled.
Kai remained still, his vision warping around him. The energy concentrated at his core, manifesting beyond his control. When he turned to Cosmic, even his movements had started to slow.
A sharp pressure surged through Kai's head. The exhaustion was overwhelming — every second felt like dragging a mountain. He could move, but each inch cost him the strength of running a marathon. He had to stop. He tried — but couldn't.
Suddenly, Cosmic appeared before him, straining against the pressure. The Void was affecting him too, but his unique form — composed of Void energy — gave him an edge.
Cosmic placed a hand on Kai's back, absorbing part of his energy. Using that fraction, he unraveled what Kai had done.
Reality snapped back.
Kai collapsed.
Three hours later...
He opened his eyes slowly, pain throbbing in his head. It felt like his body had been drained, his muscles ached, and his mind was foggy.
Cosmic crouched next to him, supporting him with a serious look.
"That was risky," he said calmly, but with a touch of concern. "You activated the power of the void unintentionally. And that... could have killed you. Your body wasn't ready for that amount of energy... Your hair is white again."
Kai barely lifted his gaze.
"I don't know what happened... I didn't do anything... I just... couldn't stop it."
Cosmic nodded empathetically.
"I know. What you did... that's what I felt when I arrived on Earth. You froze time in a localized zone. The Void inside you is powerful — volatile. I had to absorb part of it to shut it down — before it was too late."
Kai's eyes widened.
"I stopped time?"
"Only in a small area. I've only seen that happen when my people used Void fragments. Without the fragments, it was impossible even for the strongest of my kind... It was as if you placed your perception of the Void, expanded it onto reality, and externalized all the Void within you. What you did was dangerous. But also... incredible," Cosmic admitted, concern laced with curiosity.
Kai sighed.
"Testing limits until I almost die. At least you were here... thanks for that."
He tried to sit up, groaning in pain.
"You used my energy to save me?"
Cosmic gave a faint smile.
"Yes. I had thought about the possibility of absorbing the void energy inside you... But we had no way of knowing what would happen." Cosmic looked at one of his hands before continuing.
"It was different — like absorbing a minimal-intensity fragment of the void. Your energy is similar to the fragments my people used."
Kai didn't respond. He was still trying to recover.
Cosmic paused before continuing."However, absorbing your energy, even in a controlled way, accelerated your exhaustion impressively... You were out for three hours."
Kai, now trying to gather himself, looked at Cosmic, still trying to process everything."So this is... what? What does that mean?"
Cosmic sighed, glancing at the horizon before turning back to him."The power you have... You already know that when used in excess, it overloads your body and drains you much faster. When I absorbed your energy, the drain happened ten times faster than if you had just used it directly. If I had kept absorbing, you probably wouldn't have survived. But I had no choice — in that situation, you were almost killing yourself."
Kai looked more confused than ever, but also relieved it hadn't been fatal."And what happens now? So I stopped time in an area around us... How do I control that?"
Cosmic chuckled lightly, as if he had expected the question."What you have now is far more complicated than you think. I was only able to move because my body is made of void energy. But that area you created, even for a few seconds... More resistant bodies might endure it, but wouldn't be able to move. As for regular people... seconds would be enough to fry their brains."
Kai put his hands on his head, trying to ease the pain."So... I turned from a Viltrumite into a zombie frying brains?" he said sarcastically, clearly still in pain.
Cosmic laughed...
"I can help you understand the basics, but the control will have to come from you. You need to learn how to manage your energy. I had no idea you could access the void to this extent. The most important thing now is knowing when not to use what you have. Even after mastering it, the strongest of my people with a fragment of the void could only handle ten minutes at most — and you can't activate that around others without thinking of the consequences."
Kai nodded, still trying to absorb everything."You saved me this time, but if it happens again, I won't know how to stop it."
Cosmic stood up and stepped back a little, giving him space to process."You don't need to know everything now, Kai. But you do need to learn how to work with what you've got. It's not just about power. You'll discover what it means to be stronger... when you know when to use your power — and how to activate it."
Kai took a deep breath, still feeling the weight of the moment. He wanted something simpler, more immediate. But he knew the answers wouldn't come that easily.
"Great... More riddles," Kai said, his tone both tired and sarcastic.
Cosmic looked at him once more with a subtle smile."I believe in you. You'll figure out how to use it properly. You need to find a trigger within yourself to stop it."
"What a pain. Everything gets more complicated just when I think it's starting to simplify," Kai said in his usual bored tone — and then added,"Thanks, Cosmic. You're the friend I never had. Even counting the other life..."
Cosmic nodded silently.
Kai looked up at the sky, feeling a bit lighter, though burdened by the sense that his path had just become even more complicated. He had more to learn, but one thing was clear: he was no longer alone.
The training field still stretched far around them, but the tension had subsided somewhat after the incident with Kai's power. The dust was settling, and while Kai recovered from exhaustion, Cosmic watched attentively—more at ease, though his gaze remained enigmatic.
"What do you think of the young team?" Cosmic asked, breaking the silence, his words calm and unhurried. He didn't need a quick answer—he seemed more interested in reflection than in Kai's immediate opinion.
Kai, still catching his breath, sat on the edge of a rock, his tone as indifferent as always.
"Honestly? I don't really care," Kai replied lazily, eyes fixed on the void. "But… if I'm going to do something, I want it to be more than just sitting back while the world burns."
Cosmic raised an eyebrow, a soft smile forming, but didn't rush to reply. He was already used to Kai's tone—the weariness of life disguised as apathy.
"Vortex, Reflex, Silver, Ghost Girl, and Atlas…" Cosmic began, listing each member of the team carefully. "It was interesting to observe them. Vortex can control wind—fast and strong—but a bit undisciplined. Reflex can create clones, which is a great asset, but his control needs serious work. Silver's a white-haired girl who surprised everyone with her skill using a blade—very promising, though inexperienced. Ghost Girl, as you can imagine, has invisibility and moves unseen, but her enhanced agility and strength still need training. And Atlas… well, Atlas has strength, speed, and he can fly like you. But his stamina is greater."
Kai listened, though his mind wandered. He wasn't eager to get deeply involved, but something about this still held his attention. He was trying to understand how each of them fit into the bigger picture. It wasn't about being a hero. It was about control. About not losing himself in a world always on the edge of disaster.
"You really think I should join them?" Kai asked, already knowing the answer but not caring to avoid the question.
Cosmic observed him in silence for a moment, sensing the weight behind Kai's detachment. He knew Kai was more concerned about being dragged into something out of his control than connecting with others.
"I think, eventually, you'll have to get involved. But I'm not saying to join them. I'm saying… understand when it's the right time to act," Cosmic said calmly. "Sometimes, all you need is the right opportunity."
Kai was quiet for a few seconds, processing that. He knew Cosmic was right, but didn't want to admit it. This wasn't just about fighting. It was deeper—something he wasn't ready to face yet.
"I just don't want to be… a hero. Heroes have brightness and willpower, like that girl with the pink light powers. I lost that a long time ago… back when I worked in a filthy office world." Kai's voice was steady, calm. "I'll do what's necessary. But not more than that."
Cosmic smiled softly, his expression gentle but full of knowing—like he had seen this before.
"Maybe one day, you won't have a choice."
Kai looked up, still pensive.
"You know, I've been thinking… Maybe you could help me. After all, you're working with the GDA now, aren't you?"
"You have something in mind?" Cosmic asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, if I'm going to move without drawing attention, I think a simple outfit might help. Nothing flashy like a superhero costume."
"So… a colorful outfit with cape and boots?" Cosmic teased with a mischievous grin.
Kai quickly fired back with a smirk.
"Don't start. Something black. A mask that covers from the nose down… something simple but effective."
Kai paused for a moment, something forming in his mind.
"And… a ring or bracelet like yours. Something I could use to change my hair color… Your bracelet changes your whole appearance to look human." Kai added, his hand running through his hair. "I need to hide the white that appears when I use the void too much. Dyeing it twice a month isn't working anymore."
Cosmic gave a light smile.
"I'll try to get that for you, but it won't be easy to convince Cecil without revealing who you are. He's been trying to find out who the blue-eyed boy is for a while now—especially after you saved Vortex. You can't stay in the shadows forever. You'll have to step out eventually."
Kai shook his head, the weariness transforming into something deeper—like he was starting to understand that nothing would ever be simple.
"Yeah. Maybe… But before going down that path, I need to understand who we're really dealing with." Kai said with a faint smile, though his eyes were fixed on the thought of facing a real challenge.
Then Kai looked at Cosmic, a genuine question forming in his mind.
"Atlas… how strong is he compared to me?"
Cosmic didn't rush to answer, instead glancing to the side as if recalling the training field where Atlas had shown off with arrogant movements.
"Atlas has the same strength you have right now. Physically—brute force, speed—you're similar. But he's got more stamina," Cosmic explained. "He can use his powers longer, without getting exhausted like you do when you use the void. He doesn't burn out as fast."
Kai was silent, absorbing it. He knew stamina was a Viltrumite strength, and that using the void wore him out—but hearing this about Atlas brought a new perspective.
"And… he can fly like me, right?" Kai asked, already imagining what else Atlas could do.
"Yes, he can fly. But he can also shoot laser beams from his eyes," Cosmic added. "Which, honestly, can be pretty annoying. But it doesn't make him stronger than you—especially with your void powers."
Kai remained thoughtful, processing everything. He then asked something more subtle, almost pretending not to care.
"What if I compared him to my father?"
Cosmic looked at him with a knowing, ironic smile, already understanding where Kai was going.
"If I had to guess based on what I've seen from Atlas—he's nowhere near Omni-Man, even when your father's holding back. He's a force of nature. Atlas… doesn't come close," Cosmic said calmly. "Still, his eye lasers could be a problem."
Kai reflected on that. It placed Atlas in a very different light—and Nolan in one even harder to reach.
"So, what you're saying is… he has powers and stamina like a Viltrumite, but he's not one," Kai murmured, mostly to himself.
"Exactly. Very powerful. But he seems to have a problematic personality. He could be a threat if left unchecked," Cosmic added calmly. "In any case, the only reason you're on equal footing is because your Viltrumite powers aren't fully awakened."
Kai stood in silence for a while. It was a big revelation—but in the end, the real question was whether Atlas would be a threat on their side or not.
"Interesting," Kai said at last, thoughtful—but already shifting focus. "But I still have to figure out my own path."
Cosmic just looked at him, sensing that Kai was closer to unlocking his truth than he realized.
Some time later, it was late—or rather, early—and both of them flew off into the sky, still heading the same way.
"I'm curious about something," Cosmic said as he caught up with Kai, who was flying a bit slower.
Kai glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"You rarely mention other people… Who's this heroine with the pink light powers?" Cosmic asked, clearly intrigued.
Kai didn't reply right away. His gaze was distant, as if considering it—but not wanting to give it too much weight. He didn't know why she came to mind. Maybe because her presence reminded him of a younger version of himself in a past life.
"I don't know. Just a girl I've seen a few times. Coincidence."
"But you seem to know more than you're saying," Cosmic said, studying him.
Still serious, Kai answered in his usual calm tone.
"She… has an interesting kind of power. I always seem to see her in the most unexpected moments. But no, it's nothing special."
"I see..." Cosmic said, accepting the clarity in Kai's answer. "I'll try to get that suit for you. See you next time, Kai."
"Don't expect a thank you," Kai shouted back with an ironic tone and a faint smile.
A few seconds later, they parted ways in the sky, each flying their own path, as always.
The distance between them grew—but between their souls, a silent, growing bond had already formed. For two empty souls, an unlikely friendship was becoming real.
As he flew home, Kai realized he had to make a quick detour...
"Damn it, it's been a while… Gotta dye my hair again," he muttered to himself, heading toward a 24-hour drugstore one more time.
Interlude – Explosive Strike
September 15, 2012 – Omaha, Nebraska
The bus rumbled as it rolled down the quiet roads of the American Midwest. The trip was long, but Rex didn't mind. His thoughts were focused on something far more important than the journey itself: his first real mission.
At 15 years old, Rex was much more than just an average teenager. The training with Radcliffe had prepared him for a life he didn't choose—but one that was now becoming his reality. He was heading to Omaha, where a target was to be eliminated. The mission was simple—or at least, it was supposed to be. A terrorist. A man who, according to Radcliffe, was responsible for multiple terrorist cells spread across the country. He was in Omaha, disguised as an ordinary local resident. Rex's objective? Find him, confirm his identity, and eliminate him.
Radcliffe hadn't said much else. "Simple and direct," as he always put it. But Rex knew that there was always more hidden beneath things that appeared simple.
When the bus finally stopped at the Omaha station, Rex didn't waste time getting off. He wore simple, ordinary clothes and kept his gaze distant, avoiding attracting attention from anyone around. At that moment, he was just another kid in town. The mission had begun.
The station clock read 10:30 AM, and Rex already had his target in mind. He knew the man could be found in a middle-class neighborhood, frequenting a local café. The terrorist's identity—a man named Samuel Vick—had been confirmed, but what Radcliffe hadn't explained was why he was so far from his usual cell. That didn't matter to Rex. The mission was clear.
Rex walked down the main street with a backpack on his shoulder, scanning for any sign of Vick. He made sure not to rush. Missions weren't to be rushed. Not everything in life was a sprint. He knew how to work fast, but he also knew that patience was a vital tool. His eyes swept over the street, shop doors, building fronts… until he saw the café.
It was busy. Rex wasn't fazed. The man was there, alone, holding a newspaper. He seemed to be waiting for something—but Rex knew that fate was much closer than Vick realized.
This wouldn't be easy. The building had a constant flow of people. He had to wait for the right moment. No rushing. The target had two close friends sitting at a nearby table, and Rex had to act with precision.
He entered the café wearing a baseball cap, keeping a low profile. He sat at a table far from the target.
After several minutes of observation, the tension began to rise. Rex started to sweat. He pulled a baseball out of his backpack with trembling hands and made a small gesture. Energy began to concentrate around the ball, and the tension within his own body grew heavier. He knew what had to be done—but he couldn't afford to fail. A single mistake could mean not just failure, but disaster.
He stood calmly from his table and walked toward where Vick was sitting. The terrorist glanced briefly at him, but Rex was already in control. His muscles were tense—ready.
Before Rex could reach the table, Vick stood to leave the café.
"Damn it…" Rex muttered.
He moved quickly, almost running, and hurled the energized ball toward the man's face.
"Think fast!" shouted Rex.
The target instinctively raised his hand to catch it. A mistake.
The explosion was small but precise. The baseball detonated with incredible force, slamming into the terrorist's face. Vick dropped instantly—incapacitated.
The explosion threw up a cloud of smoke. Screams erupted inside the café.
Rex knew the mission was complete. There was no doubt. The blast had been precise.
He ran straight for the exit. Everything had happened fast enough that the explosion pulled attention away from him.
"Mission complete. Am I a hero now?" he thought, as he moved away from the scene.
As Rex approached the meeting point to get the vehicle Radcliffe had sent, his phone rang. A short call. It was Radcliffe.
"Good work, Rex. Mission successfully completed," said Radcliffe, his voice deep and direct. "There's nothing more to be done. You did well."
Rex, exhausted, allowed himself to relax a bit, listening to Radcliffe's voice.
"Thanks," Rex replied distantly.
He ended the call and looked down the road ahead, seeing the car pulling up toward him. The mission was over. A duty fulfilled—but for the first time, Rex felt something different. It wasn't just another emotionless job. He felt like he was now part of something greater—something that, in some way, was helping the world, despite everything.
As he got into the car and settled into the seat, a brief sense of purpose took hold of him. He didn't know how long it would last, but now, more than ever, he knew the path was forming before him.