Myles's eyes widened in surprise. Agent Mane was a legendary operative who had vanished into the shadows several years ago. He was known for his unparalleled combat skills, tactical expertise, and unwavering loyalty to the agency.
"Agent Mane?" Myles said, his voice filled with curiosity.
Nylar nodded. "Yes. Many believed he was dead, but our intel suggests otherwise. Our satellite recently picked up traces of the radiation he emits when he uses his powers in the lower part of a partly wrecked city. He's still alive and operating in the shadows being careful not to draw attention to himself."
Myles leaned closer to the holographic image, studying the figure of Agent Mane. "But why bring him back now?"
Nylar's eyes gleamed with confidence. " Something big is coming Myles, I don't know what it is but I can feel it, We're gonna need all the help we can get. If there's anyone that can help us, it's gonna be someone we can trust."
Myles felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins. He knew that the stakes were high, and the threat posed by Denumbit was greater than ever. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Alright," Myles said, his voice steady. "It's time figure out what's going on."
Nylar nodded, a resolute expression on his face. "Agreed. We need to establish contact with Mane discreetly, ensuring that we avoid attracting attention. I will provide you with the necessary information and coordinates. Once you locate him, try to bring him in. We have a lot to discuss and plan," Nylar stated.
Myles clenched his fists, brimming with determination for the mission ahead. "Consider it done," he declared, his eyes burning with resolve.
As Nylar transferred the intelligence to Myles' AI assistant, 'Stiles,' Myles mentally prepared himself for the imminent journey. He understood that the path ahead would be treacherous.
Proceeding to the gear room, Myles equipped himself with his renowned 'Nitro Mech-Suit.' This black and red bulletproof suit now boasted several modified accessories. His hands were adorned with charged alloyed bracers, tightly connected to his palms and knuckles. A slim strap, resembling a backpack strap, wrapped around his arms, providing support and ease of movement. The black combat trousers featured an additional compartment on the sides to house various accessories, while the metallic helmet boasted a black face-length visor with expressive LED eyes integrated into it.
Following the provided intel, Myles set off and arrived at an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. With heightened senses, he stealthily infiltrated the premises under the shroud of darkness, evading the active surveillance system comprised of multiple cameras scattered throughout the building.
To his astonishment, the seemingly deserted warehouse revealed itself to be a hub of activity. Echoing voices resonated from within as Myles navigated the corridors, his senses on high alert. Intrigued, he delved deeper, discovering hidden chambers concealed within the warehouse's labyrinthine layout.
Standing atop a metallic support beam, overlooking the floor below, Myles crouched as he observed a group of thugs tormenting a defenseless man. One of the figures in the distance, filled with anger, threw a punch at the man's jaw, while the victim, battered and chained to a steel pillar, gasped for air. Another hooded figure approached, brandishing a knife and ruthlessly slashing the man's chest, causing blood to gush out relentlessly.
Myles stood there, stunned by the horrifying scene unfolding beneath him.
As the thugs walked away, leaving the man to bleed out, Myles leaped from the beam and rushed to the victim's side. To his surprise, the man raised his head and took a labored breath—he was still alive. Though pale and weakened, he slowly began to heal the inflicted wounds.
The man was one of the anomalies, like Myles, affected by the ethereal energy dispersion.
"I know you, Agent Nitro. You... you're like me," the man uttered, struggling to catch his breath.
"What happened to you?" Myles inquired with genuine concern.
"These scum..." the man spat out blood, his voice strained. "They call themselves 'The Hood.' They despise us anomalies. Their leader, Pyro, hunts down and exterminates anyone like us, considering us a disease, the cursed ones."
"My friend and I happened upon this facility during a stroll. We heard screams emanating from within and burst in, finding a group of thugs attempting to traffic kidnapped teenagers for ammunition funds. Thanks to my friend's special ability, we managed to stop them and rescue the teens. I was ambushed two days ago and brought here for disrupting their operations," the man explained.
"Wait, back up a moment. Your friend, who is he?" Myles inquired, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"His name is Jonathan Mane," the man responded, struggling to speak. "He possesses the power to shape and manipulate a substance that oozes from his pores."
"Agent Mane! Of course, the distinct radiation emitted from his body must have triggered a signal on the CREED satellite!" Myles exclaimed, connecting the dots. "Do you have any idea where he might be?"
"I'm not entirely sure of his current whereabouts. We met at a community service program a week ago, and we haven't had much communication since then," the man replied.
"However, I do recall him mentioning a presentation he had with the board of a renowned innovation company uptown. He's expected to be there tomorrow," he added.
"Uptown? That would be District Incorporations," Myles affirmed, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Thank you for the information. Now, let's get you out of here," Myles said firmly, gripping the loose chain and effortlessly snapping it apart. The man fell to the ground, his battered body relieved of the restraints.
"I didn't catch your name," Myles noted.
"It's Mark," the man grumbled.
Just then, the thugs began returning to the scene. "It's time to get ride of these guys," Myles declared. He tapped a utility hatch on the side of his trousers, releasing tiny circular disk like devices into his hands. Strategically, he threw them into the corners of the building, preparing for their escape.
"What are those?" Mark asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You wouldn't want to stick around to find out. Come on," Myles replied, lifting Mark onto his shoulders. With a powerful leap, Myles clung onto the beam he had descended from, then swiftly made his way back to the exit, carrying the wounded man to safety.
Moments later, a deafening explosion rocked the earth as the abandoned warehouse—the Hood's base of operations—crumbled to the ground, burying the hoodlums within its wreckage.
"Now, that's tech you won't find in the military," Myles remarked, relieved to have escaped the imminent danger. He and Mark moved away from the crumbling building, seeking refuge and medical aid for Mark's injuries.