"Your priorities are skewed," Bella says, her voice firm. "Focus on the task at hand."
I nod, knowing she's right. "Fine, no funny business," I say, trying to sound more serious than I feel. We walk through the gleaming streets, the buildings towering above us like a crystal forest. Everything's so clean it's almost eerie—like nobody's ever spilled a soda or tossed a piece of trash here.
As we pass a row of stores, my eyes catch the glow of a neon sign that reads "Power+". The kiosks lining the street are like vending machines for the supernatural—each one offering a different power-up or upgrade. A blend of excitement and curiosity lights up my face. "What's this?" I ask, pointing to one.
Bella's eyes follow my gaze, and she nods. "Those are the G.O.D AI's way of distributing power-ups to the inhabitants of the simulation," she explains. "They are controlled substances, regulated by the system to maintain balance."
"So, it's like a cosmic candy store," I say, a grin spreading across my face. "I've got to check it out."
"Only after you've completed your training," she reminds me, her tone brooking no argument. "But, for now, let's focus on your current abilities."
With a sigh, I concede, turning my attention back to the rooftop. I spread my arms, feeling the wind rush beneath them as I take off into the sky. The rush of adrenaline is incredible, the city sprawling out beneath me like a toy set. I can see every detail—the tiny people, the cars that look like ants scurrying along the streets, and the occasional flash of power that lights up a building.
"So, what's the plan?" I ask Bella, the wind whipping through my hair. "Just dive in and start playing superhero?"
Her response is immediate. "No, Kyle. We must be strategic. Your goal is to blend in, learn the city's layout, and understand the power dynamics before engaging in any battles."
"But Bella, I've got the power of a god and the charm of a devil," I protest, a cocky smile spreading across my face. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"A lot," she says, her voice cold and firm. "This is not a game. You must be prepared."
I roll my eyes but know she's right. "Okay, okay," I relent, swooping down closer to the buildings. "So, what's the first step?"
"Observation," she says. "Find a vantage point and watch. Take note of who's fighting who, and why. We need to identify the key players in the city's power structure."
I land on the edge of a skyscraper, the gleaming glass reflecting the setting sun. The city is alive with energy—both the electric kind and the superhuman kind. "Alright," I murmur, leaning against the railing. "Let's see what we've got."
The battles are intense, a blur of color and sound. I spot a group of heroes fighting a giant robot—easy enough to figure out who's on the side of good there. But in the alleyways, it's more complicated—shady figures with glowing eyes, dueling with shadows that seem to come alive. "Who are these guys?" I ask Bella, pointing at the shadowy figures.
"Unknown," she replies. "Their power signatures do not match any known heroes or villains."
I lean in closer, watching as one of them throws a punch that sends a car flying into the side of a building. "Looks like we've got some new players," I murmur.
Bella's voice is tense in my ear. "We must be cautious, Kyle. The G.O.D AI's experiments are unpredictable."
But I'm already lost in the sights and sounds of the city. The neon lights flash in a symphony of color, bouncing off the gleaming metal and glass of the skyscrapers. The air is thick with energy, and I can almost taste the power that sizzles around me.
As I wander, I spot a woman in a tight leather outfit, her hair fluttering in the breeze. She's casually lifting a display case with her mind, plucking out a necklace as if it were a daisy. Her movements are so fluid, so natural, that for a moment, I forget about the ticking clock in my head.
Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and she raises an eyebrow. "Lost, tourist?" she asks, her voice a mix of amusement and challenge.
I grin back, the charm coming to me as easily as breathing. "Nah, just admiring the local talent," I say, gesturing to the floating case.
Her gaze sharpens, and she lets the case drop with a clatter. "What's your game?" she asks, stepping closer. "You got three seconds before I turn this into a 'you've got a crush' situation with a side of 'you're gonna get your ass kicked.'"
"Chill," I say, holding up my hands. "I'm just a new guy in town, trying to get the lay of the land."
She narrows her eyes but doesn't attack, and I take that as an invitation to keep talking. "What's your power?" I ask, genuinely curious.
Her smirk turns into a full-blown smile. "Telekinesis," she says, flipping the necklace around her finger. "But you've got more than that going on, don't you?"
"Maybe," I say, winking. "But I'm just a simple guy with a simple need."
Bella's voice cuts through the chatter in my ear. "You have 16 hours, 32 minutes, and 15 seconds, Kyle," she says, her tone stern. "Do not forget your primary directive."
The woman's smile falters, and she looks at me, her eyes scanning me up and down. "You're not from around here, are you?" she asks, her voice softer now.
"Nope," I reply. "Fresh meat."
Her eyes widen as she takes in my muscular frame, the confidence that radiates from me like an aura. "Fresh meat," she repeats, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "I'm Lila. Welcome to the jungle."
"Kyle," I say, extending a hand. She takes it, and the moment our palms touch, I feel a spark—like static electricity, but it's more than that. It's a connection, a thread of power that sizzles between us.
"So, Kyle," she says, her voice a purr, "What can you do?"
I wink and flex my fingers. A car, parked a few feet away, lifts into the air, hovering as if suspended by invisible strings. The crowd gasps, and for a moment, I'm the center of attention. "Just a little party trick," I say, casually tossing the car aside like it's made of paper. It crashes into a dumpster with a satisfying crunch.