Chapter Three.
"They call themselves the Magician Hats, and according to our sources, they have at least twelve members, though there may be more. We don't know the specifics of their powers, but one thing is certain: they are extremely dangerous. This new villain organization infiltrated Celestus Academy, known for its tight security and defenses. Furthermore, the instructors are top, renowned heroes who attempted to fight these villains. However, the Magician Hats managed to escape unscathed, even in the presence of the number one hero, Herman," reported a female news anchor in a white blouse under a dark blue blazer, seated behind a table with papers in hand.
Beside her, a male anchor in a black suit stared solemnly at the camera. "They attempted to kidnap the Mayor of Sentinel City's daughter, and though their plan failed, Dianne was left heavily injured. Their true motives remain unknown; they're a mysterious group, leaving us with countless questions. It has been two weeks since the tragedy, with hundreds of innocents perishing from the ten plasma bombs, raising the Magician Hats' threat level to a 'City Tier.'"
"This has prompted a citywide investigation, led by Herman the World Breaker, along with other top heroes. What is their purpose? Why did they attack the academy? Is this a declaration of war, or are they simply 'introducing' themselves?..."
The reporters' voices echoed from the screen mounted in the top right corner of a room.
Echo leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head, watching the broadcast. The news replayed the events of that day—the welcoming ceremony turned tragedy—without seeming to run out of angles to report.
He sat in a large lecture hall designated for Section F, the section for non-powered or "Normal Heroes." Like him, the other students were watching the news, their faces somber and serious.
Two weeks had passed since the plasma bombs exploded at Celestus Academy, killing hundreds, including some from his section. Probably around five of them, reducing their numbers and making this vast lecture hall feel emptier.
Echo Maxwell glanced outside and saw advanced drones carrying building materials. In the distance, a building damaged by one of the blasts was being repaired as drones flitted around it, piecing walls and glass together.
The academy wasted no time in repairing its buildings, especially those essential for ongoing operations, including the hall they were currently in. It wouldn't be long before Celestus returned to its previous state.
But Echo expected them to increase security—a move any sensible institution would make.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed nearby, followed by the sound of a seat creaking as if a bulldozer was settling in. Turning to his right, Maxwell saw Eugene the Warhammer taking his seat.
The moment Eugene sat down, Echo felt as though the floor beneath them was about to collapse.
"Hello," Echo greeted with a smile.
"What's up," Eugene smiled back before turning to the news. A few moments later, he shook his head. "Magician Hats… they're good, aren't they?"
Echo couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. "Yup."
"The moment they appeared in this city, they only made small moves, but their presence was enough to get the city's attention. And after their last act, I think the Mayor will put them as a top priority, especially after they tried to kidnap Dianne," Eugene said, his rough voice drawing the attention of others before they refocused on the screen.
The "small moves" the big fellow was referring to were Prestige and his members' calculated ways of announcing themselves to the city. They wouldn't be known as a Villain Organization if no one was aware of their existence. And with Dr. Seraphine Vale's request for materials, they'd infiltrated some of the Feral Haulers with Untamed products to aid in her research and experiments.
"You seem to know a lot about this new villain organization," Echo replied, staring straight into the big man's eyes.
"Haha, of course!" The Warhammer pounded his chest with his right hand. "I've spent the past two weeks reading up on them!"
"You must be a fan," Echo said, hoping Eugene's answer would satisfy him.
"Nah," Eugene shook his head. "I just like knowing more about villains. I'm a hero, and the more information I have on enemies, the more likely I am to survive. Being powerless, literally, we're more vulnerable, right?"
"Haha, you're right. We don't have powers, so we have to rely on our wits to fight them," Echo nodded, slightly disappointed that the big guy wasn't one of their fans.
"Right, right! But it's kind of sad," Eugene's voice lowered. "Villains are really ruthless. They don't care about the innocent at all, they just do whatever they want without considering others' lives."
Echo didn't reply, merely glancing at the person beside him.
"Oh, have you heard the rumor?" Eugene's eyes brightened as he looked at Echo, bringing up another subject.
"What rumor?" Echo asked, realizing the big fellow was quite talkative, which his other persona would definitely like.
"You heard Dianne was almost kidnapped by those magicians, right?"
"I heard about it. So this rumor concerns her?" Echo asked.
"Yes, they say a student helped her escape. This 'savior' fought one of those magicians and then brought her to safety," Eugene clenched his fist. "Ah, that's some fairy tale sh*t, I should have been the one to do it!"
"You?" Echo Maxwell chuckled. "You wouldn't have survived."
"Hahaha," The Warhammer laughed. "I know, which is why I'd have run. I'm not like those Fated Heroes—they're monsters."
"They're brave," Echo commented, recalling that they were the only students who stayed and decided to help that day. "Probably the reason they deserve that title."
"I'm brave too, you know!" Eugene flexed his muscle—or rather, fat—on his right arm. "See this? This could take on any one of those magicians! Especially the leader of the Magician Hats, Super Duper!"
"Super Duper? That's a cringe *ss name. Who came up with that?" Maxwell asked with a frown.
"Carlo came up with it. He's been more popular since he started spreading stories about what happened that day," Eugene put a hand under his chin. "I think it's a pretty cool name. Super Duper—a fitting name for a villain who duped the number one hero, don't you think?"
"Well, when you put it like that… I guess it's alright," Echo muttered, glancing at the distant building as the corner of his lips turned up slightly.