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DATE:16th of June, the 70th year after the Coronation
LOCATION: Concord Metropolis
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I was woken up by a familiar girl kissing my neck. It was Alice, wearing an apron over her usual baggie clothes. I wasn't sure. If forgot to close the door or she came across the key for it...
Whatever the case, she had the surprise in her hands. It was a box of cereals. Tubbies? I think they were called. They were small colored grain tubes with "fruit flavors". Apparently they could also have toys in them.
We ate some in the lounge while watching TV. She was going on a monologue about how "I" used to eat them like UltraMan, because we would fight over who got the better toys, or who got the current toy first. You'd thing I was the one supposed to talk about them considering she was monologuing about "my" experiences, but I really have no memories of eating Tubbies when I was young, or any cereals for that matter. Father always said how " I wouldn't deserve the grace of God". Such hypocrisy to bring such a being into discussion when talking about some stupid cereals. He was religious, but in a bad way.
My mother was even worse, going on about how they want to brainwash us with sugary products and chemicals. After growing up I am not sure if she was exactly wrong...
In any case, I wouldn't say Tubbies was a bad product, but as I didn't grow up with them, I can't really say I like the overly processed taste.
Alice seemed to really enjoy them.
But what was more important was what they discussed on TV:
" The comedian escapes prison. Sources say he joined with the Combined gang." Now that was really bad. That was horribly bad. The comedian, or Dovan going by his actual name is one of the biggest terrorists in the history of Concord. I actually don't know why he is called the comedian as he was never stated to make jokes, but in the short short 5 years he was active, he managed to kill the mayor thrice just make a point, to destroy the big seven hero headquarters and to kill more people than I did in 10 lifetimes. His power? It was very well documented. One of the most studied abilities because of its level of the danger.
Anything he touches he can then make explode. The intensity is given by how long he kept the contact with the object.
That is an insanely powerful ability. I remember one time when I was deployed in the Southern desert, He reached headlines by just touching random things on the street and detonating them at the same time. He destroyed 10 city blocks at once.
UltraMan had recently detained him and he was going to be executed, but with the hero now being UltraDead I suppose the Combined gang wanted to recruit more talent. I'm not sure why they are even called a gang, they are a giant Mafia at this point. Seriously, what is SuperiorWoman doing if she managed you to let him escape from one of the highest security prisons?
Perhaps the real joke is how hes still manages to roam the streets?
I get chills from such a revelation. What I managed to arrest together with Alice was just a lieutenant of the Combine gang, a guy called.... Hellraiser? I don't remember. He didn't even have any superpower, but I don't know how he got that unnatural strength.
Going against the real super villain? Yeah I don't think so. Against the comedian I wouldn't be able to escape with my life even with the highest dosage of cocaine. It was just catch me by surprise. And I do not want to become another blood stain on his record.
I need to escape this hole joining the heroes thing.
I look at Alice and she was unusually angry. Like she was actually growing at the screen. Did she have some personal history with the Comedian? I could feel the negativity so I wrap my hand around her waist and drag her closer to me.
"Hey. It's alright. I am here." And that.... Worked? I could feel her calm down as she pulled me for a hug. Yup, she definitely lost someone to the Comedian.
But another matter was at hand. I pull up my phone and contact this inefficient AI.
'So how come this place isn't swarmed with the men after you? It's been a few days already.'
'After observing the advancement of technology, I was able to create a form of V.P.N.'
'Huh? What is that?'
'A virtual private network. I overtook such a service. But what I did isn't exactly that as you usually need a physical server for it. I took diverse IPs from other connected local devices and scrambled this phone's location with them.'
'Wouldn't that still only limit the scrambling to devices in Concord?"
'Yes. But this is just to delay their arrival. I still advise that we leave as far away as possible from here.'
'Can't really do that yet.'
'Is it because of Alice?'
'Kind of.' I hope she won't get to see these conversations, otherwise she would misunderstand my intentions. In any case, I got bored of of this sugar, so I went to my classes and then to train.
Today's session started like most others, but I felt the weight of exhaustion clinging to me as I stood still, feet shoulder-width apart, ready to begin. The air felt a bit heavier, the white room warmer than usual, and I could hear my own breath, shallow, as if my body knew it was about to be tested.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, pulling the air in slow and deliberate. My diaphragm expanded as I counted—one, two, three, four—until my lungs felt full, almost strained. My chest ached for the release, but I held it, focusing on the stillness in my body. It was uncomfortable, but there was a strange calm in that discomfort, like my mind had found a rhythm in the tension.
After what felt like an eternity, I began to exhale, slow and controlled, imagining the air seeping out through a tiny pinhole. It was steady, almost peaceful, even as my muscles relaxed and my body begged to speed up the release. But I didn't. I held the pace, pushing for as much control as possible.
Next, I added resistance. I grabbed a thin straw from the table nearby and repeated the process, breathing in slowly and letting the air out through the narrow opening. The difference was immediate—each breath felt more labored, as if I had to work harder just to let go. My chest tightened, and my lungs felt the strain, but I leaned into it, knowing that's where the progress comes.
Halfway through the session, I introduced movement—holding a plank as I focused on my breathing. The burn in my arms and core combined with the pressure in my lungs was intense, but I held steady. My breath became shallow, but I stayed with it, counting the seconds, forcing myself to stay in control even as my body begged for more air. Every second stretched out, slow and grueling, but I wouldn't let myself break.
When I finally let go, dropping from the plank and releasing the last bit of air, my body felt light, almost weightless. I could feel the fatigue settling in, but there was satisfaction in that. Today, I'd pushed just a little further.
I was getting kind of close to that 4-5 minute goal of mine. Strangely, I seemed to have even more control when under the effect of the mysterious packets from the professor.
The rest of the day was mostly uneventful.
We started preparing for the end of the year celebration and In the evening I watched a movie with Alice in the lounge.
She said it was a "classic" I had to remember from all my childhood, but I had the same problem like with the cereals. How could I fake nostalgia to this level? Was she so naive to not understand how forced I talked about everything? I doubt it. It is that she chooses to be blind. That is why I fear Alice.
What will happen when she opens her eyes?
I went to sleep close to midnight.
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DATE:17th of June, the 70th year after the Coronation
LOCATION: Concord Metropolis
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I felt really refreshed.
Today there wouldn't be any classes!
I got up early and prepared for the festivities. The water was especially cold today, no doubt a lot of the students were also cleaning themselves.
At the end-of-year celebration, all the teachers wore a unified accessory designed specifically for the occasion. The chosen design was a sleek silver pendant in the shape of a laurel wreath, symbolizing both knowledge and accomplishment. Inside the wreath was an emblem of an open book, with a subtle engraving of the school's crest in the center. I think this is a policy from the Unified Kingdom? I am not sure.
We were supposed to wear them over our suits, but I neither had one and also didn't wish to buy such an aged product of fashion.
The end-of-year celebration at Zenik took place in the intimate setting of the school's small theater, a place where the weight of extraordinary abilities felt grounded by its simplicity. The atmosphere was more personal than grand and possibly dissapointment? UltraMan used to come to these events and his cousin, SuperiorWoman didn't bother to come. Well, I suppose I could afford her some slack. She is too busy losing grips with this city.
The stage was modest but well-crafted, with a large banner displaying the academy's insignia—a symbol of strength and unity—hanging proudly in the background. Each student entered the spotlight in turn, their powers subdued for the occasion, honoring the quiet significance of their growth rather than showing off the spectacle of their abilities. They didn't need grand displays here; this was a place of reflection, of family, and of celebrating the challenges they had overcome together.
The teachers sat in the front rows, wearing their laurel-shaped pendants that subtly shimmered under the soft lighting, reflecting the unity of the faculty in guiding these young heroes. The temporary headmaster, the English teacher... I forget her name, delivered a heartfelt speech from the stage, her words focused on the importance of balance—of understanding not just how to wield their powers, but when and why to use them. Strange thing to focus over when their former role model was involved in such a shady cover up. I can feel that sentiment between them, brewing. I suppose this is also a lesson. No matter how powerful you are, some day, some time in the future a drug addict will find you. I honestly don't know why they think of me that way...
Or I do.
When it was time for each student to receive their badge, the room was silent, except for the proud murmurs of parents. There were many heroes in the room. I knew that even if they were in civilian clothes. The badges, designed specifically for this private ceremony, bore not only the academy's emblem but a personalized inscription for each graduate, recognizing their unique strengths and contributions. As the ceremony drew to a close, the students gathered for one last shared moment—no powers, just them, standing as individuals on the edge of their next adventure. They will be the next puddle of terror drowning this city.
Or is the good they may do enough to except them from all the horrible actions? Blazer came from this very Academy. Mr. Perfect also did. Hell, even the Haymaker hailed from this place. What the hell is that supposed to mean about their level?
Sure, some would say those are outliers, broken people not caught by the Sistem, but how is that any excuse? Yakov acts like a killer even now. Silvia's whole gang is made up of these very people, yet they aren't put on any kind of watch. They aren't observed, neither punished. The teachers are so scared to not push these losers away because of their "familial bonds" that they consciously let them become monsters.
Isn't this a horrible Academy? Three of the biggest killers came from this place. They aren't even the only ones....
But whatever. Let's be cheerful for these dangerous students which we care "as of they were our children". Let us praise them and inflate their ego. Let us ignore any kind of humility and drown in the idea that "the world is at our feet". Balance? Such a poignant matter. No, a lamentable one.
This whole festivity is deplorable. I hate it.
At least this is the last day I spend in this horrible place.
After the main event, the parents, some of them representatives from the hero agencies all over the Unified Kingdom, to get her with the teachers, met to negotiate about who gets to recruit which student.
Alice wanted my support, but what exactly was I supposed to do for her? I am not part of her agency. It's Strange that they let a girl with so little backbone manage such an important matter, but I think it just shows how little manpower SuperiorWoman has to spare. Is it arrogance that she doesn't ask for the others help? Or is it because they wouldn't provide any?
That isn't my problem. Or is it? If I were to think about it, if Alice really brings me into her clique I will have to deal with all these active villains. Is that a punishment for what I did? Too late to run away now. I might as well use their support in dealing with the Donn.
So while Alice dealt with that I remembered to call the Changeling. Just as he previously said, I found his.... Her? Number on my desk one evening.
I called and there was a long ring before I got hung up. Just as I was getting bored, a hand wraps around mine. A shiver runs down my spine because the skin was unnaturally cold.
It's the Changeling. I elbow the figure behind me, but it counters by pulling me closer.
The Changeling had a different appearance.
She has striking red hair, falling in loose waves just past her shoulders, with a few strands catching the light like copper. Her pale skin is lightly freckled, especially across her nose and cheeks, giving her a youthful appearance despite being around the late thirties. Her green eyes are sharp and observant, framed by subtle, natural makeup. She has a defined jawline, with a slightly pointed chin, and her lips are painted a soft, muted shade of rose. She stands with confidence, her posture tall and poised, and her style is a blend of modern elegance and casual chic, favoring earthy tones that complement her hair.
"Did Bobba Boo miss me?"
"As if." I pushed her away once again, managing to beat her dexterity.
"I wondered if you ran away."
"There would be no point...." I could see a glimpse of sadness in her eyes.
"Anyhow, let's go for a walk!"
"Sure, but not around here. Too many eyes."
"That.... Is true."We left the Academy and continued our conversation when we got some distance.
"You said you would leave this place after the end of the year, right?"
"Yes, kinda, but it appears that Liliam will more or less forcefully recruit me into UltraMan's league." I could see a hint of stagger in her expression, but I am sure it was faked. Covering her mouth in amazement certainly didn't help me quell this impression.
"I didn't know you two were so chummy."
" Yeah, apparently we are."
" So..." Still covering her face, the Changeling's cheeks reddened, as if embarrassed to continue.
" Did you two.... Do the wanky?" What the hell is is wrong with.... It?
" Do you want me to... Beat you right here?"
At that dare she beamed with confidence and threw her hair back.
" Haha, little man, you only get to touch me when I want you to. Let's not-" I activated my mini BT and threw a hook in her cheek. Her reaction wasn't even close to avoiding it.
Even still, the changeling's superior strength meant she only stumbled a bit backwards instead of falling.
"W-what!? What the heck!" She clutched her cheek, but it wasn't bleeding.
" How could you-just hit a maiden?"
" Bitch, you are the farthest thing from a maiden in this city." I was done with his bullshit.
" Hehh, well, I guess I also like rowdy boys?" It was clear I caught Sophie at a lack of words.
"So did you Fuck yourself this past week or did you progress on finding the Donn?"
"I.... Uhh.... What have you done if you play Mr. Efficient?" These weak ass responses.... The changeling lost it's touch.
"I in fact an working on something."
"Yeah? Impress me."
"You know AI?"
She put her hand in those dense red locks, it seemed like it dissapeared within them.
"Like.... The movies?" I'm sure the Changeling isn't cultured enough to know what I am actually talking about. She is the kind of person who would only watch movies as an excuse to have sex.
" I'm trying to get one online."
" No, wait a second. How?"
" It's complicated, I won't bother to explain the whole thing. Just keep in mind it will take me a while so you should also try something else in the meantime."
"Like what? Mr roboto got promoted to the idea man?" Such a brat. Act your age grandma.
" Can't you infiltrate? What else is your power even good for?"
" If I was enough to do it, I wouldn't need your help Boo."
" I'm not saying to get to the Donn. I will need a phone of one of his agents. Preferably an important one."
"What? You will download his passwords?" She asked that on a sarcastic tone, but I have no idea why. What else would I do with an AI?
"Exactly."
"No way!" I always disliked how false the Changeling acts.
We walked for another half an hour before returning to the Academy for the adult celebration.
I watched the students be picked up by their parents, some for the upcoming holiday and some to never return. Others remained at the campus, either because they will leave later or because they wouldn't do that at all. This Academy is also a solace for superhero refugees.
Afterwords, the teachers and what heroes remained went to the Gymnasium for a little party.
It wasn't as grand as the celebration for the Academy's founding, but the idea that I would finally leave this place at least made me more relaxed.
Alice was tense, and I had the idea it wasn't from the negotiations. Thinking clearly, it could only be that she heard some bad news or... It was because of me. I couldn't imagine any reason for her behavior, except ... Someone saw me leave with Sophie?
Either way this wasn't good. Alice didn't want to talk, but I dragged her outside the Gymnasium. She was very grumpy and I was having a hard time relating this girl to the cheerful one I knew. Perhaps it was her period?
No.
I asked her directly what was happening and my worst thought came through.
She actually was jealous that I left with some girl I saw between the parents.
That is so stupid.
I won't go into detail. I explained how there wasn't anything between us, just that the woman is inappropriate, that she doesn't respect others private space.... Blah blah blah.
I cringed internally with every word, but what point was there to anger my biggest tool at this very moment.
She then went into an outburst about how she felt sorry and how she loved me... What is this scene?
I honestly wanted to kill myself. Was I supposed to say that "I also love her" and place a soft kiss on her lips while I caress her heir to let Alice know how much I love her too, and how.... How..... So stupid. I was too old for this crap. Far too uninvolved to care.
With a neutral tone I told her that "I felt the same". Apparently that was enough. We embraced each other in an "honest" display, where we stayed for a couple more minutes.
Afterwords I suggested that we return to the party.
I was very tired.
When the festivity was finishing, we took our good-byes and went to get our clothes. I had already finished packing mine since the morning, cramming all in a duffle bag, but I had to help Alice with hers for another hour.
What kind of woman is this horrible at housework. Did she live with a Maid? I don't think she was that rich...
Anyway, we took one final goodbye from the teachers in the lounge and went to the car. I was scarred by the look Mr. Perfect gave me. It was so deranged.... And I don't even think it was intentional.
Alice pushed the acceleration pedal like a maniac, speeding through the packed streets.
This is when I remembered I didn't talk with her about where we would be going. It was too late to get my initiation paperwork.
" You don't have an apartment right? I remember you said you were a freelancer."
" No, I don't, why?" I could feel her forming into a ball in the driver's seat. The atmospheric heat of the vehicle rose dramatically. She was blushing.
"Then... How about you live with me?" I wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of spending more time with this girl, but I also didn't exactly have the funds to waste on lodging for the upcoming operation on the Donn.
" Sure. I'd be happy so."
"Y-you would?" I was honestly scared from how much she blushed. Not because I was exactly moved on an emotional level, but she was still speeding above the legal limit and she wasn't looking anymore at the road. Glance at me later dammit!
Our destination was an old, giant structure. It is an antique skyscraper built in the era of the Concordian Nobility. For it's time a marvel, the dates, even if renovated exterior reeks of difference with the glass buildings surrounding it.
The neighborhood is made up of office buildings yet this one is entirely residential. It was so big I wouldn't be surprised if it could house 2000 people between an unknown number of families.
Of course, nowadays they are quite expensive places of residence. Was this a residence she received from her family or was Alice making so much money from Graphic design?
I actually didn't care to ask.
In the past years, some architects managed to swirl an underground parking in between the giant beams used as foundation.
Our next step was to take the elevator. This is the part of the building that looked most antique.
The Balßh Tower, as it was called, had an intricate elevator Sistem based on hidraulic pressure. Alice tried to explain it to me, but it was way out of my comprehension of engineering. It had no electric parts, that is what I understood. This meant that the inside cabins were pitch black if not for some antique oil lamps.
I would argue that such a safety hazard should be replaced, history be damned, but it wasn't really my place to talk. What they found interesting was that it had five elevators. Four small ones for people and one giant thing made to bring luggage. I hear that it is now referred to as the carriage compartment.
We exited on the 13th floor. Her apartment's number was 1313. I hear that in Chou culture it is considered a bad omen. No wonder. Or was it a cursed omen?
She excitedly started a tour of the place.
The apartment looked like a stylish, modern space that anyone might admire. The living room was spacious and decorated in a sleek, minimalist style. It had a large, comfortable sofa, a couple of trendy accent chairs, and a coffee table that seemed to be made of glass and metal. The walls were painted in soft, neutral colors, adorned with abstract art that looked cool but didn't really make sense. I call it presumptuous.
There was a large window that let in plenty of natural light, and you could see the city skyline outside. It felt inviting, yet there was something a bit off about the place—it was too immaculate, like it had never really been lived in. I couldn't help but notice how organized everything was, with not a single item out of place. Especially strange for someone like Alice. The kitchen was equally modern, featuring stainless steel appliances and a sleek island, though it looked like it had hardly been used. That is what I expected. She was more so a "take-out" kind of girl.
In one corner, there was a desk with a high-tech computer setup, full of screens and gadgets that seemed more advanced than what you'd typically find in a home office. It was impressive, but I wondered why anyone would need all that tech just to work from home. The bedroom was simple, with a neatly made bed and a dresser that had a lot of books on top— and I mean it when I say a lot.
Overall, it was a chic apartment that anyone would love to live in, but there was an underlying air of mystery. I could feel that there was more to it than met the eye.
More to me at least.
It was the start of something new.