Chapter 2
[FLASHBACK]
I stood frozen, my 9-year-old frame trembling before my father's towering figure. The Genova pits, a gruesome arena where meta-humans were forged through brutality, surrounded us. Millions of bones, a haunting reminder of the countless lives lost, lay barren and still. The night is alliminated by the 3 moons that revolve around the planet.
"Fight back, Adrian!" my father's voice echoed through the chamber, his purple eyes blazing with an unsettling intensity.
I tried to defend myself, but his augmented strength overwhelmed me. Each blow landed with precision, exploiting my vulnerabilities. My small body crumpled under the onslaught, bones cracking beneath his merciless fists.
"If you're opponent is stronger be faster if his both be smarter, Now get up!" he roared, his foot connecting with my stomach. "You're a Black, a descendant of House Arkhos! You will not be weak!"
I struggled to rise, vision blurring. The stench of death and sweat filled my nostrils. My father's face twisted, a mask of disappointment and rage.
"You're no better than the trash that litters these pits" he spat.
A scream tore from my throat as he unleashed a flurry of punches, each one shattering my resolve. My mind reeled, fragmented thoughts screaming for escape.
Suddenly, a burst of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My meta-genes awakened, fueled by desperation and anguish. I lashed out, fists clenched, and struck back with all my might.
For an instant, our eyes locked, a glimmer of surprise flickering across my father's face.
Then he it twisted once more now excitement filled his face as my fist connected with his face but he barely moved an inch.
A punch then landed right at my stomach and lunched me flying across the room I tried to regain my footing but instead slid on the ground for 7 seconds straight once still I jumped right with all the might my legs could gather because I knew the old man wasn't done
He grabbed on my ankle as he proved my intuition right he was ready to make an wall Adrian abusive father sandwich of me he the slammed me into the concrete but didn't let go and slammed me again and again then finally spiking me to the ground
Pov Cassius Black
I had went too far today Adrian looked blooded and brutalized I could tell he was closer to death today then he was last month
"That's enough for today " he then kicked me up in the air and grabbed on me by the nape and carried me off to the healing pod he looked at his unconscious son
'You might hate me for this but I harbor no ill feelings towards you son grow Adrian, grow into the monster you're meant to be'
[FLASHBACK ENDS]
Atlantis city
Time : 5:56 a.m
Beep beep beep"mhmmm"beep beep" Adrian the finally wakes up to stop the annoying alarm in his head but then goes back to sleep
Beep beep beep "okay godamit " Adrian got outta of bad and for two minutes just focused on the morning waves crushing just outside over the beaches of Atlantis.
He got up and prepared for the day ahead
Getting inside the bathroom he looked at his reflection in the sink his cheeks had returned to normal it heald the night after the encounter thanks to his meta abilities
Though his hands took 2 days to heal my father once said the only way to improve your healing factor is to put it to work and even though I'm meta
I'm only half my body is too prone to damage only way to prevent that is to augment my body to be stronger wait..but stronger for what I know I don't want to be injured but why would I prepare for fights like I'm running around looking for them pshh .ridiculous it's these eyes those eyes his eyes that makes it clear to me I'll never escape his grip and fucked up version of father and son time
Adrian then looked at his reflection in spite and contempt one thought in his mind is what is the purpose of his fight .
Beep my system alerted me of a message sent by an unknown contact
[I'm calling the brain augmentation the system now its basically a A.I in your brain that helps with your daily needs and acts as a cellphone]
Unknown:
I listened to the message while taking a shower and left it on seen as I didn't know what make of the girl how did she get my System address
I got another alert on my system the unknown contact was asking for a video chat not thinking it deep I answered and accepted thinking that it's better to say whatever I wanted to say without over thinking about
"Hello....." she instantly closed the video call "I wonder what's that about " I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my chiseled form for a 15 year old most people would instantly admit that I looked like a professional wrestler in his prime a thin but cut build forged in .....Genova
Adrian breathes in deep and releases it all out "I'm not a weapon for anyone but ...too fight for me is what I feel like will lead me to greatness "Adrian clenched his right fist "I'll need to get stronger not for the empire but so I can forge a reason to fight for my own "His eyes sparked with a flame full determination as he had taken the first step towards what type of person he wants to be
Strong enough to bee completely free
Pov Sophia
Atlantis City
Lost city hotel
Apartment #163
Time :5
Sophia was rolling around her huge bed in embrasment
' A Pervert I didn't think of him as one I thought of him as a skilled young meta-human fulfilling his duty to serve and protect he still might be but....To answer the call of a beautiful girl you barely know deserves some common decency to atleast be dressed before answering '
Her cheeks flushed a light Crimson indicating her embarrassment she couldn't take it anymore only to organize her brain at this point was to confront the problem at its roots
Growing up in Nova Imperial [New Capital]
the second earth in the sky she was raised from a famous House and the up most diligence was needed from her not only by her parents but her friends and teachers to
So she eventually got tired of the constant pressure and ran away for 2 months straight she avoided the Imperial Guards tracking her by using her talent with technology
See Sophia was noted to be the smartest 15 year old in the Nova Imperia [New Empire] history and all her talents where nothing compares to her tech sevy
She had implanted a System augmentation while on her trip away from home and when her family found out she was banished from the capital and from her family
Sophia Cross the second princess of the Nova Imperia she still had her title but was stripped of every authority it came with
She rarely walked in the day time hiding from anyone who would recognize her face
She instead has been searching the underground world of Atlantis for a wonder potion
That's being auctioned for the highest bidder but not anyone can easily aquire said Location of the auction
"Sophia's curiosity about the auction ran deeper. She wondered if the rumored 'wonder potion' was genuinely capable of granting meta-human abilities to ordinary humans, essentially bridging the gap between the two then she needed a potion of her own ." To be stronger to live her live the way she pleased
As a child she yearned to be great warrior queen who fought in the frontier but since the Imperial Family was an non-augmented and pure humane clan she decided in her moments of freedom that she was alive for herself and she decided to fulfill herself is to fulfill every dream and desire she had.
As a child, Sophia dreamed of becoming a legendary warrior queen, conquering and fighting with augmented warriors by her side and the meta humans of Arkhos leading the charge unforgiving frontiers. However, born into the Imperial Family, where tradition demanded purity and rejection of augmentations, her aspirations seemed doomed. But in stolen moments of freedom, Sophia realized she lived for herself, not just her lineage. Embracing this truth, she vowed to pursue every dream and desire, unshackling herself from the expectations of her noble birth.
But to become the great warrior princess she needs to be is power and a road to power has been opened right in front of her the wonder potion
With the wonder potion auction looming, Sophia's determination ignited. Becoming the legendary warrior princess she dreamed of required unparalleled power, and this mysterious elixir promised to unlock it. However, the auction's location remained a frustrating mystery.
Undeterred, Sophia vowed to uncover the final piece of the puzzle. But her last reconnaissance mission had ended in chaos, and she'd narrowly escaped thanks to the timely intervention of the meta-boy,
Their chance encounter left Sophia with more questions than answers. Who was this meta-human who'd saved her? And what drove him to risk his own safety for a stranger?"
And what was his purpose what drove him to do such a selfless deed or was just a hungry beast coming out of its cage
Sophia reflected on their chance encounter. She didn't necessarily need Adrian's help to acquire the meta elixir, but entering the high-stakes auction alone or without good backup would be reckless. The event would attract Atlantis's most notorious criminal masterminds, all vying for one of five elixirs with a starting bid of 500 million Nova credits.
To ensure success, Sophia required a skilled team. She already had three reliable recruits, and Adrian was the final piece. His selfless rescue raised more questions than answers. What drove this meta-human to risk his safety for a stranger? Was it genuine altruism or a hunger for battle?
His swift recovery and abrupt departure only deepened the mystery. Before disappearing into the night, Adrian had declined her offer to seek medical attention, assuring her his wounds would heal on their own.
Determined to understand and recruit him, Sophia utilized her advanced augmentation system to hack into his own system. She sent a message, hoping to eventually persuade him to join her team
But to call him again after dropping the call so suddenly she didn't want to seem like an idiot or desperate so' I'm gonna go to his school and talk to him face to face'
7 hours later
Atlantis Juinor Academy
Here's a polished continuation:
"The bustling school halls swirled around Adrian, but his attention was captivated by the girl standing before him. It was Sophia, the same girl he'd rescued just three days prior. In the daylight, her features stunned him – her elegance and poise eerily reminiscent of the Nova Imperia's Queen.
Sophia's piercing green eyes met Adrian's, and for an instant, they simply stared at each other. The sounds of laughter, chatter, and locker clangs faded into the background.
'Adrian Black,' Sophia said, her voice husky and confident. 'We need to talk.'
Adrian's instincts prickled, sensing more to her words than met the eye. 'About?' he asked, his tone neutral.
Sophia's gaze never wavered. "This isn't the proper place to have a conversation let's talk about this somewhere else "
Adrian's curiosity piqued,But Adrian had a feeling that the girl in front of him was related to the Cross Family
And being a dawg for the empire was not one of his aspirations "Na I'm good " he then walked passed her but she had grabbed his forearm in a attempt to make him stop and listen
" I swear on my life you won't regret this conversation please hear me out if you're the type of person I think you are then you won't regret it"
Here's a continuation:
Adrian's eyes narrowed, his gaze drifting to Sophia's grip on his forearm. Her touch sent a spark through him, but he refused to be swayed.
"Let go," Adrian said, his voice firm but controlled.
Sophia's grip tightened, her eyes burning with determination. "Please, Adrian. This conversation could change everything. For both of us."
Adrian's resolve wavered, intrigued by her conviction. He jerked his arm free, but didn't walk away.
"Follow me," Sophia said, already moving toward the school's east exit.
Adrian hesitated, curiosity getting the better of him. He trailed after Sophia, his senses on high alert.
Outside, Sophia led him to a sleek, black hovercar. The doors slid open, revealing a luxurious interior.
"Get in," Sophia said, her eyes locked on his. "We have a lot to discuss."
Adrian's instincts screamed caution, but his curiosity propelled him forward. He stepped into the hovercar, the doors closing behind him with a soft hiss the car then drove off
Inside the hovercar it you could cut the tension with a knife Adrian had enough of the murky silence and decided to say something
"Talk"
Elsewhere
*Dr. Elara Black's Laboratory in the Athena Academy*
*Time: 3:47 PM, same day as Adrian and Sophia's meeting*
Dr. Elara Black stood poised, her slender figure enveloped in a crisp white lab coat, its pristine folds accentuating her tireless dedication. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back in sleek, straight locks, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her sharp jawline. Her warm, brown eyes – a deep, rich chocolate – gleamed with exhaustion and determination, the fine lines etched around them testifying to countless sleepless nights.
Her features, chiseled and refined, conveyed a sense of elegance and intelligence. High cheekbones, a petite nose, and full lips pressed together in focus, radiated an aura of quiet confidence. A few stray strands of hair had escaped her neat bun, framing her face with soft, wispy tendrils.
As she gazed at the holographic display projecting the Eclipse code, her eyes sparkled with an unyielding passion, fueled by her unwavering pursuit of innovation. The laboratory's soft hum and gentle whir of machinery provided a soothing background melody, harmonizing with Elara's intense focus.
Elara's slender fingers danced across the console, adjusting parameters and testing hypotheses. 3 years of trial and error had led to this moment.
"Almost there," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the equipment's gentle hum.
Suddenly, the holographic display flickered, and the Eclipse code rearranged itself. Elara's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in triumph.
The breakthrough was monumental. Elara had discovered the stabilizing sequence, tailored specifically to Adrian's unique genetic makeup.
She recorded her findings, excitement coursing through her veins. This would change everything.
*Eclipse Log Entry 80347*
"Breakthrough achieved. Stabilizing sequence compatible with Adrian's meta-gene and augmented DNA. Implementation preparation begins. Potential outcomes:
1. Enhanced cognitive and physical abilities.
2. Amplified meta-human traits.
3. Unpredictable interactions with existing augmentations.
4.Here's a detailed concept for the Eclipse system's growth program:
Eclipse Growth Program
The Eclipse system features an adaptive growth program, allowing users to gradually increase their abilities through a structured progression. This program ensures stable and controlled enhancements, minimizing risks associated with rapid power
Progression Mechanics
1. Experience Points (XP): Users earn XP through various activities, such as training, missions, and challenges.
2. Leveling System: Accumulated XP determines the user's level, unlocking new abilities and enhancements.
3. Ability Trees: Users can choose from multiple ability paths, tailoring their growth to suit their preferences.
4. Neural Synchronization: Eclipse adjusts its enhancements based on user performance, ensuring optimal growth.
Evolution Program Phases
1. Initialization (Alpha Tier): Eclipse integrates with the user's neural network, establishing a foundation for growth.
2. Acceleration (Beta Tier): Enhancements accelerate, focusing on cognitive and physical upgrades.
3. Stabilization (Gamma Tier): Eclipse fine-tunes enhancements, ensuring stability and control.
4. Optimization (Delta Tier): Users refine their abilities, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Transcendence (Omega Tier): Eclipse unlocks the user's full potential, granting unparalleled power
Adrian's Potential
As Adrian's unique genetic makeup makes him an ideal candidate for Eclipse, his growth program will be tailored to his specific needs and abilities.
Risks:
1. Overexertion: Rushing through the growth program can lead to instability and burnout.
2. Ability Imbalance: Focusing too heavily on one aspect can create vulnerabilities.
3. Neural Overload: Excessive growth can strain the user's neural network.. Systemic instability.
4. Uncontrolled power surges.
5. Psychological impact.
Next steps:
1. Finalize implementation protocol.
2. Schedule procedure with Adrian.
3. Monitor and adjust as necessary."
Elara saved the entry, her mind racing with the possibilities. She couldn't wait to share the news with Adrian.
Meanwhile, Adrian's life was about to take a dramatic turn, unaware of the revolutionary breakthrough his mother had just achieved .