Atlantis
Time /15:56pm
Date 23 September 22 457
First off proper introductions are needed before we carry on I'm Sophia Cross as might have guessed and you?."
"Adrian Black as I'm sure you already know what do you want"
In Adrian's mind anyone from the great Houses always had a motive that benefited their house and last names and anyone helping was just a pawn in a huge chessboard spanning across the empire
He had already made up his mind that he would be no ones puppet but his own master but curiosity had gotten a hold of him.
He knew a little about the Princess in front of him but her motive he did not
" I like your attitude then I won't waste anymore of your time you see Adrian, there is a auction being held next year January on 17th of 22 458 " Sophia said, her voice low and urgent. "In afore mentioned auction Five meta elixirs will be up for bid at the highest bidder for criminals and a whole lot of rotten apples and I need your help to steal these elixirs."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think I'm interested?"
Sophia's gaze never wavered. "Last time I saw you fight. It obviously wasn't your first time, But in those moments I saw you release a warriors aura and I saw something that reminded me about myself in that energy the urge and will to fight and get stronger if we succeed in this mission Mr Black I promise you can keep an elixir for yourself"
Adrian's mind started spiraling Meta Elixirs it was not the first time hearing about them.His fathers vice in command Daggett Havander a smart and powerful man who understood his father more than he did
A man who would always try and soothe Adrian and try and reassure him that his father really did love him and was doing all that harsh training for a greater reasons I couldn't yet comprehend.
Adrian's thoughts drifted back to Daggett's words
[FLASHBACK]
Adrian lay in the infirmary, his battered body a testament to Genova's unforgiving environment. The planet's toxic air clung to his lungs like a malevolent entity, and the heavy gravity weighed upon him like an anvil. The infirmary's sterile smell and faint hum of life-support machines offered little comfort.
Daggett Havander, a towering figure at 6'4", loomed beside Adrian's bed, his buzz cut and clean-shaven face a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The scientist's navy blue jumpsuit seemed to radiate an aura of authority, its decorations and achievements a reminder of his unwavering dedication.
"Why are we doing this, Doc?" Adrian asked, his voice laced with desperation. "Why suffer in this hellhole?"
Daggett's expression remained resolute, his eyes burning with conviction. "As meta-humans, we're the next step towards perfection. But we're not there yet. We must push forward, evolve. Having our own planet is crucial for our growth."
Adrian's frustration simmered, his anger boiling over like a tempest. "So, we're just pawns for the empire? Forced to become stronger for someone else's benefit?"
Daggett's gaze softened, but his words remained unyielding. "Adrian, the road ahead isn't for the weak. Your father knows that. The empire has expanded for decades, discovering life forms with similar genetic makeup. But in the past 23 years, we've found only lost civilizations, destroyed by something as evil and power-hungry as the empire."
The infirmary's lights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls as the planet's mutated beasts howled in the distance. Adrian's tears of frustration fell, mingling with the sweat on his brow.
"I DON'T CARE!!" Adrian yelled, his voice echoing off the metal walls. "I don't want to be a soldier! I don't know what I'm meant to be, but a killer for the empire isn't it!"
Daggett's calm demeanor remained unwavering, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "Adrian, you're half-meta. The will to fight is ingrained in you. Even without abilities, most half-metas join the military or law enforcement. Your genetic coding drives you to protect. But I've never seen a weaker strain than yours. You must find what you're fighting for, on your own."
The silence that followed hung like a challenge, as if the very fate of Adrian's existence hung in the balance.
Daggett's gaze lingered on Adrian, his expression a mix of concern and calculation. "Adrian, I believe you have potential, despite your... limitations. A Meta Elixir could unlock your true capabilities."
Adrian's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Meta Elixir? You mean those legendary potions that amplify meta-human abilities?"
Daggett nodded. "Yes. With an elixir, you could overcome your weaknesses and become a formidable force. The empire would—"
"I don't care about the empire!" Adrian interrupted, his voice rising. "I care about getting out of this hellhole and living my own life."
Daggett's expression turned solemn. "Adrian, you must understand. The empire needs meta-humans like you. We're on the cusp of a new era, and the elixir could be the key to unlocking our true potential. But I fear it's not just the empire that seeks it."
Adrian's curiosity piqued, despite himself. "What do you mean?"
Daggett leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Rumors speak of rogue factions, hidden organizations seeking to exploit the elixir for their own gain. If they succeed, the consequences would be catastrophic."
Adrian's thoughts swirled with questions and doubts. Could he trust Daggett? What lay beyond Genova's toxic wasteland? And what exactly did Daggett mean by "true potential"?
[FLASHBACK ENDS]
Adrian snapped back to reality not really wanting to think back on those days .the dark days he once thought at some point Genova was gonna be the only thing he knew in life but when his mom came back he left with her
His mom promising to bring me back when I turned 17 but the thing is I don't wanna go back.
Sophia face brimmed with a smile
Sophia's smile hinted at amusement. "I've done my research, Mr. Black. Your... unique circumstances make you an ideal candidate. An elixir could stabilize your meta-gene, unlocking abilities beyond your current limitations."
Adrian's gaze intensified. "And what's in it for you, Princess?"
Sophia's expression turned resolute. "Freedom. With an elixir, I can protect myself and those I care about. The Nova Imperia's constraints won't hold me back."
Adrian sensed sincerity in her words, but experience taught him to beware of hidden agendas.
"I'm listening," Adrian said, his voice measured. "Tell me more about this auction and the players involved."
Sophia nodded, pulling out a small, encrypted data pad. "The auction will be hosted by the infamous underground syndicate, the 'Red Vipers.' They've invited influential figures from various Houses, crime lords, and high-ranking officials."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "And how do you plan to steal the elixirs?"
Sophia's gaze sparkled with determination. "I've been here in Atlantis for the past 2 months building a team to ....how can I say this steal the elixirs ."
Adrian weighed his options. The promise of an elixir and Sophia's conviction intrigued him, but trust didn't come easily.
Sophia's eyebrows arched. "Name them."
"I want to know more about the Red Vipers and the auction's security," Adrian began. "I also want assurance that you're not using me as a pawn for your House's gain."
Sophia nodded, expecting these demands. But Adrian's next condition caught her off guard.
"I want you to enroll me at House Helios Academy next year," he said, his expression unreadable.
Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "House Helios Academy? Mr. Black, that's... unexpected. What makes you want to attend?"
Adrian's gaze remained steady. "Let's just say I have my reasons. Can you make it happen?"
Sophia's mind racing, she hesitated before responding. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. But I must admit, your request raises more questions about you ....swear to me this though this never happened and after the mission you'll never mention it to anyone else ever again. "
The sleek, black sports car glided through the city streets, its autonomous system expertly navigating the evening traffic. Adrian and Sophia sat in the rear seats, facing each other with their legs crossed.
Sophia's mind racing, she hesitated before responding. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. But I must admit, your request raises more questions about you." Her eyes locked onto Adrian's, searching for reassurance.
Adrian's gaze met hers, his expression unreadable. "You want me to swear secrecy?" he asked, his voice low and measured.
Sophia's eyes narrowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want your word, Adrian. This conversation, the auction, our arrangement – it never happened. You'll never breathe a word to anyone."
Adrian's silence stretched, the only sound the soft hum of the car's engine and the gentle whir of its autonomous system. Sophia's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white.
"Fine," Adrian said finally, his voice low. "You have my word. This conversation never happened. After the mission, I'll never mention it again."
Sophia's shoulders relaxed, her gaze returning to Adrian's. "Thank you, Adrian," she said, her voice laced with relief.
The tension between them lingered, a palpable force. Adrian's eyes never left Sophia's face, his thoughts racing with questions.
What secrets was Sophia hiding?
Why was she so desperate for an elixir?
And what lay beneath her determination to keep their arrangement hidden?
The city lights blurred outside, a kaleidoscope of color and shadow. Adrian's instincts screamed caution, but his curiosity had already taken the leap.
Adrian's smile was enigmatic. "All in good time, Princess. Now, tell me more about the Red Vipers and the auction."
Sophia's expression turned thoughtful, her surprise momentarily replaced by curiosity. "Here's the continuation:
Sophia's gaze lingered on Adrian's, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I thought you'd say that. Victor LaGraine's reputation precedes him. He's ruthless, and his connections to the Red Vipers make him nearly untouchable."
Adrian leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Tell me more about the Red Vipers."
Sophia's expression turned serious. "They're a black market syndicate, specializing in high-stakes heists and illicit trades. Victor LaGraine's involvement ensures the auction's security will be top-notch – and brutal."
The autonomous car navigated a sharp turn, its smooth acceleration barely registering with the occupants.
Adrian's eyes never left Sophia's face. "And what's the layout of the auction? How many players can we expect?"
Sophia pulled out a slender data pad from her purse, its screen flickering to life. "The auction will be held at the Lost city Hotel, a high-end establishment with multiple layers of security. We'll be facing at least five other bidders, all with their own agendas."
Adrian's gaze scanned the data pad's contents, his mind racing with strategies. "Who are the other bidders?"
Sophia's voice was measured. "Representatives from the Nova Imperia's top Houses, a few rogue meta-humans, and... someone from the Order of the New Dawn."
Adrian's eyes snapped back to Sophia's. "The Order's involved?"
Sophia nodded. "Yes. They'll stop at nothing to acquire the Meta Elixirs.
Adrian's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "I love a good challenge."