The morning sun, burning my face, woke me up, and unable to keep my dream, I lazily opened my emerald eyes. Yesterday evening was tough. The broker, the hero, and the promise to Iguchi to save the citizens had worn me out. I was overwhelmed by morning hunger, urging me to dive into the refrigerator and devour everything inside like some animal that hadn't eaten in three days. I lazily stretched, watching as my inner symbiote peeked out of my body, greedily studying a book it had found on the shelf.
"Good morning, sinner." This didn't cheer me up, and with a foggy mind, unable to be angry, I merely let out a languid snort, understanding that teasing me in the mornings was a fun tradition.
"You too." With weak legs, I took a few steps until I felt dizzy, causing me to lose my balance and fall to one knee. Pain echoed in my head.
I apply force too often, and my pain resonates in my head. My conscience battles with my mind, staging an imaginary bloody fight. The first insists that we are too cruel and should be merciful to people, while the second urges me to work for results to achieve something and gain new opportunities from my profession as a lyncher. With each passing day, I become more popular, and day by day, people speculate about who is hiding under my mask.
I wasn't concerned then, and I am not now. I do what I think is necessary, and I do not fit into their world. My brutal measures have pushed away many heroes who were even slightly loyal to me. Dizziness in my head, I finally reached the bathroom, and looking at my face in the mirror, I see my dark green hair, always messy. Freckles, four on each cheek, and my emerald eyes, which I inherited from my mother.
I still long to hear her footsteps in the apartment, humming a melody during breakfast. I want to see her caring eyes, which I saw every day at breakfast. She constantly worked for me, trying to support me and ensure I lacked nothing. A caring mother who was taken from me. I don't want to come to terms with this. I demand punishment for him, but the law doesn't always work in my favor and never really has. I remember the day the officer came and told me my mother was dead.
I wished to see that criminal punished to the fullest extent of the law. Sometimes I dream of a nightmare where I see the perpetrator of my tragedy and beat him to near death, waiting for him to plead for mercy, but I whisper to him, "No."
My morning routine is over, and I am ready to fill my stomach not only out of necessity but also to avoid going insane from hunger, becoming a disgusting butcher. A very risky day awaits me, as for the first time in a long time, I will step into the scorching sunlight, meeting crowds of heroes for the first time.
Of course, I must help the gecko named Iguchi, as I promised him, and I feel we will get along well, even though I am not fully aware of his goals. A noble intention to create a shelter for all who are in need, but is he not working for the Miyamoto family?
"Am I capable of stopping him or killing him if he lies to me?"
Too many doubts and questions, but I should help him. Though I am a naive fool, I will not allow myself to be used as a bounty hunter or a sellout. I have my own goals for this shelter, a chance to gain the support of someone who is ready to help everyone else selflessly—truly a noble cause. Many would say he is exploiting you; I want to tell those people that for centuries, people, regardless of the era, have exploited one another.
These thoughts make my head ache more, and hunger urges me to eat something edible. I have become greedier from these powers, but the price is worth it. Worth it, because this power gives me the confidence I have so desperately lacked all this time. I have fought back against people who wiped their feet on me, but I still face bullying on the internet from Real Destros fanatics. While I do not yet have a personal vendetta against this person, the time will come, and I will get to him.
The flash drive given to me by the shadow broker was rather scarce in information. Just one database among dozens, but in "no fish, a crab is fish." I cannot openly break in and cause a ruckus in little China.
Discretion, precision, and speed of action are needed. Perhaps there will be money there with which I can pay off the broker's debt. Some might say it is not heroic to act this way. But I will say, "No one in this world is an angel, not even me."
I am a man made of flesh and blood, and as long as my heart still beats, I will continue to move through this sinful world. One more sinner or one less—what difference does it make? Everything people see is an illusion. They have blindly given their safety to heroes, believing they are obligated to save them from villains.
"Too naive. I was once like that; perhaps I am growing up after gaining confidence?"
Breakfast and lunch were quickly consumed. I satisfied my needs, as well as my friend's. It was delicious, but I have to go to school where Fuyumi is waiting for me. She always delights my eyes. Her sincerity and desire to be the best teacher for her students greatly impress me. But I regret that I won't be in her class today; I will have to sacrifice something.
I put on my black jacket, which has been rather tattered by battles. The collar brushes against my neck, slightly tickling. Before zipping it up, I put on black pants, securing them with a belt. Finally, I looked at myself in the mirror—I looked like an underground bandit, and a moment later, a tentacle wrapped around my head, creating my famous mask with large white lenses. My eyes caught my hands, and I saw them slowly covered in dark slime, turning into dark gloves.
Heading towards the window, my gaze fell on the photographs, and I saw myself as a small child, still full of hope, dressed in a hero's costume. I continued to stare at the pictures in the frames with the people I hold dear, and throwing a glance back at myself, I asked the question, "Is the path to my dream paved this way?"
Preemptively looking out the window for any unwanted faces, I leaped out with a quick motion, challenging the world of heroes in order to save citizens from themselves.
---
**r/PhantomWatch**
**Topic:** Has Silent Phantom completely lost it?! What happened last night?!
---
**u/QuirklessSurvivor**
Guys, did you see what that psycho did yesterday? He didn't just beat heroes and villains; he literally stomped on them! Blood, screams, and that bastard didn't even flinch. This is no longer just revenge; it's some kind of terror.
---
**u/RedestroFan_99**
He did what heroes would never dare to do. These "heroes" are to blame; they humiliated him in front of everyone. He just returned the favor. I'm on his side.
---
**u/AllMight_Fanboy**
Are you crazy? He almost killed Beast! And how he nearly took the life of the hero who shoots lasers from his eyes? Is that normal?!
---
**u/FearfulCitizen**
They say he tracked down a villain who was trying to hide and knocked him out through a store window. I saw that video... People in the comments are calling him the new demon of the city.
---
**u/PhantomHunter_Official**
The hero agency has issued a wanted notice for Silent Phantom. We urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the authorities immediately.
---
**u/Gravitation_sucks678**
He moves very quickly and doesn't answer to anyone—he's too brutal to be a hero.
---
**u/Gyu_nbei999**
He tossed heroes around like little kids. I saw him help a heteromorph and then brutally beat villains. It's truly cruel.
---
**u/Numi_Empror69**
He is unworthy of being a hero. His methods of fighting are too ridiculous to be called heroic. I constantly follow him—when news about him pops up, he appears to be constantly getting into trouble.
---
**u/Ginora_middle141**
I'm afraid to imagine what will happen if he loses his mind and starts maiming all heroes and villains indiscriminately. I'm really scared if he starts attacking ordinary people. I wish they would arrest him soon.
---
The sunlight was shining through one of the diners, marking the morning. Three heroes in their civilian clothes and a former professional heroine sat in their places, waiting for their order. Two women were trying to joke around, attempting to cheer up their colleague, who had been in an extremely depressed state for the past 1.3 months after the death of her nephew.
"Mandalay, it's been a long time since you left our team. Don't you want to come back?" — Tigr tried to bring back an old comrade with caution in his voice but received an ambiguous glance from his old friend.
"..." Mandalay remained silent, unable to squeeze out a single word. Her colleagues looked worriedly at their friend, who still couldn't come to terms with the incident on the bridge.
"We're not forcing you, Mandalay, but we miss you and a strong leader," — Pixie-Bob replied. It hurt her to see their strong leader, who had carried the entire team on her shoulders, unable to lift her head. Listening to all their problems, Mandalay had given them confidence in the future, and now, the three of them were uncertain if they would remain a family.
"Please don't call me by my hero name. My name is Susaki Shino. The hero known as Mandalay will not return." Lowering her gaze to the white table, Mandalay covered her face with her hands, recalling that fateful day on the bridge. Her colleagues were not pleased with their friend's statement. She had distanced herself from her heroic nickname, and judging by her tone, her teammates were not thrilled with her words.
News about Silent Phantom was constantly flashing on the news. At times he was a hero, saving civilians from all sorts of troubles. But on the other hand, he acted like a sadist, relishing the humiliation of villains. Mandalay followed these news and the actions of the mysterious masked lyncher. There were many theories and riddles surrounding him, which had not been confirmed or disproven by anyone.
"It's all because of him, am I right?" — Ragdoll looked at the dejected face of her former team leader. She nodded, removing her hands from her face.
"And what if we come up with a plan to capture him? We'll take on the job, I'll figure out his quirks and weaknesses, and then we'll run his details through the police database and arrest him." Excitedly, she shared her plan. The two active teammates nodded positively, but Mandalay merely scoffed disdainfully, deflating the team spirit of her companions.
"As always, a plan full of holes, and there's no guarantee it will work, Ragdoll. He's too strong and has the advantage of speed. He could defeat all four of us by himself." Logically explaining her point of view, she took out her phone to avoid reminding herself of him. Opening the phone, she faced failure, as his name was in the top headlines of the media and hero forums, which began to annoy her. Putting her phone back down, she didn't notice when the waiter arrived with dishes and drinks.
"Great, my cat-like stomach has been growling all morning." Forgetting her manners, Pixie-Bob eagerly dove into the food, making slurping noises. Ragdoll and Tigr had little appetite, hoping to bring back their friend and help her distract herself, but instead, they only pushed her deeper into despair and hopelessness.
"Kitties, why aren't you eating?" The most cheerful and lively member of the team tried to lighten the mood, but all she managed to do was irritate Mandalay with her behavior.
"Is there something on my face?" Carelessly, Pixie-Bob made funny faces that once brought smiles to everyone, but the team wasn't in the mood to laugh. Tigr shook his head at her and decided to break the silence.
"Susaki, understand that if you're hurting, you can share it with us. We're ready to take the burden off your shoulders." Gently placing his muscular hand on her shoulder, he desperately tried to extinguish the fire of guilt that burned inside her, but she removed his hand from her shoulder, exhaling wearily.
"I don't want to whine and say how miserable I am. I just feel unworthy of the responsibilities of a hero. Yes, we've saved many lives, and I miss the times when we worked together. I put my hero costume in a drawer and won't torture my psyche anymore." With heaviness in her chest, she poured out her soul's pain to her companions, who listened without blinking, unable to take their eyes off her. They all swallowed a heavy lump and couldn't argue with her.
"What about the therapist? How are your sessions with him? Your mental health is important too," — Pixie-Bob replied, taking a sip of hot chocolate.
"The therapist tells me to quit heroism and take the path of least resistance. When I decided to give up the hero work, it felt like a heavy weight was lifted off my leg." Judging by her voice, her colleagues decided not to torment her further and instead suggested more down-to-earth things than work that had done more harm than good to her.
"Okay, how about going to a bar and having a drink? It's been a while since we gathered like this, Shino. You always forbade us from going there." Pouting her lips, Ragdoll slightly amused Shino, whose mood improved compared to a few minutes ago.
"I'm okay with that. Just understand, it's useless to persuade me to come back."
Sunlight continued to pour through the diner window, illuminating the table where the former colleagues sat. After Shino's words, a brief pause filled with only the sounds of Pixie-Bob's slurping and the soft humming of background music followed. Tigr and Ragdoll exchanged glances, understanding that further persuasion was futile. But they also knew their friend needed support, even if she didn't realize it herself.
"Alright, Shino," — Tigr finally said, his voice soft but determined. — "We won't pressure you. But you know we will always be here for you, right? Even if you're no longer a hero, you remain our family."
Shino looked at him, and a shadow of gratitude flickered in her eyes. She nodded but said nothing. Instead, she took her cup of coffee and took a sip, trying to focus on something other than her thoughts.
"So what about this bar?" — Ragdoll spoke again, trying to bring back the light atmosphere.
"We can throw a little party. Just like old times, remember? Only without your lectures about how heroes shouldn't drink."
Shino smiled faintly, but there was no joy in her eyes.
"I'm okay with that. But only if you promise not to make a scene. I don't want to be kicked out in the first hour."
Pixie-Bob laughed, her mouth full of food. "I promise! Well, almost. But if someone starts acting up, I won't be able to resist."
"You've always been unpredictable," — Tigr grumbled, but there was a hint of nostalgia in his voice. — "But I think it will be fun. We haven't spent time together like this without missions and heroics in a long time."
Shino sighed, but this time her voice carried a hint of warmth. "Alright. Let's do it tonight. But only if you promise not to talk about work. No hero discussions, no plans, no discussions about Silent Phantom. Just... an ordinary gathering of friends."
"Deal," — Ragdoll quickly agreed, smiling. — "Only fun and no seriousness."
The cheerful conversations were interrupted by a phone ringing, breaking the friendly atmosphere. Shino's face changed to a sad one, realizing that hero work takes away the best people and precious time.
"We have to go on calls and save people. Sorry, Shino, but we have to leave," — Tigr said seriously as he headed for the car.
"I understand you, go and be careful." Wishing them luck, they threw one last glance before getting into the car and leaving her alone in the café with her thoughts.
---
I cautiously moved through the city, trying not to draw attention. The sun beat down on my back, heating my dark suit, but I didn't stop. The further I went, the more heroes I noticed below, on the streets. Fortunately, no one looked up. No one noticed me.
As always, chaos reigned in the streets. Villains were causing mayhem, and heroes were chasing them, trying to restore order. A classic scenario of light versus darkness. But somehow, it all seemed so... primitive to me.
Have I become too self-assured? Perhaps. But that doesn't mean I am mistaken. Like anyone else in this city, I have the right to my opinion. I try not to pay attention to what's happening around me; otherwise, it will drive me mad. People wishing me dead, heroes dreaming of arresting me... But I won't just walk away empty-handed.
I continue to run across rooftops, following the navigator leading me to my target. But suddenly, a loud explosion catches my ear. I look back and see a high-rise building bursting into flames like a matchstick. The fire quickly engulfs the building, painting everything around it in crimson hues. My inner symbiote protests; it doesn't want me to go there. But I don't listen to it. I know what I have to do.
Suppressing its grumbling, I leap off the roof, forgetting about stealth. Something inside me resists, but I ignore it. Aiming carefully, I burst into the burning building, pushing through the flames. The fire consumes everything around, and smoke fills my lungs. Cries of people echo through the floors, and I feel panic beginning to engulf me.
I have never been afraid of fire. Why now?
Ignoring the fear, I move forward, navigating through the burning floors. My tentacles extend, pushing aside debris and burning beams. On the third floor, I find the first group of people—a family trapped in an apartment. The door is blocked by a fallen beam. A woman holding a child screams, pleading for help, while a man tries to break down the door but to no avail.
I silently approach the door; my tentacles wrap around the beam, and with ease, I toss it aside. The door swings open, and the family rushes out, not noticing my fearsome appearance. They are too frightened to ask questions.
"Thank you! Thank you!" — the woman cries, but I am already moving on. I have no time for gratitude.
On the fifth floor, the situation is worse. Part of the building has already collapsed, and the path is blocked by burning debris. But I hear a weak cry from under the rubble. My tentacles spring into action, clearing the debris until I see an elderly man pinned under a concrete slab. His leg is trapped, and he cannot move.
I kneel down; my tentacles wrap around the slab, and with effort, I lift it, freeing the man. He groans in pain, but I pick him up and carry him toward the stairs. The fire consumes everything around, and the building begins to collapse even more. The ceiling creaks, chunks of plaster fall, but I do not stop.
When we reach the stairs, the man weakly whispers, "Thank you… whoever you are…" But I have already vanished into the smoke, leaving him safe on the street.
On the seventh floor, I find another group of people trapped in an apartment. The fire is already closing in on the door, and they scream, pleading for help. Without hesitation, I kick down the door, my tentacles wrapping around the people to shield them from the flames. I lead them outside, but I remain inside, continuing my search.
The building starts to collapse with a roar. The floor beneath me cracks, and I barely manage to leap to the side before part of the floor collapses. My tentacles instantly react, grabbing onto the remaining beams to hold me in place. But time is running out. The building could collapse at any moment.
On the last floor, I hear a faint cry. Pushing through the flames, I find a little girl wearing a mushroom-shaped hat, trapped in a bathroom. She is crying, pressed against the corner, while the fire approaches the door. I kick down the door and scoop the girl into my arms. She screams, frightened by my appearance, but I pay no heed. My task is to save her, not to reassure her.
When we reach the stairs, the building begins to crumble entirely. The floor beneath us gives way, and I barely manage to leap out of the window, holding the girl in my arms. My tentacles stretch out, grabbing onto the neighboring building, and I gently land on the ground, handing the girl to her family. I watch as her older sister hugs her tightly. Brown hair, bob haircut, and a mushroom-shaped hat. I want to leave, but behind me, I hear the voice of gratitude from them.
"Thank you." I don't pay much attention and just walk towards the collapsing building. I saved everyone, and no one should be left in that building. Like a house of cards, the buildings crumble, and aside from the tongues of flame and the arriving firefighters, I hear nothing. My job is done.
"Stop!" — shouts one of the firefighters. Then I hear a news van pulling up. Out of irritation, I want to leave, disappearing onto the rooftops, but someone grabs me around the waist with something firm, resembling wood.
It tightens around my waist, causing me to feel a slight pain. Using my weak strength, I try to break free, but with each passing second, the wood becomes tighter and tighter. Annoyed, I turn my head and meet the gaze of Kamui Woods.
"You are under arrest," — he proclaims in a heroic manner. It all sounds too sugary. Grabbing the wooden branches, I pull him toward me, lifting his feet off the ground. He flies toward me, and just as my fist is about to connect with his face, I feel a heavy blow from something.
I am thrown back several meters, crashing into someone's car that was parked. The metal bends from my body, and groaning, I get up, but I never expected that a hero named Death Arms would charge at me like a battering ram. I dodge the trajectory of his attack, finally regaining my senses.
"Something's wrong," — I whisper to myself, meeting the gazes of the two heroes who are glaring at me.
"Surrender, lyncher." His heroic form doesn't impress me. A brown outfit and several metallic inserts on his arms.
"..." I ignore their orders. You won't take me alive, bastards. They condemned me when I saved Fuyumi, and even now, with their hypocritical faces, they confront me for the second time.
I take a fighting stance, ready to confront them. The media, as always, are filming me and the heroes. How annoying that is, damn it. I did what you didn't do, and after all this, I'm a criminal to you?
Not waiting for the next orders, I try to escape from them. I have no reason to fight them. I leap onto the wall, running along it, but Woods grabs me again, throwing me onto the road. I crash into the hood of a car, crumpling the metal, while the driver narrowly escapes my powerful collision.
Like a torpedo, Death Arms flies at me, crashing into me with his entire body. I use a tentacle to immobilize him, and he grabs me by the throat and executes a schoolboy hold. I resist his strength, which is enormous, just as my tentacles burst from my body, ready for battle. Woods was prepared for such a move and once again throws me far into the middle of the road in an open area.
I'll stand up again and look at them with hatred. I hated them then and hate them now. They look at me as if I'm prey. If I were weak-willed, I would have long succumbed to the desire to kill them. Strangely, they aren't attacking me.
"They're waiting for something." I was right, and I saw a huge shadow behind my back swiftly approaching, landing with a crash on the spot where I had been standing.
"Mt Lady." In her heroic form, she struck a heroic pose, not caring about the people and civilians nearby. My eyes glare with hatred towards her—even now, in such a crucial moment, she doesn't forget about the paparazzi. They surrounded me from three sides. I have no choice but to fight them.
The first to try to attack me is her, attempting to crush me, followed by Woods, and lastly, Death Arms engages in hand-to-hand combat. My judgment was correct: her foot tries to crush me, while Woods attempts to immobilize me. I dodge her foot and hear her displeasure.
"Pesky little bug, always complicating things," she complains, and I hear other voices from the heroes.
"Don't complain, this is a fight, not a movie shoot," snaps Woods, trying to grab me. Death Arms runs towards me, ready for a brawl.
"I've had enough," I start climbing up the tall heroine's body, which is 20 meters tall, to avoid attacks from two heroes. She tries to swat me like an insect, slapping herself. I need to reach her head and strike with all my might to bring her down.
My plans were thwarted: she caught me with both hands, trapping me in an improvised prison of fingers.
"Gotcha," she rejoiced until she felt pain in her palms.
"Think faster, he's incredibly strong," she squeezes her palms even tighter, trying to weaken me, but I no longer hold back against her and them.
[Rage mode] I activate, and tendrils begin to swiftly move across my body, pulsating everywhere.
"AAAAA!" With a primal roar and scream, I strike her palms with all my strength, tearing her purple gloves on her hands. Each hit accompanied by my roar, she actively resists, trying not to let me go, but with every second I feel her grip weakening under my blows, until I explode and hundreds of sharp tendrils burst from my body. [Symbiote: Blast]
She released her grip, and landing on the ground, I looked at them fiercely, ready to fight like a wild beast.
"Don't stand in my way."
This didn't convince them, and Death Arms rushed at me in hand-to-hand combat. I accept his challenge, engaging with him in battle. I grabbed him with a tendril and threw him towards a building, shattering the brickwork. Mt. Lady, the most dangerous opponent of them all, tries once again to stomp me with her foot, but my agility helps me avoid a collision with her foot. Woods tries to grab me with his wooden tendrils, which are weaker and less maneuverable than mine.
The most annoying of the trio. With a tendril, I grabbed his leg; he tried to dodge my attacks, but to no avail. Pulling him towards me, I met his gaze. He used his quirk to immobilize me, but I threw him towards Death Arms, who was recovering from my attack. The two collided, experiencing pain.
"You're next," the symbiote whispered menacingly. I see her thick blond hair flowing, and recalling the shampoo she mentioned, I smirked under the mask, and my white lenses took on a more sinister shade.
Clinging to her leg, I climb higher up her body; she instinctively swats at me, not letting me climb higher. I dodge her slashing blows with her hands, finally reaching her back. She tries to swat me like an insect, but the next moment I realize she's falling on her back, trying to crush me. I didn't waste a second and hid in her hair, concealing myself in the soft and silky blond locks.
"Get out of my hair!!" She tries to shake me off, hitting her head, but navigating through golden jungles, I finally reach her head, striking it with all my might, causing her head to spin.
"AAAA!!" With all my strength, I hit her head, using all my power. I reach her face and recall how in ancient myths giants and cyclops were defeated. Their eyes were always vulnerable spots.
"AAAA!!" With all my strength, I strike her right eye; she instinctively closes her eyes, and I seize the moment. She loses balance, flailing her arms, hoping to catch me. I direct tendrils to her throat, squeezing tightly. I jump from her face, landing on the roof. Opening her eyes, she glares at me furiously, but doesn't notice the tendrils, and with all my strength, I pull her towards me, making her crash into a building.
Her strength was waning, and within seconds she would lose her gigantic form. She desperately reaches for the tendrils, trying to pull me, but with all my might, I manage to do the impossible, and with a crash, she breaks through the building with her head, causing massive damage. The enormous shadow disappeared, and reaching the edge of the roof, I see her human form lying on the ground, completely exhausted, her face bruised.
I take deep breaths, trying to gather myself, when suddenly Woods attacks from behind, immobilizing me with his wooden vines.
"You'll pay for this. Death Arms, go!!" Tendrils emerged from my shoulder, grabbing Death Arms' hands, lifting him into the air; I tossed him aside to keep him from interfering.
[Symbiote Blast] and I free myself from his confinement. He is the most annoying hero of all in my memory. I used [Symbiote: Dash], quickly closing the distance, and using [Beatdown], I mounted his stomach, beating him to the point his wooden protective mask shattered on his face. He was knocked out, but there was still the third one, who was regaining consciousness.
A tendril grabbed his leg, and with quick strides, I approached the edge of the ruined building.
"Let him go, you're on the side of the good guys," he pleaded, but I don't show mercy to those who stand in my way.
"One step, and you'll see Kamui Woods turn into splinters," my eyes narrowed dangerously, meeting his, and seeing I wasn't bluffing, he agreed to my terms.
"Why are you beating up heroes? What did they do to you?" he clenched his fists, ready for a fight, but suddenly released them for the safety of his comrade.
"Shall I remind you who attacked me when I was saving people from a fire?" The hero's body was hung by a leg over the edge, and the media eagerly captured this on cameras to document how three heroes lost to such a societal outcast like me.
"His life is in your hands. Do something stupid, and he'll die," I threatened, though I would never kill him, knowing they stood in my way. He hesitated before me. The trio couldn't defeat me, what does he expect, challenging me?
"Fine, I give up, let him go." The euphoria from the fight hadn't passed, and to scare him, I extended a tendril to create the illusion he would fall.
"Wait, don't do it!" he pleaded, and I released Kamui Woods near me, carefully laying him on the ground.
"Tell everyone else: I won't be merciful to those who stand in my way."
With these words, I leaped from the roof, disappearing into the alley's shadows. This news would become a media sensation, and I dread to imagine how high-ranking heroes will now hunt me.
The wounded heroes lay on the ground, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers and reporters eagerly capturing every moment. Kamui Woods was unconscious, his wooden mask shattered, his face covered in bruises and scrapes. Death Arms, struggling to his feet, tried to help his colleague, Mt Lady, who lay nearby, her giant form gone, leaving only an exhausted body covered in scratches and bruises.
Ambulance sirens wailed deafeningly, approaching the scene. Paramedics quickly emerged from the vehicles, starting to provide first aid to the injured.
"He... he was too strong," whispered Death Arms, his voice trembling with pain and humiliation. "We couldn't stop him."
Reporters, like vultures, surrounded the heroes, microphones and cameras aimed at their weary faces.
"Mr. Death Arms, how can you comment on what happened? Did you really lose to Silent Phantom as a trio?" shouted one of the journalists, his voice full of excitement.
Death Arms clenched his fists but didn't respond. His face showed a mix of anger and shame. He knew this defeat would be a disgrace to their reputation. Mt Lady, coming to her senses, struggled to her feet, leaning on a paramedic's shoulder. Her blond hair was disheveled, her face pale with pain.
Reporters, like a pack of hungry hyenas, surrounded Mt Lady as soon as she managed to stand up. Her face was pale, her hair disheveled, and her eyes full of exhaustion and pain. But that didn't stop the journalists, who craved a sensation. Microphones and cameras were directed at her, and questions poured like rain.
"Ms. Mt Lady, how do you comment on the destruction caused by your clash with Silent Phantom? Who will compensate for the damage?" shouted one of the reporters, his voice sharp and demanding.
"Do you realize how many people were affected by your actions? How do you plan to compensate for the damage?" added another, his camera directed straight at her face.
Mt Lady, struggling to stay on her feet, tried to remain calm, but her voice trembled. "I... I did everything I could to stop him. We didn't expect him to be so strong. As for the damage... I'm sure the hero agency and city authorities will find a way to compensate for the losses."
Her answer didn't satisfy the reporters. They continued to press, asking increasingly tough questions.
"But isn't it your fault that the building was destroyed? You used your giant form in a densely populated area! How can you justify that?" shouted a third journalist, his voice full of accusations.
Mt Lady clenched her fists, trying to hold back her anger. "I acted in an emergency situation. Silent Phantom posed a threat to the city, and I did everything I could to stop him. Yes, the destruction is regrettable, but I couldn't just stand by and watch him destroy everything in his path."
Her words triggered a new wave of questions.
"But aren't heroes supposed to minimize damage? Why didn't you think about the consequences?" insisted another reporter.
"Do you believe your actions were justified even if innocent people got hurt?" added another.
Mt Lady closed her eyes for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. She knew that any word she said would be used against her, but she also understood that she couldn't remain silent.
"I'm sorry for the destruction and for the people who got hurt. But I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Silent Phantom is a threat we can't ignore. As for compensation... I will personally do everything in my power to help those affected. I will reach out to the hero agency and city authorities to find a way to compensate for the damage."
Her response was met with another wave of questions, but Mt Lady could no longer endure it. She turned to the paramedics waiting nearby and weakly nodded. "I need a medical examination. Please let me through."
The paramedics quickly surrounded her, pushing the reporters aside, and led her to the ambulance. Cameras continued to roll, and journalists shouted after her, trying to extract another word.
Meanwhile, headlines had already appeared on social media and news sites:
"Mt Lady admits guilt in the destruction!"
"The heroine promises to compensate for the damage, but who will pay for the lives?"
"Fight with Silent Phantom: is the cost of victory too high?"
Commentators and experts had already begun discussing her words, putting forward their theories and accusations. Some called her actions justified, others irresponsible. But one thing was clear: Mt Lady and the other heroes found themselves in the center of a scandal, and their reputation was at risk.
Gradually moving across the rooftops, I feel the lack of only heroes who crave my demise. Tendrils extend from my body, and the euphoria from the fight has long passed. The pleasant feeling disappears as suddenly as it appeared. Wounds heal quickly, but my bones still ache from the falls and some blows. Perhaps there are bruises left, but I don't pay much attention to them. My combat skills are good, but I need to become stronger and more adaptable. If it weren't for my luck and the enemy's weakness, I would have been arrested. I must move on; otherwise, I risk becoming a public hero's property.
"See, we're stronger than them. Now villains will think a hundred times before attacking us," the sinister voice hisses in my head, and I understand it. Dozens of kilometers from the location, and that doesn't please me. I must calculate every step if I want to save strength to help Iguchi. It's surprising that he didn't turn to an underground organization for protection and resolve this situation himself. Of course, I can't judge him, but it all looks strange.
As always, the streets are filled with life and the aroma of spring cherry blossoms emanating from the local park.
Why does the sight of cherry blossoms bring someone's image to mind?
I ignore it, continuing my movement. My feet tread on the ground, and judging by my steps, they're quite worn out. Battles with villains, fires, shots I avoided, and now a fight with heroes—all in my collection.
37 minutes of movement later.
A vast area covered with sand and construction materials. Standing on a rooftop near this area, I see construction work ongoing. Nothing unusual—ordinary weekdays for the middle class. Construction machines, blocks, and steel beams—it seems I am not needed here. I scan the area with my gaze, and it falls on a cement mixer with the name of the construction company.
"Hey, bring the gravel to the first floor!"
"We need treated planks on the second floor!"
"Live force and welding are needed to move the steel pipes!"
A working atmosphere to which I have nothing to add. Among the workers, there are many people—from small and thin to huge with quirks of enhancement. Among them are also metamorphs who work. Hard work, but why am I needed here?
Could it be that I signed myself up as a guard for this area? In an hour, it should be lunchtime—perhaps Iguchi planned all this to expose my position to the authorities?
Unlikely, but the chance is significant, and denying it is foolish. I keep my eyes on the construction site, hoping to spot intruders who might invade this area. Perhaps I'll have time to idle around, but I have no desire to stay here until evening.
I opened my phone, scrolling through all the possible news while glancing at the construction.
"I should've brought food," grumbled the symbiote, and I agree with him, but there's nothing I can do. As I scroll further, I receive a message from my teacher.
Semper Augustus🌺
Hi! How are you doing?😄
Izuku🌱
Good day, Fuyumi-san. I'm fine, thank you for asking. 😊 How are your weekends?
Semper Augustus🌺
The main thing is that you're okay. As for my weekends, don't worry, I finished checking homework already on Friday evening.😖
Izuku🌱
I would like to help you to make your work a bit easier. Can I help?🥹
Semper Augustus🌺
Thank you, Izuku-kun, for your initiative. I'm writing to you for another reason. 😉
Izuku🌱
Is it something serious? 🤔
Semper Augustus🌺
There are three news items I want to share. 😌
Izuku🌱
I'm always ready to listen to you, Fuyumi-san. I'm waiting🧐
Semper Augustus🌺
Let's start with the fact that Katsuki Bakugo is transferring to another school, and instead, a female student of your age will transfer here. I hope you didn't make him transfer? 🤔
Izuku🌱
Um... No, I didn't do anything against him. Perhaps his parents wanted him to step out of his comfort zone? 😐
Semper Augustus🌺
Maybe you're right. When I talked to him, he seemed confused and slightly downcast. 😳
Izuku🌱
Don't worry, Fuyumi-san, he'll be fine. And what about the last piece of news? 🧐
Semper Augustus🌺
I've been thinking, your class is graduating, and you're preparing for final exams. Maybe we should organize some event unrelated to the graduation? 😸
Izuku🌱
That's a great idea. I'm all for it. When is it planned for?
Semper Augustus🌺
I won't say that yet, Izuku-kun. It'll be a secret, as will the theme of the event until Monday. And yes, my younger brother, Shoto, will participate in this event, if you remember. 🙂
Izuku🌱
Very intriguing. I'm looking forward to Monday. 🤗
Semper Augustus🌺
Alright, Izuku-kun, see you Monday, and have a great weekend. 👋
Izuku🌱
You too, Fuyumi-san. 🤗
I put away the phone in my pocket, smiling at the situation. Bakugo is leaving, and I won't have to endure his taunts and the hateful word "Deku." I won't have to listen to his apologies—this is wonderful. What I did to him was deserved, but it wasn't enough. He should have received tenfold the blows I gave him recently.
"I wonder what event Fuyumi-san has prepared?" Curiosity consumes me, but I must be patient until Monday.
"Look, there are people standing by the exit," my friend noted, observing people in masks with bats and other melee weapons. Disturbers of the peace, as always.
"Thanks for noticing in time," I said with gratitude, watching the entrance. If my vision doesn't deceive me, there are 24 armed men. I see them starting to break the fence and barrier with their quirks, entering Iguchi's private territory.
I stood up straight, observing the ongoing events. They begin to break and smash everything, but the strangest thing is that they are targeting this company's construction equipment.
"Something's not right here," I jumped from the roof, activating [Wings], gliding in the air like a squirrel. With every second of my delay, they start to destroy all the construction equipment and attack the workers. I close my wings and latch onto the building's framework with a tendril. Landing on my feet, I jump to the ground. So many possible battle scenarios and opportunities to assess my skills—it drives me into euphoria.
"Hey, you!" I called out, immediately attracting attention. Some of them froze, noticing me. One of the intruders even blurted out by accident.
"Boss, they said there wouldn't be any security here," meaning they are merely mercenaries or order executors. I must interrogate their leader who brought them here.
"Why are you wetting your pants seeing the black mask? He's alone, and there are many of us!" shouted their leader. I spotted him—a guy in a red jacket with black hair.
They began to surround me from all sides, flaunting their numerical advantage, but I'm not one to be frightened by a crowd with bats.
"You have no idea who you've tangled with," Andy hissed sinisterly from inside. He always loved when I fought at full strength. Adrenaline and euphoria course through my veins, and I'm ready to fight them.
I watch as they whisper among themselves, and ready for battle, I strike first. Using [Symbiote Yank], I lifted five enemies and violently slammed them into the ground. I heard cries and moans from those I struck, but I had no time to be distracted.
I moved forward like a shadow, my tendrils extended, ready to strike. The first of the intruders, holding a metal pipe, rushed at me with a shout. His blow was slow and predictable. I dodged, and my tendril hit him in the stomach, throwing him several meters back. He fell to the ground, writhing in pain, but I had no time for pity.
The next attacker, armed with a bat, tried to hit me from the side. I caught his hand with a tendril, squeezed it until the bones cracked, and then tossed him aside like a rag doll. His scream of pain mingled with the screams of the others, but I didn't stop.
"He's too fast!" someone from the crowd shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the sounds of battle.
I kept moving, like a whirlwind, my tendrils whipping through the air, knocking one after another off their feet. One of the intruders seemed to have an enhancement quirk—his fists were enormous, like sledgehammers. He rushed at me, trying to crush me, but I jumped up, using my tendrils to lift myself above him. From above, I crashed down on him, hitting his back with such force that he face-planted into the ground.
"Is that all you've got?" I whispered, my voice cold and merciless.
The crowd began to retreat, but I didn't give them a chance. I rushed forward, my tendrils grabbing them one by one, tossing them aside like toys. One tried to run, but I caught up with him in a second, grabbed his leg, and threw him into a wall. He fell unconscious, and I was already moving to the next one.
"Stop him!" the leader shouted, the guy in the red jacket, but his voice was trembling.
I headed towards him, my tendrils extended like snakes, ready to strike. He tried to stab me with a knife, but I caught his hand and squeezed it until it crunched. His scream of pain was music to my ears.
"Who sent you?" I asked, my voice quiet but full of menace.
He tried to break free, but I squeezed him even tighter.
"I... I won't tell!"
I punched him in the face, and he fell to his knees.
"You will tell, or I'll make you regret it."
He shivered but remained silent. I sighed and lifted him by the throat, my tendrils wrapping around his body, squeezing it like a boa constrictor.
"Last chance," I whispered, my voice icy.
"It was Moloch. We were just following orders. We come here regularly to destroy this company's equipment," he croaked in pain, looking at me pleadingly for mercy. I couldn't do anything about it, and seeing no lies in his words, I wanted to know more.
"Why are they destroying this company's construction equipment and attacking private property?" I asked angrily, but the manager caught his breath from my tone.
"I don't know. He told us to attack the territory and destroy the equipment. I don't know anything else."
"Where can I find him?" With a broken hand, he pulls a phone from his pocket, showing it to me.
"We don't know where he is. He calls us about the job, but we've never seen him in person," I released him, and he fell to the ground, gasping. Moloch... I haven't heard that name in a long time. He's cleverly covered his tracks.
I looked around. All the intruders lay on the ground, some unconscious, others moaning in pain. I approached one who was still trying to stand up and hit him on the head so he wouldn't interfere anymore.
"Andy, are you satisfied?" I asked internally, feeling the symbiote reveling inside me.
"Oh, yes. That was... delightful," he replied, his voice full of satisfaction.
"Call the police and heroes," I commanded the workers. One of them pulled out a phone and began actively dialing the police number. I understand that I can't stay here long.
I sighed and looked around. The workers, who had hidden behind debris, began to emerge, their faces full of fear and gratitude.
"You... you saved us," one of them whispered. In response, I nodded and left, having maimed the intruders. Clinging to the buildings, thoughts wouldn't leave me that someone wants to take revenge on Iguchi, and this someone clearly has their own plans.
I disappeared into the shadows of an alley, hiding as the sounds of police sirens began to irritate my ears. I continue to move across the rooftops, running away from this area.
****
"This vigilante imposes his rules," the leader growled, sitting in the dark and seeing how his affairs are under threat due to the actions of Silent Phantom.
"Last week, he attacked one of our bases, freeing our goods," a henchman reported with a polite tone.
"Interesting... Have you found those he works for?" The head of the Miyamoto family was disappointed in his subordinates, as he had high hopes for them, yet they can't handle it.
"I apologize for my incompetence, but we haven't found who he works for. We've tried to find everything related to him. We've combed through all police databases and medical records, and none in this city have a quirk similar to his," the henchman bowed to his master, who merely scoffed, not casting a glance at his subordinate. Affairs were going poorly, all because of one vigilante who decided to cross their path.
"Is there really nothing about him?" The henchman swallowed a huge lump before answering.
"There is one thing, but you won't like it," casting a glance at his subordinate, Akihiko, the current 47-year-old head of the Miyamoto family, became interested in this possibility.
"I'm all ears."
"Our informants found him at the Shadow Broker's warehouse. Thanks to him, he found our warehouse last week, and now we don't know where he'll strike next."Breathing heavily, Akihiko felt the anger coursing through his veins. Looking at his subordinate, the leader wanted to kill Phantom with his own hands.
"How clever he was to associate himself with an untouchable member of the criminal underworld. Were you able to find out anything other than this information?" The subordinate hesitated before answering.
"Unfortunately, we have nothing else apart from this information. We tried to ask the Shadow Broker about him, but he expressed indifference because he does not disclose information about his clients."
"What if we try to persuade him to join our side?" The smirk quickly faded from the subordinate's face, reflecting his concern.
"No, sir. Last month, he single-handedly dismantled a criminal organization when they tried to sway him to their side. He doesn't negotiate."
"Well, let's move on to plan B." Fidgeting with his fingers on the table, Akihiko pulled out a stack of papers containing information about a hired killer named "Stain."
"I won't be verbose. Hire this effective killer and get rid of Silent Phantom," Akihiko commanded, throwing the stack of papers onto the table.
The killer Stain was known for his brutality and pragmatism. He was alien to any morality or responsibility. Rumors circulated about his quirks and the very personality of the hired killer. Many heroes tried to stop him, but he was smarter and craftier. Police and heroes even proposed theories about his lack of quirks, but no one confirmed this theory. He had no morality or anything bright; he was merely a hired killer, and there were cases where he killed his clients, whoever they were. He preferred to act alone, like a professional bounty hunter.
His weapons were swords and knives; according to theories from the internet, many believed that he didn't use firearms out of respect for the samurai era. His character was ruthless, and even while expressing his impunity, he did not hide his face. According to analyses by many heroes, he was fast and experienced, which earned him the rank of an S-class criminal.
****
"You've come to negotiate with me?" With malicious intent, he looked at the three people who had come to him with an offer. Drawing a knife from his pocket, he was ready to fight for his life, unconcerned about the lives of those he would take.
"We didn't come to kill you. We have a proposal for you," Stain smiled but remained in a combat-ready stance in case of a sudden attack.
Stain stood in the dim light of the room, his predator-like eyes watching every movement of the three people who dared to approach him with a proposal. His hand gripped a knife, the blade glinting in the faint light of the lamp. He trusted no one, especially not those seeking his services.
"A proposal?" he sneered, his voice low and full of sarcasm.
"You think I sell my conscience for money? You are mistaken." One of the men, a tall figure in an expensive suit, stepped forward, trying to maintain his composure.
"We are not offering you money, Stain. We are offering you... a target." Stain tilted his head, his eyes narrowing.
"A target? And who might that be?"
"Silent Phantom," replied the man, his voice firm yet tinged with fear.
"He has become a problem for us. And we know that you... specialize in such problems." Stain paused for a moment, his eyes igniting with interest. Silent Phantom... He had heard that name before. A vigilante acting in the shadows, disregarding any rules. He was an emerging legend feared in the criminal world, and Stain always respected those who operated outside the system. He smiled wider when he realized he would be challenging a worthy opponent. Twirling the knife in his hand, he shot a grim look at the men in suits.
"Why should I care about your problems?" Stain asked, his voice cold as the blade of his knife.
"Because he threatens not only us," the man sighed grimly.
"He threatens the entire order. He recognizes no rules, no laws. He... is chaos. And we know that you do not tolerate chaos in your city." Stain pondered for a moment. He hated chaos. He despised those who acted without principles or goals. Silent Phantom was just that. He was a threat to everything Stain believed in.
"And what do you propose in return?" he asked, his voice quiet but filled with menace.
"We offer you freedom of action," removing his black glasses, he handed over a check with a large sum of money and the words bearing the signature of the head of the Miyamoto family.
"You can do with him whatever you want. We will not interfere. And... we will pay you. Much more than you can imagine." Stain smirked. Money did not interest him. But the opportunity to eliminate someone who threatened his ideals... That was a different matter.
"Fine," he said, his voice icy.
"I'll take this on. But remember: if you try to deceive me, I will destroy you all."
The man swallowed hard but nodded. "We understand."
Stain turned and headed for the exit, his knife still in hand. He knew that Silent Phantom would be a worthy opponent. And he eagerly awaited their encounter.
****
I am climbing the wall, hoping to make it before two notorious criminals, Gentle Criminal and his sidekick, the not-so-evil girl, shoot videos for various online platforms. Everything looks absurdly funny, but I have no time for laughter; these people have information about the Miyamoto family. One of them is a hacker capable of breaching even the most secure servers, and such a valuable ally doesn't just fall into your lap.
They will try to film me and gain even more popularity. I don't know their quirks, and it will be difficult for me to fight them. My tendrils cling to the walls, allowing me to climb like a mountaineer with equipment. If the coordinates are correct, their hideout should be a few floors up. I'm not sure if they'll be there, but their base of operations isn't bad. At that height, I look down, and my heart races from being so high that it's terrifying to look at the ground.
Finally, the 47th floor, and they are there. I'm lucky. After climbing a few more floors, I fix myself behind the glass, and with a strong inertia, I crash through, shattering the glass into pieces.
My gaze falls on both people. One has gray hair, and the other is a petite girl with red hair sitting behind a laptop.
"Who are you, intruder? Name yourself, and we shall clash in an equal battle!" With a proud tone, like a knight from books, he raised his hand in a theatrical manner as if he were filming a movie.
"I'm here for cooperation and negotiation." I have no time for their grandiose talks; if I don't take decisive action, I won't achieve my goals.
"We won't negotiate with you, Phantom! La Brava, dear, film all this!" Taking out the camera, she began recording us both, portraying me in an unflattering light. I am amazed at how they plan to gain popularity with such an approach.
"Yes, Gentle, my dear, show them all your power, and let the world shudder at your might!" The little girl squealed and jumped, fixing the camera on me. I grumble at the thought that this segment might end up in the media. I hate the media, and I even feel sorry for the heroes I had to confront earlier today.
"Wait, I come in peace; I don't want to resort to violence. I just need information about the Miyamoto family, and I won't trouble you further." Gentle, in his suit, frowned, clenching his fists. His stylish suit and shirt were impressive, and his villainous outfit looked elegant, complementing his ashen hair.
"Shut up, Phantom! Your presence offends my honor. I will show you all my might!" He somersaulted and made several extra and pointless hand movements. I didn't see any real threat in him until he showed me his quirk.
"Behold, our subscribers, as the great Gentle defeats the vigilante named Silent Phantom!" Their antics began to irritate me, as did everything they were doing. I want to finish this quickly, but I'll have to use force in classic style.
"I warn you for the last time: I do not want to fight you. Let's resolve this matter peacefully." They are decent people and would make excellent citizens, but apparently, they won't strike a deal. This disappoints me, and I don't understand why people are willing to act like idiots and freaks for the sake of fame and views.
"Shut up and accept the fight like a real man. As a hero of light, I will strike you with my sword of light, defeating your darkness." I prepare for the attack, anticipating their move, but he suspiciously quiets down just as I'm ready for battle. I see a pink aura emanating from his body, which doesn't please me.
"..."
He starts jumping and bouncing around; I realize this is part of his quirk. Under his feet, the concrete begins to thicken like jelly.
"An elastic quirk?" I ask myself, but he darts from side to side, changing position like a fast torpedo.
The concrete columns bend like elastic strings. I ready my tendrils for an attack, but he constantly dodges whenever I try to catch him. He's trying to wear me out with his attacks.
"You won't be able to catch me, Phantom!" he shouted, his voice full of confidence.
"I am Gentle Criminal, and my quirk is unbeatable!"