The Devil's Villain In a Lewd Superhero World
Chapter 3: Infiltration
As they plummeted towards the churning river, Tyson felt the darkness reaching out to him, beckoning with tendrils of inky blackness. The moment before impact, Tyson tightened his grip on the two speedsters and surrendered to the shadows' embrace.
Instead of crashing into the water's surface, they plunged into a realm of pure darkness. The transition was jarring, like stepping through an invisible doorway. One moment they were falling through open air, the next they were enveloped in an all-encompassing void.
His first instinct was to hold his breath, expecting to be submerged. But as the seconds ticked by, he realized he could breathe normally. The air around them was cool and still. He blinked, trying to adjust his eyes to the darkness, but there was nothing to see. No light, no shapes, just an endless expanse of shadow. Yet somehow, he could sense his surroundings. It was as if the darkness was an extension of his senses, feeding information directly into his mind.
Amy stirred in his arms, her voice tight with confusion and fear. "What... where are we?"
"I'm not sure," Tyson replied, his voice sounding muffled in the strange environment. "Some kind of shadow realm, I think. Are you both okay?"
Sarah groaned softly. "I still feel like I've been hit by a truck, but I'm alive. How did we get here?"
Tyson took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I... I think I brought us here. Somehow. I could feel the shadows calling to me as we fell, and I just... answered."
He could sense their skepticism, even in the darkness. But there was no time to explain further. They needed to get to safety, or what passed for safety in a world under alien attack.
Stepping through the shadows was a strange sensation. Tyson could feel what was back in the real world. It was like looking through a mirror, where he could sense where the shadows were cast back in reality. The darkness around them seemed to pulse with information, feeding directly into his mind.
"I think I can get us back," Tyson said. His voice sounded oddly distant in the void. "Just hold on tight."
He concentrated on the shadows he could sense in the real world. The bridge, or what was left of it, cast long shadows across the churning river below. Tyson reached out with his mind, grasping at those familiar shapes.
With a sudden lurch, they emerged from the darkness, onto a chunk of broken concrete jutting from the water. The abrupt transition left them gasping, their senses overwhelmed by the chaos around them.
He pushed himself up on shaky arms, looking around in disbelief. Despite having seemingly plunged into the river moments ago they were dry. Alien ships still swarmed overhead, their energy weapons carving glowing trails through the sky. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning metal. Screams and explosions echoed across the water.
Amy stumbled, nearly losing her footing on the slick surface. Tyson caught her arm, steadying her. "Is everyone okay?" he asked.
Amy groaned, rolling onto her back. "Define 'okay'."
Sarah sat up slowly, wincing. "I think I'm in one piece. That was... intense. But how... what just happened?"
"I'm not entirely sure. But we're alive, and that's what matters." Tyson shook his head, still trying to process it himself. "I just did what felt natural, like I've always been able to do it."
Sarah pushed her hair out of her face, her expression a mix of awe and concern. "Well, whatever it was, it saved our lives. But we're not out of danger yet."
She was right. They were stranded in the middle of the river, with no clear path to safety. The remains of the bridge stretched out on either side, but large sections had collapsed into the water.
Tyson closed his eyes, reaching out with his newfound senses. Shadows were everywhere, cast by the broken bridge, the alien ships, and even below the water's surface. Each one felt like a doorway, waiting to be opened.
"I think I can get us to shore," he said, opening his eyes. "But we'll have to move fast. I'm not sure how long I can keep this up."
Amy and Sarah exchanged glances, then nodded. "We trust you," Amy said, gripping his hand tightly.
Tyson took a deep breath, focusing on a deep patch of shadow beneath an overturned car on the riverbank. He pulled them into the darkness once more.
Covering the distance to the shore was different. The women were growing heavier in his arms, their weight increasing with each step. It wasn't just them, though. His body felt leaden, every movement requiring more effort than the last. He gritted his teeth.
"We're almost there. Just a little further."
In his mind's eye, he could see flashes of the real world, glimpses of the destruction they were passing through. But the last few steps were agony. His muscles screamed in protest as he dragged himself and the speedsters forward.
Just as he thought he couldn't take another step, they reached the edge of the shadow. With a final, Herculean effort, he threw himself forward, pulling Amy and Sarah with him.
They fell.
For a heart-stopping moment, Tyson feared he'd made a terrible mistake. But then reality reasserted itself with a jarring thud. They landed hard on solid ground, the impact knocking their wind out.
Tyson blinked, his eyes struggling to adjust to the sudden presence of light. They emerged behind the wrecked car, crouching low to avoid detection. The riverbank was chaos, with panicked civilians running in all directions and emergency responders struggling to maintain order. The sounds of the city surrounded them; car horns, distant sirens, and the panic that had settled over Manhattan since the alien attack began.
"We made it," Sarah whispered with relief. The shadow realm had deposited them safely on the shore, far from where they'd fallen.
As they got to their feet, their relief was shattered by a deafening roar. The alien warship that had destroyed the bridge loomed overhead, its hull blocking the sun.
"We're not out of danger yet," Tyson said grimly.
As if to emphasize his point, a group of alien soldiers materialized on the street nearby. Hovering drones buzzed overhead, their weapon ports glowing ominously.
Tyson stood unsteadily, his muscles trembling with exertion. The shadows around them seemed to pulse and writhe, almost alive. He could sense them, feel their presence like a tangible thing. It was as if he could reach out and touch them, mold them to his will. Instinctively, he extended his hand, trying to grasp the darkness. But the moment he attempted to manipulate the shadows, a wave of exhaustion crashed over him. His knees buckled, and he barely managed to stay upright.
"Can either of you run?" Tyson asked, his voice strained and weary.
Amy shook her head, wincing as she tried to move. "No chance. I feel like I've been hit by a truck."
Sarah tried to stand but quickly sank back down. "Same here. Your healing helped, but not enough."
The alien soldiers were advancing, their weapons raised. Tyson's mind raced, searching for a solution. "I don't suppose you two have any other tricks up your sleeves?"
"What about you?" Amy asked, her eyes wide with hope. "Can you do that shadow thing again? Get us out of here?"
Tyson shook his head, feeling utterly drained. "I can't. I'm exhausted. It's like I've run a marathon carrying both of you."
Sarah nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "If you just got your powers, you're probably weak. Powers tend to grow with use and acclimation. It takes time to build up strength and control."
Tyson closed his eyes, desperation clawing at him. All he could do was hope for a miracle. As he stood there, teetering on the edge of collapse, a memory flashed through his mind. The System menu he'd seen in Hell. Could it be possible?
Focusing his thoughts, Tyson concentrated on bringing up the menu. To his amazement, it materialized before him, a translucent interface hovering in the air. He quickly scrolled through the options, searching for anything to help their dire situation.
He had to consider the Origin Story Drawback. Most of the perks and abilities wouldn't take effect immediately, he'd have to search them out, like his Artifacts of Power. But there had to be exceptions. Kiss of Life had manifested when he first kissed the speedsters. There must be other Perks that would manifest similarly. A single discounted option caught his eye. Without hesitation, Tyson selected it, praying it would activate immediately as Kiss of Life had.
[100 CP] I Can Do This All Day (Perk)
A hero's willpower is just as important as his superpowers and powerhouses are especially respected for their invincible fighting spirit and determination. Even compared to other heroes you have incredible conviction and strength of will, so much so that you can easily shrug off mind controllers or ignore pain and pleasure if they distract you from more important matters. Even if you're badly wounded your resolve allows you to ignore injuries and fight on unfazed, even to the last breath if necessary. But your enemies aren't the only ones who'll notice this incredible staying power, because this willpower serves you just as well in the bedroom as in battle. You never run out of stamina because you can force your body to keep performing through sheer willpower long past the point where you should have collapsed from exhaustion. If you're ever captured by a villain determined to make you their toy they're sure to break long before you ever will. You might be a little sore in the morning but it'll be the soreness of a job done well.
Character Points: 1350
A surge of energy coursed through his body, invigorating his tired muscles. The exhaustion that had threatened to overwhelm him moments ago receded, replaced by a newfound strength. Tyson flexed his hands, marveling at the change.
"I think... I think I can do this," he said, his voice filled with renewed determination.
Amy and Sarah looked at him in confusion, but there was no time to explain. The alien soldiers were almost upon them, their weapons humming with deadly energy.
Tyson reached out, this time with confidence. The shadows responded to his call, swirling around them like a protective cocoon. He could feel the darkness bending to his will, eager to obey his commands.
"Hold on tight," Tyson instructed, grasping the speedsters' hands firmly.
As the first alien soldier fired, Tyson pulled them into the shadows. The world around them dissolved into inky blackness, and the sounds of battle faded.
The speedsters clung to him, their uniforms doing little to mask the sensation of their curves pressing against him. Amy's hand was a vice grip on his arm, while Sarah's fingers dug into his back, their breaths ragged in the stifling darkness. Tyson trudged forward, each step an act of will. The shadows were his ally and their adversary; a darkness that threatened to swallow them whole. But he was their anchor, their beacon in the void. He could feel the girls pressed against him, their warmth contrasting the cold embrace of the shadows.
"I Can Do This All Day," Tyson mumbled under his breath, invoking the mantra. The darkness weighed down on him, but it was nothing compared to the resolve that burned within his chest.
As they moved through the shadows, Tyson felt a peculiar sensation. The girls pressing their chests into his side rejuvenated him. Each step forward seemed to draw strength from their closeness. His hand, which had been supporting Sarah's lower back, slipped lower, cupping her backside in a moment of unthinking instinct. The contact sent energy coursing through his veins. He felt a renewed surge of strength.
Sarah gasped at the unexpected touch, her body tensing against his. But there was no time for awkward apologies or embarrassed explanations. If she was offended or surprised, she didn't voice it. Instead, she pressed closer, her hand gripping his shoulder as they moved deeper into the shadows. Amy was sandwiched on his other side oblivious to the exchange.
With each step, Tyson pushed back against the encroaching darkness. He could sense the real world beyond the veil of shadows. After what felt like an eternity, he found what he was looking for.
A secluded alcove, hidden in the shadow of a skyscraper. It was a small pocket of safety in a city under siege.
With a final surge of effort, Tyson guided them into the alley.
Moments later, they emerged in a dimly lit alley several blocks away. The shadows receded, revealing a small space surprisingly untouched by the destruction outside. The distant sounds of chaos and destruction echoed through the city, but, for now, they were out of immediate danger.
The three of them collapsed onto the ground, their bodies slick with sweat and trembling with exertion.
For a moment, no one spoke. They simply sat there, catching their breath and adjusting to the sudden return of light and sound. The alien warship still loomed overhead, its ominous silhouette casting a long shadow over the city. But for now, they were safe.
Tyson withdrew his hand from Sarah's ass. He hadn't meant to overstep, but the adrenaline, the intimacy of their escape, and the reinvigoration his touch offered had blurred the lines of propriety.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to—"
Sarah cut him off with a shake of her head. "Don't apologize. We're alive because of you, Tyson. You did what you had to do."
Amy nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with gratitude though she hadn't known what transpired between Sarah and Tyson. "You saved us. Again. We owe you our lives."
Tyson's expression softened. "I think you'll be safe here. But give me a second, I'll try to ensure it." A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "Unless you guys want more kisses, it might get you back on your feet, so to speak."
The girls exchanged glances, silently debating. Sarah seemed to tilt her head toward Tyson and raised her eyebrow slightly, while Amy responded by shaking her head and narrowing her eyes. After a moment, Amy spoke for both of them. "We appreciate what you did for us, but this isn't the time or place."
Tyson nodded, understanding. "I get it, just wanted to offer. Give me a minute." Without another word, he stepped back into the shadow, his form melting into the darkness. He extended his senses within the shadow realm searching for the other heroes he'd seen on the bridge. The darkness around him pulsed with information, feeding directly into his mind. He found the flier who had been shot down.
Dead.
A pang of regret hit him, but he pushed on. Next, he located the old woman. She was swimming, trying to gather survivors from the river. Tyson hesitated, considering whether to help her. Maybe...
Then he found the giant rock guy who'd been trying to support the bridge. The hero was still there, creating massive stone pillars to protect himself. But his position was being overrun. He was barely keeping ahead of the alien soldiers and drones swarming him. The rock man created a fortress of stone around himself and sat in the darkness, his hands pressed against the walls, constantly reinforcing them. It was a desperate last stand.
Without the speedsters weighing him down moving through the shadow realm was much easier. Tyson crossed the distance to the bridge, materializing within the darkness of the makeshift stone shelter.
"Hey rock guy, need a lift?" Tyson called out.
The hero was startled, yelling in surprise. But he couldn't remove his hands from the stone walls. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded, his voice a gravelly rumble.
Tyson shrugged. "Just a guy who just got powers, trying to help."
The rock man grunted. "Fine, get me out of here."
Tyson grabbed him and pulled him into the shadows. The transition was jarring, and immediately Tyson felt the strain. Trying to drag the rock man back to the alley was far more difficult than bringing the girls. The hero's dense, stony form seemed to resist the shadow realm itself.
But Tyson wouldn't surrender. He wouldn't give up. One foot in front of the other, he dragged the rock man through the inky void. His muscles screamed in protest, sweat beading on his brow despite the cool stillness of the shadow realm. But the memory of his new Perk burned bright in his mind, fueling his determination.
"I Can Do This All Day," Tyson muttered through gritted teeth, forcing himself to take another step.
The journey seemed to stretch on forever. In reality, it was likely only moments, but to Tyson, it felt like hours. Each movement was a battle against exhaustion and the strange physics of the shadow realm. But he pressed on, driven by the need to protect the speedsters and get this hero to safety.
Finally, gasping for breath, Tyson pulled the rock man back into the world. They materialized in the alley where he'd left Amy and Sarah. Tyson stumbled, nearly collapsing from the effort. But he managed to stay on his feet, supporting himself against a nearby wall.
The rock man looked around, disoriented by the sudden change in location. "What... how did you do that?" he asked, his voice a mix of awe and confusion.
Tyson waved off the question, still trying to catch his breath. "Shadow... powers," he managed to say between gasps. "New... still figuring them out."
Amy and Sarah moved to Tyson's side with concerned looks. "Are you okay?" Sarah asked, reaching out to steady him.
Tyson nodded, slowly regaining his composure. "Yeah, just... that was harder than I expected. But we're all safe now, at least for the moment."
The rock man surveyed their surroundings, his stony features set in a grim expression. "Safe for now, maybe. But those aliens are tearing the city apart. We need to do something."
Tyson straightened up, his breathing finally under control. "Agreed. But first, introductions. I'm Tyson. These are Amy and Sarah," he gestured to the speedsters. "And you are?"
Sarah cleared her throat and corrected, "Miss Mercury and Blue Blur."
"Granite," the rock man replied. "At least, that's what they call me when I'm like this." He looked down at his massive, stone-covered body.
"Great, now that we're all acquainted," Tyson said. "About those aliens. Any ideas?"
Granite shook his head. "I was just trying to keep that bridge from collapsing. Didn't exactly have time to come up with a battle plan."
"Fair enough," Tyson conceded. He turned to Amy and Sarah. "What about you two? You're heroes, right? Any experience with alien invasions?"
The speedsters exchanged glances. "Not exactly," Amy admitted. "We've dealt with some pretty weird stuff, but nothing on this scale."
Sarah nodded in agreement. "Our powers are great for search and rescue, crowd control, that sort of thing. But against an alien armada? We're a bit out of our depth."
Tyson sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, so we're all flying blind here. Great."
A distant explosion rocked the city, followed by the sound of screaming civilians. Tyson's expression hardened. "Okay game plan. I can move most freely. You two are hurt. And you're a giant target."
Granite crossed his arms, his rocky exterior creaking with the movement.
"He's right," Sarah chimed in.
Tyson's eyes darted between his newfound allies, his mind racing to formulate a plan. "Alright, here's what we're going to do," Tyson said, his voice firm and decisive. "Granite, I need you to stay here and protect them." He gestured to Amy and Sarah. "Keep yourself out of the crosshairs. You're no good if you get pinned down again."
Granite's rocky features contorted into a frown. "But I can fight! I should be out there, helping!"
Tyson shook his head. "Carrying all three of you would be too much. The more I bring with me, the greater the drain on my power. You're our best defense right now."
Amy stepped forward, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "What about you? What are you planning to do?"
"I'll scout, do what I can," Tyson replied, his gaze sweeping across the alley. "My shadow powers give me an advantage. I can move around undetected, gather information, maybe even sabotage some of their operations or save others."
Sarah nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "That makes sense. We're not in the best shape to fight right now, and Granite's too conspicuous for stealth."
Granite opened his mouth to protest again, but Tyson cut him off. "We need to play to our strengths, and right now, this is our best plan."
Without waiting for further argument, Tyson stepped back, feeling the familiar pull of the shadows. The darkness seemed to reach out to him, eager to embrace its new master. As his form began to melt into the inky blackness, he heard Granite's gruff voice one last time.
"You can't just leave me here to babysit," the rock man grumbled.
But Tyson was already gone, swallowed by the shadow realm. The transition was smoother this time, his body adapting to the strange physics of this dark dimension. He pushed forward, his senses extending outward, searching for information about the alien threat.
As he moved through the city, Tyson caught glimpses of the chaos unfolding in the material world. Alien soldiers kept teleporting down, their weapons glowing with otherworldly energy. Civilians ran in panic, seeking shelter from the invasion. Heroes and police officers fought valiantly but were overwhelmed by the sheer number of extraterrestrial forces. Part of him wanted to join the fight and protect the innocent. But he knew he had to be smart about this. He couldn't save everyone, not on his own. He needed information, a weakness he could exploit.
Tyson materialized atop a building, the familiar Columbia University logo sprawled across the adjacent athletic fields. He turned his gaze southward, where Manhattan's iconic skyline stood defiant against the alien invasion. Extraterrestrial craft swarmed the sky. Downtown, a colossal ship loomed ominously, dwarfing its counterparts.
He glanced back towards the alley where he'd left Granite and the speedsters. A twinge of guilt tugged at him, but he pushed it aside. If there was any organized resistance, it would likely be gathering near the largest concentration of alien forces.
He'd done his part as a hero, hadn't he?
But that wasn't why he was here. The Devil had enlisted him as a villain, not a hero. Tyson didn't know what kind of penalty he might face if his actions strayed too far into the realm of good, but he felt certain there had to be consequences.
So what would a villain do?
The obvious answer was murder, and there were plenty of aliens to kill. But that felt too simple, too expected. No, a true villain would do something more... interesting. Something like stealing.
But what would be worth stealing in the middle of an alien invasion? There were plenty of dead heroes lying around, their equipment ripe for the taking. He'd keep an eye out for that. If they had magic or high technology, they wouldn't need it anymore.
Then it hit him. Why not steal from the aliens themselves?
With a newfound sense of purpose, he stepped back into the shadows. He focused on the nearest alien craft, picturing its otherworldly form. Walking into the shadows of the ship's interior wasn't much more difficult than traversing those on land or water. It felt like walking uphill, a slight resistance that he pushed through.
Tyson appeared inside the alien vessel.
Instantly, an alarm blared.
Panic threatened to overwhelm him, but he forced himself to stay calm. Concentrating hard, Tyson attempted to wrap the shadows around himself, sinking into them without fully immersing in the shadow realm. To his surprise and relief, it worked. Or at least, it seemed to.
An armored alien burst into the room, its helmet swiveling as it scanned for intruders. Tyson held his breath, pressing himself further into the darkness. The alien's gaze passed over him once, twice, three times. Each second felt like an eternity as Tyson willed himself to become one with the shadows.
After what seemed like hours but was likely only a minute the alien left the room. The alarm fell silent, leaving Tyson alone in the eerie quiet of the ship.
He exhaled slowly, his body trembling with residual adrenaline. It had worked. He was invisible, or at least, hidden enough to fool the alien's sensors. A grin spread across his face as the implications of this discovery sank in.
Carefully moving from his hiding spot, he maintained the connection to the shadows. The ship's interior was all curved corridors with the occasional rooms branching off. As he crept through the ship, Tyson wondered what kind of alien technology he could steal. Weapons? Armor? Information about their invasion plans or weaknesses? He passed several rooms filled with equipment he couldn't begin to understand. Holographic displays flickered with incomprehensible data, and strange devices hummed with unknown purpose. Tyson was tempted to grab something, anything, but he resisted. He needed to find something truly worthwhile.
After careful exploration, Tyson stumbled upon what appeared to be a control room. The chamber was larger than the others, dominated by a central console surrounded by floating screens. Alien crew members moved about, their fingers dancing over holographic interfaces. A commotion near the entrance caught his attention. An alien, different from the others, entered the room. Its armor was more ornate, adorned with glowing symbols that pulsed with authority. The other aliens immediately snapped to attention, their postures radiating deference.
This newcomer was someone important. A leader, perhaps? Tyson watched intently as the alien commander strode to the central console.
Tyson took in the diverse array of aliens before him. His initial assumptions about their appearance were quickly shattered as he observed them more closely. Many of these aliens, particularly those without armor, were surprisingly small and frail-looking. Their bodies were reminiscent of young children, but their heads were disproportionately large, shaped like lightbulbs. It was as if their brains had outgrown their skulls, forcing their heads to expand while their bodies remained stunted.
This revelation cast the alien armor in a new light. What Tyson had initially mistaken for human-sized suits of armor were elaborate exoskeletons, designed to make the aliens appear much larger and more imposing than they truly were. The contrast between the armored and unarmored aliens was stark, and Tyson couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for these fragile-looking beings.
However, he quickly pushed that sentiment aside. Fragile or not, these were invaders that posed a significant threat. Tyson's mind raced as he cataloged the different types of aliens and their equipment, his gamer instincts kicking in as he assessed the tactical situation.
The most numerous were the black-armored soldiers, their helmets completely obscuring their features. They wielded menacing green rifles and seemed to be the primary ground troops. Tyson watched as several received orders and vanished, presumably teleporting to their assigned locations. Their ability to teleport made them a formidable force, despite their small stature.
Next, he observed the aliens in standard armor. These suits exposed their heads, revealing their true appearance, but not their size. Unlike their black-armored counterparts, these aliens lacked teleportation capabilities. Tyson surmised that they might serve as shipboard security or perhaps as a second wave of ground forces.
His attention was drawn to the leader and a handful of others wearing more elaborate armor. These suits were larger but also equipped with oversized swords that seemed almost comical in proportion. However, the glowing edges of these weapons suggested they were far from a joke. Tyson made a mental note to avoid those blades at all costs.
Finally, he noticed a group of aliens wearing lighter armor with exposed heads distinguished by color-coded suits. These aliens seemed to be supporters, gesturing at their comrades and enveloping them in what appeared to be protective force fields. Tyson's eyes narrowed as he recognized the tactical importance of these support units.
Taking out the healers and support characters was always the priority in games.
Tyson's gaze was drawn to two aliens that stood out. They possessed a human-like appearance with the same basic physique and facial structure. These two seemed to hold some position of authority over the others. Their armor bore more elaborate engravings and gleaming accents, denoting higher rank. When they spoke, the surrounding greys immediately halted their activities and turned to listen. Tyson observed the grey soldiers quickly adjust their positions in response to commands from the pair. He studied them closely, looking for any weakness or advantage he could exploit. But beyond their role as leaders, he could discern little else about them. Their armor obscured any obvious vulnerabilities, and their body language betrayed no hints of emotion.
Tyson silently cursed, frustrated at how little he had learned about these invaders. There were still far too many unknowns for his liking. He didn't know their motivations and couldn't read their language, so he was limited in what he could discover.
Regardless of their small stature, he couldn't take on this many aliens single-handedly. The sheer number of armed and armored foes, combined with their advanced technology, made a confrontation suicide. Stepping away from the command center, Tyson needed to even the odds and the best way to do that was to acquire some of the alien technology for himself. His next move became clear.
Find the armory.
Tyson moved silently through the corridors, his shadow powers keeping him hidden from the alien patrols. He passed several rooms filled with strange equipment and blinking consoles, but nothing that resembled weapons storage. The ship's layout was confusing, with curved hallways that seemed to loop back on themselves and doors that opened onto empty chambers or busy work areas.
After minutes of careful exploration, Tyson finally stumbled upon what he was looking for. The door slid open to reveal a large room filled with racks of the green-glowing rifles he'd seen earlier. Along one wall, armors of various sizes were displayed, from the standard suits to the more elaborate versions worn by the leaders.
As he entered the room, his eyes darted from one piece of alien technology to another.
The armor was his priority. The standard suits were designed for the Greys making them too small for him. The larger, more elaborate ones looked like they might fit. Tyson approached one of these suits, running his hand over its smooth, metallic surface feeling a faint hum of energy emanating from within.
He approached one of the racks, carefully lifting a weapon. After inspecting it, he swept across the room, taking in the array of weapons and equipment. In addition to the rifles, he spotted smaller more manageable sidearms. He also noticed a rack of the oversized swords he'd seen earlier. Up close, they were even more impressive. The blades were easily as long as Tyson was tall, with intricate patterns etched along their length. The edges hummed with energy, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding equipment.
Artifact of Power: Alien Pistol (Item)
The Alien Pistol deals nominal amounts of damage and can Knockback and Disorient foes. This weapon must be wielded with one hand. This item can be used normally, but binding it as an Artifact gives it special properties.
Artifact Properties: If destroyed it will be recreated and returned to you the following day. Alien weapons can be adjusted in power from Stun to Kill and have the Armor Break setting that when toggled, will only target non-organic parts, particularly destroying armor and clothing. As an Artifact, this item will never need recharging or reloading.
Tyson considered his options. The pistol would be easier to conceal and wield than the rifle. And as cool as the swords looked, they seemed unwieldy and impractical for someone without training.
He reached out to pick up one of the pistols, feeling its weight in his hand. It was surprisingly light, almost as if it were made of plastic rather than metal.
He turned his attention back to the armor, specifically eyeing one of the larger suits that looked like it might fit him. It was similar in design to the ones worn by the alien leaders. Unlike the standard suits, the helmet was fully enclosed.
Tyson approached the suit, running his hands over its surface. He found a series of clasps and seams that suggested it could be opened and put on. But as he began to fiddle with the fastenings. The armor could provide invaluable protection and possibly even enhance his abilities, but it was also a huge risk. If he couldn't figure out how to use it properly, or if it alerted the aliens to his presence, he'd be in serious trouble.
Artifact of Power: Alien Battle Armor (Item)
The Alien Battle Armor is more advanced than most armor on Earth. It offers protection from most normal kinds of physical damage. This armor has a built-in teleportation device, with a range of 100 meters, that can be used once per hour. This item can be used normally, becoming inoperable after ten uses of Teleportation, but binding it as an Artifact gives it special properties.
Artifact Properties: If destroyed it will be recreated and returned to you the following day. Additionally, Artifacts have additional traits. The teleportation recharge is reduced to 1 minute and will never make the armor inoperable. The retractable helmet, when worn, will protect from mind-altering effects, allow the wearer to read and understand any language, and x-ray vision, seeing through walls and clothes.
Tyson's eyes darted between the armor and the weapons rack. Then he saw in the corner, a selection of independent components. There were many to choose from and the System recognized them all as potential Artifacts of Power.
Artifact of Power: Alien Guardian Bracers (Item)
The Alien Guardian Bracers have three properties. They can create temporary Protection Forcefields that shield allies from attacks for a limited time. The nature of the shield makes attacks less likely to land. These bracers can also emit vita-radiation that restores some health to all nearby allies. A large burst of this radiation can be released to increase the metabolism of nearby allies, making them resistant to status effects and increasing their speed, endurance recovery, and damage potential. This item can be used normally becoming inoperable after three uses of Accelerate Metabolism, but binding it as an Artifact gives it special properties.
Artifact Properties: If destroyed it will be recreated and returned to you the following day. It has unlimited charges of Accelerate Metabolism. Additionally, Artifacts have additional traits. Accelerate Metabolism increases libido, instantly rejuvenates any stamina or fatigue from intimate activities, and instantly removes any mind-altering effects not inflicted by the caster.
Every moment he spent in this room increased the chances of discovery. But the potential rewards were too great to ignore. With the right equipment, he might be able to turn the tide of this invasion… Okay, that was a stretch. He could at least ensure he was protected, and set himself up for success going forward.
Making his decision, he approached the alien battle armor. The suit opened with a soft hiss, revealing its intricate inner workings. Tyson took a deep breath and stepped into it, feeling the cool metal embrace his body. As he moved, the armor seemed to mold itself to his form, adjusting and tightening until it fit like a second skin. The helmet was the last piece to snap into place, encasing his head in a protective shell. For a moment, Tyson felt claustrophobic, but then the helmet's display flickered to life, and suddenly he could see everything with crystal clarity. The room around him appeared in sharp focus, overlaid with data streams and readouts he couldn't yet decipher. Next, he reached for the Guardian Bracers. They clasped around his forearms with a satisfying click, integrating seamlessly with the rest of the armor. Tyson flexed his hands, feeling the power humming through the devices. He had no idea how to activate their abilities yet. But just wearing them made him feel more confident. Finally, he turned his attention to the weapons rack. Tyson grabbed two of the alien pistols, one for each hand. As he held the pistols, information flooded his helmet's display. Targeting reticles appeared, along with what he assumed were power levels and other relevant data. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating at the same time.
Fully equipped, Tyson took a moment to assess himself. The armor felt natural as if he'd been wearing it his entire life. Its weight was distributed perfectly, allowing for fluid movement despite its bulk. The bracers added a reassuring presence to his forearms, and the pistols nestled comfortably in his grip.
He hadn't bound any of these items as Artifacts of Power yet. The decision to do so could wait; for now, he needed to focus on getting out of the alien ship undetected and figuring out his next move.
With his new gear secured, Tyson refocused on the task at hand. Acquiring items wasn't the only thing that could set him up for success. The Rescue Romance Perk was likely in full effect, working its magic on the two speedsters and Granite. His efforts there would be wasted if they died during the invasion.
With that in mind, Tyson grabbed one of the alien rifles from the rack. Next, he snatched a pair of the smaller pistols, adding them to his growing arsenal. His gaze swept across the room, landing on two larger alien armors. They looked like they might fit the more human-sized heroes he'd left behind. They were surprisingly lightweight for their size, but still awkward to carry. He managed to hoist two sets, one under each arm. He shoved the rifle inside one of the armors, the pistols into the other.
With his stolen goods secured, Tyson took a deep breath and focused on the shadows around him. The extra weight made it harder to slip into the shadows, but he pushed through the resistance. It felt like wading through thick mud, each step requiring more effort. The journey took longer than his trip to the ship, the added mass slowing his progress.
Finally, Tyson emerged from the shadows into the alley. Granite had been busy during his absence. Thick stone walls now surrounded the small group, with a sturdy roof overhead. The makeshift shelter provided ample shadows for Tyson to work with, making his arrival easier than expected.
As he materialized, the others jumped in surprise. Amy was the first to recover, her eyes widening as she took in the alien equipment Tyson wore and carried.
"Where did you get those?" she asked, suspicious but in awe of his acquisition.
Tyson grinned, setting down the armor with a soft clank. "Let's just say I did a little shopping on the alien ship. Thought you guys could use some extra protection."
Granite approached cautiously, Tyson reached into the armor and pulled out the weapons. "This is incredible," he murmured. "But how did you manage to get aboard their ship?"
"Shadow powers. Turns out they work just as well on alien vessels as they do here on Earth," Tyson replied with a shrug. "This should give you some decent protection. It's not guaranteed, but it's better than nothing against those alien weapons."
Amy eagerly donned one of the alien armors, surprised at how the lightweight material seemed to conform to her curves. She ran her hands over the smooth exterior, tracing the intricate etchings along the plates. Glowing faintly along the edges, the suit calibrated to her measurements.
Sarah watched Amy inspect the armor, then carefully pulled on the remaining set. Just as with her girlfriend, as the dark metal settled over her slender frame, actuators whirred, tightening and loosening to match her proportions. The armor felt strangely comfortable, almost like a second skin.
Tyson offered the two women the smaller alien pistols, their grip molded for human hands despite the foreign design. Amy hefted one experimentally, getting a feel for its weight and balance. Sarah did the same with the second pistol, testing the aim as she pointed it across the shelter.
Finally, Tyson passed the imposing alien rifle over to Granite. The stoic hero handled the long-barreled weapon with reverence, inspecting it. It seemed sized just large enough for his massive stone hands. He peered down the sights, swiveling the rifle as if preparing for battle.
The heroes now wore their alien garb with growing confidence. Tyson allowed himself a grim smile. Their odds of survival were looking better already.
Sarah, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "So what's the plan now? We can't just hide in this alley forever."
Should he make another purchase?
Should he bind the alien items as Artifacts?
— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —
Chapter 3 Choices:
Choose Artifacts
Tyson will use all the items since he has access to them, but here we have the option to bind them as Artifacts, gaining their additional special properties. Remember Tyson can choose up to 4 artifacts. If he doesn't bind the alien items, other items will become available with each chapter. He does not need to bind any of these items.
Alien Pistol
Alien Battle Armor
Alien Guardian Bracers
Choose A Purchase and Plan
Option 1: Technology Superpower Perk and planning to take over the alien ship.
Option 2: Gang of Crazies Item and recruiting while utilizing alien technology.
Option 3: Go to the site of the main battle solo without spending any CP but grab an Artifact along the way.
Option 1: Tyson got the lay of the alien ship. He has their armor and weapons to blend in, and his shadows to conceal him otherwise. With the speedsters by his side, likewise disguised, he could try to take over the ship... But what good is having an alien vessel if he doesn't know how to use its technology? He purchases a perk to give him knowledge, and when he takes over the alien ship, he imports it into the system.
[300 CP] Superpower: Technology (Perk)
You're a genius, a master of at least one field such as chemistry, biology, or robotics, and you can easily master more in a few short days of study. Your intelligence and creativity are world-class. When you put your mind to it you can do things others consider impossible, from building powerful weapons to dissecting alien technology and reverse-engineering it into your creations. However, you have one weakness. You're limited by what resources are available. You might be able to improvise impressive creations on a budget but you won't be building giant robots or doomsday devices in a cave with a box of scraps.
[100 CP] Vehicle (Items)
Any one vehicle that you acquired gains fiat backing. This vehicle never needs to be cleaned or maintained, will repair itself within 24 hours of taking damage, and never needs refueling. You have all the needed documentation and never need to pay property taxes or any fees.
Option 2: Equipping Amy, Sarah, and Granite gave Tyson an idea. He sees the Gang of Crazies Item in the System menu. Because of his Origin Story drawback, he'll need to gather the gang himself… But isn't this the perfect opportunity? He can access the alien ships in the sky to steal technology from, and plenty of alien troops are on the ground to kill and loot. He can gather their equipment, and recruit others as he goes.
[100 CP] Gang of Crazies (Items)
Even C-list supervillains are a cut above ordinary goons, and the goons know this. Why else would they flock to your side like starving dogs hoping for an easy meal? You've attracted the service of a small-time gang of crooks, disposable manpower (or womanpower) desperate or crazy enough to let you boss them around and generally do whatever you please with them. They're not particularly skilled at any important tasks but they're reasonably attractive, can shoot relatively straight, and if you reward them now and then their performance will go up significantly. What makes them so disposable is that they have very little sense of self-preservation and if you lose a few then a nearly unlimited supply of replacements will come crawling out of the woodwork to fill the gaps in your workforce.
Option 3: Tyson doesn't need to make any purchases right now. Character Points are a precious commodity and he'd have to take Drawbacks to gain more, he doesn't want to make life harder for himself or waste his points if he doesn't know what he'll need after this invasion. Whether he accepts the alien equipment as Artifacts or not, he has everything he needs right now. The main battle seems to be happening downtown, he needs to get there ASAP. Tyson leaves the speedsters and Granite behind because his power will allow him to travel much faster without dragging them through the shadows. During his trip downtown, he's attacked by a fast-talking young teenager in pajamas. The kid puts up a fight, but Tyson beats him and takes his gloves, which allow him to stick to surfaces and bind his enemies. A valuable Artifact given that the World of Cardboard Perk does not allow his defeated enemies to escape his bonds. Afterward, Tyson arrives at the site of a superpowered battle.
Artifact of Power: Shocking Silkk Gloves (Item)
These Gloves work on some strange Super-science based around static electricity. They can create tendrils of electricity that can be released and draw the user toward that surface, even at distances of up to 100 meters. They allow the user to adhere to any solid surface. Striking with fists while worn delivers a minor electric shock. These gloves can be equipped with armor. This item can be used normally becoming inoperable after one day when its unique static generator needs to be recharged, but binding it as an Artifact gives it special properties.
Artifact Properties: If destroyed it will be recreated and returned to you the following day. Its static generator has an unlimited charge. Additionally, Artifacts have additional traits. The shocking effect of these gloves can deliver a pleasurable sensation instead of pain. The longer contact is held the greater the sensation.
— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —
Tyson
Origin: Powerhouse
Character Points: 1350
Drawbacks:
Iron Age Morality
Non-Stop Action
Origin Story
Running The Devil's Gauntlet
Perks:
Most Common Superpower
Secondary Superpowers
Rescue Romance
World of Cardboard
Superpower: Elemental Darkness (Shadow Step, Shadow Cloak)
Kiss of Life
I Can Do This All Day
Items:
Symbol of Anarchy
Artifact of Power x4
Companions:
Fire from the Stars