The Devil's Villain In a Lewd Superhero World
Chapter 7: Empire 5, 4, 3
As consciousness returned, Tyson became acutely aware of a warm presence beside him. It was the second time he woke with Maya lying there at his side. Her tanned skin seemed to glow, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. He watched her for a moment, taking in the sight of her serene face framed by cascading locks of fiery hair. As if sensing his gaze, her eyes fluttered open, revealing irises that shimmered like gold. A smile spread across her face, contentment evident in every line of her body.
"Good morning," she purred, stretching languidly.
Tyson couldn't help but return her smile. "Morning, Princess. Sleep well?"
Maya propped herself up on one elbow. "Better than I have in ages. You certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome."
"Well, I aim to please," Tyson quipped.
"You hit the target." Maya's expression softened, her tone becoming more serious. "I think you're going to make a fine king."
"What makes you say that?"
"You gave me a chance when you had every reason not to," Maya explained. "You listened, you understood. And let's not forget how... attentive you were last night."
Tyson chuckled, shaking his head. "So that's all it takes to be a good king? Being good in bed? I doubt I'll be sleeping with many of my subjects."
Maya's lips curved into a coy smile, but she didn't respond directly to his joke. Instead, she said, "At least our people aren't dying in the streets anymore."
Tyson frowned as the reality of their situation rushed back. "Our people." He mumbled. It was hard to believe that he was actually considered the King of an invading alien army. Sure, he'd made the selections of the perks that led to this point, but it was more of a spur-of-the-moment grab for power and seizing the opportunities available, less of a thought-out plan.
Maya's expression sobered. "Well, at least not those with us. I'm afraid there are many of our people scattered around the city and underground still fighting or plotting. Including my sister."
"Getting her back is the priority."
As he stood, Tyson felt... different. Powerful. Like every cell in his body was humming with energy. He glanced down at himself and gasped. His body had changed overnight as if he'd undergone a year-long growth spurt compressed into a few hours. He was taller now, his frame more muscular and defined. It was as if he'd spent months in an intense training regimen. He flexed experimentally, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through his limbs.
"Maya, Is this normal?" He stared at his reflection, struggling to comprehend the drastic transformation his body had undergone overnight. Lean muscle now coated his frame, adding inches to his height and breadth to his shoulders. Raising an arm experimentally, he marveled at the strength of the cords that flexed beneath his skin.
"By the stars," Maya breathed, rising from the rumpled sheets. Her gaze roamed appreciatively over Tyson's physique as she moved closer. "Forgive my assumption, but since you didn't arrive with our people, you must be unfamiliar with our ways and uniqueness."
Her fingers danced lightly across his chest and over the hills and valleys of this newfound musculature. "Our people draw power from stars, while for you, it's the opposite - the darkness empowers you instead. You're void-touched. But few void-touched ever reach the levels of my father."
Her palm rested over his heart. "Seeking the darkness to gain strength often leads to isolation or even madness."
Lifting her eyes to meet his, Maya continued. "Think of us like batteries. We slowly charge up over time. Myself in the light, you in the darkness. But intimacy also transfers energy between us. Well, not just between Solari, but whenever a Solari is intimate with a partner. Your growth spurt is a phenomenon sometimes seen in great beings after contact with another's life essence for the first time. It can act as a catalyst, accelerating development to previously unimaginable levels."
"So you're saying our...lovemaking...supercharged me?"
Maya returned his smile, her fingers trailing down his stomach. "It seems so. I've never witnessed such dramatic change so quickly." She met his eyes once more, her expression earnest. "You have incredible potential, Tyson."
Maya's eyes widened as she continued to study his transformed physique. "Maybe it's because I'm the princess," she mused, her fingers still tracing the contours of his muscles. "One of the strongest among our kind." Her voice lowered to a near whisper. "Or..." Her voice trailed off. She coyly smiled as she asked, "Was that your first time?"
Tyson blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. He opened his mouth to respond, but Maya continued before he could form the words. "Our firsts are always the largest boost," she said, her tone almost teasing. There was a glimmer in her eye, a mix of pride and satisfaction as if she believed she had claimed his virginity.
He tilted his head slightly in confusion. He wasn't a virgin, not in the traditional sense. He had experiences from his previous life and memories of intimate encounters.
But then it hit him. In a way, he was new here, reborn into this reality with abilities he was only beginning to understand. And more importantly, this was his first time experiencing intimacy with these powers.
So, in a sense, Maya was right. Both literally and figuratively, she was his... first.
A slow smile spread across Tyson's face as he met Maya's gaze. He decided to play along. "You caught me," he said, his voice low and playful. "I guess you could say it was my first time..."
Maya's eyes lit up at his response, a mix of triumph and excitement dancing in their golden depths. She pressed herself closer to him, her warmth radiating against his skin.
"I knew it. I could feel the raw potential in you, the untapped power just waiting to be unleashed."
"And what about you, Princess?" he asked, his voice husky. "Was I your first... human?"
"You most certainly aren't a human. But you set a very high bar for the men on this planet."
"Well, I guess that's one way to level up." He flexed again, still getting used to his new form. "But we can't get distracted. We need to focus on finding your sister and stabilizing the situation in the city."
Maya's expression turned serious once more. "You're right. We should form a plan."
Tyson reached for his Alien Battle Armor. As he donned the suit, it molded seamlessly to his new physique, adjusting and calibrating to his enhanced form. Maya slipped into her own attire, a form-fitting suit with armored bracers she snapped onto her forearms and thigh-high boots she slid on.
She led the way, easily navigating the ship through the corridors of the alien vessel, the architecture a blend of organic curves and advanced technology. The command center doors slid open silently as they approached. Inside displays flickered to life, bathing the room in a soft, ethereal glow. Maya strode to the central console.
"I'm pulling up scans of the city's underground," she explained, her eyes fixed on the rapidly changing display. "It's an intricate system that connects the entire metropolis."
Tyson watched as a three-dimensional map of New York City materialized before them, a sprawling web of tunnels and passageways spread out beneath the familiar skyline. The complexity of it was staggering.
"This network is expansive. The potential for concealment and movement is... significant."
Tyson leaned in, studying the holographic map. "New York is built upward with skyscrapers, but also downward. Its subway system, when it was created, was a marvel to rival the best in the world."
Maya glanced at him, curiosity evident in her expression. "You seem quite knowledgeable about this city."
"I grew up here… sort of," Tyson explained. He had grown up in New York. It just wasn't this New York. He pointed to different areas on the map. "These are the five boroughs. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each has its own character. But Staten Island is a little sus."
Maya listened intently, her eyes darting between Tyson and the holographic display. She asked, "I'm not familiar with the term. What does that mean?"
Tyson said, "Don't worry about it."
"These sewers connect all the different boroughs."
Tyson examined the display. "More or less. This is not what I expected. It's a vast underground network. I thought sewers were supposed to be small pipes carrying waste around. This looks more like a system of tunnels, but it's mostly separate from the subway system." he said, pointing out the differences between the sewer network and the other underground passages. He zoomed in on a section of the map. "This area here, beneath Lower Manhattan, it's particularly old and complex. Lots of abandoned tunnels and forgotten chambers. If I were looking for a place to hide or set up a base, that's where I'd start."
Maya's fingers flew across the console, enhancing the section Tyson had indicated. "The energy readings here are... unusual. There's something interfering with our scans."
"Could it be something your sister's doing to mask her presence?"
"It's as good a place to start as any."
The command center's calm atmosphere of planning was suddenly shattered by a deep, reverberating thrum that pulsed through the mothership's structure. Maya quickly sifted through sensors and status information.
"That's the shields," she announced, her voice growing taut with tension. "We're under attack."
She manipulated the holographic display, pulling up an exterior view of the ship. She zoomed in on the section of the shield where the disturbance originated. The image crystallized, revealing a familiar flying figure.
"Boogiedown," Tyson muttered, recognizing the hero from yesterday's battle.
The young black man hovered near the shield. His muscular frame tensed as he threw another punch. It wasn't a frenzied assault but seemed rather a test of their defenses. His movements were almost casual.
Tyson's gaze shifted, taking in the broader scene. On the nearest island, other members of the Empire 5 watched Boogiedown's actions with keen interest.
"Seems like they're trying to get our attention," Tyson observed dryly.
Boogiedown unleashed another series of blows against the shield. Each impact sent ripples of energy across its surface. Maya's eyes darted between the display and her console.
"Shields are holding," she reported.
"I better attend to this," he declared. "Can you handle things here? Assuming I can dissuade the heroes, I'll begin searching for Thara."
Maya bowed deeply, her voice reverent. "Yes, my king. Your will be done." As she straightened, she smiled sultrily. "Good luck. I look forward to your return and our continued… growth."
Tyson returned Maya's smile. He forced down his anticipation of another tryst with her, turning back to study the display. Searching for a patch of darkness amidst the bright lights surrounding the assembled heroes, he spotted the perfect shadow beneath a tall tree. Centering his mind, he felt for the void. The darkness seemed to unfurl toward him, beckoning him into its cold embrace. Stepping forward into the waiting shadow, he let the darkness swallow him. The command center melted away, replaced by a realm of muted grays and black. Here in this domain of shadows, Tyson was in his element, attuned to every whisper and shift in the darkness. It caressed his skin like a living thing, heightening his senses until the world seemed to blaze with clarity.
Immersing himself in the cold embrace of the shadow realm, he attuned his senses to the darkness. He could feel it intertwining with the real world, seeping into everything it touched. More than that, he sensed King KZ'orr's presence burning in the distance like a dying campfire reduced to smoldering embers. After the unexpected Nova blast in their last confrontation, Tyson was wary of engaging the King again. He would let KZ'orr stew in the creeping shadows, draining his strength until he was driven mad or weakened enough for Tyson to challenge. Maya's warning about those who sought the darkness echoed in his mind. Perhaps madness would claim the King, his sanity eroded by the void. Either way, Tyson was in no hurry to fight him again. He needed time to recover and grow stronger. Their duel had revealed his shortcomings. But his conversation with Maya had revealed his potential. With access to this realm of darkness, one day, he could eclipse even a being as powerful as KZ'orr. The shadows nourished his strength.
Centering his thoughts on his destination, Tyson willed himself forward, gliding weightlessly through the void. The darkness bent around him, morphing to ease his passage as if eager to aid his journey.
— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —
The Empire 5 assembled on Governor's Island, looking upon the alien mothership smashed into the bay. The colossal vessel overshadowed even the island itself, metallic flanks breaching from the harbor like the slopes of an artificial mountain. Queens Kid crossed his arms as he took in the strange sight. He'd encountered much since creating his gauntlets and donning his costume, but nothing like this unexpected invasion. Beside him stood Mirror Image with her reflective shield. As Brooklyn's champion, she took threats to her borough seriously. And this certainly counted as one. The mothership was closest to her section of the city. Siren sat on the edge of the boardwalk's railing. She was no stranger to the harbor, likely knowing its waters better than anyone. But the alien ship was no ordinary vessel. Rounding out their group, Boogiedown rubbed his hands, the Bronx native ready to throw down with the aliens again if necessary.
Archmage was still absent, the sorcerer still recovering from wounds suffered in the fight with King KZ'orr.
Mirror Image adjusted the angle of her reflective shield. "The one who challenged the alien king promised the shields would be restored. He was right."
Beside her, Boogiedown flexed his hands, muscles coiled with raw strength. "I can try and smash through."
Queens Kid scoffed, static crackling along his gauntlets. "What's the point? The invasion is over. Their ships fled back inside. The troops vanished from our streets. We won this round." He gestured widely. "Can't we enjoy the victory?"
Perched on the railing, Siren kept her focus locked on the alien craft, as massive as a metallic island. "You underestimate the threat. Countless invaders remain within, heavily armed. This may be only a temporary reprieve before they launch another assault. We cannot assume the intentions of the stranger that challenged their king."
"He saved us," Queens Kid shot back. The king never showed back up. Maybe they're still fighting. Maybe he won. Maybe the king is so hurt that they were forced to fallback or call off the invasion. Who cares? It's been quiet. The city can use a little quiet after yesterday."
Siren said nothing, only narrowing her eyes. She would not be lulled into complacency so easily.
Mirror Image pivoted. "I spoke extensively with the Blue Blur. She claimed the alien who challenged the king, Tyson, didn't resemble the invaders at first. The Blur thought he was human, his powers manifesting when the attack began. Traveling through shadows was the first sign. But his abilities expanded rapidly from there."
Queens Kid shrugged. "Or he was an alien hiding among us all along. It wouldn't be the first time. He may not have even known his true nature until his people arrived."
"I could go knock on their ship, ask what's up," Boogiedown suggested.
Siren suddenly turned from her perch, striding away without a backward glance.
"Hey, where are you going?" Mirror Image called after the departing heroine.
"Hunting the other princess," Siren replied over her shoulder, not slowing her determined pace. "She fled into the sewers."
"What if she already retreated to the mothership with the rest?" Queens Kid asked.
Siren paused, glancing back. "You heard her. She talked about activating Plan B. I don't like the sound of that." She gestured emphatically with one webbed hand. "While you three stand around debating, I'm going to get something done about it."
The remaining members of the Empire 5 watched her disappear down the boardwalk. Queens Kid shook his head, grinning ruefully. "She never changes." he shrugged and turned to Boogiedown. "Yeah, let's go knock."
Boogiedown launched himself into the air, his powerful form cutting through the sky toward the alien ship. As he reached the edge of the ship's shield. He hovered in the air, studying the shimmering barrier before him. He pulled back his fist and unleashed a devastating punch.
The impact sent shockwaves rippling across the shield's surface, but it held firm. Boogiedown unleashed a flurry of blows, each powerful enough to level a building, yet the shield remained intact.
Queens Kid shouted, "Any luck?"
Boogiedown shook his head. "This thing's tougher than it looks. And it looks pretty damn tough."
"Well, that's disappointing," Queens Kid muttered. Boogiedown continued his assault on the shield, unleashing punch after punch.
Mirror Image turned to Queens Kid. "This isn't working."
Before he could respond, a voice emerged from the shadows. "No, it isn't."
They spun to see Tyson materializing from beneath a nearby oak. His appearance had startlingly changed. While his coal-black eyes and pallid complexion remained, he had grown significantly more muscular. His alien armor had resized to contain his enlarged frame. He hovered several feet off the ground, exuding an almost menacing presence.
Queens Kid shouted over his shoulder, "Hey Boogie, you can stop with the knocking!"
Boogiedown banked in midair and rejoined the group, fists still smoking from his barrage against the shield. Tyson waited patiently as the heroes regrouped.
Mirror Image took the position of de facto leader, asking the question on all the heroes' minds. "What happened with the invasion?"
"The King is... deposed," Tyson said. "Princess Maya is working with me. We convinced a portion of the invasion forces to withdraw to the mothership."
"A portion?" Boogiedown interjected, crossing his massive arms. "What about the rest?"
Tyson's expression flickered briefly with uncertainty. "There's been some splintering among the ranks. Rogue groups acting independently. I'm going to search for the other princess and try to bring any other holdouts in line."
Boogiedown jabbed an accusatory finger. "And what about turning over the princesses for the damage they've caused? Buildings leveled, lives lost! You think you can just shrug that off?" His voice rose in anger. "Where's the accountability?"
Tyson's placid expression finally broke into a scowl. The darkness around him seemed to deepen with his displeasure. "Who are you pointing at? I helped stop the invasion. You should be thanking me."
His words hung in the air like a challenge. Boogiedown's massive fists clenched, the knuckles popping audibly. His sculpted muscles rippled beneath his skin-tight costume as he took an aggressive step toward the hovering figure. "Thanking you?"
"There's no proof that the king was defeated," Boogiedown rumbled, his voice low and threatening. "And we're supposed to just take your word for it? Who are you, anyway?"
Tyson met his gaze unflinchingly, the darkness writhing around him. "Yes, you are. The proof is that he's still not here fighting you. That should be good enough. The threat is neutralized."
Mirror Image gently interposed herself between them. With a delicate nudge of her shield arm, she eased Boogiedown back a pace.
"Let's take a breath here," she appealed. "We're all on the same side, right?"
Tyson's stony expression made it clear he wasn't convinced of that fact. Mirror Image pressed on steadily. "You appear out of nowhere and claim to have defeated the alien king. Yet you're not offering us much to substantiate that and expect us to just accept it at face value."
"I don't expect anything from you," Tyson stated coldly. "I'm telling you what happened. Whether you choose to believe it or not is your problem."
His words held an undeniable ring of truth. Yet something in his shifting manner left an uncertainty hanging over them like a shadow.
The heroes exchanged uneasy glances. Boogiedown took a step forward. "Our problem? The city is in ruins, people are injured and scared, and you're acting like this is all wrapped up with a bow."
"What I said was that the immediate threat was neutralized. That doesn't mean there isn't still work to be done."
"Okay, let's say we believe you," interjected Queens Kid. "What's your plan now? How do we clean up this mess?"
"The wrecked city is your responsibility, not mine," Tyson replied bluntly. "I'm just a guy who woke up on the train to find an alien invasion and helped end it. Feel free to handle the aftermath however heroes normally do. I'm going after the other princess, Thara. She's still out there somewhere, likely rallying the remaining invaders."
Mirror Image crossed her arms skeptically. "And how exactly do you plan on finding her in the miles of tunnels and subways crisscrossing the city?"
Boogiedown scoffed derisively. "So we get stuck on cleanup while you swoop in to claim all the glory?"
Tyson struggled to contain his mounting irritation. "What glory? Is there a parade being planned that I'm unaware of? Aren't heroes supposed to selflessly protect the city, not chase glory? Isn't that what you're supposed to do?"
The heroes cringed uncomfortably under his accusatory stare. Their supposed selflessness had been called into question, and the truth of his words struck an uneasy chord.
Queens Kid admitted, "He makes a decent point. The other stuff can wait the city needs our help."
Mirror Image slowly nodded. "Fine. But the jury's still out on trusting you completely."
Tyson shrugged, unperturbed. "Fair enough. Though saving your lives seems like it should earn some cred."
Boogiedown crossed his arms, face still clouded by doubt. "And the mothership? We gonna pretend that ain't an issue, just sitting pretty in the harbor?"
"She's secure," Tyson replied evenly. "Shields are up, and the Princess is keeping the peace inside. Where do you want me to park it? Would you prefer if I left it hovering over Yankee Stadium?"
Deftly reshifting the conversation, Mirror Image asked, "So where will you start the search? The sewers connect the whole city. Miles of tunnels perfect for hiding. And Siren already headed off trying to find the other princess."
"All the more reason I need to get searching."
"It's not just the stink you need to worry about down there," she warned. "Gangs, mutants, you name it, a whole lotta nastiness."
"Cults, too." Queens Kid added. "Real freaky stuff happens in the dark."
"Thanks for the heads-up. I'll track the princess and handle the aliens. I claimed their king's mantle, and I'll see it through. But the people need your protection and help. I leave the city's welfare in your hands. Handle your business, and I'll handle mine." Tyson didn't wait for a response, instead melting back into the shadows where he had emerged from. The darkness seemed to swallow him whole until no trace remained that he had ever been there at all.
The Empire 5 stared at the now-empty space, caught off guard by Tyson's abrupt exit.
"Well, that could've gone better," Queens Kid muttered. Despite Tyson's claims about handling the invaders, he didn't relish the thought of leaving the fate of his city solely in the hands of this unknown element. But the destruction around them was spreading, and people needed their help. With all the damage and emergency personnel and heroes all occupied, gangs, criminals, and villains were all taking advantage of the situation. As much as he hated to admit it, Tyson had a point about their priorities.
"Come on," Mirror Image said, turning to her teammates. "We've got work to do." The team exchanged uneasy glances but then moved into action, heading towards the distant sounds of emergency vehicles.
— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —
The acrid stench of smoke and debris hung heavy in the air as Tyson made his way through the ravaged streets of Manhattan. Towering skyscrapers, once proud symbols of human achievement, now stood as silent sentinels over a city brought to its knees. Shattered glass crunched beneath his feet, a constant reminder of the chaos that had unfolded mere hours ago.
He avoided the financial district at the very southern end of the island. While the maps he'd looked over with Maya indicated there was interference below that area, there were not many accessible entrances to the sewer network. Instead, he turned and headed further east to Chinatown.
His eyes scanned for an entrance to the sewer. Crumbling brick facades lined the streets, their surfaces marred by scorch marks and alien weaponry. Neon signs flickered weakly, clinging to life in a world turned upside down. Steam rose from grates in the sidewalk, carrying with it the musty odor of the underground. As Tyson rounded a corner, he encountered a city bus lying on its side, windows blown out, and metal frames twisted beyond recognition. Nearby, a fire hydrant spurted water lazily onto the ground, creating a small pond filled with dirty water. The distant wail of sirens and the occasional crash of unstable structures could be heard.
A massive pile of rubble blocked the road ahead, forcing Tyson to detour down a narrow alley. Graffiti-covered walls closed in on either side, their vibrant colors contrasting the gray and brown tones that dominated the landscape.
Emerging from the alley, the devastation was less pronounced, but the atmosphere was no less oppressive. A faint rumble caught Tyson's attention. He tensed but realized it was just the subway, somehow still operational despite the damage from the invasion. The familiar sound was oddly comforting.
As Tyson rounded another corner, his eyes fell upon a massive circular opening set into the side of a concrete embankment. The entrance loomed before him, easily large enough for a person to walk through upright. A rusted metal grate covered the opening. The grate was secured with a heavy padlock, its metal corroded from years of exposure to the elements. He grasped the bars, feeling the rough texture beneath his fingers.
With a deep breath, Tyson planted his feet firmly on the ground and gripped the grate tightly. He flexed his newly enhanced muscles, marveling at the power coursing through his body. The metal groaned in protest as he began to pull, the lock straining against the force.
Tyson grunted, his biceps bulging with effort. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he poured more strength into his task. Suddenly, with a resounding crack, the lock shattered. The gate swung open, the hinges screaming in protest after years of disuse. Panting slightly, he stepped back to survey his handiwork. The open grate revealed a yawning darkness beyond, the air wafting from within carrying a rank, musty odor. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
The darkness may have been offputting to anyone else, but it didn't hinder Tyson's vision, and he welcomed its empowering effect. His foot squelched in something unidentifiable, and he recoiled instinctively. The ground inside the entrance was a mess of slime, algae, and who-knew-what-else accumulated over years of neglect.
"Oh, hell no," he muttered, grimacing at the foul substance coating his shoe.
Remembering his newfound abilities, Tyson concentrated for a moment. Slowly, his feet lifted off the ground, hovering a few inches above the disgusting muck. Floating forward, he entered the cavernous pipe. The light from outside quickly faded, leaving him in near-total darkness. The air grew thick and oppressive, filled with the stench of decay and stagnant water.
Water dripped steadily from the curved ceiling, creating a constant, eerie rhythm that echoed through the tunnel. Tyson's eyes gradually adjusted to the gloom, revealing the slimy walls covered in a patchwork of mold and algae.
As he ventured deeper into the sewer system, Tyson's senses were on high alert. Every splash and scurry set his nerves on edge. The tunnel branched off in multiple directions, creating a labyrinth of passageways. Tyson paused at an intersection, trying to recall the rough map he and Maya had studied. The faint sound of rushing water echoed from somewhere in the distance, providing a constant backdrop to the oppressive silence.
Floating a few feet above the filthy water that flowed sluggishly through the center of the tunnel, Tyson pressed onward. His eyes darted from side to side, scanning for any sign of Thara or potential threats. Rats scurried along the edges of the walkway, scampering away from his approach, their red eyes gleaming in the darkness before disappearing into unseen crevices. Cockroaches scattered at his approach, disappearing into cracks and crevices with practiced ease. The walls of the tunnel were a patchwork of different eras, telling the story of the city's growth and change. In some places, ancient brickwork gave way to more modern concrete, while in others, high-tech piping and cabling had been retrofitted into the existing structure.
Graffiti covered much of the accessible 'clean' surfaces. Some of the artwork was crude and hastily done, while other pieces showed real skill and artistry. Tyson wondered about the people who had ventured down here to leave their mark, what drove them to express themselves where few would ever see it.
As he pressed on, the tunnel began to widen, opening up into a vast chamber. The ceiling arched high overhead, supported by massive pillars that disappeared into the gloom. The sound of rushing water grew louder, and Tyson realized he was hovering at the edge of an underground river. The water churned and frothed, carrying with it the detritus of the city above. Strange shapes bobbed on the surface, remnants of the alien invasion mixed with the everyday trash of urban life. Walkways crisscrossed the chamber, connecting various tunnels that branched off in all directions. Some were sturdy and well-maintained, while others looked as though they might crumble at the slightest touch.
The air here was slightly fresher, stirred by the movement of the water and the network of ventilation shafts that connected to the surface. Tyson took a deep breath, grateful for the respite from the oppressive atmosphere of the narrow tunnels. His eyes had no trouble penetrating the darkness, allowing him to notice details a normal man would've missed at first glance. Strange symbols were carved into some of the pillars. Rusted machinery lurked in the shadows, remnants of some long-abandoned project or experiment.
Tyson's eyes narrowed as he focused on the strange symbols etched into the ancient pillars. With a thought, he engaged his helmet, the advanced technology within the Alien Battle Armor. The helmet's systems initialized, and suddenly, the cryptic markings began to transform before his eyes. The symbols shifted and morphed, resolving into recognizable text. Tyson's eyebrows rose as a tale unfolded before him, speaking of a wise spider woman who guided the people through their journey. As he moved from pillar to pillar, the story continued to unfold. It told of great hardships and trials faced by the people.
As he reached the final pillar, the story ended abruptly. The runes from this point were damaged beyond translation.
He frowned, but it was a curiosity that would have to wait for another time. The heroes had said Siren was pursuing Thara as well, and he didn't have all the time in the world for side quests and distractions.
He surveyed the chamber, looking for the best route forward. The network of tunnels branching off in all directions was daunting, each one a potential path to Thara… or possibly to the other dangers mentioned by the heroes.
— The Devil's Villain In A Lewd Superhero World —
Chapter 7 Choices:
Choose An Encounter
Option 1: The Vagabound - Renegade Greys have been experimenting on the homeless and those displaced by the invasion.
Option 2: The Stitched - A group of renegade doctors and mad scientists that experiment with raising the dead and giving powers to those who can pay… by transplanting organs from dead heroes.
Option 3: The Abyssal Brotherhood - A group of cultists, fratboys, and gangers who summon demons and throw hedonistic parties.
Option 1:
Item of Power: Disengage Safety Protocols (Items)
This VR device has been expertly tailored to provide a variety of lewd scenarios to its wearer, and each one is capable of being customized to further enhance their virtual pleasure- which is, naturally, provided by having the headset jack into the nervous system. Each scenario is designed with flexibility and fun in mind. It's even possible to create new scenarios, assuming that you have the capacity to program such complex scenarios with the attached computational device. This can also take the form of an actual holodeck, though the need to program scenarios remains.
Option 2:
Item of Power: Preserved Minds (Items)
They might be brains in a jar, or perhaps they're skulls brimming with arcane knowledge; either way, these containers hold the minds of philosophers and scientists. The breadth of their knowledge is vast, spanning the histories of their worlds and all their achievements... The only issue is extracting it. It is possible to commune with the minds as they are now, though putting aside the fact that these are ALIEN minds, their long isolation has made most ornery, horny, insane, or all of the above. You could fulfill their requests- or turn to science, magic, or mental trickery to forcibly extract the information you want from them. You also have the implements required to preserve someone's mind like this in a twisted form of immortality, perhaps as a punishment... or a reward...?
Option 3:
Item of Power: Little Black Book of the Damned (Items)
Oh, boy, a tome bound in human skin! What could be inside of it, I wonder… It's a phone book? But not just any phone book- this grimoire contains the names and phone numbers of a wide variety of supernatural beings, who you can call at your leisure on any cellular device or summon within a simple ritual circle. Make prank calls at your own peril, for this does nothing to prevent reprisal if you end up pissing them off, but if you must speak with a demon or vampire, you'll be able to with this book. Good for making deals, booty calls, or very interesting radio talk shows. The beings summonable with this book are limited to those less powerful than yourself.