Chereads / The Infinite Showman / Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Curtains Rise, Heroes Take the Stage

Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Curtains Rise, Heroes Take the Stage

"The world is a stage, and I am the director," Luxor mused as he stood atop a towering skyscraper, the flickering lights of Musutafu below painting a vivid canvas of life and chaos. The city thrived with an almost naive determination, its heroes working tirelessly to protect a system they believed was unshakable. For Luxor, it was nothing more than a stage awaiting his grand design.

"Every hero needs a challenge," he thought, his golden eyes glowing faintly. "A reason to rise beyond their limits. Let's see if they're ready for the roles I've cast them in."

The League of Villains he had assembled waited in the shadows of an abandoned theater, its once-grand halls now a reflection of faded glory. The setting felt poetic—dusty velvet curtains, broken chandeliers, and rows of empty seats that hinted at stories left untold.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Luxor began, his voice resonating through the hollow space. "Our first act was a delightful appetizer, but the audience craves more. It's time to test the resilience of these so-called heroes. Subtly, of course. This isn't brute chaos we're orchestrating—it's art."

Medusa, lounging against a broken column, smirked. "And what's your masterpiece this time, oh great director? A monologue about morality?"

Luxor's smile held an air of mischievous authority. "No, Medusa. Action speaks louder. We'll weave our presence across the city, each of you playing your parts in this narrative. Push them, challenge them, and show them the futility of their ideals. And for the finale... well, let's leave them something to remember."

---

The city became Luxor's playground, his League of Villains the instruments of his symphony.

Shinobu Sensui was the first to step into the fray, targeting one of UA's hero training facilities. True to his nature, Sensui didn't rely on brute force but instead confronted the students with philosophical dilemmas. His Sacred Energy cloaked the area in an oppressive aura, each word he spoke like a dagger to their resolve.

"You fight for a system that perpetuates inequality," Sensui declared, standing amidst the rubble of a training hall. "Tell me, heroes-in-training, how do you justify saving only those deemed 'worthy'?"

The students hesitated, the weight of his words gnawing at their confidence. But Midoriya, despite the doubt swirling around him, clenched his fists. "Even if the system isn't perfect," he shouted, "we can still change it—make it better! That's why we fight!"

Sensui's gaze narrowed, a flicker of respect crossing his features. "Perhaps you're not entirely hopeless," he muttered, his Sacred Energy dissipating.

Watching from afar, Luxor chuckled softly. "A spark of defiance. Let's see if it ignites."

In another corner of the city, Neferpitou turned an amusement park into her personal domain. Her Nen puppets, each an unsettling mimicry of Pro Heroes, sowed chaos among civilians. Her cat-like grin widened as Hawks and Mirko arrived, their expressions a mix of irritation and determination.

"You heroes are so serious," Pitou teased, leaping between rides with feline grace. "Why not have a little fun?"

Hawks launched a flurry of feathers, aiming to pin her down, but Pitou swatted them away effortlessly. "You're fast, birdy, but not fast enough~!" she taunted, her laughter echoing through the park.

Meanwhile, Tier Harribel unleashed a deluge in the industrial district, her water-based constructs overwhelming even the most experienced heroes. Endeavor's flames hissed and sputtered against her tidal waves, his frustration evident as he struggled to maintain control.

"You rely too much on destruction," Harribel said calmly, her voice carrying over the roar of water. "But fire alone cannot extinguish the tides."

Medusa, on the other hand, transformed an entire city block into a labyrinth of shifting walls and deadly traps. Civilians were caught in the chaos, forcing rescue heroes like Eijiro Kirishima and Momo Yaoyorozu to navigate the maze while avoiding Medusa's gravitational distortions.

"You're clever," Medusa remarked, watching Momo use her Quirk to create tools to counteract the traps. "But cleverness alone won't save you."

---

As the city reeled from these orchestrated crises, Luxor appeared on every television screen, his silhouette framed by an ethereal light. The world froze as his voice, both commanding and enigmatic, resonated in homes, offices, and streets.

"Good evening, heroes," he began, his tone carrying an air of theatrical flair. "I trust my little performance has caught your attention. Consider this a test—a rehearsal, if you will. Each of you has a role to play, and I, as your director, will ensure you shine brighter than ever before... or fall in spectacular fashion."

His golden eyes seemed to pierce through the screens, leaving a chilling impression. "But don't despair. After all, what's a great story without a bit of struggle? Keep fighting, heroes. The curtain has only just risen."

With a wave of his hand, the broadcast ended, leaving the world in stunned silence.

---

Back at the abandoned theater, Luxor gathered his League once more.

"The heroes performed admirably," he said, pacing the stage. "Some even managed to surprise me. But Act Two was merely a warm-up. Act Three will push them to their limits."

Medusa tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "And what's Act Three?"

Luxor's smile widened, his golden eyes glowing. "A battle they'll never forget. But not yet. Let them recover. Let them think they've found their footing. Every great performance needs suspense, after all."

His words hung in the air like a promise, the stage set for the next act of his infinite show. For Luxor, this was more than a game—it was an art form, and he was determined to leave the audience in awe.