Chapter 6 continuation...
BEN WALKER
The grass bites into my skin as I materialize in a field, naked and raw. The sun feels like it's burning through me, but I'm alive—alive in a way I never was before. My body hums with power, something dark and primal. I stand up slowly, running my hands over my skin, feeling the newness of it all. A laugh bubbles up, wild and free. I'm no longer just Ben Walker. I'm something more. A variant.
Next Day, 2:30 p.m.
Nano Innovation Lab
LEONARD
Mark and Theo return from their investigation, faces tight with concern. Mark shakes his head as he steps into the lab.
"No trace of a bomb," he says, his voice edged with frustration. "But Theo found something."
Theo's already moving toward the TV, pulling up security footage from the explosion site. The grainy video shows Ben Walker strolling into the office moments before the blast.
"Oh no," I mutter under my breath. "He's back."
Mark's eyes narrow as he studies the screen. "Where did you find this?"
Theo shrugs, trying to keep it casual. "Got lucky, I guess."
Bonnie steps closer, her brow furrowed. "How did he get out of jail?"
"They don't know," I reply, my mind racing.
Bonnie looks at the footage again, then back at us. "Wait, did Walker die in the explosion? Or...?"
"He didn't just die. He *became* the bomb."
Confusion ripples through the room. Theo speaks up, "What are you saying?"
"I think he's a variant now."
Theo scoffs. "That's impossible. He wasn't a variant when we took him down in 2020. How could he become one?"
I pace the room, thinking out loud. "It varies, Theo. Some people's powers manifest immediately after exposure; for others, it can take days, weeks, even years."
Bonnie interrupts, "What about the senator? Did you find anything there?"
Theo nods. "Yeah. Got some dirt on her from her secretary. Turns out she's been embezzling for years. No one caught on until now."
Mark rubs his temples, processing the information. "So, she was dirty all along. But if she worked with Ben in the past, why would he kill her?"
I stop pacing, the pieces starting to click together. "She must've crossed someone powerful. Maybe she betrayed the organization she and Walker were part of. He was sent to blackmail her, and when she didn't cooperate..."
Bonnie looks horrified. "Are you sure about this, Leo?"
"Almost positive. Theo, we need to figure out how to stop Walker. Keep an eye on him and let me know if anything changes."
"Where are you going?" Theo asks.
"CBS. Got a job there."
Bonnie follows me to our bedroom, helping me with my tie as I get dressed in my suit. She stands close, looking at me with concern.
"Promise you'll come home early?" she asks as I head to the door.
"I will," I say, giving her a reassuring smile before heading to my car.
BONNIE
After Leo leaves, I find Theo still working, his focus intense.
"Hey, what's your plan?" I ask.
He barely glances up. "Trying to figure out how to take down Walker again."
I nod, thinking. "What if we study the materials from the bomb site? We need to know if Walker's really a variant before we plan anything."
Theo pauses, considering. "That's a good idea."
We dive into the research together, and it doesn't take long to confirm my suspicion. Walker's a variant, all right. His body vibrates at a frequency that lets him shift his molecules into a flammable gas, then reconstitute after an explosion. Theo starts working on a device to counteract his powers, muttering a quick thanks as he gets to work.
5:30 p.m.
CBS News Company
I walk into the CBS News Company at 5:30 p.m., the place buzzing with the evening rush. I head to the studio, where the scriptwriter hands me the evening's script. It's packed with details—political updates, economic reports, entertainment news, and sports highlights..As I skim through it, the news director approaches, reminding me to keep things accurate and on time. The weight of the broadcast settles on me as I take my place in the chair, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation. The lights are adjusted, the cameras set, and behind the scenes, the crew moves with practiced efficiency.
When the cameras roll, I'm ready. The world is watching, and the stories are mine to tell.
11:00 p.m.
Citizens Budget Commission
BEN WALKER
A surveillant finds me, his face tense, and informs me that Mr. Miller wants to see me in his office. The urgency in his voice makes my gut twist, but I follow him through the dimly lit halls, my footsteps heavy. When I enter Miller's office, he's hunched over, watching the news on a small TV mounted on the wall. The anchor is talking about the Dirksen building, its devastation, the lives lost. My stomach tightens.
"I'm here," I say, standing awkwardly by the door.
Miller switches off the TV and swivels his chair around to face me. His eyes are cold, calculating, and his jaw is set in a hard line. "The news anchor said the Dirksen building was devastated. Only six people died. Did you do it? Did you set the bomb?"
His tone cuts through the air like a knife. I swallow hard, then nod. "Yes, sir. I did."
The words are barely out of my mouth when he erupts. Miller slams his hand down on the desk, making the whole thing rattle. He's up on his feet in an instant, knocking his laptop to the floor. Before I can react, he's in my face, his hands fisting in my jacket as he yells.
"Why!? Why would you do that!? The plan was to expose her, reveal her betrayal! But you—you went and ruined everything!"
I flinch but stand my ground. "Sir, I didn't ruin the plan. I can explain—if you'll let me."
Miller's grip loosens, and he steps back, glaring at me. "Talk."
I take a deep breath. "I did what you said. I confronted the senator, exposed her secrets. But then she... she wasn't scared. She called in security. Something snapped inside me—I felt this heat, like I was on fire, and then... I exploded. I didn't mean to destroy the building."
Miller's face twists in disbelief. "Are you saying you're a variant?"
"Yes, sir. I'm a variant now."
His expression darkens further. "This can't be happening. Do you know what this organization stands for? We fight variants! We protect humans!"
"I know, sir. But I didn't choose this. Maybe it was the Inner Circle from three years ago... I don't know."
Miller turns away, pacing toward his desk. He's silent for a moment, then he spins back around, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous idea. "Fine. If you're a variant, we'll use that. Tonight, we're going after the variants. Gather thirty surveillants, arm them, and head to Broadway. I want every variant in the area captured. And if Zetacode shows up? Kill him."
"Yes, sir," I reply, my voice steady, but inside, my nerves are shot. I don't wait for him to say anything else—I turn and leave the office, summoning the thirty surveillants as ordered. They arm themselves with Mark 46 guns, tactical axes, and daggers, ready for the hunt.
We load into our vans and speed toward Broadway, the night pressing in on us. The streets are quiet when we arrive. We split up, moving through the houses like shadows, capturing any variant we find. By the end, we've got twenty of them locked in the vans, unconscious or too scared to resist.
Just as we're about to leave, a flash of lightning cracks through the air. My van jerks to a halt, and when I glance outside, I see Zetacode standing behind us, a smug grin on his face, his eyes glinting with challenge.
"Damn it," I mutter, realizing our tires have been slashed. I and three surveillants leap out of the van, guns drawn. The others quickly follow, surrounding Zetacode.
"Fire!" I command, and a hail of bullets flies toward him.
But Zetacode is fast—too fast. He sidesteps the shots, his movements a blur, and the bullets drop harmlessly to the ground. He picks up one of our rifles, spinning it in his hands as if it's a toy, and then tosses it aside with a grin.
"Guns? Seriously? Is this all you've got?" he taunts, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I feel a surge of anger. "No. That's not all. Kill him!" I shout, and we charge forward.
LEONARD
The surveillants charge at me, axes and daggers gleaming under the streetlights. But they're slow—painfully slow. I dodge effortlessly, maneuvering their weapons against them. The axes and daggers slash through the air, not towards me, but into each other, causing the men to collapse, groaning in pain. The sound of their agony fills the street as they fall, clutching their wounds.
I straighten up, facing Ben.
"Your men are fast, Ben, but still too slow for me," I say, wiping my hands as if brushing off the effort.
Ben steps forward, a smirk on his face. "Hello, Zetacode. Long time no see. Did you miss me?"
I meet his gaze, keeping my voice steady. "Yeah… I missed kicking your ass and putting you behind bars."
He chuckles, a dark edge to his laugh. "Oh, that was then. Two years ago, I depended on guns, axes, knives, and other weapons to battle Variants. But now, I'm unconquerable. With tremendous strength. There's nothing you can do to stop me. I'm going to put these Variants in jail—with or without your permission."
"You know I won't let that happen," I reply, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. "One of my teammates told me you're a Variant now, that you have an 'amazing gift' that can destroy a whole building in a second. Welcome to the club… So tell me, why are you still doing this? Why are you hunting Variants and protecting humans?"
His smirk fades, replaced by something darker. "Because they're trying to overcome humanity and make Earth their home. Many have used their powers against innocent humans and escaped."
"Seriously? You think that justifies what you're doing? And what are you going to do with those innocent people in the vans? Are you going to kill them or torture them?"
He narrows his eyes. "You ask too many questions, Zetacode."
I take a step closer, my voice firm. "Listen to me, Ben. You can never make New York a better city if you keep hunting Variants like animals and treating humans like babies. You need to see them as one—as family. Ben, you really need to stop. It's not too late to end this madness, to be a good man, and to make things right."
His expression hardens. "I'm sorry to say this, Zetacode, but you can't change me… You can't force me to be a good man. This is who I am, and this is what I do."
I nod slowly, realizing that words won't reach him. "Alright then. I guess we do this the hard way."
I grip Ben's right arm and bolt towards a deserted street, flinging him to the ground. But Ben rolls with the impact, bouncing to his feet with a twisted grin. "Is that all you got?"
I rush him again, fists flying. My punches land on his face, sending him sprawling. But he gets up, teasing me, taunting me with every hit. I grab his jacket, pulling him close, and punch him over and over until he catches my fist in his right hand.
"Are you done yet?" he asks, smiling that infuriating smile.
I swing with my other fist, but he catches it with his left hand and headbutts me—once, twice, thrice. My vision blurs as I stagger back, my brain rattling inside my skull. I force myself to keep going, striking him again and again, but he blocks every blow and counters with brutal force. He lands four punches in rapid succession, knocking the wind out of me, but I retaliate with a punch of my own.
Ben wipes the blood from his mouth, his grin fading. "That hurt. Really hurt. But I won't stop fighting for what's right."
I meet his gaze, my voice low. "Oh, Ben… Do you really think imprisoning these people means you're doing the right thing?"
"Of course. Since you can't protect the humans, the Citizens Budget Commission has taken on that responsibility."
I snap, throwing a barrage of punches at him, but he blocks them all and lands three heavy hits to my ribs, followed by a vicious kick that sends me crashing to the ground. Pain radiates from my chest, and a sharp ache stabs between my eyes.
Ben stands over me, sneering. "Look at you, Zetacode. You call yourself the hero of New York, but you're too weak to fight… to conquer! If I can make you weak with my hands, then I can destroy you with my power."
I struggle to my feet, the pain a constant reminder of how close I am to losing. "Funny. You really think you can defeat me?"
Ben laughs, stepping back. "No. I know that already."
I launch myself at him again, but before I can land a hit, Ben explodes with a violent burst of energy. The blast throws me backward, slamming me into the ground. My back aches, my vision swimming with stars. As I lift my head, I see him reconstituting, his body pulling itself together, his clothes in tatters.
"Thank God I'm alive," I mutter, struggling to my feet.
Ben throws his arms out wide, reveling in his newfound power. "Woo-hoo! This power is amazing!"
I square my shoulders, trying to steady my breath. "You're no longer interested in fistfights, huh?"
He grins, a wild gleam in his eyes. "Yeah! I can strike with anything—my hands, weapons, powers! Didn't I tell you there's nothing you can do to stop me?"
"You're wrong. I know how to stop you."
Ben laughs, the sound echoing off the buildings. "What's funny?" I ask, my patience wearing thin.
He stops laughing just long enough to taunt me. "What makes you think you can defeat a man with explosive power? Who do you think you are—a hero or a coward? Let me make it clear—you're weak, pathetic even."
Ben grins maliciously, his right fist tightening as he extends his left index finger, beckoning with a slow, deliberate gesture. I clench my fists until my fingernails dig into my palms, a sharp reminder of the tension building inside me. My body crackles with energy as green lightning arcs across my skin, forcing my eyes to glow an eerie green.
Without hesitation, I bolt forward, striking Ben with a punch that lands with enough force to shatter concrete. But instead of crumpling under the blow, his body glows a vibrant orange. He stands firm, laughter bubbling up from deep within him.
"More!" Ben's voice booms, his eyes wild with twisted joy. "I need more! The more you hit me, the stronger I become!"
I freeze for a moment, the realization dawning. He's absorbing the energy. Every hit is feeding him, making him more powerful. His laughter grows louder, more menacing, as the orange glow fades, leaving him unscathed and eager for more.
"Is that all you've got?" he taunts, extending his finger again, inviting me to try once more. His confidence, his arrogance, grates against my nerves.
My jaw tightens, teeth grinding as I let the anger surge through me. I can't let him win. I won't. I charge at him again, faster this time, my fists aimed to knock him off his feet. But as my knuckles connect with his flesh, the orange glow returns, stronger, brighter. He absorbs the energy like a sponge, his laughter echoing in my ears.
"You think your hefty punch can stop me!?" Ben sneers, his voice dripping with disdain. "I've told you, I'm unconquerable... The more you hit me, the stronger I'll become!"
His words sink in, cold and final. This isn't just a fight; it's a trap. Every blow I land only deepens the pit I'm falling into. I need a new plan—fast—before he becomes unstoppable.
I grit my teeth, pressing the Alds device to contact my team. "Hello? It's me, Zetacode… I've tried everything, but he keeps absorbing the energy. I don't know what else to do. Please, I need your help."
Theo's voice crackles through the device. "Alright. Have you tried creating lightning and attacking him with it?"
"What? No, I haven't. How is that even possible? Are you done with the device?"
"Yes. That's why I'm suggesting it. Channel energy from the cosmic force around you, contain it, and aim it at Ben."
"Why?"
"Because it's the only way to defeat him. The lightning will force him to explode, and the device I've constructed will suck in the vapor. He won't be able to reform… But I need to be there to operate it."
"Alright."
I begin to gather energy, green lightning crackling more intensely around my body. I position myself, preparing to strike.
Ben taunts me again, "Oh, Zetacode, why waste your time and energy on useless things? Your punches won't stop me from destroying you and other Variants. They won't."
"I know they won't," I say, my voice calm and determined. "That's why I've changed my mind. I'm going to strike you to death."
With a final surge of power, I hurl the lightning at Ben. The blast is powerful, and as soon as it hits, I dash back to the Nano Innovation Lab to bring Theo and the device. We return just in time as Ben explodes again. Theo sets up the device, and it captures the vapor before Ben can reconstitute.
"You did great, Leonard," Theo says, a soft chuckle escaping him.
"You too, Theo," I reply, bending over to catch my breath.
"What? Are you exhausted?"
"Yeah… This guy was… something else."
Theo grins. "I know, but you defeated him. Bravo! So, what about the innocent people? Have you released them?"
"Not yet. You're going to call the cops after I take you back to the Lab."
"Alright, then. Let's go."
"First, I want to thank you. Without this device, I wouldn't have been able to defeat him."
"You're welcome."
I grip Theo and bolt back to the Nano Innovation Lab to drop him off. Then, I return to the vans and unlock them.
"Zetacode, you saved us? Thank you," one of the Variants says, relief flooding his voice.
"Don't thank me. Thank God… So, who wants liberty?"
The twenty Variants climb out of the vans, their faces lighting up with gratitude as they head back to their homes. As they disappear into the night, the NYPD arrives. The assistant chief of police steps out, and we exchange a few words.
"Good evening, Zetacode. How was your day?" Mr. Wilson asks.
"Good, sir. And yours?"
"Great… What about the idiot who claims to be the hero of New York?"
Here's a rewritten version of Chapter 7 of "Ultimate Ventures" focusing on realistic and engaging scenes with natural dialogue:
---
"Idiot? Oh, you mean Ben Walker."
"So, that's his name... Ben Walker. I heard he works with the Citizens Budget Commission to protect human lives and properties but fights against those with superpowers."
"They're called Variants."
"Variants... Sounds like a new species. Well, I have a question. If the civilians call you the Skillful Speedster and the CBC claims to be heroes, who do you really stand for, Variants or humans?"
"Both."
"What do you mean, both?"
"A real hero puts others first, cares for their welfare before his own. That's what I do every day. But CBC thinks I'm only doing it for Variants, leaving humans to suffer." I said with a smile.
"Wow. That's deep... Alright, Zetacode. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, sir."
The NYPD quickly clears the street. I dash home, shed my superhero costume for casual wear, then head back to Nano Innovation Lab. Inside, Bonnie, Theo, and Mark are dancing to hip-hop, enjoying Mediterranean breads and watermelon limeade.
"Hey guys, what's the occasion?" I ask.
"Hey, here's the man who saved the day! New York City's superhero!" Theo grins, draping an arm over my shoulder.
"Theo, I'm serious."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, serious like Vin Diesel. Remember when you asked me to figure out how to defeat Ben Walker, the Atomic?"
"Atomic? Is that his new nickname?"
"Yeah, his powers are like a nuclear blast. After designing the device, Bonnie suggested a little celebration here. You know why?"
"Why?"
"Because being a hero isn't just about fighting villains. It's about enjoying life, especially after taking down a tough one like Ben Walker."
"That makes sense."
"Hey Theo, your phone's ringing!" Mark calls out.
"Alright, dad!" Theo replies, grabbing his phone. Turning to me, he adds, "Must be my girlfriend."
He heads to Mark, while Bonnie comes over with her drink and kisses my cheek.
"Hey babe, how was work?" she asks.
"Good. Yours?"
"Hectic, but I made it. Thank God for the strength."
"All thanks to Him...
To be continued...