Lucian leaned back on the couch, closing his eyes for a moment as he tried to center himself. His breathing slowed, his thoughts churning in the silence of Selene's opulent chambers. The room's ambient hum, the faint pulse of its glowing runes, seemed to mirror his unease. Every detail reminded him that he wasn't just in unfamiliar territory—he was trapped in a world beyond his comprehension.
Think, Lucian. Think. What's your next move? He couldn't stay passive forever, not in a place like this. He needed to understand Selene's intentions—and her limits.
His thoughts turned to the world outside these walls. This wasn't the Earth he remembered. No, this world… it was something else entirely.
This was a strange world, one meticulously crafted by powers that balanced both superhuman abilities and advanced technology. Daily life for the average person mirrored that of a futuristic modern Earth, with bustling metropolises, hovering vehicles, and ubiquitous holographic displays. But woven into the mundane were the extraordinary—heroes and supervillains who shaped the fabric of society.
Cities were more than centers of commerce; they were battlegrounds and fortresses, constantly reinforced to withstand the chaos of superhuman conflicts. Skyscrapers shimmered with shields of light, streets were monitored by Heroes, and hidden beneath the glitz and glamour of everyday life were shelters ready to protect civilians during battles. Heroes patrolled openly, their brightly colored costumes and charismatic personas inspiring hope. Supervillains, in contrast, thrived in the shadows, their machinations shaping the undercurrents of society.
Heroes and villains weren't just loose labels; they were tightly defined roles, regulated and enforced by power and influence. Heroes were licensed, their activities overseen by global organizations like the Vanguard Initiative. These groups trained, monitored, and deployed heroes where they were needed, ensuring their battles didn't cross ethical lines—at least not publicly. Supervillains, meanwhile, operated through hidden networks, manipulating governments, economies, and criminal empires to their will. They were both feared and revered, their names whispered in awe.
At the heart of this world's structure lay a meticulous grading system for superhuman abilities. Grades weren't just a measure of power; they were a societal ranking, determining one's worth and opportunities:
F-Grade: Barely more than a spark of ability, these individuals were considered harmless. Most lived ordinary lives, their powers too insignificant to attract attention.
E-Grade: A slight improvement, these individuals possessed abilities beyond typical human capabilities but were still outclassed by higher grades. They often took supporting roles in teams or lived quietly with their minor talents.
D and C Grades: Most mature superpowers were in this range. Possessing useful powers, these individuals often joined teams or worked in specialized roles. They could sway small battles or provide critical support in conflicts.
B Grade: A cut above, these superhumans could dominate local skirmishes or serve as key players in organized battles.
A Grade: Rare and highly sought after, A-Grades were titans capable of altering the course of wars or defending entire cities singlehandedly.
S Grade: Legends in their own right, S-Grades were nearly unstoppable forces of nature. Their actions shaped nations and civilizations, often leaving indelible marks on history.
Lucian now inhabited the body of someone with an F-grade ability: telekinesis.
It was a pitiful power, barely capable of nudging objects within arm's reach. There was no grand potential, no hidden strength waiting to be unlocked. It was a power that earned ridicule, a liability in both hero academies and villainous syndicates.
Telekinesis, Lucian thought bitterly, staring at his hands. Really? I couldn't get flight? Super strength? Hell, even laser vision would've been nice.
His memories drifted to his life in this body's previous owner... and the circumstances that had led to his current predicament. This body belonged to a handsome 18-year-old boy who had been a street rat, discarded by a father at 15 who saw him as a burden. Thrown into the world with nothing but his wits, Lucian had learned to survive by any means necessary. Begging, stealing, lying—there was no line he wouldn't cross if it meant living another day.
But even the streets had their hierarchy, and Lucian was always at the bottom. Those with powers, even minor ones, dominated the underground. They formed gangs, extorted businesses, and enforced their rule with brute strength. Lucian had nothing to his name except a clever tongue and a face that could charm the unsuspecting.
It was that charm that had gotten him into trouble. He'd wormed his way into high-class gatherings, masquerading as someone of worth. One night, he'd stolen a necklace from a wealthy patron—a piece laced with hidden magical properties. He thought it was his ticket out of the slums, his chance to escape the cycle of survival. Instead, it had marked him. The gang that found him didn't care about his sob story. They cared about making an example of him.
And then… darkness. A dungeon. And now, this.
Lucian opened his eyes, staring at the swirling cosmos in the window-like display. This world might be different, but some things never change. Power rules everything.
The sound of heels outside the door pulled him from his thoughts. His body tensed as the rhythmic clicking grew louder, each step echoing like a countdown.
His eyes snapped open as the door began to slide open. Here we go.