Chapter 12
Whiplash stood there, waiting for Keagan's answer. He could see the wrinkles on his face behind his half mask as he pondered, but he didn't interrupt his thought process.
"I'll give you a definitive answer after the task you're going to assign me. Right now, I can't make such a heavy decision on the spot. I need some time to think," Keagan finally responded. Whiplash felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had been testing Keagan, seeing if he was the type to act fast and think later. As a teacher of many, he couldn't seem to turn off his role, always seeking to turn situations into teaching moments or tests for his students. Keagan passed his little test, but Whiplash knew it wasn't the right time to press him for an answer. Deep down, however, he felt a sense of pride for Keagan's thoughtful approach.
"Okay, I understand. I'll give you the time you need to think it over. But for now, you must focus on your task. Consider yourself a B-ranked hero from this moment on. Your task difficulty has significantly increased, and you'll have to be at your best and utilize every skill you have to accomplish it and earn daily points," Whiplash explained. "Your B-rank task for today is police reinforcement. You will act as a police reinforcement, responding to distress calls involving violent activities or hostile situations. You will be called upon to assist in handling aggressors or criminals and perform your duty diligently, just like any other law enforcement officer. Accompanying you is another B-ranked hero named Blitz. You will learn more about him during the debriefing. I have sent you the details of the meetup location. Unfortunately, I can't go with you at the moment, as I need to stay and train the others. But remember what I've told you, Spectral Guardian. You have an incredible opportunity to build a successful career in this. Don't let it go to waste," he added, patting Keagan on the shoulder.
Keagan nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Whiplash's words.
"And has anyone ever told you to change your alias? It's long and confusing," Whiplash remarked jokingly. Keagan grinned cheekily and replied, "I'll think about it on my way out."
They bid each other farewell and Whiplash seemed to melt into the shadows as he maneuvered his way across buildings, following his other students. Keagan was left to marvel at how such an old man had that much mobility left in him, it was otherworldly.The system's voice suddenly appeared, breaking the silence. "Hello, Spectral Guardian. I can pin the map of the destination point on your display if you'd like," it offered.
"Hello, system. It's been a while. I almost forgot about you," Keagan joked.
"I am at your disposal, you know. If there is anything you'd like me to help you with, please don't hesitate to mention it," the voice replied.
"Okay, then. What can you tell me about this Blitz guy?" Keagan inquired.
"Blitz... Here is the latest hero report I found about Blitz in the Hero Central Hub..."
……………………………………………………………………………………….Introducing Adonis Cruz, also known by his heroic alias Blitz! Adonis is a remarkable individual with an impressive array of powers and characteristics that make him a force to be reckoned with in the realm of heroes.
Adonis's primary power lies in his superhuman speed, which allows him to move with an extraordinary swiftness that surpasses that of ordinary individuals. His lightning-fast reflexes and agility make him a formidable opponent, enabling him to evade attacks effortlessly and navigate through any environment with remarkable ease. This, coupled with his ability to manipulate and control energy, adds an electrifying touch to his heroic endeavors.
It is worth noting that Adonis's charisma and quick wit are undeniable. He often exhibits a witty and sharp sense of humor, making him a captivating presence both in and out of battle. However, his demeanor and cockiness, fueled by his unshakable confidence in his speed, have often proven problematic in social settings. Unfortunately, this has led many to perceive him as a jerk or a douche. Nevertheless, beneath the layers of arrogance lies a hero with a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to protecting the innocent.
Adonis's leadership skills are evident as he effortlessly assumes the role of a team leader, guiding and inspiring his allies with his strategic thinking and unwavering determination. His ability to think quickly on his feet, analyze situations rapidly, and make split-second decisions sets him apart as a valuable asset in any crisis.
As the poster boy for an energy drink company, Adonis's costume reflects his speed and energy-based powers. It may feature a sleek and streamlined design, adorned with vibrant colors that exude his electrifying energy. Symbolically, lightning motifs may be incorporated, representing his quickness and powerful strikes.
While Adonis's charm and confidence are undeniable, he understands the need to temper his brash demeanor and work on building better relationships with others. Behind the cocky exterior, he carries a genuine desire to protect and make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, Adonis Cruz, alias Blitz, is a hero with incredible speed, agility, and energy manipulation abilities. Though his persona can be polarizing, his quick thinking, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to justice make him a formidable force against evil. As he continues to evolve, Adonis strives to overcome his social challenges and prove that, beneath his cocky exterior, he is a true hero with a heart of gold.
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"This guy seems like a piece of work. What's his rank?" Keagan inquired."Blitz is currently ranked 2344 in the latest hero ranking, placing him among the top percentile of B-ranked heroes," the system responded.
Keagan found it amusing, briefly fantasizing about being ranked himself. But then he remembered what Whiplash had mentioned earlier about his unranked status and the database malfunction that prevented his rankings from being reflected in the Hero Central Hub. He turned to the system, thirsting for knowledge on the matter.
"Hey, system. Whiplash mentioned something about me not being ranked in the Hero Central Hub despite my capabilities reaching that of a B-ranked hero. How did that happen?" Keagan asked.
"In your case, Spectral Guardian, you have leveled up quickly, surpassing the system's current progressive scale, which caused it to be unable to assign your current rank. It will take some time for the central hub algorithm to correct itself. For now, your status is irregular in the database. If you level up quickly again, it might even cause the database to crash," the system explained.
"So, taking things slow is the way to go?" Keagan questioned, surprised by the news.
"Yes, I offered you that one chance to level up because your life was in danger, and one of my primary roles is to keep you alive and protect you at all times. From now on, you will have to rely on your strength and resources to power up realistically," the system inferred.
"Okay, pin the meetup location point on the map. I don't want to be the one late to this task," Keagan said eagerly. The display expanded, filling the corners of his vision. With a swift swipe up and a wave of his hand, he accessed the map option, and a red flashing dot materialized. Keagan could feel the excitement building within him, fueled by his newfound powers. He sensed the increased speed coursing through his veins and relished in every surge of energy as he leaped across buildings with powerful strides. It was an exhilarating rush, an experience he had never felt before but one he intended to savor in every moment.
He looked down below and there were digital banners splattered all over the sides of buildings, some advertising an altered version of a common soft drink in his world- coca cola. Next to te flashing banner was another poster depicting the mount rushmore of the hero. The three strongest heroes in existence currently
………………………………………………………………………..Hero Name: Apex
Characteristics: Wise, strategic, and charismatic leader.
Physical Features: Tall and imposing stature, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.Ranking: S-RankAttributes: Exceptional strength, unmatched combat skills, and the ability to manipulate energy.Hero Name: SeraphinaCharacteristics: Compassionate, empathetic, and skilled healer.
Physical Features: Graceful and elegant, with long flowing golden hair and gentle blue eyes.Ranking: S-RankAttributes: Proficient in healing and support abilities, possesses angelic wings granting flight and protective barriers.Hero Name: Lancer
Characteristics: Quick-witted, agile, and highly skilled in close-quarters combat.
Physical Features: Athletic build, with short dark hair and piercing green eyes.Ranking: A-RankAttributes: Lightning-fast reflexes, enhanced speed, and the ability to generate electrical discharges.………………………………………………………………………..
"Hey system," Keagan called out.
"How can I be of assistance?" the system responded.
"How come I'm seeing an A-ranked hero among the top 3? Isn't the top reserved only for S-ranked heroes?" Keagan inquired.
"Typically, yes. However, in this era, there have only been four known heroes to achieve the S-rank, and currently, only two of them remain active. Therefore, the first-ranked A-ranked hero holds the third position by default, as there are no other active S-ranked heroes apart from the two," the system explained.
Keagan marveled at the rarity of S-ranked heroes. It dawned on him that his journey to the top would be a challenging one. He couldn't rely on shortcuts or quick fixes to reach the pinnacle without drawing attention. As he soared through the streets, his determination solidified, fueled by his burning desire to rise to the top. Nothing would deter him from his relentless ascent.
Keagan arrived at the meet-up point. From a distant vantage point, NeoVista revealed itself as a sprawling cityscape illuminated by a neon tapestry of lights. The metropolis buzzed with life, its streets alive with the ebb and flow of a tech-driven society. Towering skyscrapers pierced the night sky, their facades adorned with dazzling displays that bathed the surroundings in a vibrant glow. Their lights seemingly blinded Keagan as he traversed the rooftops, taking in the city with a bird’s eye viewAs pedestrians navigated the bustling streets, their augmented reality glasses flickered with information and overlays, guiding them through the labyrinthine cityscape. The denizens of NeoVista, a tapestry of humanity, showcased an array of cybernetic enhancements, their bodies transformed by the merging of man and machine. Neural implants glowed softly beneath the skin, a testament to the seamless integration of technology into everyday life.The architecture of NeoVista told a story of c
Blitz chuckled and addressed Keagan, seemingly amused by his skepticism. "You must be the Spectral Guardian, huh? Quite the peculiar name," he remarked, swiftly taking the can from Keagan's hand and popping open the lid. With a series of rapid blinks, Blitz appeared to savor the flavor of the energy drink, as if it enhanced its taste. He then returned the can to Keagan and tapped him on the shoulder."If you're going to drink anything, I highly recommend the Wild Berry flavor of Pulse Power. It's my personal favorite!" Blitz exclaimed, his smile exaggerated as if he were starring in a commercial. Keagan regarded him with a strange look, finding his animated demeanor rather overwhelming. Moreover, Blitz seemed oblivious to the concept of personal space. Keagan turned his attention back to the can; he was still thirsty, but Blitz's earlier invasive act of drinking from it had dampened his enthusiasm for taking a sip."And you're not just saying that because you're sponsored by Pulse Pow
"Alright, that wraps it up for today. You can finish up your final sets while I submit the daily task report," Whiplash declared, closing his magazine and rising from his chair. The rest of the squad acknowledged his message. Dante stepped off the treadmill and reached for a towel hanging above his head.The team gathered around Whiplash to confirm their daily task rewards before going their separate ways. With a few taps on his display, Whiplash triggered a familiar ring notification sound that activated the augmented displays of each squad member. They navigated to their notification tabs and opened the pending messages, revealing the amount of skill points they had accumulated:- Shadow striker: 0.54 skill points- Sparkles: 0.48 skill points- Emberlyn: 0.52 skill points- Jester: 0.42 skill points- Blaze: 0.39 skill points"Another day, another worthless session just to earn measly skill points," Max muttered, closing his display and slumping into a nearby chair.The rest of the
Keagan stood amidst the dimly lit records office, lost in a daydream as he mechanically cleaned the shelves that housed countless paper files. It was a monotonous task, one that gave him plenty of time to retreat into his thoughts and escape the harsh realities of his life.As he wiped away the dust, the sound of approaching footsteps jolted him back to reality. His heart sank as he recognized the familiar voices of his tormentors – Marcus, the arrogant supervisor, and his lackeys, Todd and Kyle. These individuals took every opportunity to make Keagan's life miserable within the confines of the company walls.They sauntered into the room, their presence suffocating, their laughter dripping with malice. Marcus, a tall and imposing figure with a sneering expression, directed his gaze toward Keagan and said, "Looks like we've found our little janitor slacking off again. Maybe he needs a reminder of his place."Todd and Kyle snickered, joining in the mockery. Todd, a stocky guy with a cre
The voice faded away. At that moment, reality crashed back into his consciousness, reminding him of the impending doom he had narrowly escaped. The blaring horn of the approaching train pierced his ears, blending with the terrified screams of the onlookers who had gathered around the train tracks, anticipating a gruesome end. Instinctively, Keagan raised his arm to shield his face, bracing himself for the impact he desperately hoped to avoid.But then, something extraordinary happened.A blinding explosion of light erupted from within him, engulfing his surroundings and momentarily blurring his vision. The brilliance of the light-shielded him from the oncoming train as if a protective barrier had been erected in an instant. Simultaneously, a powerful buzzing sound filled the air, akin to the sizzle of live wires coming into contact and releasing a surge of electric energy. The buzzing grew louder, reaching an almost deafening pitch.BZZZ! BZZZ!Suddenly, Keagan found himself hurtling
Keagan stood in front of the worn-out door of the run-down building, his heart pounding with excitement. He hadn't seen his younger brother, Josh, happy in a long time and today he planned to make it happen. He raised his hand and knocked on the door, eagerly awaiting Josh's reaction.The door creaked open, revealing Josh's tired face. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw Keagan standing there, a bright smile illuminating his face."Keagan?" Josh asked, his voice filled with drowsiness."Hey little bro," Keagan replied. Tension built up as Keagan stood face to face with Josh who had no clue what was going on. Keagan finally pointed to the end of the house, and tucked underneath an overgrown bush stood a shiny new bicycle, its vibrant colors contrasting with the dull surroundings. "Happy birthday, Josh! I know it's a little late for that but a promise is a promise"Josh's eyes lit up as he beheld the beautiful gift. He couldn't believe it. Being homeless had made it difficult for the
Keagan bid farewell to the suffocating confines of his former workplace. With resolute determination, he implored the enigmatic System to guide him to where he was to go next."Hello, system?""Yes, how can I be of service?""You said my task was to begin in 4 hours' time and I had to prepare, so where do heroes prepare for these kinds of tasks.""Certainly, I can guide you,"The augmented materialized in front of him, he walked up to the park benches to have a better look at the interface."Navigate through the central hub and select weaponry and equipment, there you will have the option to visit the Hero central hub to purchase and upgrade your items. As you can see as of now you have 0 items. Once you click on one of the shops you will be transported there to make your purchase,""Wow, this is like one of those fantasy games I used to play while I was a kid," Keagan told himself as he selected the nearest shop closest to him.Through an ethereal doorway that materialized before his
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city, Emberlyn and Keagan made their way to the designated meeting point for their night patrol. The air crackled with anticipation as they joined the other squad of C-class heroes awaiting their orders.Keagan and Emberlyn reported to their patrol, they found themselves surrounded by a diverse group of C-class heroes. Among them were Dante, a brooding and mysterious guy with a dark aura, and Lily, an outgoing and affectionate girl who seemed to light up the room. They also encountered two goofy brothers, who brought a sense of lightheartedness to the team. Leading the group was their mentor, a retired B-class hero who had taken on the role for the sake of the pay, preferring to continue working rather than living in a retirement home.Dante and Lily shared an unorthodox romantic relationship, a pairing that seemed unlikely at first glance. While Dante emanated an aura of darkness and brooding intensity, Lily was a beacon o
"Alright, that wraps it up for today. You can finish up your final sets while I submit the daily task report," Whiplash declared, closing his magazine and rising from his chair. The rest of the squad acknowledged his message. Dante stepped off the treadmill and reached for a towel hanging above his head.The team gathered around Whiplash to confirm their daily task rewards before going their separate ways. With a few taps on his display, Whiplash triggered a familiar ring notification sound that activated the augmented displays of each squad member. They navigated to their notification tabs and opened the pending messages, revealing the amount of skill points they had accumulated:- Shadow striker: 0.54 skill points- Sparkles: 0.48 skill points- Emberlyn: 0.52 skill points- Jester: 0.42 skill points- Blaze: 0.39 skill points"Another day, another worthless session just to earn measly skill points," Max muttered, closing his display and slumping into a nearby chair.The rest of the
Blitz chuckled and addressed Keagan, seemingly amused by his skepticism. "You must be the Spectral Guardian, huh? Quite the peculiar name," he remarked, swiftly taking the can from Keagan's hand and popping open the lid. With a series of rapid blinks, Blitz appeared to savor the flavor of the energy drink, as if it enhanced its taste. He then returned the can to Keagan and tapped him on the shoulder."If you're going to drink anything, I highly recommend the Wild Berry flavor of Pulse Power. It's my personal favorite!" Blitz exclaimed, his smile exaggerated as if he were starring in a commercial. Keagan regarded him with a strange look, finding his animated demeanor rather overwhelming. Moreover, Blitz seemed oblivious to the concept of personal space. Keagan turned his attention back to the can; he was still thirsty, but Blitz's earlier invasive act of drinking from it had dampened his enthusiasm for taking a sip."And you're not just saying that because you're sponsored by Pulse Pow
Keagan arrived at the meet-up point. From a distant vantage point, NeoVista revealed itself as a sprawling cityscape illuminated by a neon tapestry of lights. The metropolis buzzed with life, its streets alive with the ebb and flow of a tech-driven society. Towering skyscrapers pierced the night sky, their facades adorned with dazzling displays that bathed the surroundings in a vibrant glow. Their lights seemingly blinded Keagan as he traversed the rooftops, taking in the city with a bird’s eye viewAs pedestrians navigated the bustling streets, their augmented reality glasses flickered with information and overlays, guiding them through the labyrinthine cityscape. The denizens of NeoVista, a tapestry of humanity, showcased an array of cybernetic enhancements, their bodies transformed by the merging of man and machine. Neural implants glowed softly beneath the skin, a testament to the seamless integration of technology into everyday life.The architecture of NeoVista told a story of c
Chapter 12Whiplash stood there, waiting for Keagan's answer. He could see the wrinkles on his face behind his half mask as he pondered, but he didn't interrupt his thought process. "I'll give you a definitive answer after the task you're going to assign me. Right now, I can't make such a heavy decision on the spot. I need some time to think," Keagan finally responded. Whiplash felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had been testing Keagan, seeing if he was the type to act fast and think later. As a teacher of many, he couldn't seem to turn off his role, always seeking to turn situations into teaching moments or tests for his students. Keagan passed his little test, but Whiplash knew it wasn't the right time to press him for an answer. Deep down, however, he felt a sense of pride for Keagan's thoughtful approach."Okay, I understand. I'll give you the time you need to think it over. But for now, you must focus on your task. Consider yourself a B-ranked hero from this moment on. You
As Keagan approached the rooftop, the familiar scent of vehicle exhaust filled the air, reminding him of the bustling city below. He spotted Dante, slouched over the railings and gazing down at the city with a calm demeanor. Though Dante seemed aware of Keagan's presence, he made no effort to acknowledge him or turn his head. Keagan understood the unspoken signs and decided not to disturb him.Leaning against the doorway that led back into the building, Keagan observed the cityscape, waiting for the rest of the squad to arrive—time seemed to stretch as they remained in this silent stalemate. But soon, the atmosphere shifted with the arrival of Lily, whose vibrant energy breathed life into the surroundings.Lily bounded onto the rooftop, her infectious enthusiasm lighting up the space. She greeted Keagan with a cheerful smile, bringing some much-needed warmth to the otherwise subdued atmosphere. Keagan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as he exchanged greetings with Lily, gratef
Chapter 10Keagan turned the key in the motel room door, which creaked open, and Josh burst into the room, leaping onto the bed with boundless energy. The mattress sank under his weight as if embracing his vibrant spirit. Keagan followed closely behind, feeling the exhaustion seep into his bones. It was almost 11 p.m., and he hadn't experienced a proper sleep session in what felt like forever. Although his body had fully recovered from the injuries, thanks to his exceptional healing factor acquired from the system, it still needed time to recharge after expending its entire energy reserves. Keagan knew that once he touched the bed, it would be lights out for him. But before he succumbed to sleep, he wanted to share the good news with his brother about his plans for resuming his education.Taking a deep breath, Keagan sat down on the edge of the bed, facing Josh, who was eagerly awaiting his brother's attention. He looked into Josh's eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope and excitement
Keagan returned to the park, the same spot where the mystical door had transported him to the other realm. A surge of questions flooded his mind, compelling him to seek answers from the system. With a quick summon, he initiated a rapid-fire session of inquiry."Hey system, did all that really happen? Did I actually defeat a villain?" he asked, his voice filled with both excitement and disbelief.The system responded in its convincingly human-like robotic voice, "Yes, all your actions have been recorded in your activity report, accessible at any time."A sense of satisfaction washed over Keagan. However, he couldn't help but notice that not much time had passed in the real world. It was only a two-hour difference from when he left in the evening to now, even though it felt like he had spent an entire night in the other world. Perplexed, he decided not to dwell on it for now, as a jumble of emotions overwhelmed him.Some passersby cast curious glances at him, seemingly talking to himsel
As the battle came to an end, the atmosphere calmed, and the augmented reality display within their suits illuminated once more. The system's voice reverberated through Keagan's consciousness, congratulating him on successfully completing his daily tasks and vanquishing the infamous-ranked villain. A sense of accomplishment surged within him."Congratulations, Keagan," the system's voice chimed. "For your triumph over the infamous-ranked villain, you are rewarded with 20 skill points. You can use these skill points to boost your attributes to level up your rank "Keagan's HUD displayed an increment in his skill points. He stood in awe as the system's voice resonated in his ears. "Congratulations, Keagan," the system spoke, "For your exceptional performance in battle.". After it spoke, the familiar ring of the notification alert sounded, and a circular icon appeared on the edge of the display. Keagan waved his hand over it and a new option appeared; Artifacts.The menu dropped down, re
Keagan's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly activated a hidden gadget within his suit. Brilliant beams of light erupted from his armor, piercing through the suffocating darkness that had ensnared them. As the shadows weakened their grip, Keagan and Emberlyn seized the opportunity to break free.In the midst of their escape, both of them couldn't help but notice the subtle enhancements in Keagan's suit. New mechanisms glimmered, indicating upgrades he had acquired. Emberlyn's curiosity flickered briefly, but the urgency of their mission pulled her focus back to the looming threat before them.A surge of courage washed over her, an indomitable will that seemed to emanate from deep within her being. Unbeknownst to her, it was one of the newfound skills Keagan had acquired, the ability to inspire his allies in battle. She couldn't comprehend the source of her sudden empowerment, but she embraced it wholeheartedly.Keagan's voice resonated with newfound authority as he addressed Emberlyn,