Ominous.
Yes, that was the word for it. Ominous.
It bothered me, of all the superheroes wanting to prove themselves and climb up the ladder of fame.
No one, nobody was capable of taking down a bunch of B-CLASS Villains that were rampaging through the city without remorse.
My mind raced as I dashed across the zebra crossing and immediately made a beeline for a secluded alley so I could transform.
I needed to get there. And fast!
My sneakers skid across the asphalt road as I toppled over a few trash cans when I entered the alley.
"Initiate!"
I commanded.
That familiar hum resonated in my veins as energy pulsated from the Forever Core in my chest.
Golden liquid metal spread from the chest piece engulfing my body gradually and in a matter of seconds.
[Initiation Complete]
Sector E was a few kilometers away and every second wasted translated to one more life taken.
"Come out."
The rocket boosters at the sole of my feet powered up with a steady pace and soon after I was in the air.
Moving like a torpedo, slicing through the Earth's atmosphere like a hot knife through butter.
The Heads Up Display of my helmet provided accurate directions to Sector E.
---
The floor shattered beneath me as I landed on the rooftop of a high-rise building that oversaw most of the damage dealt by the villains.
"What the..."
My eyes widened with surprise as I soaked in the view.
Destruction and carnage spread across the landscape of Sector E. The length of two football stadiums destroyed to smoldering ruins.
I had to think fast in order to make a difference here, I was late for the occasion but I could still help.
My muscles twitched as I made a move to begin my heroic intervention, but something stopped me.
In the distance, a battle raged on. Lights and sparks of energy burst out of the dust cloud.
Out of the dust cloud, a reptile-like creature jumped out in retreat and immediately a feminine figure followed suit in pursuit.
A Hero.
Was she fighting these villains alone all by herself?
It was evident she was, most of her gear was worn down and half of her body was covered in cuts and bruises.
She wasn't going to keep up with this, eventually fatigue and her injuries would catch up to her. It was just a matter of time.
I had to step in, intervene in some way without letting her see me.
[> Cloaking Skill Activated]
"That's what I'm talking about..."
Adrenaline pumped into my veins as the notification popped up. The Forever Core fueling my moral and drive.
I blasted forward, with every bit of bravery in my breath. En route to help the unknown female hero.
According to the news, the villains were at least B-CLASS, which means they would be tougher than anything I have ever faced.
Not to mention that I don't know exactly how many they were at the moment.
She was fast for someone that was injured and barely keeping up, throwing blows and attack after attack as the creature darted backward.
My Cloaking Skill was still active so I was sure she couldn't see me.
I raced behind the reptilian creature and planted my feet to the ground creating a solid wedge to withstand the pressure.
Delivering a clear, uninterrupted blow to its back sending it flying the opposite direction.
The female hero was stunned.
She glanced around rapidly for an explanation of such a powerful attack. But there was no way she could see me.
I flexed my arm outward, spreading my palms to eliminate my target.
"Incinerate."
Instead of the usual blast of golden energy breaking out from my palm, there was nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
I paused and glanced at my hands before trying again.
"Incinerate!"
Still nothing happened.
Tti-ring
The system chimed, showing a bright red notification at my face.
[Warning:
Other Skills cannot be used while Cloaking Skill is Active]
"Are you kidding me right now!..."
The villain who I had just blasted away with one punch was beginning to find his footing.
What do I do now? I can't use any other skill when Cloaking Skill is active and I can't deactivate it.
I was beginning to panic, but I immediately calmed myself down with a couple of intentional deep breaths.
The female hero was already poised, waiting for the villain to charge again in attack.
I wanted to help her, but I couldn't let her see me.
"What kind of premonition is this... What do I do?" I asked myself inwardly.
The reptile-like creature began to charge towards us and I could tell she was not going to survive the next blow.
Just then, a thought hit me like a freight train, "She might not survive the next blow..."
I pounced forward with great speed, in less than a second I came up right behind her and deactivated the Forever Armor.
The golden liquid metal quickly retracted into the Forever Core in my chest and I swung my arm as hard as I could.
There was no way she could see me coming, I made incredible contact with the side of her head completely knocking her out in the process.
She fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes and I quickly scrambled to my knees to check if she was still alive.
Sure enough, she was still breathing—soft and steady, but unconscious.
I glanced up, and my stomach dropped. The villain was standing there, staring straight at me.
It was at this moment I knew—I fucked up.