DaoistpuKhcQ

Back in 2013, the US government sliced off a chunk of NYC and handed it over to the superpowered bunch, forming this place called "TOWER" It's just ready for superhumans—no regular folks allowed.
Then, in 2014, other countries started copying the US move. Similar mini-cities popped up in those countries too, but only in the wealthy ones.
Fast forward to 2023, when World War III explodes. Nuclear weapons turned the air into a slow poison, choking everyone. Those sliced-off cities were safe havens. They had these unbreakable shields that kept the nastiness out. So, all the survivors got ushered into these government-guarded cities.
Our story takes place in "TOWER"

The Guardians of "TOWER"

Brian's gritting his teeth, ignoring the pain in his back, and he's gripping the hand holding the gun in front of him.


The bullet goes off target, flying towards a slow-moving white cloud.


Brian clenches his fists, takes a deep breath, and then lunges forward, putting all his might into punching Kraut's jaw.


Kraut staggers back a couple of steps, then kicks his leg high, aiming it right at Brian.


Brian manages to block it with his forearm but still goes flying, crashing into a nearby railing.


"KOWA!" Brian coughs up blood, then forces himself to stand.


Kraut follows up with a knee strike, hitting Brian's abdomen, nearly sending him airborne.


Brian grabs Kraut's leg, but all he gets in return is another punch.


Brian ends up near a car window, and the glass shatters, with shards falling all over him.


Brian gets up again, grabs a spare tire nearby, and hurls it towards Kraut like it's a boomerang.


Kraut shoots the tire down with one shot, then another.


Brian's bleeding from the abdomen, barely holding it together, but he's slowly advancing toward Kraut.


He gathers all his strength into his fist, even though there's a guy with a gun right in front of him. Because he knows he's never been a hero.


Brian throws a punch, but it hits nothing but air; Kraut uses the butt of his gun to strike Brian's chin.


Brian stumbles back, glaring at him, then slowly closes his eyes and falls to the ground.


Kraut aims his gun at Brian, ready to pull the trigger.


"Hmm, I'm starting to like your toughness," Kraut holsters his gun, "for a young guy, that is."


Sirens start wailing, and the only one left on the ground here is Brian. There's no one else around.


Toughness Acknowledged