The Faction Named...Wildfire
Clara POV
S.T.A.R Labs Pipeline
I walked through the dimly lit halls of the Pipeline, my footsteps echoing softly against the cold metal floor. Near the massive reinforced door leading to the particle accelerator, I spotted Mr. Svarog. His pink eye glowed faintly as he examined the structure.
As I approached, Svarog turned to me and asked, "Clara, are you feeling better?" His voice was filled with concern.
I nodded. I wanted to tell him about the Memory Core and the system updates, but I hesitated. He already had enough on his plate, and I didn't want to add to his worries.
Instead, I decided to focus on something else. The latest mission notification I had received.
"Mr. Svarog, the system has assigned me a new mission," I said. "It's called [What it Means to Be a Hero], and it's about helping the 'Red Streak.'"
Mr. Svarog remained silent for a moment, before giving a slow nod.
"If you wish to help Barry Allen, you may do so."
I blinked.
Barry? Why would he need to fight? Isn't it the Streak supposed to be the one fighting?
"Wait… why would Barry be fighting?" I asked, tilting my head.
Svarog turned slightly, his pink eye glowing brighter as he stated plainly, "Confirmation. Barry Allen is the Red Streak."
I froze.
Then my eyes widened, practically sparkling with excitement.
Barry was the Streak! A real-life superhero. The red blur that saved people, just like the heroes in my comic books that Mr. Svarog showed me back at camp!
"Barry is a superhero?! And he never told me?!" I exclaimed, my hands clenching into excited fists. "That's so cool! Then we have to help him even more, Mr. Svarog!"
Svarog remained still, watching as I bounced on my feet, unable to contain my excitement. But then, as my excitement settled, another thought crossed my mind why was Mr. Svarog even down here?
I glanced around. This room was mostly empty, except for the massive door and a control panel to the side, filled with blue lights and confusing symbols.
"But… what are you doing down here Mr. Svarog?" I asked curiously tilting my head.
Mr. Svarog turned his gaze back to the sealed door, as he looked at it for a while.
"Scanning. This door leads to the Particle Accelerator," he stated. "But more importantly... I can sense a power dampener."
"A power dampener...What's that?" I asked since I never heard of a power dampener before.
"Analyzing… Information processed. A power dampener is a device that suppresses the abilities of a metahuman. However, it does not affect you, Clara." Mr. Svarog explained.
That made me pause.
Something that could stop superpowers? That was scary… but also interesting. Could I make something like that one day? If I studied it, maybe I could invent my own version for when I travel to different worlds.
Before I could think more about it...
Ding!
A system notification was shown in front of me.
Alert!
[Player] This room is perfect for establishing a faction! S.T.A.R. Labs' Pipeline used to be where the Particle Accelerator Explosion happened, making it the ideal location for your base of operations. This facility has the potential to serve a greater purpose in the future.
Ding!
New Side Quest!
Side Quest: The Faction That Was Foretold
Info: Create a Faction that will be a purpose in the future
Rewards: Dark Matter Particles (100), Battle suit Lottery ticket (10x), System Update, Shop Function.
The system wants me to create the faction here...I remember the system wanted me to create a faction where there was a lot of technology and here in S.T.A.R Labs there is a lot of it but there wasn't going to be anything bad happening right?
"System," I asked hesitantly, "will anything bad happen to S.T.A.R. Labs if I create a faction here?"
Ding!
[Player] Nothing bad will happen to S.T.A.R labs after creating a faction. Everything will remain safely secured, and no negative consequences will occur.
I sighed in relief.
Okay. That is good.
Still, this was big. A faction wasn't just a camp it was something bigger. Something that meant I had to lead.
Did I really have what it took to lead? I knew how to organize a camp, how to take care of people, but this… this was different. What if I failed? What if I let everyone down?
What if I panic again like I did when I was having a check-up?
My stomach twisted. The idea of leading something bigger than a camp was terrifying. What if I panicked again? What if I froze, just like when I saw the needle?
"No." I thought as I clenched my fists.
The system wouldn't have given me this mission if I couldn't do it. wouldn't lie to me. It never has.
"But why is the system pushing me so hard to do this, even if I can't tell anyone about the system?" I thought, feeling doubt in my heart.
I glanced at Mr. Svarog.
"Mr. Svarog, the system asked me to make a faction here. Do you think I should make a faction?" I asked, wanting his help.
Svarog's pink eye flickered as he analyzed my words. "Clarification required. What is your objective in forming a faction?"
I bit my lip, thinking. "I don't know yet… but maybe I could help people? Like the people from the camp. And Barry, too! If he's a superhero, maybe we can help him somehow?"
Svarog considered my words carefully before responding.
"A faction requires leadership. It is an undertaking that will demand responsibility, strategy, and purpose." Mr. Svarog informed.
I nodded, determined. "I can handle it! I have you, don't I? After all...we'll always be together!"
Mr. Svarog tilted his head. "Affirmative. I will assist you in any decision you choose, Clara."
A small smile tugged at my lips.
I had a lot to learn, but if the system said this would be important, then I would make sure my faction meant something.
"Mr. Svarog was also here with me and he will always be with me no matter what. He will never leave me alone." I thought as I couldn't imagine what I would do if I lost Mr. Svarog.
I pulled up the system menu, went to the [Faction] function, and clicked the button labeled [Create Faction?]
Alert!
Are you sure you want to create a faction in the S.T.A.R. Labs? Once confirmed, this action cannot be undone.
Y/N
I then clicked Y as the system's blue text box disappeared and then reappeared.
Alert!
Faction Created!
Congratulations, [Player]! You have officially created your own faction!
Faction Name: [Unnamed]
Base of Operations: S.T.A.R. Labs
Faction Rank: F (Can be improved)
Faction Members: (1) Clara/Svarog (This number can be increased.)
Ding!
Side Quest Completed!
The Faction That Was Foretold
Info: Create a Faction that will be a purpose in the future
Rewards: Dark Matter Particles (100), Battle Suit Lottery Ticket (10x) Acquired! System Update in Progress… Shop Function Unlocked!
My vision blurred as blue holographic screens flickered to life around me, data streams rushing through my mind like rain. Blue text screens flickered around me, showing different aspects of my newly formed faction.
There were sections for recruiting members, managing resources, and something labeled [Faction Development], which seemed to track our location and missions.
I looked up at Mr. Svarog, who stood motionless as if processing everything. His pink eye flickered before settling into a steady glow.
"Faction has been successfully created," Mr. Svarog confirmed, his tone neutral but with a hint of acknowledgment. "You are now responsible for its future."
I grinned, fists clenched in excitement. "This is amazing! We're gonna make this the best faction ever!"
Ding!
A new notification popped up.
System Update 100% completed!
System Update Complete! New Features Added:
Faction Recruitment System: Allows the player to recruit allies into the faction.
Faction Home Base: Members of [???] can travel to their faction's home base created by the leader in their mindscape.
Faction Mission Board: Accept missions to increase influence, resources, and rewards.
Faction Treasury: Manage funds and rewards earned through faction activities.
My eyes widened. "Whoa… That's a lot to manage."
Mr. Svarog nodded. "Affirmative. Time and strategic planning will be required."
I took a deep breath. This was a huge responsibility, but it was also an opportunity.
The system wouldn't have given me this if I couldn't handle it, right?
I turned toward Mr. Svarog. "What should we do first Mr. Svarog?"
"Recommendation. Establish objectives. Determine primary goals for the faction's purpose." Mr. Svarog said.
I hummed in thought. Helping Barry was already in the works. But beyond that… I wanted this faction to mean something.
I wanted to help people.
Ding!
Another system notification appeared.
You have unlocked the [Multiversal Store] function!
The shop function allows [Player] to buy and sell items from various worlds. Currency for the shop is called [Credits] which can be gained by:
Selling unused and useless items from the Battle Suit Lottery.
Selling items obtained from missions.
Selling objects found in different worlds.
Gain from [Journey through the Multiverse] Missons.
The shop resets every 24 hours with new items that are ranked from E-Rank to Legendary!
For example, the shop could be selling a [C-Rank] Healing Potion (Basic) from (Danmachi), or the shop could offer a [Legendary Rank] item called the Super Soldier Serum (Perfected Version) from the (Marvel Universe). This serum transforms a normal human into a peak superhuman, enhancing strength, agility, endurance, and intelligence without any drawbacks.
Please keep in mind that items like these expire after 24 hours and will be changed.
"This is so cool! A shop! I can browse and earn currency! Though… those weird item numbers still don't make much sense. Oh well, at least I get how credits work now! sell useless stuff, earn rewards." I thought as I can't wait to do many missions to get credits.
"Clara, it's crucial to set aside some credits, just in case unforeseen circumstances arise. You may need to purchase health potions if anything goes wrong." Mr. Svarog informed.
I agree with Mr. Svarog, but I might also need to use those lottery battle suit tickets soon; a little luck could help.
Ding!
Faction Founder's Choice!
Select the Core Purpose of Your Faction:
Hero's Of Justice – Focus on protecting people from threats.
Travelers – Advance technology for the betterment of the world.
Stars in the Night Sky – Operate in the shadows, acting when necessary.
Fight Against Fate – Travel your own path though Fate.
I tapped my chin, staring at the options. Each of them sounded interesting, but… It wasn't just about one thing.
I wanted to protect people, help Barry, and advance technology...I want to explore the other world...I want to fight for everything that is beautiful in the world.
I hovered my finger over Fight Against Fate and selected it.
Ding!
Faction Core Purpose: Fight Against Fate
Name Your Faction!
A name? That was the hardest part!
I looked at Mr. Svarog. "Any ideas?"
Svarog tilted his head. "Suggestion. Svarog Initiative."
I giggled. "That's just your name, Mr. Svarog."
I thought for a moment before an idea struck me. I remember the characters from Honkai Star Rail and the first world that the Astral Express ever went to...Jarilo-IV and the one song that played during the fight against Cocolia...and the faction that was the underground of Belobog.
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"Wildfire." I said to myself as I typed it into the system
Ding!
Faction Name Confirmed: Wildfire!
A faction that will carve its own path, protecting those in need and advancing technology beyond its limits...And fighting for what's beautiful in the world.
A sense of pride swelled in my chest.
This is only the beginning. I want Mr. Svarog and I to see this through together. And with the future members of Wildfire. I already know how I want this story to conclude...
Alert!
[Player] A clone of Danton Black was trying to head back to where the original Danton Black was to attack Stagg Industries! I suggest heading to Stagg Industries to help The Streak or you could use your [Compaions] to help.
I looked at the system's notification that at Mr. Svarog as I knew what I needed to do to help Bar-...No...In order to help Big Brother Barry and Big Sister Caitlin for bringing me here I need to help them in return.
"Mr.Svarog." I said calmly as I turned to look at him.
"Yes, Clara."
"Help big brother Barry in fighting the bad guy I will ask Pascal to join you and I'll use [Project Together] in order to communicate with you, Pascal, and Barry." I instructed giving Mr. Svarog a heads up on my plan.
Clara, I calculated that there is a 50% chance Project Together will not connect to me, Pascal, and Barry Allen since the program is not fully completed. Mr. Svarog informed his tone was stern.
"I understand that we don't have any other option. I can't fight Mr. Svarog; I would only be in your way! But I know I can help from inside! So please, trust me!" I pleaded with Mr. Svarog clenching my fists together.
I have to help. I have to prove that I'm not just some scared kid. I'm already upset with myself for being scared, and I want to be useful to Mr. Svarog who helped me so much.
I wanted to help Big Brother Barry and Big Sister Caitlin. They wanted to protect me, not hurt me like the people in white.
I wanted to cry...
I wanted to scream that I could be useful and not be in Mr. Svarog's or Big Brother Barry's way...
I wanted to fit in somewhere, at least...But I never did. I had never fit anywhere
I was lonely.
"Clara...My intuition singles from my emotion module tell me to trust you, Even after multiple calculations. I will always trust you." Mr. Svarog said but I could tell his voice had warmth in it.
I felt really happy when Mr. Svarog said that. I could feel my eyes starting to tear up, but I didn't want to cry just yet. I wiped my eyes with my sleeve and quickly took off my backpack. that I had grabbed before I left to find Mr. Svarog, I took out my laptop and sat on the floor before giving Mr. Svarog a small prototype earpiece communicator I made for [Project Together] to give to Barry.
"Clara, I will be heading to Stagg Industries. I have already marked the location where I need to go and will send the coordinates to Pascal in the database as well." Mr. Svarog informed me as I nodded at him as he turned and left the room.
I logged into my laptop and launched [Project Together]. It had to run smoothly without it, I couldn't reach Pascal or Mr. Svarog. And if it failed? Big Brother Barry would be on his own.
[Project Together...Connecting]
10%
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40%
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80%
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90%...
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"Come on, come on..." I muttered, gripping my laptop tighter.
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99%...
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I held my breath.
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100%
[Welcome Clara...To...Project Together]
I smiled with a relieved grin spreading across my face. I quickly input Mr. Svarog's data and Pascal's data into the prototype earpiece, eager for Big Brother to hear me.
But for now, it was time to work and be a hero alongside Mr. Svarog and Pascal. This was our first mission... for Wildfire.