Chapter 74

The air in the dimly lit room crackled with a nervous energy that mirrored my own. Eight of us were crammed around a scarred table, each radiating a different brand of intensity – or perhaps, that was just the effect of the varied color schemes we were sporting. Blue and black, green and black, yellow and black, orange and black, purple and black, grey and white, light blue and white and black then there was me in a dark red uniform. The air hung thick with the scent of ozone and something vaguely metallic. It was my first official briefing as a… well, the term "vigilante" felt a little too dramatic, even if it was technically accurate.

My dark red hoodie, emblazoned with a stark, black X, felt stiff against my skin. Black pants, thankfully more comfortable, housed a small arsenal: ninja stars, bombs and several other tools meant for less than savory. I'd chosen them for their accessibility and efficiency. You never knew when you'd need to disappear quickly.

To my left, a girl with blue hair tapped a complex rhythm on the table. Across from me, someone in a purple getup fidgeted, their eyes darting around the room.

Shira Aizawa strode in, her black suit and flowing scarf cutting an imposing figure. I'd known her for years; she was practically family, even if our interactions usually involved her pushing me to my absolute limit in training. Her expression was as severe as ever.

"Welcome," she said, her voice echoing slightly in the small space. "You're here because you're the leaders of your respective groups. I've been following your progress, and I'm… satisfied."

Satisfied. High praise indeed, coming from Shira. I glanced around at the others. We'd only been operating for a week, but already our combined efforts had… let's just say we'd significantly reduced the villain population. Shira's next words confirmed the scope of our impact; so far we annihilated 189 villains in a week.

"However," Shira continued, her gaze sweeping across each of us, "the fight doesn't end within city limits. We're expanding operations. Weekly worldwide missions, targeting international villain rings. Until we can train more recruits, you will be covering ground bases in other countries."

A collective shift in the room. World wide missions? This was escalating quickly. The weight of the decision suddenly felt heavier. I'd only joined last week!

Shira cleared her throat. "Anos," she said, singling me out. "We agreed you'd commit until graduation. After that, you're free to choose your path – hero, vigilante, or something else entirely."

My mind raced. Hero? The thought still felt foreign. Joining the ranks of Hulk, Supergirl, and Spider-Man in America and not to mention Japan heroes like all might, hawks, endeavor, and others seemed… unlikely, especially since I technically was Superman in a previous life. I was going to have to see both sides and see which one I wanted to be in. I gave Shira a curt nod. "Understood."

The briefing ended abruptly. Shira, ever practical, wanted us to "associate," to foster some semblance of teamwork. I watched as she left, already halfway out the door. The silence that followed was thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone seemed hesitant, unsure of how to break the ice.

Then, a girl with striking white hair and bright green eyes took a deep breath and smiled. "Well, this is awkward," she said, her voice surprisingly cheerful. "I'm Kyu. Leader of Light." She gave a small bow.

The floodgates opened. One by one, the others followed suit.

"Simon, Star," the blue-haired boy offered, his tone serious.

"Kyto, Dead Eyes," a quiet voice mumbled from the green corner.

"Lexi, Diamonds," the girl in the light blue uniform said softly.

"Avis, Purple Devils," the red-haired girl practically growled.

"Takai, Birds," a kind-faced boy with red streaks in his hair chirped.

"Jiax, Dragons," the brown-haired girl said with a noticeable attitude.

All eyes turned to me. I cleared my throat, trying to keep my voice even. "Anos. X." Simple. Direct.

They nodded, their expressions unreadable. Kyu grinned, Simon remained stoic, and Avis just stared, like she was trying to gauge my worth with a single glare.

Inside, my mind was working overtime. Kyu, with her bright energy and light control: a natural leader, inspiring confidence. Simon, focused and determined, with the power to command water: a force of nature waiting to be unleashed. Kyto, withdrawn but possessing the unnerving ability to control minds and bodies: potentially the most dangerous of us all. Lexi, as quiet as her lightning and weather abilities. Avis, firey and savage and able to control elements. Takai, a nice and kind soul, with animal control. Jiax, strong and ready for war, with dragon creation.

Why had Shira picked them? Why had I been chosen? She had been asking me to join for a while now. Their quirks were potent, no doubt, but there was something more to it. A spark, a drive, a willingness to step into the darkness.

I knew what it felt like to bear that weight. Now, I just had to figure out if these seven strangers could carry it with me.