chapter 16

The sound of journalists' voices filled the streets, headlines invading newsstands, television screens in cafés, and even taxi radios—each with its own take on the figure who had saved lives and vanished without explanation. Niel City was in a frenzy. It had been three weeks since the last appearance of the mysterious "masked hero," and his absence was raising as many questions as his presence once had.

"Hero or Coward? Why did he disappear?"

"Is the masked hero preparing for something bigger?"

"A symbol of hope or a threat to security?"

"Did the weight of being a hero make him give up?"

"Is the 'masked hero' in danger? Or did he just abandon us?"

On the streets, groups engaged in heated debates. Some praised the "hero," while others questioned his absence.

"He saved lives, that's true. But where is he now?" a man asked in a café.

"Maybe he's exhausted! Have you ever thought about the burden of being responsible for saving people?" a woman nearby retorted.

In a school cafeteria, Amélia was busy with something she had started a few days ago. Seated at a table, surrounded by a few friends, she held a stack of printed papers.

"I really think we should find him. He needs to know that there are people who support him!" Amélia said with determination.

"And what exactly are you going to do, Amélia?" a friend asked. "Put up posters all over the city?"

Amélia smiled, holding up a flyer that read: "Support Group for the Masked Hero – Join Us!"

"Exactly that. And more. We're going to organize meetings, spread messages on social media, and show him that he's not alone."

Evander, sitting a few feet away, watched the scene with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"This is going to be interesting..." he murmured to himself.

Meanwhile, as the city debated, something much darker was unfolding behind the scenes. In an underground lab, Dr. Caelum sat in front of a massive screen, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and obsession.

"It's been three weeks since he last appeared. The city is losing faith in him," one of his henchmen said, adjusting the device on his arm.

"Perfect. We'll force him to come out," Dr. Caelum replied, a cold smile on his lips.

He stood up, walking over to a camera installed in a corner of the lab.

"Prepare everything. I want them to know who we are and why we're here."

Minutes later, screens all over the city—on buildings, televisions, and even cell phones—began broadcasting Dr. Caelum's image. He stood tall, wearing a pristine lab coat, his eyes shining with a hint of madness.

"Citizens of Niel City, my name is Dr. Caelum. Perhaps you've heard of me, but allow me to explain. I am a scientist dedicated to human evolution. The world we live in is stagnant, bound by limits that we can surpass."

His voice was calm, almost hypnotic, but carried an implicit threat.

"There is someone among you who represents the next step in evolution. You call him the 'masked hero.' I call him the key."

Caelum's words echoed throughout the city as he continued:

"I want to make one thing very clear. I have not come to harm anyone. I only want the hero. If he surrenders, I will leave this city in peace. And with him, I can give you all the chance to evolve—to become more than ordinary humans."

The broadcast cut to scenes of chaos unfolding across the city. Groups of armed men, equipped with advanced technology developed by Caelum, were attacking banks, shops, and even public buildings.

"This is just a warning. The longer he hides, the more this city will suffer."