The New Hero

Rina adjusted her jaw, the ache still fresh, but she pushed it aside. She glanced at Zane, his hand already pulling back, casual like he hadn't just dismantled a man in seconds.

"Thanks… really." Her voice was steady but measured.

He gave a slight nod, like it was nothing.

"Anytime, Captain."

The team moved in, securing the madman cuffs clinking, standard procedure. He was still breathing, but barely. Whatever was in his veins, it had pushed him past human limits.

Pulse Red. Or worse.

Around them, the crowd was buzzing. Murmurs turning into cheers. Phones recording.

"Did you see that? He's like… a superhero!"

"Dude saved her in seconds."

"Who is he?"

Zane didn't bask in it he just backed off, hands in his pockets, hood still low.

But the city?

The city had seen. And the city remembered.

A new name. A new symbol.

Zane the unknown savior.

Rina felt it the shift in the air.

Not just admiration something deeper. Hope. Excitement. Fear.

Cities like this thrived on legends.

And now?

Zane was becoming one. Fast.

Later that evening, the news was everywhere.

"Mystery Hero Stops Armed Disturbance."

"Enhanced Vigilante? New Savior on the Rise."

"Captain Hunter Assisted by Unknown Superhuman."

Photos. Blurry clips.

Zane's hooded figure mid-strike, mid-rescue.

Already a symbol. Already a name.

Rina leaned back in her chair, eyes on the screen, arms crossed.

Her instincts whispered louder now.

Zane wasn't just here to help.

He was part of something bigger.

And Rina?

She needed to know what.