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### Chapter 2: The Mask of Heroism

The music pulsed, vibrating through the air like a festive mantra, as Lia moved among the gala guests. The opulence was almost suffocating. The glitter of the crystals and the luxury of the clothes stirred a feeling of anxiety in her stomach, a constant reminder of everything that was at stake. She could not allow herself to forget that those people, who danced and smiled, were far from the reality of the streets.

Arthur had faded into the crowd, and as Lia walked away from the silence of the rooftop, her identity as a member of the rebellion was camouflaged beneath a mask of unbridled celebration. She pulled out the elegant dress she had found that morning. It wasn't her usual choice, but she was sure it would go unnoticed. The nearby mirror reflected a version of herself she barely recognized, an image she wished to destroy. But at that moment, he needed the facade to achieve his goal.

She headed to the bar, where cocktails glittered in crystal glasses. He counted to three and then approached the bartender, forcing a smile. "A drink, please." As the bartender prepared the drink, Lia looked around, analyzing the happy faces and carefree conversations. He knew that behind that facade of happiness, the truth was an echo of pain and oppression.

Murmurs made her turn her head: Captain Virtue had begun his speech. He stood on a pedestal, illuminated by spotlights, his words filled with bravery and courage, and the audience applauded him as if he were a god. But to Leah, every word was another thread in the web of lies that bound people to her worship.

"...and together, we can build a future where everyone is safe!" he shouted, a genuine smile spreading across his face. A cry of "Hurray!" echoed through the crowd, and Lia felt a lump form in her throat.

In the middle of her speech, she noticed a side door being opened. A figure in a long, daring dress, Lady Vex, entered, instantly attracting the attention of those present. Her eyes shone with a menacing intensity, and people seemed magnetically drawn to her. Lia felt a shiver down her spine. The villain was known for her ability to manipulate minds and hearts. There, she was not just a presence, but a palpable symbol of the corruption that infested the heroic facade.

"It's time," Lia muttered to herself. She couldn't let the hype surrounding superheroes stop her mission. With renewed determination, he headed towards the place where the security system was installed, a small office that was strategically close to the main exit.

Upon entering that area, a control computer was just a few meters away. With her metal manipulation ability, Lia could create a connection with the technology and disable the alarms, but she needed to be quick. The cold white lights of that room showed an environment where all the secrets of the gala were about to be revealed and observed.

She walked over to the computer, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she hacked into the systems with ease. His heartbeat echoed in his head, and as the screen began to display information, a security notification flashed. Someone had triggered an alert, and Captain Virtue himself was about to enter that room.

"Drug!" Lia muttered, quickly looking around for a way out. Despair rose in his chest as adrenaline pulsed through his veins. With a quick movement, she closed the screen and began to hide behind the table.

The door opened slowly, revealing Captain Virtue. He was exuding an aura of confidence and power, but his eyes roamed the room with predatory intensity. Lia felt sweat dripping down her forehead, her mind spinning a mile a minute. What did his connection to this place mean?

"I know you're here," Captain Virtue said, his deep voice echoing. The atmosphere in the room became oppressive. "You can't hide forever."

Lia held her breath, her mind boiling with doubts and plans for escape. If he discovered her presence, the entire plan could fall apart.

"It's time for you to reveal yourself," he continued, stepping forward, his powerful stance emanating a certainty that resonated throughout the room.

When Lia looked out the window, an opportunity presented itself: she could use her ability to create a distraction and leave quickly, but that could jeopardize everything. Any wrong choice could not only reveal your location, but also expose your cause.

"I'm not the only one hiding secrets," Lia whispered to herself, remembering the reason that had brought her here. A new determination took shape, the revolution needed to begin at that moment. Behind the glamour, behind the masks, the truth needed to win.

With the shot lined up in her mind, she prepared to make her move. The echo of The flames of rebellion were about to intensify, and Lia "Ferro" Campos was ready to make the first spark appear.