NXT_MARVEL

In a city where shadows hold more power than light, Detective Marcus Trent is drawn into a web of deceit, manipulation, and a chilling game that threatens to unravel everything he knows. When he receives an anonymous message promising disaster, Marcus finds himself chasing a series of cryptic clues that lead him to a mysterious figure known only as The Shadow—a mastermind pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

The clues are sinister: coordinates, encrypted messages, and cryptic warnings, all leading Marcus to a chilling truth—someone is always one step ahead. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, Marcus discovers that the game is more than just about tracking a criminal. It’s a countdown to a terrifying revelation—the endgame has already begun.

As the stakes rise and more lives are threatened, Marcus is forced to confront his own demons and question the trust he places in his colleagues. With no allies, no clear path forward, and the shadow of the mastermind looming closer, Marcus must navigate a treacherous maze of false identities, hidden motives, and twisted alliances.

The question is no longer just who is behind the chaos, but how far will they go before Marcus becomes the next pawn in a game where no one wins?

The Silent Veil: Code of Shadows

The sound of the gunshot still echoed through the core chamber. Marcus's heart pounded as he turned toward Emily — but it wasn't Harper who had fallen.

The Ghost staggered back, clutching his side, blood blooming through his shirt.

"Emily…" Marcus whispered, his voice a mix of relief and shock.

"I… I couldn't do it," she said, her hand trembling around the gun.

Harper didn't waste a second. He charged forward, tackling the Ghost to the ground. They struggled, fists and fury colliding, while the countdown ticked on.

"We have to shut this down!" Emily cried, running toward the console.

"It's not that simple," Marcus said, moving beside her. "The override didn't work. There's another fail-safe." His eyes scanned the screen, searching for answers.

The Ghost broke free from Harper, staggering to his feet. "You fools… you think you can stop this? It's already too late. The system's locked in." His face twisted in a savage grin. "The world will burn."

"Not if I can help it," Marcus muttered.

He found it — a secondary control, buried deep. But accessing it required a code. One he didn't have.

"Emily, I need you to buy us time," Marcus said.

She nodded, turning her gun on the Ghost. "Don't move."

Harper limped toward Marcus. "What's the plan?"

"And let me guess — he's the only one who has it," Harper said, nodding toward the Ghost.

Marcus's jaw tightened. "Exactly."

"We're running out of time," Emily said.

The Ghost chuckled. "You'll never break me."

Marcus stepped forward. "We don't have to."

He grabbed a nearby cable and jammed it into the Ghost's arm, sending a jolt of electricity through his body.

"Stop!" Emily cried. "You'll kill him!"

"If we don't stop this system, we're all dead anyway," Harper said coldly.

The Ghost's body convulsed. "Alright! Alright! I'll tell you!"

"The code…" the Ghost gasped. "It's 091425."

Marcus raced to the console and punched it in.

But then the room's temperature dropped.

"What's happening?" Emily whispered.

"You didn't think it'd be that easy, did you?" the Ghost sneered.

Suddenly, the lights cut out — and the room was plunged into darkness.

Shattered Loyalties