The sun had long dipped behind the Argentum peaks.
The mountains were quiet now, humming with the residual energy of gods at play. One by one, the heroes had departed, some teleporting away, others vanishing into streaks of light or shadow.
Starman remained, standing near the shattered arena floor, gazing toward the stars just beginning to flicker above the horizon.
He turned to leave.
“You’re not going yet, are you?”
The voice was firm. Feminine. Familiar.
Starman turned.
Blaze stepped from the shadows between the boulders. Her armor shimmered faintly with residual heat, though her expression was cool. Focused.
“Blaze,” Starman said evenly.
“I need to talk to you. Alone.”
He studied her, then gave a small nod. “Go on.”
She stepped forward, the air around her warping gently with heat. “I’m not just a hero who can fire laser beams. I’m Xyphorite.”
Starman’s eyes narrowed. His body tensed but he didn’t move.