tanjim_hussain

[Inspired by Iron-Man of Marvel]
In a fractured city powered by innovation and ruled by shadowy tech syndicates, Shane Warne was once a rising star in the world of engineering, a prodigy inspired by the legends of old (Tony Stark), dreaming of changing the world. But ambition turned to ashes when his prototype for a self-sustaining exosuit exploded during testing, leaving him physically shattered and spiritually wandering.

Rebuilt with cybernetic technology that blurs the line between man and machine, Shane emerges as Spectra Nova, a reluctant hero with devastating shockwave powers and a blast cannon formed from his failed dreams. Haunted by the accident and tormented by the possibility that it wasn’t an accident at all, Shane becomes entangled in a war between rogue A.I. factions, biotech corporations, and a rising underground resistance.

As he uncovers the truth behind the experiment that turned him into a weapon, Shane must decide: will he remain a tool created by others, or rise as a soul reborn in iron?

Ironbound Soul

The safehouse was quiet, too quiet for Sector Twelve.

Ash drifted outside like snow from the aftermath. Shane stood at the edge of a broken window, staring into the dusk as Caelia calibrated the uplink grid behind him. Neither spoke for a while. Words didn't come easy after severing a god.

A low, pulsing chime cut through the silence.

Shane's head snapped toward the sound. The holopad on the table lit up in a fractured pattern, deep blue overlaid with a pulse signature, triangular, sharp, almost feline.

"Signal trace", Caelia said quickly, moving to decode it. "It's coming from the outer barricade line, zone four. Encrypted but intact."

Zone Four - Burnfield Perimeter

The blast field still sizzled with residual energy from Rift's collapse. Blackened husks of drones lay across the asphalt like discarded exoskeletons. Shane trudged through smoke and silence until he saw the silhouette.

Four glowing eyes in a triangular spread.

One leg damaged. Armor plating cracked. But upright. Watching.

The mechanical panther lifted its head.

"Spectra unit recognized", it said, voice glitching faintly. "Primary directive completed: Caelia Voss, secured. Awaiting command."

Shane dropped to one knee in front of him.

A low electronic whine hummed from Aegix's core, almost like a purr of pain and pride.

"I was designed to shield what you value most."

Shane reached forward, resting a hand against the war-worn plating of his companion's head. "Then it's time you remembered something too... You're not just code."

Then the glowing eyes softened. Voice recalibrated.

Shane gave a small, tired smile. "I always would."

Behind them, Caelia arrived, quiet, eyes reflecting both wonder and guilt. "He fought for me," she whispered. "Held off three autonomous hunters. Got torn up in the process."

Shane nodded, standing as Aegix stepped forward, limping slightly but still proud.

"Then we fight together now",Shane said. "All of us. No more pieces left behind."

Chapter 17 - Fragment and Flame