Chapter 12: Thunder in the Slums

Location: Neo-Mumbai, Lower Sector 9

🌃 Scene 1: City of Static

Neon lights flickered in the smog-soaked sky. The hum of overloaded generators pulsed in rhythm with thunder from above. This was Sector 9—half megacity, half slum—home to malfunctioning power grids, underground gangs… and Neuroxin whispers.

Nick (peeking over a billboard):

"This place smells like fried wires and regret."

Emma (sharpening a blade):

"Focus. GOC lost two scout squads here. Reports say it's a Type 2, possibly higher."

Lucas (reading the brief):

"Name: Zeeron. Appears human. Conducts electricity. Controls modified Type 1s and 2s. Dangerous."

A streak of lightning cracked the sky. The storm was already brewing.

⚡ Scene 2: Ambush in the Alleys

In a narrow alley between two ruined buildings, the team spotted movement—mechanical limbs, glowing eyes, Neuroxin skin.

BOOM!

Type 1s burst from the ground—modified Static Howlers, their backs crackling with electricity.

Nick (activating Berserk):

"Guess we're skipping the quiet entrance!"

He slammed two Howlers into a wall, but got zapped. Emma blinked through the charge with Assassin active, carving shadows behind her.

Lucas used Forge to craft shock-resistant gauntlets and delivered crushing counterblows.

Emma (grinning):

"Cute gloves."

Lucas:

"They're limited edition."

🌩️ Scene 3: The Arrival of Rorogan

The streetlights exploded.

A cloaked figure stepped out from a collapsing generator tower.

Rorogan.

A Type 4 Neuroxin, body wrapped in circuits and tendrils. Sparks danced around his hands like he held lightning itself.

Rorogan (grinning):

"You're Lucas Millar. And these are your little soldiers? Let's break them."

He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

CRACK-BANG!

A lightning bolt smashed into the team, scattering them.

Lucas (shouting):

"Nick—back!"

Nick (gasping):

"He fried my spine…"

Emma:

"I can't get close! He's controlling the static in the air."

Rorogan walked slowly toward the collapsed team, hand crackling.

"Millar blood burns nicely under pressure."

👁️ Scene 4: The Eye of the King

Lucas struggled to get up. He touched his eyepatch.

Memories of his mother flashed—her hand on his face, the words, "You must never use it unless your heart commands it."

He took a deep breath… and ripped the patch off.

Beep... Beep... BZZZZZT!

A red-blue lens activated over his left eye, glowing with circuitry.

Rorogan (startled):

"…Impossible. That's—!"

Lucas (calmly):

"The Eye of the King."

All the Type 1s and 2s nearby froze, then turned, now standing at Lucas's command.

Nick (groaning):

"Bro…your promised me you will not use that!"

Lucas lifted his hand, and the Neuroxins attacked Rorogan in synchronized waves. The battlefield turned from chaos to coordination.

Emma (whispers):

"He's controlling them…"

Rorogan (snarling):

"Fine. Let's even the odds."

🩸 Scene 5: The Betrayal

Rorogan was pinned to the ground by Lucas's controlled swarm.

Suddenly—

Emma moved. Fast.

She slipped behind Nick, blade at his throat.

Emma (cold):

"Let him go, Lucas. Or I'll open his artery."

Lucas (stunned):

"Emma…?"

Nick (serious):

"Emma… what are you doing?!"

Emma:

"I didn't want it this way. But I owe him my life."

Rorogan (grinning):

"She understands truth, Lucas. Unlike you."

Lucas released the Neuroxins.

Emma:

"Thank you. Don't follow."

She grabbed Rorogan and blinked away in a blue shimmer.

Lucas fell to his knees, blood leaking from his nose. The Eye overclocked him. His body shut down—

Nick (catching him):

"Dammit, Lucas. You better not die on me, man. "

💔 Scene 6: Fallout

Hours later, back at GOC field camp, Lucas lay unconscious in the infirmary. Nick sat outside, arms crossed, bruised and burning.

Nick (to himself):

"I wasn't strong enough to stop her… or help him."

He stood up.

Nick:

"Then I'll get stronger. I swear, Lucas… next time, I'll protect you."

Nick walked into the training arena. Alone.