tryingwrite

Jack Wilson wasn’t planning to doom the city. He just wanted to make rent and maybe buy a better hoodie.

Then he opened a cursed file labeled “DO NOT OPEN (Lethality Rating: 9/10)”—because what’s life without a little fun? One explosion, a glowing hand tattoo, and a ramen-scented dumpster dive later, Jack is now the host of something ancient, powerful, and probably homicidal.

Now everyone wants him dead: secret guilds, rogue mages, even a talking pigeon with a grudge. Too bad Jack’s having the time of his life.

Armed with sarcasm, unstable spirit energy, and zero impulse control, Jack is about to turn the magical underworld upside down.

MANIAC HYBRID

Twilight draped West Hollow in deep shades of violet as the Chaos Crew moved silently through shadowed streets toward the Guild's central communication relay. Cross led the way, shoulders tense but steady. Jack stayed close, pulse steadying under the quiet rhythm of his halo.

Patch scouted ahead, his tiny silhouette outlined by distant neon signs. "Perimeter lightly guarded," he reported through comms.

Zara checked her wrist console. "Entry codes ready. Relay node should upload citywide once we connect."

Jack exchanged a determined glance with Lyra, feeling the weight of what they were about to do. "No turning back once the truth hits."

She smiled grimly. "The city deserves the reality check."

The relay station loomed ahead, a towering spire of polished metal and humming conduits. Guards patrolled in pairs, unaware of the approaching threat.

Reina moved swiftly, disabling sentries silently. Zara tapped Cross's stolen credentials into the entry panel, doors sliding open silently.

Jack and Lyra rushed inside, Zara and Cross following closely. The central control room stretched ahead, banks of holoscreens flickering softly. Zara began the upload immediately, fingers flying across keys.

"Uploading now. Ninety seconds to complete," Zara murmured.

Jack's halo vibrated—a warning. "We have company!"

Elias Draven stepped through a side corridor, shadow-swords drawn, eyes smoldering with icy fury.

"You just don't stop, Wilson," he growled. "This city thrives on order, not chaos."

Jack took a ready stance, quicksilver and carbon fibers rippling beneath his skin. "Your order is built on lies. The truth matters."

Draven lunged, blades cutting the air. Jack flowed, dodging and parrying smoothly. Beside him, Reina joined, matching Draven blow for blow.

Meanwhile, Zara monitored the screens anxiously. "Sixty seconds."

Lyra threw electric arcs, forcing Draven back. Patch dropped EMP pellets, briefly disrupting Draven's dampeners.

Jack seized the opening, delivering a swift carbon-laced kick, knocking Draven down momentarily.

Draven rose, shadows thickening. But before he could strike, screens flashed citywide—broadcasting schematics of Project Oblivion, Marrick's voice discussing extermination plans, detailed atrocities hidden from public view.

Across West Hollow, screens lit up. Citizens froze, watching horror unfold—evidence undeniable.

Jack faced Draven, resolute. "It's over. Your lies just died."

Draven staggered, disbelief flickering briefly across his face before hardening again. He retreated swiftly into shadow.

Jack turned back, breathing hard, triumph and exhaustion mingling. The relay station echoed with quiet victory.

Outside, city sirens wailed—not Guild alarms, but a call to action as outraged citizens rose in unified protest.

Cross looked at Jack, eyes glistening. "They see clearly now."

Jack nodded, tension ebbing slightly. "Freedom's contagious."

Lyra took his hand firmly. "The Guild will strike harder now."

Jack smiled, defiant. "Then we stand stronger."

The crew watched from the rooftop as streets filled, voices lifted in defiance. The city was awake, and the truth had unleashed something unstoppable.

Jack whispered to himself, resolve solidified:

Chapter 25: "Truth Unleashed"