Arthur groaned as sunlight stabbed through his eyelids.
He blinked, his vision return into focus—only to immediately regret it.
Duke was sprawled across his couch, Bruce was curled up in his on mat, And Annie somehow ended up half on his bed, half off, her foot dangling precariously close to his face.
Arthur stared, "What the hell…?"
He remembered last night's celebration—the dancing, the terrible poker plays, the way Vanessa had smiled when Bruce insisted on a photo. It was fun and everyone had a good time.
But to his wonder, how did they all ended up in his room. And how did he slept through it.
Silently, he slipped out of bed, stepping over Annie's limp arm, and made his way to the bathroom.
The shower was cold—Duke must have used all the hot water—but it cleared the last of the grogginess from his mind.
By the time he stepped out, dressed in a fresh black shirt and his signature trench coat, his siblings were still pass out.
"Unbelievable," he muttered, slipping out of the room.
---
Golden City was just waking up, the streets still damp from early morning rain. The air smelled of fresh and there were barely anyone around to disturb him.
He walked without direction, letting his feet carry him. It was peaceful.
Then—Arthur's head snapped toward the alleyway. A flash of green fabric. The sickening crunch of flesh meeting stone.
---
The scene was brutal.
A young woman in a green-and-black spandex was pinned against the alley wall, her face bloodied, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Above her loomed a massive figure—his skin turned to jagged rock, his fists like boulders.
"You have a lot of nerves interrupting my business." the villain sneered, raising his fist for another blow.
"Hey."
The rock-man froze. Turned. His eyes widened, "No way… *Demon Child*?"
Arthur didn't flinch at the name, "Arthur now."
The villain grinned, his rocky face splitting into a jagged smile, "Oh I'm a big fan, I was just selling my new product but this girl had to interfere! You here to finish her off? She pretty weaken so I will let land the final blow." Arthur noticed a briefcase filled drugs.
Arthur exhaled through his nose, "Yeah. About that."
His left eye flared crimson.
The villain's rocky skin melted back into flesh. His grin faltered, "Wha—?"
*WHAM!*
Galahad's sword hilt cracked against his skull, sending him stumbling. A follow-up kick sent him crashing into the opposite wall.
Arthur walked up to girl before he knelt beside the fallen hero, tapping her cheek lightly, "Wake up."
Her eyes flew open—green, panicked—and locked onto his face, "YOU—!"
She swung wildly. Arthur caught her fist without blinking.
"Relax," he said, nodding toward the groaning villain, "I'm harmless now."
The hero's breath hitched, "Why… Why aren't you in prison?"
Arthur stood, dusting off his coat, "Because I'm a hero now."
He turned to leave.
"Bulls***!" she shouted after him, "You killed Empire Gold! Someone like you shouldn't be walking amongst us."
Arthur paused. Glanced back, "Watch me."
Galahad disappeared as Arthur walked away, leaving the stunned hero and her unconscious attacker behind.
---
Arthur stepped back into the penthouse, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries greeting him.
The living room was unusually orderly—no overturned furniture, no remnants of last night's chaos—just his family gathered around the dining table eating breakfast.
Vanessa sat at the head, her fingers steepled under her chin.
Duke was demolishing a stack of pancakes, Bruce was scrolling through mission reports on his tablet as he ate bowl of cereal, and Annie was floating cross-legged above her chair eating eggs and toast.
All eyes turned to Arthur as he entered.
"Took you long enough," Annie smirked.
"I was busy," Arthur muttered, sliding into his seat.
Vanessa's gaze sharpened, "I understand you want to go out but at the very least tell someone."
After sipping his tea, "Well that's fair I guess." Arthur said.
---
Vanessa tapped a button on the table's holographic display. A mission summary flickered to life:
- Don & goon: Currently in maximum-security holding.
- Red Widow's Betrayal: Still at large, but intelligence suggests she's hiding the city.
- Silex Cores: All recovered and en route to corporate security.
- Stonewall Island: Scheduled for decontamination and public reopening.
"I fear that Don was going to be a challenge but given the circumstances of Red Widow and the addition of Arthur. This was perfectly completed,"Vanessa said, folding her hands, "But the Association has a request for Arthur."
Arthur tensed.
"They want you to complete the Hero Analysis Test," she continued, "Standard procedure for new recruits. Once you're certified, your arrests and saves will count toward official records."
Duke snorted, "Man it's been ages since last heard of that Hero analysis test. I remember the written and rescue test being the hardest. Our out of the four."
Bruce sulk after remembering his experience, "The obstacle and fighting exam was way worse."
Everyone turned their attention Annie who was smiling smugly at her two younger siblings, "Ah yes, the day my greatest was spread -"
Duke immediately interrupted, "YOU CHEATED YOUR FIRST EVENT AND REST YOU WERE LUCKY!!"
Annie smugly stared dagger at Duke, "You mad I came first. Didn't you and Bruce got above average."
Arthur stared at them, "This sounds like torture."
Vanessa's eyes sparkled, "Which is why I'll be there with you."
She leaned forward, "This year, I've been selected as an official observer. We leave for Old Randy City next month."