"Open your eyes child," a soft voice echoed out to me. I slowly open my eyes to see that same entity in front of me; it's like it was crafted of stars, galaxies, and the void of space, something you'd only imagine as a child.
"What happened to me? I could've sworn I had just killed the Black Exodus?" I said as I was confused.
"You did exactly that, but in the process the heat from the earth's core burned you up and now you are here where I shall decide what to do with you."
What did it mean, decide what to do with me?
"You must understand Victor, the Black Exodus was one of my vessels just as you are, but clearly you outmatched him and in turn killed him as I knew from the start. I assure you that it was no easy task for you still," it spoke again in that same soft voice.
"Wait, why did you give power to a psycho?!" I said angrily.
"See my boy, then he was in the same predicament as you—he had a motive and no power to do so. I talked to him just as me and you are now and lent him just a small portion to carry out his vengeance so he may do whatever he pleases. If I wanted to, I could make infinite numbers of earth; therefore it is no loss to me."
What is this thing? Is it really some kind of all powerful god?
"So with that I say to you Victor, I shall correct everything, and there are other vessels out there just like you whose powers cost them a heavy burden. There is no light for the chosen by god's hand," it said to me before disappearing.
Then I realized I had woken up in the middle of the street on the ground and no more continent split in half, no more destroyed buildings and everyone had been brought back except The Black Exodus. What the hell had happened? I sit up and scratched my head and looked around. People start to gather around me.
"Holy shit, he's alive!" The voice cuts through my disorientation. I turn to see a crowd forming around me—dozens of people emerging from buildings, from behind overturned cars, from whatever shelter they'd found during the battle. Their faces are a mix of awe and disbelief. Some are recording with their phones, others just staring with their mouths hanging open.
The chant starts small, maybe just a few voices, but it spreads like wildfire through the crowd. My name echoes off the broken storefronts and shattered windows. These people saw me die. They watched me sacrifice everything to stop the Black Exodus, and now here I am, somehow restored while the city's most wanted villain remains nothing but ash and memory.
I raise my hand, not really knowing what else to do, and the crowd erupts. The sound is deafening—pure joy and relief washing over me in waves. A little girl breaks free from her mother's grip and runs toward me, wrapping her arms around my legs.
"Thank you," she whispers, and I feel something crack inside my chest. Not pain this time, but something warmer.
That's when I notice the black vehicles pulling up at the perimeter. Clean lines, official plates, and the distinctive silver emblem of the Hero Society emblazoned on their sides. Three figures in crisp uniforms step out, and I recognize Commander Hayes immediately—stern face, graying temples, the kind of person who looks like they've never smiled in their life.
"Victor Chase," she calls out, her voice carrying easily over the crowd. "We need to talk."
The crowd parts reluctantly as she approaches, flanked by two other Society officials. I've seen them on the news before—Director Morrison and Agent Park. Heavy hitters. The kind of people who don't show up unless something big is happening.
"Ma'am," I say, because I'm not sure what else to call her. My throat feels raw, like I've been screaming for hours.
"That was quite a show," Hayes says, glancing at the Black Exodus's remains that were brought to surface after being resurrected. "City's most wanted, eliminated. Civilian casualties reversed through... unconventional means." She pauses, studying me with sharp eyes. "The Hero Society has been monitoring your activities, Victor. What happened here today—what you did—it's exactly the kind of courage and sacrifice we look for in our recruits."
My heart pounds. The Hero Society. I'd dreamed of this moment since I was a kid, but I never imagined it would happen like this. Not after dying and coming back.
"You're offering me a position?" I ask.
"Rookie status," Director Morrison interjects. "Provisional membership pending evaluation and training. But yes, Victor. After what you've accomplished today, the Society would be honored to have you among our ranks."
The crowd has gone quiet now, hanging on every word. I can feel their eyes on me, their hope and expectation. These people believe in me. They're counting on me.
I look down at my hands—steady now, no longer shaking from the resurrection. I can still feel the power thrumming beneath my skin, different somehow. Stronger. Like dying and coming back has unlocked something new.
"I accept," I say, and the crowd explodes again.
Hayes actually cracks a smile. "Welcome to the Hero Society, Rookie Victor. Your real work starts now."
As they escort me toward the waiting vehicles, I take one last look at the scene. The Black Exodus is gone forever, but the city lives on. The people cheer and wave, some crying tears of joy. I died for this. I came back for this.
And somehow, that feels exactly how it was meant to be. But it feels as if beating The Black Exodus didn't even take that long. Maybe he was one of the more sloppy weak vessels. I can't say it'll be easier for any of the other ones though. This begins the start of a new era. I start my first days as an official hero now—no more illegal hero work! And because of what I did they waved my past crime since I had just saved thousands of lives. It was the least they could do! I'm so excited things are looking up for me finally.
2 Year Time Skip
"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!" I scream at the attacker who ripped through the school for the gifted, killing most every member leaving nothing but blood and guts in his wake and half the damn city on fire.
"I'm Dreadnought, you weak bastard. Now get up and fight me."