With the Villain disposed of, Kira turned to the Heroes who were being abused. He picked up the one who was being used as a punching bag.
"What horrible injuries."
"W-We were just doing as we're told!"
"We didn't want to, but we had no choice!"
The soldiers who were holding the Hero up to be punched suddenly spoke up. Kira looked at them and the fear in their eyes.
"Don't worry."
He flashed a warm smile.
"No one's angry at you."
The civilians' bodies relaxed and let out a sigh of relief.
"Kira, please hurry up. We have to move to the next spot."
Batu spoke while carrying several Heroes on his shoulders along with Mikel. Kira nodded and gently picked up the injured Hero. Ripples appeared across the whole floor and civilians became pale as they began to sink.
"Don't worry. We're just moving you to a safe space."
Mikel spoke up while placing his finger over his lips. Everyone sank into the earth with Bojana being the last.
"Woah!"
Everyone found themselves in an underground space connected to countless tunnels. The goons were lying unconscious on the ground with mud oozing out of their mouths.
"How many of you can still move?"
Batu asked the Heroes. Half of them lifted their hands. Batu pointed to a tunnel that was fully lit.
"Those who can still move lead the civilians down this tunnel. On your way, you'll find other civilians being led by Heroes we also saved. Once you reach the outside, work together to protect the civilians until we recapture the city."
The Heroes struggled to their feet and saluted.
"Yes, sir!"
Batu nodded and they followed his instructions. He watched as they left.
"More than those who lifted their hands can move."
Bojana mumbled beside him while pressing her hand on the ground.
"Their bodies can move, but their minds won't allow them. It's better they stay put."
"A lot of the Heroes we saved here have lost their spirits. Isn't that bad?"
Mikel asked while sending a message.
"Nah, that happens more often than you'd think. People give up after almost losing their lives or experiencing the horrible deaths of civilians. People tend to overestimate themselves and underestimate what it takes to be a Hero all the time. Especially if they come from a normally peaceful country like this one."
Batu smiled at them.
"You guys are the weird ones. I don't think any other Rookies could go through the stuff you have and push on."
"Maybe because we have a few screw loose."
Kira answered while putting on a blond wig.
"Makes sense."
"I've found the next place where they're keeping the hostages."
Bojana spoke up. Batu nodded.
"Alright. Let's follow the plan."
Elsewhere, a group of Belinha, Impactor, and Mira were standing on the outskirts of the city.
"Not gonna lie, Belinha. You came up with a great plan."
Impactor was eating snacks he found in an abandoned grocery store.
"Especially, the part where the three of us get to rampage later."
He threw Mira a honey bun and Belinha a cinnamon roll.
"Well, the plan is only plausible because most of the population had escaped."
Belinha took a bite of the cinnamon roll.
"If the entire 300,000 population were still here, our choices would be far more limited."
"You mean we would have to sacrifice civilians?"
Mira also ate her honey bun. Dollmaker's face flashed in her mind.
"I'm glad Kira won't have to go through that again."
She ate the rest and sat on the ground.
"So our role is to wait until most of the hostages are recovered and then charge in?"
Belinha shook her head.
"There's a limit to how much we can save without being detected. Once Batu has determined the Villains are starting to realise, Mikel will contact us and then we rush in before they can organise themselves."
"Objective remains the same, right?"
She nodded at Impactor.
"Obliterated all Villains and their lackeys. While we rampage, Batu's group will save the remaining hostages. Of course, the chances of civilian casualties will be there."
Impactor looked at her and Mira.
"I can understand Mira, but I didn't expect for you to be on the rampage team."
He smirked.
"Could it be you want to relieve some stress?"
"I chose the rescue team based on those I deem suited for covert missions and assassination. Batu is there to lead in my absence. Excluding him, we're the ones with the greatest physical prowess and destructive power. So naturally, I'll be here."
Belinha pointed at him.
"Also, I need to make sure you two don't overdo it."
A beep came from her watch. She looked at it while Mira sprang to her feet.
"That's our signal."
She started walking towards the city and the other two followed behind with a beastly gleam in their eyes. With two beast behind her, Belinha wore a playful smile.
"It's time for our debut."
She blasted off the ground like a rocket and took to the skies. Impactor and Mira started sprinting at speeds rivalling cars. Belinha floated above the city and dove. She flew through the city like a comet, shattering all windows as she passed them.
"What the hell was that?"
Villains and goons flooded the streets after hearing the commotion. The only thing they saw was a streak of flames in the distance.
"Are we under atta—"
"Passing through!"
Impactor stepped in a Villain's back while laughing. The Villain was forced into the earth, drawing everyone's attention.
"Hello, scumbags."
He smirked.
"Goodbye, Scumbags."
Blood sprayed as people started dropping one after the other.
"Sniper! There's a sniper!"
Villains started to take cover while others activated their powers. Impactor flew at those looking to harden their bodies. He slammed his fists and legs into their heads and faces. Explosions rang as they crashed into the buildings around them.
"Wait, isn't that the Impactor guy?!"
A Villain recognised him and shouted.
"Oh, a fan?"
Impactor clapped his hands together and an invisible force flew. A building was cut behind the Villains. Their upper bodies slid off along with half of the building.
"That was an autograph. I hope you like it."
Villains and their lackeys started running.
"Everyone, stop panicking!"
A thunderous roar stopped everyone and drew Impactor's attention. The earth trembled as a man walked towards him dressed like a soldier.
"Impactor, the bastard the Calamities are fawning over."
The man wore a beastly grin as his body transformed into a bipedal elephant-like monster with black tusks.
"I am the Mammoth King and I was itching to meet you."
"Really?"
Impactor's eyes shone a savage light.
"Let me take this one, Impactor."
Mira fell from the sky and landed beside him.
"You'll definitely draw the fight out and we're on a time schedule."
Impactor lifted his hands and stepped back.
"Who the hell is this, Lil bitch?!"
Mammoth King roared in anger.
"Kismet member, Mira."
Mira lifted her fists.
"Tell the devil I'll be sending him a lot of shitbags his way."
She blast off the ground with fire at her feet. Mammoth King swung his giant fist at her. She flew over it and floated upside down above him. A trunk flew at her from her right and slapped her.
"?!"
However, Mira held onto the trunk and twisted her body. As her feet touched the ground, her opponent's left it. She slammed the giant body onto the asphalt and cracked it open.
"Hahaha!"
She laughed and lifted him off the ground spinning him in the air like a lasso.
"Let me go, you crazy bit—"
Mira slammed him through a wall and broke it. She released him and he flew into the air. Mammoth's world spun nonstop before he stopped. Above was Mira who's arm was a cannon. She pointed the cannon at him and fired.
*BOOM*
A devastating explosion devoured Mammoth King. Flames rushed down and swallowed the surroundings burning everything to a crisp.
"Woah."
Impactor applauded while moving to avoid the flames. A thud could be heard when a giant lump of charcoal hit the ground.
"Ew, burnt elephant smells disgusting."
Mira emerged from the flames holding her nose. Impactor landed beside her.
"You really finished it quickly."
"I told you."
Mira gave him a thumbs up before looking in front of her. Villains and thugs were retreating as fast as they could.
"They're running away."
Impactor nodded.
"They are."
The two looked at each other and smirked.
"They chose the worse option."
A bird cry reverberated through the city. Pillars of flames erupted and swallowed those running away.
"You two, get to moving. Batu's group has already rescued the hostages in this area."
Belinha floated in the sky with flame wings on her back.
"Alright, Boss!"
The two started running. They kicked and punched any thug who somehow survived putting them out of their misery.
"Remember, Celso. It's all about timing. We can't move too fast or too slow otherwise Kira and the others will be discovered. We need to give them time to sneak in, blend with the hostages, and eliminate the Villains when they get the chance."
Mira shouted after throwing a burning bike at an escaping thug.
"I know!"
Impactor punched out and invisible force sent burning people flying.
"I'll efficiently kick their asses!"