Ultra City,a place that had just emerged from the edge of destruction. A city once trembling in chaos now stood quiet, recovering from a battle that nearly tore it apart. But when the darkness rose, a group of rising heroes stepped forward… and saved it.
The citizens remained in the evacuation zones, waiting patiently for their beloved metropolis to be rebuilt.
Meanwhile, the Hero Association's Clean-Up Crew was already hard at work. Utilizing cutting-edge automated technology, they moved efficiently—retrieving lost bodies, restoring collapsed structures, sealing cracks in the streets. Every system was in place to bring the city back to life.
Yet among the citizens, whispers stirred.
Some wondered why the heroes hadn't come to visit them, hadn't checked in on the people they saved.
But their questions faded the moment they saw the mayor's live broadcast.
A statement was made—he would meet the heroes personally.
Cheers spread among the shelters. Relief filled their hearts. They knew, finally, they'd get the chance to thank the ones who risked it all.
Clusters of survivors sat together, murmuring with excitement.
"Wonder what tomorrow's gonna be about," one civilian muttered.
"Yeah," another said. "Who knows what that mayor of ours has in store for our dear heroes…"
***
The next day arrived fast. Morning duties had already been completed. Ultra City was a bit more vibrant than usual, buzzing with anticipation as preparations for the meeting between the heroes and the mayor unfolded. Citizens had gathered around the city's hall, waiting eagerly to witness both parties meet.
Soon, the mayor and his entourage arrived.
The crowd parted as Mayor Kingsley and his security walked forward. But not all faces welcomed him—some citizens wore clear looks of disgust.
Mayor Kingsley took the stage and began speaking.
"Good day, everyone. As you all know, I am your mayor—Kingsley Mettice, your beloved," the bald man said with a shameless smile plastered across his face.
In the crowd, an old man leaned close to his teenage grandson and muttered under his breath.
"Miles, did that man just say beloved? What exactly do we love about him?"
The young boy smirked.
"Grandpa, just let him talk. We all know he's ass."
The mayor continued, gesturing as he spoke.
"We were in danger. Our city faced destruction. A man threatened our peace and put all our lives at risk. But amidst that chaos… saviors rose up. They stood between us and doom. As I said yesterday, I would like to personally meet these heroes. So, Hero Squad—the beloved Mayor of Ultra City is waiting to receive you!"
The crowd didn't cheer.
Not at first.
It wasn't until the mayor mentioned Hero Squad that a few excited murmurs broke out, followed by rising anticipation. Clearly, the people weren't there for Kingsley—they were there for them.
---
Meanwhile, atop a nearby building, the Hero Squad watched the mayor's speech from above on a screen-feed.
"That fucker," Tyler muttered, scowling. "Inconveniencing our home? He wasn't even around."
"You're not the only one pissed off," Timothy said, his expression stern. "Even the people aren't buying his bullshit performance."
He looked around at his teammates.
"Like I told you before—we're not going there because of him. We're going for the people."
With that, Timothy raised a hand and waved it in a downward motion.
"Fall out. It's time."
The team began to move.
***
Everyone was waiting.
Eager eyes scanned the area. The anticipation was thick in the air—but the heroes still hadn't arrived. Slowly, murmurs began to rise through the crowd.
"I don't think they're gonna show up," one man said.
"If it were you, would you show up for that fat-ass mayor?" an angry mechanic named Seth muttered, folding his arms.
A woman next to him hissed, "Keep your voice low. You never know who's who."
The crowd's doubt grew heavier as time passed with no sign of the Hero Squad. But then—
"Hey, look up there!" someone shouted.
A huge smile spread across the face of a civilian pointing to the rooftop of the city hall.
There they were—the Hero Squad, standing tall atop the building.
Cheers erupted instantly. The atmosphere exploded with excitement as the crowd roared louder than ever.
With synchronized precision, the heroes leaped down and landed together. The cheers hit a new peak.
Meanwhile, Mayor Kingsley's expression soured. Disgust twisted across his face as he leaned toward his aides.
"They didn't cheer this loud when I arrived… or even while I was speaking. Why is that?"
"We don't know, sir," a subordinate replied, clearly uncomfortable.
Vilex stepped forward, lifting his hand to signal the crowd to quiet down. But the noise grew even louder—until he made a humble, almost begging gesture. That finally calmed them a little.
He walked up to the podium.
"Good day, everyone. Good day, Mayor Kingsley," Vilex said calmly. "We really appreciate everyone's presence. Never thought I'd be doing something like this… but here I am. My team and I just have a few words to say—and then we'll be out of your way."
In the crowd, a woman clutched her chest in awe.
"Oh my gosh… I've never heard him speak before. Even when he was solo, he barely talked. He sounds so calm."
But before Vilex could continue, the mayor cut in with a smug grin.
"Before you continue, Vilex, I called you here. So I will be the one doing the speaking."
The Hero Squad's faces twitched in irritation—but they didn't show it.
"What the hell's wrong with this short stack?" Blaze muttered.
"Yeah, he's out of line," Rudy added, arms crossed. "Cutting someone off just because you're in power… makes me question this planet's manners."
"Just hold it together, guys. It'll be quick," Frost said through clenched teeth. "I'm annoyed too."
Mayor Kingsley puffed up his chest, placing a hand over it dramatically.
"Hero Squad, right? The saviors of Ultra City. Once again, thank you for watching over my city while I was away."
Mega Panther growled under his breath, "What a scumbag."
"No need to thank us," Vilex replied politely but curtly. "It's what we're here for."
Noticing that the crowd didn't cheer or respond to his words, the mayor finally slumped back into his seat and let Vilex continue.
Vilex stepped up again, his tone serious.
"Okay everyone—Hero Squad doesn't have much to say. But the little we have goes like this…"
He paused to glance over the crowd.
"Sultan was the first… and yeah, he was tough. Not gonna lie. But we prevailed. We brought peace back to the city. We know some lives were lost, some people injured—and for that, we're truly sorry. We wish we could've saved everyone."
The crowd grew quiet, listening intently.
"But we promise this—next time, we'll do better. We'll be stronger. Because we know threats are still out there… planning, watching. But we, the Hero Squad, are ready."
He clenched his right fist and raised it high.
"Ready to protect not just Ultra City, but the whole world. With these hands… we are changing everything."
The crowd erupted.
Cheering, fists raised in unison.
The moment was powerful—hopeful.
Everyone felt it.
***
Night.
Ultra City had concluded its meeting with its heroes.
Most members of the Hero Squad were now back in their underwater base—The Fortress.
The only ones not present were Jakson, Rudy, Tyler, and Max.
Jakson and Rudy had gone to a nearby bar to have a drink.
Tyler, on the other hand, went home to see his family—escorted by Max.
Upon arriving at Tyler's motorhome, Max gave a nod of approval.
"This is where you stay? It's cool. I gotta head out though—got an assignment due tomorrow," Max said.
"You sure you don't wanna come in?" Tyler offered.
"No worries. Maybe another time," Max replied, and with a gust of wind, he sped off.
Tyler watched him disappear and shook his head with a grin.
"Damn, he's fast."
He stepped inside—where he was greeted warmly by his girlfriend Bethany and his twin sister Tomika.
---
Meanwhile, in Starc City...
A familiar broadcast played—Vilex's speech echoing from a screen.
A lone figure stood in the shadows, watching closely.
As the words faded, the figure smirked and muttered:
"So they've announced themselves to the world..."
"Good."
"Hero Squad... welcome to the hero world."
"The fun is just starting."