Underneath a bunker on the outskirts of the city, ten of the most notorious humans on Earth sat around a circular conference table.
They were the top ten villains, meeting over the course of the year to plan and orchestrate a protocol they called Code X.
Code X was designed to unite villains worldwide into a single body, organizing them toward one cause: the fall of all superheroes.
Villains outnumbered heroes in both quantity and quality. The only reason the heroes always won was the villains' disorganization and lack of trust.
But under Code X, that imbalance would end.
Suddenly, the hall doors burst open as a shadowy figure rushed in.
"I just got news! Warp is planning to leak Code X!" the messenger shouted.
The seated villains gasped as a chilling intent for killing seeped into the air. The messenger trembled; these were the cream of the crop.
"Has that bastard gone mad?" Rebel banged his fist on the table, rage contorting his marred face. He knew that if Code X were exposed prematurely, their entire plan would collapse.
"We're still in the recruiting phase!" Rebel snarled. "Some top rankers haven't joined us, and we still need No. 0's favor. If the heroes catch wind too soon, we'll all be as good as dead."
Mind Bender sneered, "I said we mustn't let the lower trash know of our plan."
"Don't forget the goal was to unite us all, and for that communication is key," Void countered, shuffling a deck of cards leisurely.
"Yeah… how could we anticipate villains betraying each other? Irony at its finest," Blink added, leaning back with his feet on the table.
"But, sirs, he has also requested a meeting with the Aegis Nine," the messenger said.
Bang! Rebel's steel chair crumbled into dust as a deadly aura devoured the very essence of the air around him.
"We move at once. All top members, with me!" Rebel barked. "Today we kill all who stand in our way. We are not leaving without his head!"
The other nine rose, radiating silent but vicious auras.
Whatever stood in their path would die!
A few minutes later, agents stood guard outside the complex.
"Sir, the request has been delivered to headquarters. The Aegis Nine should arrive any moment, but I'm not sure the villains will come," one reported.
Spark nodded. Which villain in their right mind would face both him and the Aegis Nine?
Very soon, he got his answer.
With a scowl, he gazed at ten looming figures and muttered beneath his breath, "Brother."
Indeed, his brother Void, along with other notorious figures, approached the complex. Spark's eyes glinted with curiosity: What was Code X, and why would it lure the vilest of scum out of hiding?
Rebel led the group as he landed, meeting Spark's gaze. For a moment, hesitation flickered in Rebel's eyes. Killing Warp wasn't going to be as easy as they thought.
Some of his colleagues trembled on noticing Spark. Which villain didn't know the hero of depraved justice?
Spark had once reshuffled the top ten list weekly by taking down high-ranking villains.
Last month, numbers six and below had all been eradicated—these new rankers were still wet behind the ears. Facing the one who destroyed their predecessors, they shivered in terror.
Even Reaper, a proud top-five ranker who had slain 145 heroes, felt fear. Just last week Spark had hunted him for three days and nights. Reaper escaped—but at a cost.
His super-regeneration had been crippled, leaving a gaping wound that barely healed in a week.
"Long time no see, little bro," Void called out, stepping forward. He was a carbon copy of Spark, except for black hair and a matching onyx eyes.
Dressed casually, he looked as if he were out for a stroll, his carefree smile almost genuine. A ripple spread through the atmosphere as Void deployed his domain, aiming to consume Spark.
Spark scoffed and shattered the domain with a flex of his aura. He shook his head in disdain. "Why even bother?"
Void shrugged. "You can't blame me for trying."
Spark's eyes began to glow as hunger crept back. He licked his lips, his craving for murder returning.
"Spark! I swear to God, don't push me!" a furious voice barked from inside the complex, sensing his intent.
Spark raised his hands. "Okay! Okay! Peace, bro! You need to chill."
He restrained himself—he'd have to be patient today.
At that moment—whoosh!—the Aegis Nine arrived.
[A/N] Hey everyone! I know some of you want to jump straight into the action — so if you're the type who likes things fast‑paced from the get‑go, you can start at Chapter 8, where the cultivation world and main plot explode into motion.
The earlier chapters are still there if you enjoy a slower build and extra backstory, but either way, I promise it gets wild. Choose your path and enjoy the ride! 🚀