The war room beneath Zone Blackridge thrummed with a restless energy, its dim red lighting casting long, jagged shadows across the obsidian-black steel table at its heart. Holographic screens hovered like specters, their translucent glow bathing the room in a kaleidoscope of data—maps of sprawling cities, grainy surveillance footage, dossiers of enemies and allies, and looping mission logs that flickered like memories of battles past. The air was heavy with the hum of machinery and the weight of purpose, a silent pulse that seemed to synchronize with the heartbeats of those gathered.
At the center of it all sat Kael, his presence as commanding as the storm he sought to unleash. His long, dark coat draped over his shoulders like liquid shadow, shifting subtly with every measured movement. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned the room, taking in the ten figures who stood or leaned around the table—his generals, each a pillar of his cause, each a force of nature in their own right. They were his chosen one, bound to him not by fear but by a shared vision of a world unshackled from tyranny. Their Quirks, enhanced or paired by Kael's own hand, made them formidable, but it was their loyalty that made them indispensable.
Mira, his first general, stood closest to him, her posture rigid yet poised, like a blade waiting to be drawn. Her Barrier Quirk could halt any attack—physical, elemental, or otherwise—with an invisible wall of force, its strength unyielding no matter the assault. Her Enhanced Strength grew fiercer the longer a fight dragged on, her muscles coiling with power as battles wore down her foes. A thin, shimmering layer of armor, courtesy of her Enhanced Durability, clung to her skin like a second self, deflecting blows that would shatter lesser enemies.
Her Healing Quirk, though potent, demanded absolute stillness, a rare luxury in the chaos of combat. And her Inhuman Reflexes made her a blur in motion, her body reacting faster than thought itself. Mira's hair was pulled back tightly, her eyes glinting with a quiet intensity that spoke of battles won and scars earned.
Reina leaned against the table, her streaked hair catching the red light like embers. Her Blood Haze Quirk let her shape her own blood into weapons, armor, or even delicate constructs like clothing, each creation as fluid and deadly as her will. Her second Quirk, slowed the onset of physical exhaustion, letting her fight longer and harder than any opponent could hope to endure. Reina's grin was sharp, her posture relaxed but ready, like a predator toying with prey. She twirled a dagger made of her own hardened blood between her fingers, its edge catching the light.
Kai, the youngest general, stood with a restless energy that belied his age. His eight Quirks, 5 of which he couldn't use, made him a walking arsenal: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Enhanced Durability, Heat Vision, X-Ray Vision, Flight, Minor Regeneration, and Focus Field, which let him amplify a single sense or physical trait in short, explosive bursts. His original Quirk had been a stronger version of Focus Field, so Kael had gifted him the A quirk similar to it, unlocking its full potential. Kai's tousled m hair fell into his eyes, which darted nervously between the holograms and his fellow generals. Despite his youth, there was a fire in him, a determination to prove himself worthy of Kael's trust in him.
Bront, the muscle of the group, loomed like a mountain, his massive arms crossed over a chest that seemed carved from stone. His primary Quirk transformed him into a seven-foot plus tall gorilla, his forearms sprouting hidden blades that could slice through steel. In this form, he retained full awareness, his mind as sharp as the blades he wielded.
His second Quirk absorbed blunt force and electrical attacks, turning him into a living tank for lack of a better word. Bront's strength surpassed even Kael's when his Quirk was active, a fact he wore with quiet pride. His shaved head gleamed under the lights, and his eyes held a steady, unyielding resolve.
Rika Vale stood with her arms crossed, her short hair glinting like polished metal. Her Gravitational Field Quirk let her manipulate gravity within a limited radius, crushing foes or lifting allies with a thought. Her second Quirk, Anchor Step, anchored her to the ground, rendering her immune to knockback or displacement. Even Bront's gorilla-fueled punches couldn't budge her, though the damage would still sting. Rika's expression was calm, almost detached, but her eyes betrayed a mind always calculating, always strategizing.
Selan Dusk lingered at the edge of the light, her form seeming to blur into the shadows cast by the holograms. Her Shadow Drift Quirk didn't grant true invisibility but allowed her to blend seamlessly into low-light environments, her silhouette fading like smoke. Her second Quirk, QuietStep, ensured she made no sound, her movements as quiet as a whisper in a storm. Selan's dark cloak clung to her like a second skin, and her eyes, half-hidden beneath her hood, gleamed with a quiet menace. She was the specter of the group, the one who could slip past any defense.
Daro Lynx sat casually, one leg crossed over the other, his fingers drumming a rhythm on the table. His Iron Root Quirk let him sprout and manipulate razor-sharp tendrils from his body, each one as flexible as a whip and as strong as steel. His second Quirk, Metal Mender, allowed damaged vines to repair themselves over time, making him a relentless opponent. Daro's easy smile and tousled hair belied the lethality of his abilities, but Kael knew better—Daro's training sessions with him were brutal, thhis Darkbind Quirk and Daro's Iron Root Quirk mirroring each other in ways that pushed both to their limits.
Hex Corven leaned back in his chair, his lanky frame deceptively relaxed. His Quirk Suppression ability could neutralize Quirks through touch or, with intense focus, within a small area for up to thirty seconds. His second Quirk, Counter Trigger, redirected a portion of a suppressed Quirk's power back at its user, turning their strength against them. Hex's sharp tongue and sarcastic demeanor hid a keen mind, one Kael trusted to oversee the base's security. His dark eyes flicked between the holograms, already analyzing threats.
Nyra Sen's presence crackled with energy, her wild electric hair sparking faintly with static. Her Live Wire Quirk let her emit and control electricity from her body, arcs of lightning dancing across her fingertips. Her second Quirk, Static Vein, allowed her to siphon electricity from external sources, converting it into raw power. Nyra's laughter was as loud as her Quirk, rivaled only by Reina and the man himself, Present Mic. She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement, ready for action.
Dr. Sato, the final general, stood apart, his lab coat pristine despite the chaos of their work. His Quirk Analysis ability let him understand and enhance Quirks through physical contact or verbal consent, his mind dissecting their mechanics like a master craftsman. His second Quirk, Neural Sync allowed him to manipulate Quirk data at a cellular level, crafting serums, enhancements, or inhibitors tailored to specific needs. Though he does take caution when it comes to enhancing Kael as his multiple Quirks may effect whatever enhancements he gives to Kael in ways unknown even to him. Sato's wireframe glasses glinted as he adjusted them, his calm demeanor belying the chaos he could unleash. Without him, Kael knew their rebellion would falter.
Kael rose slowly, his coat shifting like a living shadow. The room fell silent, the weight of his presence pulling every eye to him. He paced, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor, each step deliberate, measured. The generals watched, their expressions a mix of anticipation and resolve.
"We've entered a new phase," Kael said, his voice cutting through the hum of the war room like a blade through silk. "A week ago, I made our position clear to the world. I called him out. I exposed the real tyrant behind it all. And now, All For One knows I'm coming for him. I hope, for his sake, he's prepared."
A central hologram flickered to life, replaying the moment that had shaken the world. Equinox—Kael—stood atop a destroyed rooftop, his mask discarded, his face bared to the cameras. His voice, amplified by a Quirk that allowed him to control how loud he talked, rang out across a hundred newsfeeds, each word a declaration of war.
"If All For One is the symbol of domination, then let me become the symbol that breaks it. All For One, you're next."
The room stirred, the generals exchanging glances. Kael's power was undeniable, forged by his BalanceKeeper Quirk. It allowed him to steal Quirks through touch, store them, and wield them with unmatched potency. The stronger the Quirk, the longer it took to claim, but once taken, Kael could amplify it beyond its original limits. Dimensional Rift, once limited to warping to places visited within the last thirty minutes, now let him teleport anywhere he'd ever been, no restrictions.
Darkbind, originally confined to only grasping small objects, now let him grab entire buildings with a thought, his control honed through relentless training over the years. Every Quirk he took reached its maximum strength, its previous limitations shattered, though Kael's body and mind bore the strain of mastering them.
"This isn't just 'rebellion' anymore," Kael continued, his voice low but resonant. "We are a movement. One built on trust, not bloodshed. But to become a stronger force to be reckoned with, we must strike at those who would choke the world in fear."
The hologram shifted, replaced by a new profile—a man with a wide, confident grin and eyes that burned with unsettling certainty. The name "Valdo Gollini" flashed beneath it, along with details of his criminal empire. The generals leaned in, their attention sharpening.
"Valdo Gollini," Kael said, his tone dripping with disdain. "A Mafia boss in Europe who'd kill his own kin for scuffing his shoes. Cold-blooded, heartless, ruthless. A danger we can't let grow unchecked."
The hologram zoomed in on Gollini's face, his smirk almost taunting. A map of northern Italy appeared, crimson zones marking his influence—ports, cities, even government offices under his sway. The generals studied it, their minds already dissecting the challenge.
"One of our followers in Prague intercepted encrypted channels tied to the Gollini Family," Kael explained. "Gollini's Quirk is so powerful that even Europe's governments hesitate to confront him. He speaks of justice, but it's a lie—a veneer for control. He's no better than All For One. Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't joined forces."
Hex leaned forward, his voice dry but pointed. "So, what's the play, boss? Infiltrate his syndicate? Take him down? Or something messier?"
Kael raised a hand, silencing the room. "We won't. Not yet atleast. First, we gain their trust. We get close—learn how the Gollini Family operates, their members, their defenses, their secrets. Rush this, and we risk everything we've built. I won't let that happen."
He tapped the hologram, zooming in on the crimson zones. "But when the moment comes to strike, I'll take everything from him. His Quirk. His empire. His twisted faith. He'll be a memory, nothing more."
Mira stood, her eyes sharp as steel. "You want to use him first, then erase him. Smart. If we can ally with a power like his, even temporarily, we could secure weapons, supplies, money—everything we need to grow."
"Exactly," Kael said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But it won't be easy. Gollini will test us, threaten us. We need a team that can handle negotiations and come out on top, no matter what he throws at us."
The hologram shifted again, displaying portraits of Mira, Reina, Kai, and Hex. The four generals straightened, their expressions a mix of pride and determination.
"You four will lead this mission," Kael said. "Take a handful of our followers and make contact with the Gollini Family. Reina, your street smarts and adaptability will keep us ahead of their games. Mira, you're our shield if things go south. Kai, you'll handle negotiations—they'll see a kid and underestimate us, and that's when we turn the tables. Hex, your ability to read and neutralize threats will keep them honest."
Reina cracked her neck, her grin widening. "Hell yeah. Italy's got good wine, but their people are just the worse. This is gonna be a blast."
Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Guess I'd better start practicing my speech. Gotta sound like I know what I'm doing."
Mira nodded, her voice calm but firm. "Understood. What's our timeline?"
"You leave tomorrow night," Kael said. "No hard deadline—take the time to build trust, but don't force it. Learn everything you can. You can reveal who you work for if it helps, or keep my identity hidden. That's your call."
Kai glanced at the others, his voice hesitant. "And if they resist? If they refuse to cooperate, no matter what we do?"
Kael's eyes darkened, his voice cold. "Then bring me their unconscious bodies back in black bags. I'm doing this because I'm curious, not because I have to at this very moment in time. But more than that, I trust you four to lead. I could go myself, but that risks exposing my own plans. I know you'll deliver exceptional results anyway."
Hex nodded, his tone flat but resolute. "Got it. I'll come up with a few escape plans tonight, just in case things get messy."
Kael turned back to the center of the room, his gaze sweeping over the generals. "This is our first step beyond America. Every move matters. Every word carries weight. When the world sees what we've done, they won't fear men like Gollini. They'll know there's someone—something—stronger, ready to protect them."
The generals stood in silence, their eyes locked on him. The holograms flickered, casting their faces in shifting light, but their resolve was unshakable.
"It's really time to step out of the shadows," Kael said, his voice rising like a tide. "Actions speak louder than words. Let's make ours deafening."
The war room buzzed with renewed purpose, the generals already moving to prepare. Kael watched them, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. Gollini was just the beginning—a stepping stone to the greater war against All For One. But for now, the game was trust, and Kael played to win.
…