AN: A quick update I'll be traveling next week so I'll have to suspend the bonus chapter system until I get back. But other than that the release schedule should remain the same.
---
The applause was almost deafening as, from a hidden trap door, a lone figure emerged, hoisted onto stage by an automatic lift that put her front and center. In an instant, every spotlight swiveled around, illuminating the heroine from every angle, as she stood, back straight and chin up like a knight at attention—an apt comparison given Crimon's name and her costume.
Though perhaps costume wasn't the proper term, given its practical appearance, landing somewhere between heavy plate armor from the medieval ages and a futuristic exoskeleton. The armored bodysuit consisted of sleek, metallic plates that fit Crimson like a second skin, with black, synthetic fibers that ran between the plating and over her joints, leaving her movements unrestricted. However, Crimson's forearms and shins were especially reinforced and made to resemble a pair of greaves and vambraces.
Another feature of the suit was the two silver clasps on Crimson's shoulders that secured a massive, tattered red cloak that trailed down her back, billowing with the slightest movement. It was a close second to the most eye-catching aspect of her appearance, but that honor went to Crimson's mask. The full-face, streamlined helm created an attention-grabbing visage with a pointed crest and glowing cyan eye slits that shone even in the spotlight.
For a moment, Crimson soaked up the applause before dropping her chin as the bottom of her mask retracted, revealing the lower half of her face. "Hello, everyone, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Gwen's eyes widened as Crimson's voice echoed over the speakers. The heroine spoke slowly, though not due to a lack of confidence. It was more like she tasted each word before saying it, giving her a poised and controlled demeanor. But despite her unique mannerisms, Gwen immediately recognized the voice behind the mask, 'MJ?'
---
Staring out at the crowd through her mask, MJ expected to feel some kind of nervousness or unease; instead, she felt alive. More than ever, MJ was convinced that she was destined for fame and greatness, 'And this is only the beginning, soon there won't be a single person in this city who doesn't know my name.'
As the initial applause died down, Harry stepped back up and resumed his speech, "Crimson is perhaps Ascend's greatest contribution to the world, as she represents a future. One where we no longer have to wonder if there is a force of good, prepared and trained to combat the rampant crime on the rise, not only in our city but across the globe."
The screen behind Harry changed once more, displaying pictures of known super villains and their various crimes, "Currently, we are at the mercy of chance, hoping that there are those among us who are willing to put on a mask and use their powers for good. But what happens when those who take up the mantel of a hero fall? What happens when they don't show up? Surely, they have lives beyond their heroic acts. Who are you going to hold responsible?"
Harry paused for a moment as he let that fact settle into the crowd, "In this day and age, we can't leave things to chance; there needs to be certainty. The same certainty you have in the fact that when you dial 911, the police are on the way. That's what you want: trained professionals equipped for the job and an entire system of support to ensure that there is a plan for every possible scenario. For example, maybe you happen to be shopping one day and the Rhino goes on a rampage, causing the building you're in to collapse."
A loud rumbling sound effect played over the speakers as panels in the ceiling suddenly opened, dropping a small avalanche of debris onto the crowd below.
'Show time.' Crimson's mask slid back into place as she launched off the stage and soared into the air. Turning her mental dial to the max, Crimson watched the world around her slow down to a crawl, leaving the debris drifting through the air and the crowd standing still as statues, not realizing the threat above them.
Arriving at the apex of her jump, Crimison reached behind her with one hand, grabbed her cloak, and threw it forward like a weighted net. The dark red fabric unfurled, magically expanding to over ten times its original length. But not only did the cloak expand; it also fractured, tearing itself apart into individual strips of cloth that fanned out through the air.
Each strip latched onto a piece of rubble before pulling it out of the air and back towards Crimson, gathering the debris into a single mass. Letting go of her cloak, now wrapped around the rubble, Crimson pointed her hand at the ceiling.
From her vambrace, a grappling hook shot out, embedding into the roof and arresting Crimson's fall. Having dealt with the danger, Crimson undialed her mind and watched the world lurch back into motion.
People flinched, taking cover only to look up and see Crimson suspended above them, having caught all the debris. Once the initial shock and fear faded, people started to cheer and clap, broad grins spreading across their faces.
"For anyone that didn't catch it, don't worry, our high-speed cameras saw it all." An instant replay popped up on the stage screen, catching Crimson's almost instantaneous response as she jumped into the air and displayed her cloak's capabilities, "All within five seconds of the threat presenting itself, but please don't be alarmed all the rubble was made out of foam, though I do apologize if I gave anyone an unessesary scare."
An area was cleared in the crowd, letting Crimson drop down to the floor with her cloak holding up the pieces of foam, much to the crowd's amazement.
"Believe it or not, just three months ago, Crimson was an ordinary human. Since then, she's undergone a precisely calibrated series of treatments and surgical enhancements we call augmentations. The full protocol is divided into three progressive rounds, comprising a total of fifteen augmentations.
In Stage One, we focus on foundational biomechanical enhancement, strengthening bone density, reinforcing muscle fibers at the cellular level, and embedding regenerative dermal lattice grafts beneath the skin. These changes establish a resilient, high-performance baseline, characterized by resistance to blunt force trauma, increased endurance, and accelerated recovery from injuries.
Stage Two shifts toward cognitive and sensory expansion. Crimson's brain has been equipped with neural threading to support multi-threaded thinking, temporal processing enhancements that allow her to perceive events at high speed as if in slow motion, and a sensory amplification array that extends her awareness beyond the human norm.
At this point, Crimson has only been through the first two rounds, so she's not quite a true Ascendant yet... but that final leap is only days away. And I'm hoping that the city is ready to take that leap with us, because once we do, there's no turning back. A new age is upon us, ladies and gentlemen ."
---
Scourge could barely contain himself; ever since a consensus had been reached among his counterparts, his mind had been solely focused on the brewing conflict. The past few days, there had hardly been a moment when the godling hadn't been melded with the hivemind and codex, seeking to scour every possibility for improvement and evolution. But deep down, Scourge knew that while he could spend an eternity plucking the strings of life and rewriting the laws of nature, the only way for the Swarm to grow was through conflict and assimilation.
Sensing movement through the water, Scourge looked over his shoulder as Elektra sliced through the ocean, moving through the depths as if she had been born in them.
Elektra floated next to her god as she came to a stop, her hair drifting around her face in a haunting display. "I've never seen you so animated before."
Scourge glanced at Elektra, his features hidden as usual, "Perhaps I've made you a bit too perceptive."
"You humble me," Elektra replied with a coy smile as she bowed, "But I must admit I'm rather excited as well to let loose and fully embrace the gifts you've bestowed upon me. The thought of it is... exhilarating."
"Hmm," Scourge hummed in agreement as he crossed his hand behind his back, "It is one of the few times I find myself jealous of your freedom. But participating in this upcoming battle will only complicate matters."
Scourge looked down, peering through the pitch black water to stare at the sea of lights below, an entire civilization living on the ocean floor in relative peace and harmony.
"The Swarm is gathered and eager to feast, my lord," Elektra announced with a passionate look, "All we await for is your command."
Turning around, Scourge looked up at the pitch black void stretching out before him, "Swarm."
Scourge's command was accompanied by a psionic pulse that tore through the water. For a moment, the ocean remained empty, but then, within the darkness, countless glowing eyes emerged, dotting the ocean depths like stars.