The lab hummed with the quiet energy of a controlled storm. It had been a week since Matt Murdock had made his fateful decision, and today was the day of the Phoenix serum injection. Maya Hansen began the procedure, her focus sharp and unwavering. Alex stood nearby, watching every breath Matt took, every line of determination etched on his face.
"Are you ready?" Maya asked, her voice a calm thread woven with concern.
Matt's jaw was firm. "Let's do this."
The procedure began. Alex's eyes followed closely as Maya administered the serum. For a long moment, they could only wait, the silence broken by the faint pulse of the life support machine. In that tense waiting, they observed the transformation unfold—astonishing in its clarity. Unlike the others who had glowed red, Matt's body radiated an ethereal blue light, a low, electric glow against the sterile white of the lab. When the procedure concluded, Alex leaned forward, a surge of eager anticipation overriding his caution.
When the procedure concluded, Alex leaned forward, eager. "How do you feel?"
Matt opened his eyes, steady and composed. "I… I can sense everything around me. Not shapes, not colors… but the currents, the flows of energy. It's like seeing the world electrically."
Alex's eyes widened. The blue glow around Matt contrasted sharply with the familiar red shimmer of other Extremis subjects. Curiosity overtook caution. With a flick of his wrist, Alex created a small wound on Matt's arm.
A surge of blue electricity enveloped the wound as it healed almost instantly. "This… this is incredible!" Alex exclaimed. "Maya, look at this!"
Maya leaned closer, excitement flickering in her eyes. "Extremis is supposed to enhance human bioelectrical capabilities and recode DNA for healing. But Matt… he's achieved perfect synergy. Unlike others, his body integrates it seamlessly. But… his eyes... why couldn't they be healed?"
Alex furrowed his brow. "It's as if his DNA… forgot them."
Matt shrugged, humor lacing his tone. "Maybe my eyes are just too stubborn." He was already looking forward to discovering what he could accomplish with this newfound power.
---
Two days later, the Empire State Plaza was a sea of humanity. A hungry pack of reporters jostled for position, their camera flashes a chaotic storm against the midday sun. Sunlight reflected off the towering glass façades, and the air buzzed with a mix of anticipation and disbelief. At the podium, the mayor of New York cleared his throat, flanked by a silent, watchful contingent of military officials.
"Today, we recognize the invaluable assistance provided by the Knights of Advent New Era during the Harlem incident," the mayor announced, his voice carrying over the crowd. "In light of their contributions, the state is granting them the authority to deploy with military backing under special circumstances. They will also hold the power to uphold the law within the State of New York."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the plaza, a mix of gasps and whispers. The mayor continued, his voice firming. "With clear evidence, the Knights can make arrests under both military and civilian law enforcement authority—without the need for a warrant—ensuring swift justice for our citizens."
Applause erupted, loud and sincere, washing over Alex as he stepped forward. He squared his shoulders, feeling the weight of the city's trust settle on him.
"Thank you, Mayor," he said, his voice steady and calm despite the tumult. "We are honored to serve this city. Our mission has always been to protect and uphold justice, and with this new authority, we will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of every New Yorker. Together, we can build a brighter future."
The crowd's cheer was deafening. The Knights of Advent New Era had gained a foothold in the political landscape, a new legitimacy forged in the crucible of public opinion. But Alex knew that the true challenges still lay ahead.
---
Six months later, New Year's Eve arrived. Alex stood atop a rooftop overlooking the city, fireworks painting the night sky in bursts of gold, red, and blue. The vibrant lights reflected in his eyes, but his mind wandered, tracing the events of the past year.
The waiting had been the hardest part. Waiting for the System to reveal its next move. Waiting for SHIELD's hand to overreach again. Waiting for threats he knew would come but hadn't yet. In just two years, he had grown into a force no one could ignore, but he understood better than most that power didn't end the waiting—it only made it heavier.
He thought of the alien invasion he couldn't quite remember the cause of, only that it would happen soon. He thought of Thor's descent in New Mexico—an event he missed because by the time the news reached him, the Asgardian had already returned to his realm. He had wanted to bring Jane Foster into the Knights, but SHIELD's scrutiny forced him to let her go. With Coulson absent, their focus seemed tied up in another project, but Alex wasn't naïve. Eyes would turn toward him again.
Then the System finally responded. After hoarding more than a million SP, it released a new feature: the 'System Concept' Skill Upgrade. It was like turning SP into experience points—a mechanic straight out of a game, but far too powerful to ignore. Especially when it came to his most reliable gift: Telekinesis.
He spent nearly a million SP that night, and when the fireworks were at their peak, his new status appeared:
Alexander Kane
Affiliation: Kane International / The Knights
Abilities:
Telekinesis (Level 3): Psionic ability to move and manipulate objects with the mind. Maximum capacity: 80 kg
Flight (Level 3): Internal electromagnetism generates controlled flight. Maximum speed: 120 mph
Pyro-Electrokinesis (Level 2): Generate and manipulate electricity combined with heat-based energy. Enhanced range and output
Enhancements:
Super Soldier Serum (S-2 Enhanced – Not upgradable): Enhanced Strength, Speed, Agility, Durability, Regeneration, Focus, Intelligence, Memory
Extremis (S-3 Enhanced – Not upgradable): Rapid regeneration, thermal and electrical resistance, lightning generation, bio-energy output, metabolic efficiency
Note: All Physical Abilities +50%; All Mental Abilities +100%
As the last fireworks burst across the horizon, Alex exhaled slowly. The city sparkled below, alive and resilient. The waiting wasn't over—not by a long shot. But with his new powers and the Knights growing stronger, he was ready. A new dawn was rising, and he would meet it head-on.
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