Volume 1 – Chapter 5: Cracks in the Steel
The streets of Novaria's western district burned with chaos. Hostages were pinned inside a skyscraper, surrounded by militant gangs equipped with stolen Life-Tech weapons. The air shimmered with smoke and laser fire.
From the roof opposite the siege, the Hyperforce trio crouched in tactical formation.
Bill scanned the scene, emerald eyes glowing behind his visor. "Energy readings confirm—those rifles are ours. Hogan's men supplied them."
Aria's amber eyes narrowed. "He's making it look like our tech is in criminal hands. Clever. If we fail, the city will believe it's all our fault."
Tim tightened his gloves, blue hair whipping in the wind. "Then we don't fail. We crush them fast and make it clean."
Bill raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "Always eager for the smashing job."
Tim shot him a grin. "Hey, it's what I do best."
The trio breached the building with military precision. Aria led the civilians to safety, calm and commanding.
Aria:"Move quickly, stay behind me. You'll live to see daylight."
Meanwhile, Tim tore through the gang's frontline with raw power. His fists shattered rifles, his strikes echoing like thunder.
Gang Leader:"It's the Hyperforce! Take down the big one!"
Bullets and plasma bolts rained down, but Tim barreled through, unrelenting.
Yet, as the smoke thickened, the whisper coiled into his mind again.
"Look at you. Fighting, bleeding… and who will the people thank? Him. Bill, the genius. Bill, the savior. You're just his shadow."
Tim growled under his breath, his punches turning harsher. "Shut up… not now."
Bill noticed the change, his emerald eyes narrowing. "Tim! Keep your focus—we need precision, not destruction!"
The whisper hissed louder."Hear that? He doubts you. He always doubts you. Because no matter how strong you are, you'll always be second."
Tim faltered—just a second—but in combat, a second is fatal.
A plasma shot grazed his shoulder. He winced, stumbling back.
Aria: (shouting) "Tim!"
Bill was there instantly, intercepting the enemy's next shot, his blade cutting the rifle clean in half. He placed a firm hand on Tim's shoulder.
Bill: (steady, calm) "You're not alone. Don't lose yourself out here."
For a moment, Tim saw only Bill's emerald eyes—calm, reassuring, unwavering. He forced a breath, shaking off the voice.
Tim: (gritting teeth) "…Yeah. I'm fine. Let's end this."
Far away, President Ronald Max Hogan watched the operation through hidden feeds. His gaze was cold, his smirk sharp.
Hogan:"Even the mighty Hyperforce bleeds. Good. Let the cracks widen."
Beside him, a faint digital shimmer flickered across the monitors. The Echo of Kwidhonda lingered, whispering through the circuits.
"Yes… let hatred gnaw. The strong always fall from within."
Hogan scowled at the presence, but didn't banish it. Instead, he raised his glass. "So long as Hardstone falls, I don't care what shadows walk with me."
The trio regrouped outside as the last of the hostages escaped. The building behind them burned, but the civilians cheered.
Aria: (smiling faintly) "Another victory. Barely."
Bill: (glancing at Tim) "Barely still counts."
Tim forced a grin, but his shoulder throbbed, and inside, the whisper still laughed.
"Soon, Tillian. Soon you'll see who you really are."