The world doesn't need heroes anymore —at least, that's what the screens say.
Across Future Pride, skyscrapers flicker with one name pulsing through every digital vein:HELIOS CORE.
Their slogan burns like scripture:
"Order through Innovation. Hope through Control."
From every drone, every billboard, every holo-feed — Helios Core declares itself the savior of the post-Ignis era.They rebuild cities, restore power grids, and install shimmering "Guardian Towers" said to monitor safety.But the towers never sleep.Their eyes are everywhere.
Inside the glass fortress of Helios Spire, President Gooes addresses the world.A massive holo-screen behind him glows with a golden phoenix — the symbol of Ignis.
"A year ago, the flame of Ignis saved us all," Gooes says, his voice calm and convincing."Now, we honor his legacy — by ensuring such chaos never threatens our peace again."
Applause erupts.But in the shadows of the Spire, truth burns far colder.
Behind the applause and holographic smiles, Helios Core's laboratories hum with forbidden power.In chambers of glass and steel, human forms twitch under arcs of violet plasma — failed prototypes of "synthetic heroes."Each one infused with fragments of the same energy that nearly destroyed the city.The same energy that made — and broke — Ignis.
Dr. Marcell Vorn, head of experimental division, observes the newest creation: a being wreathed in static flame.He mutters to his assistants,
"If Ignis was evolution's mistake… we'll perfect the next step."
The room flashes red as the subject screams — then collapses into ash.Marcell only smirks."Progress."
Outside, the Brandie Unit prowls the city — a sleek task force of Helios enforcers armed with plasma suppressors.To the public, they are heroes.In truth, they are hunters.
Their hidden directive:
Eliminate any "meta anomaly" not registered under Helios Core authority.
Each week, another unlicensed powerbearer vanishes.No reports. No bodies. Only silence.
And through that silence… rumors spread.A whisper passed through broken alleys and encrypted feeds:
"A light — golden and alive — was seen near the old city ruins.""He's back.""Ignis has returned."
In his office, President Gooes watches the footage — a blurred figure surrounded by flickering flame.His reflection ripples across the glass as he murmurs to Marcell,
"If it's truly him… bring me his fire."
Helios Core smiles for the cameras.The world believes in their peace.
But under the neon halo of Future Pride —a storm begins to glow again.
The flame of Ignis has been reignited…and Helios Core intends to control it — or extinguish it forever.