A day after the chaos.
Rain pattered softly against the glass of the underwater base, a gentle rhythm over the tension that gripped the room. Inside the briefing chamber of the Marion Ocean base, a faint blue glow from a holographic map of Ultra City cast flickers over weary faces—faces marked by exhaustion, uncertainty, and quiet reflection.
No one spoke at first.
The silence stretched.
Finally, Blaze leaned back in his chair and muttered, "I didn't sign up for a team. I helped because I had to."
Thunderstorm crossed his arms. "Same here. I only jumped in because I was nearby."
Dark Flame narrowed his eyes. "We acted, sure. But that doesn't mean we're a team."
Mega Panther nodded. "That was survival instinct, not teamwork. We don't even trust each other yet."
"But we saved people," Superbolt scoffed. "Isn't that the point?"
Frost tapped the edge of the table thoughtfully. "We're strong. But strength without structure will fail when it matters most."
The silence returned, heavier than before.
Hi-Tech, standing near the wall, finally spoke. "Come on. We've got a name, a potential base, firepower, a leader—what else do we need?"
Frost stared out the window. "Out there, in that chaos… it felt like we clicked. Like we were meant to fight together."
"You all are still raw," Layla said, arms crossed, voice calm but firm. "But effective. With the right training and unity, you could become this city's greatest defense."
Vilex frowned. "I thought we settled this already. But maybe we only did it to calm the public."
He stood, looking at each face. "As I said before, I'm not against forming this team. You're all grown—make your choice. Those who want to join, stay."
No one moved. No one left.
"We've decided, haven't we?"
There were nods. Silent affirmations.
"Then it's settled," Vilex said. "We're a team now. All that's left is to know each other and build trust."
No one disagreed.
"Since you're all onboard," said a familiar voice. Johnathan Flicker walked in with a stack of forms. "Then I guess it's time to sign the paperwork."
He passed them around. Each hero scribbled their name, sealing their commitment.
Sage murmured, "Perhaps destiny forces unity through chaos."
"Or maybe you just destroyed half a district and saved the other half," Layla said dryly.
Johnathan shrugged. "That's what we call even-steven."
—
Later, on the observation deck, Blaze and Dark Flame stood beside each other, staring at the endless sea.
"Nice to see you care," Dark Flame smirked.
"We still need to talk," he added.
Blaze didn't look at him. "Talk about what?"
Dark Flame gave a sly wink. "That's a chat for later."
Behind them, Ivy Madsen and Larry approached.
"I better not have to patch you up next time," Ivy said, arms crossed.
"Relax. The suit's upgrading itself," Larry replied. "I programmed it to auto-optimize based on combat data."
Ivy smirked. "If you say so, Mr. Hero."
—
As night fell, the team gathered once more in the briefing room. The seal of the Hero Association flickered on the central screen.
Layla's voice rang from the holo-call. "Team missions, evaluations, joint training—starting now. As it stands, you're all listed as B-rank heroes."
"Wait—what list?" Superbolt asked.
Vilex stepped forward. "The Hero Association ranks us by levels."
The screen updated:
S+ (Arcane Level)
S (Adept)
A (Expert)
B (Skilled)
C (Apprentice)
D (Novice)
E (Rookie)
"We're B-rank—Skilled. Not bad. But we can climb," he said. "All it takes is trust and cooperation."
Layla nodded. "You could rise above many. You could become mankind's hope."
Johnathan chimed in. "I believe you will."
Superbolt folded his arms. "Alright. So who's leading this 'team'?"
Silence.
Hi-Tech smirked. "Let's rotate. We're all capable."
"Children…" Layla muttered under her breath.
"I nominate Timothy," she said at last. "Timothy Slinger—Vilex. Proven track record. He's been Ultra City's silent protector for years. He's our choice."
Vilex blinked. "You sure about that?"
"I don't make decisions I doubt," Layla replied.
Sage nodded. "Leadership isn't about power. It's about discipline."
"If he slips, I'm out," Thunderstorm joked—mostly.
Frost stepped forward, firm and composed. "He's earned it."
"And your vice commander," Layla added, "is Raymond Miller—Frost. Top of Hero Academy. Sharp. Reliable."
"Me?" Raymond looked stunned.
Sage gave a small smile. "For fate."
"For them," Thunderstorm whispered.
One by one, the squad members nodded. Some raised a fist, others simply stood tall.
Blaze chuckled. "No pressure, Leader."
Vilex took a breath and nodded.
"Then let's make this squad worth the name."