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, Jakson leaned back in his chair and muttered, "I didn't sign up for a team. I helped because I had to."
Tyler crossed his arms. "Same here. I only jumped in because I was nearby."
Rudy narrowed his eyes. "We acted, sure. But that doesn't mean we're a team."
Derick nodded. "That was survival instinct, not teamwork. We don't even trust each other yet."
"But we saved people," Max scoffed. "Isn't that the point?"
Raymond 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.
Larry, standing near the wall, finally spoke. "Come on. We've got a name, a potential base, firepower, a leader—what else do we need?"
Raymond 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."
Timothy 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," Timothy 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."
"With the exception of Timothy and Raymond, the rest of you still have to pick hero names," Johnathan added.
"Why are we choosing names?" Derick asked.
"Why? You wanna go out there telling the public, 'My name is Derick and I've come to save you'? Wanna risk the lives of your loved ones?" Johnathan replied.
"Huhh, so we gotta start racking our heads now?" Jakson sighed.
"Come on, it can't be that hard," Rudy replied.
—
Later, on the observation deck, Jakson and Rudy stood side by side, staring at the endless sea.
"So, what name are you going with?" Rudy asked.
"I chose Blaze. What about you?"
"I chose Dark Flame," Rudy said confidently.
"Really? Dark Flame?" Jakson said, half-sarcastic.
"What's wrong with it?" Rudy frowned slightly.
"Nothing," Jakson replied, hiding a smile.
"It's nice seeing you care," Rudy smirked.
"We still need to talk," he added.
Jakson didn't look at him. "Talk about what?"
Rudy 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.
"Okay. Since you've all signed and submitted your hero names, let's continue the meeting. Team missions, evaluations, joint training—starting now.
As it stands, you're all listed as B-rank heroes."
"Wait—what list?" Max asked.
Timothy 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."
Maximus folded his arms. "Alright. So who's leading this 'team'?"
Silence.
Larry 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."
Timothy 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," Tyler 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.
"Yes. You were supposed to be Timothy's partner before all this began—and you're capable. So you're vice," Layla said.
"Thank you, Commander. I'm honored." Raymond bowed his head.
Sage gave a small smile. "For fate."
"For them," Tyler whispered.
One by one, the squad members nodded. Some raised a fist, others simply stood tall.
Jakson chuckled. "No pressure, Leader."
Timothy took a breath and nodded.
"Then let's make this squad worth the name."