A day had passed after the incident with Sun and Wukong. The heroes of the city met With Layla Bremm at the underwater base in the Marion ocean. The rain outside tapped softly against the ocean base windows, a calming contrast to the tension inside. Deep within the briefing room, the team sat around a round table, lit only by the glow of a holographic map of Ultra City. Faces flickered in blue light—tired, cautious, and uncertain.
No one spoke at first. The silence stretched.
Finally, Blaze leaned back in his seat and muttered, "I didn't sign up for a team". I helped because I had to."
Thunderstorm crossed his arms. "Same with me I only did this because I was in the area."
Dark Flame narrowed his eyes, speaking with a low tone. "We acted. That doesn't mean we're a team."
Mega Panther nodded firmly. "What we did wasn't teamwork. It was mere instinct. We don't even trust each other yet."
"But we saved people," Superbolt said, scoffing. "Isn't that the whole point?"
Frost glanced at the team, tapping the edge of the table thoughtfully. "We're strong. But without structure, we'll collapse when it matters most."
The room went still again. The entirety of the base filled with silence.
Hi-Tech stood at the edge of the room, watching them. "Come on. We've got a name, a potential base, the firepower, the leader—what's left?" he said with a rare smile.
Frost stared out the window. "I felt something out there, our unison and teamwork was topnotch for people who don't even know themselves it was like we were meant to fight together."
"You all are still raw," Layla said, nodding slowly. "But effective. With time, and intense training among yourselves you'll could become our greatest force."
Vilex frowned. "I already thought we concluded on this the other day but it seems we all did that just to keep the civilians happy." But as I have said before I'm not against the idea of the making of the team, you guys are all grown men make your decisions. "Those that want to join should stay."
Has he said those words no one left the room everyone remained.
"We have all decided right."
" Then it is settled we are team what is just left of us is to get to know one another and build trust within ourselves."
No one disagreed with his words.
"Since you are all onboard with it,"
"I guess you all have to fill the paperwork." Johnathan Flicker said.
He passed the paper to each of them and they filled their informations and signed it.
Sage spoke softly, "Perhaps destiny forces unity through chaos."
"Or maybe you guys just destroyed half a district and saved the other half," Layla grumbled.
Johnathan looked at his commander. "Ma'am that's what we call even steven"
On the observation deck moments later, Blaze and Dark Flame stood side by side, looking out over the waves. "Nice to see you care," Dark flame said with a smirk.
"We still need to talk" Dark flame said to Blaze.
"What do we need to talk about." Blaze answered.
Dark flame winked at him. "That's a chat for later."
Ivy Madsen and Larry were at the door.
"I don't want to patch you up next time," Ivy said.
"Don't worry ivy the suit is already upgrading itself."
"I program it to update any activity that was done when the suit has been activated."
Ivy smirked. "If you say so Mr hero ."
Later, as night approached, the squad regrouped in the briefing room. The Hero Association seal flickered on the central screen. Layla's voice echoed through the holo-call.
"Team missions, trainings, evaluations," "as it stands now you'll are just B rank heroes in the hero association list"
"What list."Superbolt asked.
Vilex spoke boldly.
"There is a list in the hero association that shows your status as a hero."
"The list is ranked accordingly from top heroes to bottom."
A list appeared on the screen showing the ranks:
S+(Arcane level)
S(Adept)
A(Expert)
B(Skilled)
C(Apprentice)
D(Novice)
E(Rookie)
"As the commander has the said before we are at B rank which means we are just skilled heroes".
"We can rise together and move to the top rank all we need is trust and cooperation."
Layla said. "What he spake were facts you can rise above many and become mankind hope in time of trouble."
Johnathan added. "I believe this team can do it."
Superbolt folded his arms. "Alright. So who's leading this 'team'?"
There was silence. Then glances.
Hi-Tech smirked. "Why not rotate? We're all capable."
"Children," Layla muttered, sighing.
"I nominate Timothy," she said finally. "Timothy Slinger—Vilex. Proven record. He has been in this hero game before any of you and has been ultra city behind the scenes hero. He's our choice."
Vilex blinked. "You sure about that?"
"I don't make decisions I doubt," Layla replied.
Sage gave a short nod. "Leadership isn't about power. It's about discipline."
"If he slips up, I'm out," Thunderstorm said, half-joking.
Frost stepped beside Vilex. "He's earned it.
"And your vice commander," Layla added, "will be Raymond Miller. Frost. He was Top of the Hero Academy, disciplined, strategic."
"Really me".Raymond said sounding surprised.
Sage smiled faintly. "For fate."
"For them," Thunderstorm whispered.
The team stood together, one by one. Each member raised their hand—or simply nodded.
Blaze chuckled. "No pressure, Leader."
Vilex stood tall. "Then let's make this squad worth the name."