Heroes Philosophy.

It has been a fascinating day for Kelvin and Devon as the two jointly managed to navigate through the system, and Kelvin, with a bit of his extensive knowledge, was able to elucidate a few things to Devon.

Eventually, it arrived at the time when Devon would have to return home for the day. He didn't go back empty-handed, though. With Kelvin's assistance, he had learned a lot about the system. So far, the latter had guided him on how to enhance his statistics and avoid jeopardizing those around him. He also learned how he could conceal his abilities from others.

Exiting the mansion-like residence was Devon, and in his hands were two pale grocery bags. The sun was nearly disappearing from the sky when Devon emerged, but this wasn't a concern for him.

He could scarcely perceive that the sky was darkening since his vision was as keen as ever, thanks to his lycanthropic nature. Additionally, Devon's mind was preoccupied with thoughts. Thoughts that, under normal circumstances, he shouldn't even be fretting over. However, now he couldn't help pondering them.

"What Kelvin mentioned... Could it be accurate?" Devon pondered, his thoughts returning to his previous conversation with Kelvin before his departure.

"Search for me?" Devon said perplexed. At that moment, various thoughts raced through his mind as he contemplated what Kelvin had just mentioned and the most plausible reason for such an occurrence.

"Have you divulged my identity to anyone yet?" Devon inquired, and unbeknownst to him, as he posed that question, the shadowy wolf moved a step closer, its fangs bared at Kelvin.

"Don't act foolishly, and let me elucidate!" Kelvin exclaimed in a state of panic upon observing the shadowy wolf approaching him.

Devon snapped back to reality, realizing what was about to transpire, and summoned the wolf back, concealing it within his shadow.

Seeing that the threat had dissipated, Kelvin heaved a long sigh and then regarded Devon. "I'm certain you're aware that the police are searching for you. In essence, they've misidentified you as an exceptional human, albeit in a sense, you are one,"

"The predicament here is that news of a new extraordinary individual in town has spread like wildfire. Consider this,"

"Numerous organizations, both benevolent and malevolent, are in pursuit of you. The benevolent ones might merely seek you out, and if unsuccessful, they may ultimately desist. However, the malevolent ones will employ every means at their disposal to locate you, Devon," Kelvin explained.

"Wait... Are you implying that they are aware of my identity?" Devon asked.

"I'm uncertain whether they know who you are; otherwise, they'd be knocking on your door to negotiate. The reason I'm divulging this to you, Devon, is to prevent a repetition of what occurred many years ago," Kelvin continued.

"What transpired many years ago?" Devon inquired. Devon had heard numerous times from various sources that something had transpired several years ago that had a significant impact on Vanceburg City's development.

"Several years ago, an extraordinary phenomenon was discovered in this city. It was unclear who the extraordinary individual was, but as I mentioned, the malevolent forces will stop at nothing to obtain them. They instigated a conflict, bringing wild creatures into the city to flush out the extraordinary,"

"This very conflict is likely what led to your mother's demise, though I can't be certain,"

"But now, it's regrettably apparent that history wishes to repeat itself through you," Kelvin remarked. "I simply want to inform you that many will perish, and countless innocent people who have no connection to you will be affected. If the universe opts to be impartial, it may even affect those close to you," Kelvin concluded.

Listening to this, guilt gnawed at Devon from within as he grappled with confusion about what to do.

"But... What am I supposed to do?" Devon wondered, holding his head and shaking it as if attempting to clear his thoughts. "Should I surrender myself?" he questioned.

"Don't be absurd. Instead of bearing the burden solely on your shoulders, you have more constructive options. I understand you might feel culpable for the unfolding events, but you're also a victim, just like them. You were coerced against your will," Kelvin reassured, attempting to uplift his friend's spirits.

"I believe your focus should be on becoming stronger. As whatever transpires in this city unfolds, you must ensure your own safety and that of your sister, at the very least," Kelvin advised.

"And what about you?" Devon inquired.

"Do I appear to require any protection? Mind you, from today onward, I'll be well-prepared with additional resources in case you ever lose control," Kelvin quipped.

Recalling their conversation, Devon once again found himself pacing through the streets without a clear destination. "People will perish due to my existence,"

'No... I cannot allow others to suffer for something I inadvertently caused. I will become stronger and protect everyone in this city,' Devon resolved, determination flashing in his eyes.

The only quandary was how to become stronger. Once again, another word uttered by Kelvin echoed in Devon's mind.

"You possess a system; do you realize that in most stories, someone with a system is like having a cheat code? All you need to do is follow and complete system quests. I assure you that you'll unlock numerous abilities from the system that could aid you, perhaps even in saving the entire city," Kelvin had advised.

With those words reverberating in his mind, Devon now had a purpose to pursue. A goal to keep him moving forward.

"Complete the system quests, claim your rewards, and level up. But first, we need to create a quest," Devon thought, contemplating locations where the system might offer quests and rewards.

'The gym... It's fortunate I won that morning's wager. Now I can spend as much time as I need,' Devon thought as he hurried homeward.

---

Meanwhile, in the vicinity of Vanceburg, a man garbed in a black overcoat and a round black hat stood, hands in pockets. His head was slightly bowed, concealing his face even from those standing directly in front of him. Beside him were two individuals dressed in black suits, with dark, curly hair, equally tall.

"Never imagined I'd return to this city for the same purpose," the man mused.

"It seems it wasn't in vain, and leaving it behind back then might have been a wise choice. Now, today, I'm here to reap what I sowed," the man declared with a chilling tone.

"Sir, according to our sources, the Mohawks are also present, likely for the same reason as us," one of the men reported.

Upon hearing that name, it seemed for a moment like he was losing his composure but quickly regained his demeanor. "The Mohawks, I see. It's unfortunate, but I've devised a new strategy this time, and Hilton can be foolish enough to fall for it," the man remarked.

"If I may inquire, what are our new plans, sir?" one of the men asked.

"Let me pose a question: what do people typically do when they discover they possess some form of power that sets them apart from others?" the man inquired.

The question caught them off guard, but they provided their responses nonetheless . "Honestly, sir, it mostly hinges on the individual's character," one of them replied.

In most instances, some will employ their powers for malevolent purposes, while others will wield them for benevolence.

"That's precisely my point. You see, when people, most people, realize they have superhuman abilities, they tend to embrace a heroic philosophy: 'With great power comes great responsibility.' All we need to do is two things: create a predicament that necessitates the extraordinary to step up as the hero and come to the rescue, and then capture him. It's as straightforward as that," the man explained.

"But how do we create predicaments without drawing the attention of other organizations?" another man queried.

"Have no fear; I have just what will assist us in crafting the chaos we desire. Now, all we need to do is find someone who fits the bill," the man said, withdrawing a syringe from his pocket. Inside the syringe was a dark, bubbling substance.

"You cost me dearly, but I've finally acquired you," he said, wearing a sinister grin.

****

Don't forget to read my other book."My Zombie Game" I am currently re-editing the book. You can also follow and join the Discord channel, Instagram, and TikTok. Discord channel: https://discord.gg/gMXt7Uzu. Instagram: @Jeffweikeson. TikTok: @JWN234. Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know. Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me! J_WN