Weight

As I wake up to another restless morning, I can't help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. At just 19 years old, I've already seen and experienced more than most people do in a lifetime.

I stand up and start my morning routine, reciting the rules that have kept me alive this long. These are the lessons I've learned through trial and error, the hard-won wisdom that has kept me one step ahead of my enemies.

But even as I recite these rules, I can't shake off this nagging sense of weariness. Being a hero is a heavy load to bear, and sometimes it feels like I'm carrying the weight of the whole world on my shoulders.

But I can't show any signs of weakness. I've got to be strong for myself and the people who depend on me. I need to set an example of courage and resilience that others can look up to.

I can't forget that not everyone is as strong as I am. Some people can't handle the burden of knowledge that I possess, so I need to use my power wisely and not abuse it for personal gain.

And most of all, I need to remember why I'm doing this. When I'm fighting against monsters, it's easy to become the very thing I'm fighting against. But I need to keep a clear head and remember what's at stake.

Today is a big day. I'm meeting with two other heroes - Stygian and Azula. Azula and I fought together a few months ago against a Poster who had the power to warp shadows. We were able to stop them, but it could have ended up destroying the city if we hadn't worked together.

As I step out of the shower, my mind is already focused on the task at hand. It's time to put on my armor and prepare for battle. I slide into my black undersuit, feeling the snug fit as it hugs my skin.

Next comes the breastplate, a solid piece of black metal that covers my chest and back. The cape that hangs from my shoulders is a dark shade of purple, with a deep red lining that catches the light just so. It's a little flashy, I know, but I like to think it makes me stand out in a crowd.

My boots are made of the same black metal as the breastplate, heavy and sturdy. They clank against the ground as I move, a constant reminder of the weight I carry with every step.

My gauntlets are a matching shade of purple to the cape, leaving my fingers bare except for the one thing that rests there - my father's ring. It's a simple band of gold, worn smoothly by years of wear. It's the only thing I have left of him, the only thing that makes me feel like I still have some connection to the only person I could call family.

I promised myself that I would always keep this ring close, and I have never broken that vow. It's a constant reminder of everything I've lost but as I slip the ring onto my finger, I feel a surge of emotion wash over me. It's a mix of sadness, anger, and determination - a reminder of why I'm doing this, why I'm putting my life on the line , to protect and a bunch of other reasons but the most important one being it would have made my dad proud.

It would have been strange for a man dressed in what I have on to be driving a car, and thankfully I don't have to with my powers flight was just worth 20 days of single day charges . My powers were everything I thought they were and much more. Having the ability to create powers by using charges, no matter how weak they start this is an ability that guarantees myself eventually becoming the most powerful man in the world its just a matter of time with the use of this ability.

The thrill of my powers still sends shivers down my spine as I slip into my dark attire. I could never imagine driving a car in this getup, but with my powers, I don't have to. Flight is effortless, but it comes at a cost, 20 days of single-day charges. Still, it's a small price to pay for the freedom of the skies. My powers are everything I dreamed they would be and more. The ability to create powers using charges is a gift that keeps on giving. No matter how weak they start, I know that with time, I'll become the most powerful man in the world.

I pause for a moment to ponder what to do with today's charge. Should I reinforce my durability or boost my energy projection power? Or should I start creating one of the meta powers I've been thinking about? Indecisiveness seems to plague me, even after six months of having my powers.

But as my thoughts wander, my mind drifts towards the chaos caused by other empowered individuals misusing their powers on innocent people. They should be using their abilities to help people, not hurt them. And then there are the posters, monstrous beings with powers beyond comprehension, a shiver runs down my spine at the thought of fighting once again. Thankfully, they're not common, but they're out there.

With a determination fueled by the need to protect the innocent, I decided to use my charge to enhance my energy projection ability. More firepower is always welcome when facing the unknown.

As I focus on the charge of pure power, I feel a surge of anticipation coursing through me, an excitement that only comes with the prospect of creating something truly incredible. With fierce concentration, I will the charge to shape itself and merge with my power, [Energy Projection].

The merging process is a marvel to behold. The charge, a blank slate of potential, fuses with my power, which I have come to understand as an energy matrix - an otherworldly geometric engine that drives my abilities. As they join, the energy matrix blooms and shifts, growing ever so slightly in complexity and power.

To the untrained eye, nothing much seems to have changed. But to me, who has spent months studying and experimenting with my powers, the difference is palpable. It's like a tiny seed that I've been nurturing and tending to have finally sprouted and grown, bearing fruit that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

As I command my [Energy Projection] power to surround me with its vibrant purple glow, I can't help but feel a sense of familiarity and ease. It's like a second nature to me now, just as natural as taking a deep breath. I can feel the energy flow effortlessly from within me, molding and shaping itself into the desired form. The once challenging and tedious task has now become almost effortless, like an old friend that I can rely on. And as I bask in the warm embrace of my power, I know that I have grown stronger and more in tune with my abilities.

I lean out of my apartment window, gazing at the vast sky above me, longing for the days when I had a backyard where I could take off into the open sky with ease. With a deep breath, I activate [Flight], the very first power I had ever created. As I rise from the ground, I feel the weight of gravity release its grip on me, and I soar into the vast expanse of the sky, my heart filled with a sense of complete freedom.

Flying is an experience that never gets old, no matter how many times I do it. It's a feeling of liberation that I can never take for granted. Despite the strange turn my life has taken since I acquired these abilities, it's all worth it when I see the faces of grateful fans or when I'm stopping evil-doers from harming innocent people. It's become a part of my life now, and strangely enough, I've grown to love it. The thoughts comic horrors and the dread of feeling like an ant in a drowning ant hill takes a back seat in those rare moments .

As I soar through the sky, the people below look up in awe and wonder at my glowing form. They cheer and smile, knowing that I am their hero, the one who fought against the titan of death and risked his life to protect them. To them, I am a symbol of safety, the shepherd watching over his flock. But in reality, the thought of my power and the damage I could do with it if I lost control is never far from my mind. It's a weight that I carry with me every day as I fly through the air, the risk of becoming a monster always looming over me.

But for now, I push those thoughts aside and focus on the joy and happiness of the people below. It's a feeling like no other, the rush of power and the sense of purpose that comes with being a hero. And I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as I see the smiles on their faces and hear their cheers.

As I soared through the sky, the glint of sunlight reflecting off the towering silver building ahead caught my eye. This was it, the headquarters of the newly-formed government branch responsible for managing Empowered individuals. The idea of soaring through one of the building's many windows flitted through my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Drawing too much attention to myself would be unwise.

My acceptance of the offer to lead this team was a no-brainer. With the government's deep pockets, I would finally have the resources I needed to study and research power improvement, as well as the opportunity to connect with other Emps. But most importantly, I would be in control of my own team, able to put my powers to their full potential. My youth was no longer a hindrance when I could unleash energy blasts capable of toppling entire buildings, and survive the carnage that ensued.

As I step into the lobby of the government building, I feel a sense of pride wash over me. The clicking of heels and the buzz of busy people only adds to the excitement. The marble floors gleam under the bright lights, making me feel like I'm walking on a red carpet. I'm grateful for the opportunities my powers have given me, but I'm even more grateful for the chance to use them for good.

As I make my way to the elevator, I can sense the eyes of those around me. Some look at me with admiration and awe, but others are filled with fear and suspicion. It's a constant reminder of the danger that comes with being an Empowered individual. But I know that I have a responsibility to use my powers to protect .

As I press the button for the top floor, I can feel the anticipation building up inside me. Leading a team of Emps is no easy task, but I'm determined to make a difference. The elevator ride seems to take forever, and I can't help but feel the weight of my responsibility on my shoulders. But I know that I'm up for the challenge.