Chapter 10 - The Rise of Malcolm Hiro

The dim light of the warehouse flickered ominously as Alice, Emilia, and Damian descended into the lower level.

A palpable tension hung in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife, interrupted only by the distant echoes of their earlier skirmish. Just as the shadows seemed to envelop them completely, a voice sliced through the silence.

"Well, well, well! Look who we have here!"

A figure stepped into view, his posture confident and almost theatrical. He was young—early twenties—with slick black hair and vibrant red eyes that gleamed with an unsettling intensity.

His attire was a curious blend of casual and flamboyant, a stark contrast to the grim surroundings.

"Malcolm Hiro, at your service!" he announced, arms spread wide as if addressing a rapt audience. "I see you've come to save the day, but I must warn you: the heroics you envision are far from the reality you'll face."

Alice narrowed her eyes, sizing him up with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "What do you want?"

"Want?" he echoed, a laugh escaping his lips. "I want to be the star of this show! The world needs heroes, and I'm here to deliver—my way, of course."

Damian scoffed, crossing his arms in disbelief. "You think you're a hero? You're just another pawn of the O.R.D.E.R."

Malcolm's expression darkened, a glint of irritation flashing across his face. "Pawn? Oh, no! I'm far beyond that. I'm the protagonist of this epic tale, the one destined to reshape the narrative! You should be taking notes."

Alice exchanged a wary glance with Damian. "Reshape the narrative? How do you plan to do that?"

With a flourish, Malcolm gestured to a nearby table cluttered with a high-tech wrist watch. "Behold! My 'Status' system—an upgrade of sorts. With this, I can level up, integrate abilities, and become the hero this city desperately needs! I'll be the savior who not only restores order but garners the respect and admiration I rightfully deserve!"

Emilia raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on her features. "You mean to tell us you think you can just play hero with a toy?"

"Not just a toy!" Malcolm retorted, his voice rising with excitement.

"This is a revolutionary tool! I can absorb power, evolve, and soon, the O.R.D.E.R. will recognize my greatness. They will make me a leader, and I will create a world where Gifted and Giftless live in harmony! A world where I am revered!"

Alice felt a surge of frustration. "And what happens when your 'leveling up' turns you into a monster?"

Malcolm waved dismissively, a smirk playing on his lips. "Monsters are just misunderstood, my dear. Besides, I have everything under control. I've already leveled up once; just look at me!" He flexed dramatically, showcasing his physique, as if the display alone would convince them of his prowess.

"Look, Malcolm," Alice said, her voice steady but edged with urgency,

"we're not here to play games. We're searching for Sarah Jenkins. If you know anything—"

"Ah, Sarah! Yes, I've heard whispers about her," he interrupted, leaning closer, his expression shifting to one of feigned concern.

"But unfortunately, information comes at a price, my intrepid friends. I'm in need of allies—those who can appreciate my vision and not just dismiss me as a fool."

Damian shook his head, incredulous. "You're delusional."

"Delusional?" Malcolm laughed, a wild glint igniting his eyes.

"No, I'm simply ahead of my time! While you flounder in the shadows, I'm the one who will rise to greatness. You can either join me or be left behind as I soar above!"

Alice felt the weight of anger swell within her. "You think this is a game? People are suffering, and you're more concerned about your ego."

Malcolm's expression hardened for a moment, annoyance flickering before he regained his theatrical composure. "Ah, but suffering creates heroes! And I will be the greatest hero this city has ever known! Just you wait."

With that, he stepped back, arms crossed, a self-satisfied grin plastered across his face.

The air around them crackled with tension, and Alice couldn't shake the feeling that they were dancing on the edge of a precipice.

"Listen, Malcolm," she said firmly, meeting his gaze with unwavering intensity, "we're not here to follow your script. We're on a mission to save lives. If you want to be part of that story, you'd better step up and prove it."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Malcolm's smile faltered for just a moment, replaced by an unreadable expression. Alice sensed they were treading a fine line—one that could lead to either a fragile alliance or outright conflict.

"Very well," he replied, a hint of menace creeping back into his tone.

"But remember, when I ascend to greatness, you'll want to be on my side. I suggest you keep up. As for Sarah Jenkins—she's already long gone, if you catch my drift. Quite the eye-catcher, your little search is for someone who's already... blehhhhh. Funny, isn't it?" His twisted smile sent chills down Alice's spine.

"And it's pretty obvious who the culprit is."

Alice's voice dripped with fury. "It was you, wasn't it?"

Malcolm feigned shock, raising his hands defensively. "What? No! It was the O.R.D.E.R., idiot! I'm not that pathetic." He frowned, then smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "But since this information benefits you, I'm grateful for this newfound friendship between us!"

With that, the search for Sarah Jenkins took a grim turn, the realization that the O.R.D.E.R. was involved looming like a dark cloud over them.

As they left the warehouse, the weight of their grim discovery hung heavy in the air, their expressions grim except for Malcolm, who seemed occupied by his delusions of grandeur.

They returned to Clear Solutions, the unspoken tension and uncertainty trailing closely behind them. The night had transformed, and the stakes had never felt higher.