/simu/ - Simulacrum

Name
Email
Subject
Comment
Verification
File
Password (For file deletion.)

File: 1747063365997-0.png (649.15 KB, 1000x438, Sanctuary City - 3.png)

File: 1747063365997-1.jpg (88.69 KB, 1920x1080, Fire Blast - 3.jpg)

File: 1747063365997-2.jpg (131.87 KB, 474x500, MRD.jpg)

File: 1747063365997-3.png (232.53 KB, 300x631, MRD - 10.png)

File: 1747063365997-4.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

 No.4096

>Date: October 25th, 2017
>Time: 11:35 AM

>MRD agents slowly open their eyes, feeling a stuffiness in their helmets. The smell of burning soot and smoke seemingly occupies their lungs, contorting into a numbing, perpetually distasteful stinging in their nostrils.

"….Where's the unidentified Meta-Human?!"

"No visual signal, likely bulldozed past the blockade."

>Slowly rising to their feet, the MRD agents then look around, coughing heavily as their helmets actively attempt filtration of the air. Large black clouds of smoke and soot hang around them, a dark veil that marks the devastation of their prepared blockade formation. Large armored tanks have been melted in half, with entire support barricades being vaporized.

>Miraculously, none of the actual MRD agents have been severely injured - though they've been incapacitated all this while.

"How long were we out, agent?"

>The leader of the MRD platoon slowly walks over to his first lieutenant, his second in command in field work. The female lieutenant feels her face contort into an expression of panicked fear, hidden by her helmet.

"Oh God. Sir, they've likely made their way towards the industrial sector! That's where the convoy was headed!"

>Considering the words of his lieutenant, the MRD platoon leader then slowly raises his hand towards his helmet, tapping a button on the side.

"….Spire? This is Captain Lawrence of MRD Gamma Team. Target is en route towards the transport convoy, designated A-17263. Request immediate support and authorization to pursue target."

>From the other side of the comms link, a voice then says:

["Negative, Gamma Team. Orders are to remain in place and assist with civilian rescue and evacuation. Bedlam is the priority of Omega Team."]

>Seeing the large flames and smoke pillars intensifying around the ruined streets, the MRD Captain then mutters to himself.

"…Acknowledged, Spire. Proceeding with primary objectives."

>MRD Hovercraft vehicles soon arrive - the rest of Gamma Team. As they slowly hover towards ground level, they then wait for the MRD Captain to issue commands.

"You all heard, HQ. Let's go."

 No.4097

File: 1747064955828-0.jpg (24.83 KB, 600x337, Vehicle.jpg)

File: 1747064955828-1.jpg (93.62 KB, 850x1692, Dominic.jpg)

File: 1747064955828-2.jpg (95.67 KB, 850x1202, Mary - 3.jpg)

File: 1747064955828-3.jpg (56.12 KB, 308x679, MRD - 9.jpg)

File: 1747064955828-4.jpg (32.51 KB, 710x473, HUD.jpg)

>Location: Sanctuary City - Industrial Sector
>Time: 11:40 AM

>Inside of the armored transport convoy, a pair of business people sit quietly - stewing in their own thoughts. They both show an uncharacteristically low degree of natural body language - with no intermittent movements or reflexive twitches.

"…..Um, Sir? Ma'am? Are you both alright?"

>The man, a seemingly humanoid looking robot, trains his gaze slowly towards the MRD agent sitting across from him. A faint red glow pierces through the eyes of his robotic face, as he states:

"Oh we're quite fine, though I do take satisfaction in your care towards our well-being. Isn't that right, dear?"

>The robotic man with a fancy jacket and a hat then turns towards the woman beside him. Though she has more human characteristics, including the face of a woman - the rest of her body is still partially cybernetic and robotic.

"Hmm? Oh yes, Dominic. I agree. We have been in best care that this city can provide, on such short notice that is."

>With a somewhat subdued smile on her face, the woman stares down the MRD agent as well - causing him to become instinctively nervous.

"I presume that we're at least three miles away from your organization's primary target, yes? Thankfully we should be nearing a safe house - in ten minutes by this convoy's estimations.

>Thinking to himself, the MRD agent reacts with surprise:

{"How do they know about that? We don't brief civilians on field ops strategies."}

>In the front sitting area of the mobile APC, the driver of the vehicle taps on his dashboard's touch screen - seeing the ETA to the safe house, around 10 minutes away.

>The man, Dominic, then says:

"Now Mary, we must be more considerate of our words and not make rash assumptions."

>Turning back towards the MRD agent, Dominic then says:

"What my wife means to say, is that we believe that only an unmarked safe house, or some underground holding facility would be appropriate to safeguard us in the event of….."

>Suddenly, a large plume of fire can be seen off in the distance - roughly a mile away, as an blood-curdling scream of pure anger quickly ripples through the air.

"…..An event, such as that."

>Mary, still looking somewhat smug, then states:

"Oh heavens. A bad omen of things to come?"

>Dominic, pressing the fingers on both of his hands together, then replies:

"Unlikely, given the relative competency and strategic thinking of the Meta-Human Response Division. Is that not the case, lieutenant?"

 No.4098

File: 1747066044952-0.gif (1.98 MB, 500x281, Speed - 3.gif)

File: 1747066044952-1.png (232.53 KB, 300x631, MRD - 10.png)

File: 1747066044952-2.jpg (24.83 KB, 600x337, Vehicle.jpg)

File: 1747066044952-3.jpg (93.62 KB, 850x1692, Dominic.jpg)

File: 1747066044952-4.png (4.18 MB, 1200x2510, Mary.png)

>>4097
>Roughly a mile away from the hovercraft transport APC, a large emerald green blur continues barreling down the streets of Sanctuary City - now entering the Industrial Sector.

>The large urbanized sprawl of machine production and manufacturing plants stretches out as far as the eye can see - contrasting with the more luscious and green vegetation of the city's outskirts areas.

>However, the boundary areas of the sector immediately come under threat of significant damage - with fires beginning to rapidly sprout from the quickening footsteps of the damaging blur. Vibrations and following aftershocks also spontaneously appear, generating a rumbling phenomenon that begins shaking and pushing cars.

"Oh shit, they're here."

"Bedlam?! Already?! We're five miles from the epicenter of the first attack! It's been minutes!"

"It doesn't matter. We don't have much information on the target, so assume that their movement speeds are what your eyes show you. Get ready!"

>MRD agents at the next blockade begin preparing their provided weapons - adhesive cannons, stun rifles and other forms of non-lethal deterrence.

"We're in deep shit, sir. Not sure how we're gonna stop this guy."

>Silent for a moment, the MRD platoon leader of the area then says:

"I'm not sure that's really our job, corporal. We're likely just the diversion."

>The green blur of speed then quickly comes into view - merely hundreds of meters away from the blockade now. A large trail of red and orange fire appears rapidly combusting around them as they move faster and faster.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

>Inside of the transport APC, both of the robotic humanoids continue to sit with a casual demeanor. Neither of them seem bothered by the impending destruction of the convoy, as the MRD agent sitting across from them continues to speak:

"….Come to think of it, I'm not sure why you both requested such a small and mobile transport vehicle. According to your information, this monster - this 'Bedlam' guy, he's mainly after both of you."

>Pointing behind him at the wall, and towards the chaos occurring miles away from them, the MRD agent continues to elaborate:

"I mean no offense but - are you certain this was all the protection that you needed?"

>Mary, closing her eyes, then smiles as she retorts:

"Oh very much so. A good businesswoman always approaches a 'complex' problem from multiple angles."

>Adjusting her coat, Mary then looks out the window from the transport convoy, stating:

"….Besides, DataDrive is a very complex business to operate, as I'm sure you know."

>The MRD agent then slowly looks at Dominic, who then casually shrugs and says:

"My wife is very confident in her assessment of the ongoing situation. I would very much trust her judgment."

 No.4099

File: 1747066924354-0.gif (474.41 KB, 500x268, Flame.gif)

File: 1747066924354-1.png (2.12 MB, 1480x830, Bedlam - 2.png)

File: 1747066924354-2.jpg (131.87 KB, 474x500, MRD.jpg)

File: 1747066924354-3.gif (584.81 KB, 500x210, Flight - 2.gif)

>>4098
>After a few minutes, only a single member of the MRD is still conscious - at the burning remains of the blockade.

>That same MRD agent, still prone, then slowly crawls towards the back of a MRD hovercraft - trying to push himself up with his powered armor towards the back trunk. As he does so, he quickly moves to grab an experimental particle beam weapon from the mobile armory.

"….Bastard. Screw the no-kill order. You've done enough damage as is!"

>Quickly pulling the weapon out and grabbing it with both hands, the MRD agent then turns to quickly aim the weapon back from behind the vehicle. However, the place is entirely deserted, with billowing flames and nothing but unconscious MRD agents around.

"What the hell? Where did he go?!"

>Carefully and cautiously, the figure then slowly moves towards the center of the blockade wreckage - smelling the same burning smoke and cinders of the burnt machinery and metallic vehicles.

"Show yourself! Now!"

>The MRD agent can then hear faint growling and snarling, almost akin to a lion or a tiger. Growing more apprehensive, the MRD agent then slowly curls his finger around the trigger of the blaster weapon as his movements grow more erratic and antsy.

"Where the fuck are you?!"

>The MRD agent then hears a noise, a rustling of metallic debris from behind him. Immediately turning around, he then shouts and fires blaster bolts from his weapon - seemingly at thin air.

>Then in an instant, his blaster weapon is seemingly snatched out of his hands by an invisible force - only for a camouflage effect to suddenly wear off. As it occurs, the MRD agent finds himself face to face with a large green demonic humanoid figure - with glowing red eyes and protruding horns above its eyebrows.

>Its large razor sharp claws are seemingly serrated with flame sparks quickly sputtering in and out of existence from their edges. The air pressure begins to rise, as the temperature rapidly increases around the figure as well - causing the MRD agent to back up in fear.

"Fucking hell….what the fuck…..what are you?!?!"

>The MRD agent says with a mixture of shock and horror on his face. As he stammers out his statement and slowly stumbles back in shock, he then falls to the ground, petrified.

>In that moment however, the figure then speaks with a distorted tone of voice:

"Someone who's sparing your worthless life, for now. Give me a reason to do otherwise, I implore you."

>The MRD agent, still shaking in fear, instinctively puts his hands up in front of his face.

>The hulking and demonic figure then scoffs as he effortlessly snaps the large blaster weapon in half with his fingers and thumb.

"Thought as much."

>Without a second thought, the figure then blasts off into the air at superhuman speeds - flying like a flaming hell rocket into the sky.

 No.4100

File: 1747076507550-0.jpg (1.53 MB, 2380x3789, GfH3b5rbMAA3oTZ.jpg)

File: 1747076507550-1.jpg (284.26 KB, 1448x2242, GddxkrNW8AAUiXk.jpg)

File: 1747076507550-2.jpg (1.57 MB, 3277x4096, GetAaoaWEAALpzn.jpg)

File: 1747076507550-3.jpg (2.29 MB, 1539x2000, GcCWCmnbcAAki7W.jpg)

File: 1747076507550-4.jpg (507.99 KB, 1920x2574, Gb84HhgbkAA4QCt.jpg)

>>4099
>Osman's Palace, Sanctuary City Industrial Sector

>A group of women take up one of the central tables of the shawarma place, an impressive selection of food and wrapping covers the table, with each person having their own portion - some larger than others. The largest portions are taken up by a horned woman with blue skin and a black-haired woman with a tail that takes up its own seat. Sat between the two is a small woman with vulpine ears, who slowly and cautiously eats away at a portion dwarfed by her seat neighbours. Opposite the three is a red-haired woman, sat next to a blonde woman, who leans back in her chair - an oversized hammer behind it acting as a wedge to prevent it from falling over. Besides her, the blonde woman tinkers away at a device of some kind, keeping one eye on the window.

"So then I told him 'You can take your money, and you can go-'"

>The red-haired woman is interrupted by the blonde woman nudging her.

"Dana, that never happened, also-"

>The blonde woman points outside.

"Come on Jel, let me get at least one story before you. . ."

>Dana follows the woman's pointing, trailing off as she notices the trail of fire in the sky.

"Well, guess that's us."

>Dana takes a bite out of her shawarma and then casually throws it off to the side - directly into the mouth of the black-haired woman with a large piscine tail. Standing up, she casually picks up the oversized hammer from the side of her table and points it in the direction of the fire trail.

"Finish up guys, it's time to earn your paychecks. . ."

 No.4101

File: 1747154042083-0.png (295.14 KB, 540x304, Sanctuary City - 2.png)

File: 1747154042083-1.jpg (73.4 KB, 810x400, MRD - 6.jpg)

File: 1747154042083-2.jpg (77.12 KB, 426x691, Bedlam.jpg)

File: 1747154042083-3.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

File: 1747154042083-4.jpg (463 KB, 2916x1944, Flame Trail.jpg)

>>4100
>A large plume of fire emanates from the landing spot of the large green monstrosity, rippling outward in a wave of condensed force and fire. The force of the impact causes several MRD agents to be sent flying - as the monster continues his assault on MRD forces.

"All units maintain your positions! Bedlam's arrived! Focus all stun fire on his joints and wait for the suppression forces to arrive!"

>An MRD agent attempts to fire a series of electric stun bolts from his rifle - aiming at Bedlam's knees from behind. The initial bolts are enough to briefly stun Bedlam, causing him to fall on one knee in anger.

"Idiots! Get out of my way! I'm not here for any of you!"

>Angrily, Bedlam flares up as bursts of super condensed fire escape his open mouth while he speaks. He then slams his hands together, creating a seismic surge of air pressure and sound. The pressure wave completely flattens entire defense barricades and structures as Bedlam continues rushing forward.

"Sir! We can't stop him!"

"I'm aware, corporal! Hold your position and wait for Omega Team to arrive!"

"He's breaking through our defensive perimeter! We can't hold him at the front lines anymore!"

>In that moment, a large explosion occurs as Bedlam continues moving forward past the defensive line.

"I don't have time for this. Circumventing MRD defenses is trivial."

>Looking around for a moment, Bedlam then eyes a nearby skyscraper and then turns to face the MRD agents - who are still aiming their weapons at him.

"Be thankful that I still have a conscience in this form."

>Bedlam then immediately jumps up into the air, grabbing onto the side of a skyscraper - as he immediately begins climbing up the wall. Somehow, he's able to adhere himself to the surfaces of the brick, concrete and glass materials - without shattering them or rupturing them either. As he continues rapidly scaling up the walls, he then notices a fleet of MRD hovercraft rising into the air to pursue him.

"I told you morons to leave! Don't make me destroy you!"

>Bedlam then immediately produces a large fireball above his hand - tossing it deliberately off-trajectory at the MRD hovercraft. The sudden ranged attack forces the MRD hovercraft to veer to the side, avoiding the incendiary blast.

"Now where was I? Oh right. Preparing to rip those two tin cans apart."

>Bedlam then leaps up into the air - reaching the edge of the skyscraper in order to view the city at large - seeing the speeding APC hovercraft far off in the distance.

"There you are."

>Summoning his immense physical strength, Bedlam then leaps hundreds of meters into the air - holding his hands out behind him as he blasts off trails of pressurized fire and smoke for added thrust. Now partially gliding and flying in the air, Bedlam zeroes in on his targets.

"You'll both wish for death when I'm through with you!"

 No.4102

File: 1747155713382-0.png (295.14 KB, 540x304, Sanctuary City - 2.png)

File: 1747155713382-1.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

File: 1747155713382-2.png (1.84 MB, 942x1432, Bedlam - 6.png)

File: 1747155713382-3.jpg (88.69 KB, 1920x1080, Fire Blast - 3.jpg)

File: 1747155713382-4.gif (150.77 KB, 320x180, Fire Blast.gif)

>>4101
>The MRD Hovercraft then decide on a different approach. Instead of hanging back, they then deliberately rush forward, flying at full speed with their experimental thruster and booster engines.

"He's not trying to actually harm us. Looks like he's deliberate in his choice of targets."

>One MRD agent says through their private communication channels.

"Then we can use that to our advantage. Form up and surround him, force him away from the APC and let it move en route towards the extraction point at the safe house."

"Affirmative. Moving in now."

>The MRD hovercraft then all fly in unison, moving towards the large hulking green monster. As they get closer to Bedlam's position, he turns around and snarls.

"Damnit! I told you idiots to stay away!"

>Firing another warning shot into the air, Bedlam watches as the MRD hovercraft instead move to fly towards him - ramming into him at full speed.

"Gyargh!"

>Barreling down towards the ground - Bedlam is barely able to leap from the MRD hovercraft that had otherwise pinned him down. As he does so, the MRD hovercraft barely avoids crashing into the street below - as Bedlam rapidly falls and rolls onto the ground.

>Burning marks scorch the roads of Sanctuary City's Industrial Sector, as Bedlam is brought back to where he started, right in front of Osman's Palace.

>As he slowly looks up, Bedlam rises to stand on one knee, taking a light breath as he exhales flames.

"Don't make me do this. I don't want to hurt any of you. Just those two bastards in the convoy. I am telling you this one final time. Do not give me a reason to break my promises - I do not want to hurt innocent people!"

>Bedlam then stands up and screams in anger - causing a large conflagration of flames, heat and pressure to burst out of his mouth, his hands and his feet as well. The entire road is briefly immolated with high temperature flames because of this, as he continues looking around in anger - trying to find the direction of the APC hovercraft in the distance.

 No.4103

File: 1747157220771-0.jpg (899.7 KB, 2804x4096, Ge1FwDua8AA3M95.jpg)

File: 1747157220771-1.jpg (1.21 MB, 2336x2046, GmDoIuvbcAYsIv1.jpg)

File: 1747157220771-2.jpg (735.17 KB, 2555x3652, GkuPBQWWQAAPwfl.jpg)

File: 1747157220771-3.jpg (139.03 KB, 1317x1634, GacbZAZbEAMAg-u.jpg)

>>4102
"Wasn't expecting the guy they wanted us to fight to be. . ."

>Dana stops, noticing the heat from the flames, and looks at the blonde woman.

"Way too hot here, can you do anything about that, Jel?"

"Sure sure. . ."

>The blonde woman holds her right hand out, and the flames swirl towards it, disappearing as they touch the woman's glove.

"Thanks Jel. . ."

>Dana shifts her grip on her hammer, resting it across her shoulders.

"Anyway, green monster guy, if you really don't want to hurt anyone, you can surrender right now, that way you won't get beaten to a pulp."

>As if to emphasise her point, the shark woman grins, revealing a row of sharp teeth, and the woman with fox ears places a hand on a sheathed sword hanging from her belt.

 No.4104

File: 1747157755473-0.png (4.36 MB, 1310x1894, Bedlam - 5.png)

File: 1747157755473-1.jpg (88.69 KB, 1920x1080, Fire Blast - 3.jpg)

File: 1747157755473-2.jpg (463 KB, 2916x1944, Flame Trail.jpg)

File: 1747157755473-3.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

File: 1747157755473-4.jpg (153.4 KB, 800x506, Thermal Vision.jpg)

>>4103
>Grunting, Bedlam then stares down the young women, his blood red eyes looking between the four of them.

"Meta-Humans, I presume? No matter. This is of no importance to you."

>Taking note of Jel's ability to absorb flames, Bedlam then says:

"Impressive, your control of pyrokinetics is….unusually strong."

>Noticing the MRD hovercraft now surrounding him from above, Bedlam then hears them speak.

["Bedlam, transform back into your human form and stand down! If you refuse to comply, we will be forced to use lethal means to contain you!"]

>Snarling, Bedlam then charges up a pair of large fireballs - the size of cars - tossing them in the air towards the MRD hovercraft. Though once again, his aim is off just enough to barely graze the vehicles.

"All of you fools are making matters worse! Those bureaucratic weasels are escaping!"

>Bedlam then makes a leap - moving towards a nearby street corner as he begins running off in what he thinks is the direction of the APC. As his eyes glow red, he begins to view the world in an echolocation field - with glowing heat signatures of a distant vehicle now appearing.

"There you are!"

>Bedlam continues running towards the end of the street, as the MRD hovercraft continue to give chase. Bedlam attempts to shake off the misfits - though his movement speed is reduced due to his lack of full concentration.

 No.4105

File: 1747159076763-0.jpg (1.85 MB, 2897x4096, GezqJZYbcAAbWaq.jpg)

File: 1747159076763-1.jpg (627.84 KB, 2064x4096, GjEreRLbYAAqY02.jpg)

File: 1747159076763-2.jpg (160.76 KB, 1050x1050, bafkreiaf2w33fbhvkmcetqb53….jpg)

File: 1747159076763-3.jpg (266.25 KB, 1448x2048, GfwkfosbAAA35Ty.jpg)

>>4104
>Dana shrugs.

"If the lawyers ask, I tried."

>Moving slightly to avoid being hit, Dana points the hammer in Bedlam's direction.

"Z, cut him off. . ."

>The woman with fox ears nods and kneels slightly, disappearing in a flash.

"Meg, do what you do best."

>The shark woman charges in the direction of Bedlam with a surprising amount of speed, visibly building momentum the entire time.

"Ayase, we might need you to go big."

". . .I only just ate though. . ."

"Big payout, Ayase, big. Payout. You'll get all you can eat."

"Fiiiiine. . ."

"Jel, do your thing, I'll be on the front."

>Dana brings the hammer down to the ground, then puts a foot on it, kicking off from the ground and hitting a lever on it that causes it let out of burst of flame that sends both it and its "rider" flying through the air towards Bedlam.

>In front of Bedlam, the fox-eared woman reappears, slashing at the monster with her sheathed sword, the act of which causes a wave of air to burst from it and buffet against Bedlam.

>Behind Bedlam, the shark woman charges at him, essentially cutting it off as a method of escape.

 No.4106

File: 1747159574158-0.png (4.36 MB, 1310x1894, Bedlam - 5.png)

File: 1747159574158-1.gif (1005.04 KB, 490x320, Flight - 4.gif)

File: 1747159574158-2.gif (474.41 KB, 500x268, Flame.gif)

File: 1747159574158-3.jpg (463 KB, 2916x1944, Flame Trail.jpg)

>>4105
>Bedlam instinctively blasts himself down towards the ground - his thermal vision giving him enough insight to recognize the danger of the slash. However, he's still buffeted by the strength of the air burst, feeling a portion of his skin actively shearing and peeling away.

"Ack! Get out of my way!"

>As his skin quickly heals, Bedlam shouts and bursts out a maelstrom of high intensity fire around himself - creating a protective cloak.

"If you won't leave, then I will simply outmaneuver you all!"

>Recognizing the shark woman charging behind him, Bedlam decides not to press his luck - knowing that she likely has a reason for being this focused on charging him.

>Instead, he rockets up into the air again - flying like a guided rocket, while still being relatively close to the ground in order to generate more flames and heat. Bedlam attempts to use his elemental flames to pressure the majority of the newcomers and leave them in the dust.

 No.4108

File: 1747160290754-0.gif (1.73 MB, 498x234, 1911319368937705533.gif)

File: 1747160290754-1.jpg (160.76 KB, 1050x1050, bafkreiaf2w33fbhvkmcetqb53….jpg)

File: 1747160290754-2.gif (3 MB, 540x280, mymmyab680c91.gif)

>>4106
>Dana arrives just after Bedlam jumps up into the air, lowering her profile to avoid getting hit.

>Only for the flames not to make contact as the fox-eared woman finishes landing from her jump and unsheathes her sword for a moment, the flames being cut in half in response to the action.

"He claims to outmaneuver, but he is inexperienced, I could just kill-"

"Zurui, no, we don't unless we have to, ok? And I haven't tried anything like this yet. . ."

>Dana kicks her hammer, using the momentum to swing it upwards and thrust it in Bedlam's direction, a blot of lightning firing from it and striking Bedlam with enough power to light him up on contact.

"Ayase, probably going to need you, he's a lot like a fly."

 No.4109

File: 1747160906043-0.jpg (77.12 KB, 426x691, Bedlam.jpg)

File: 1747160906043-1.png (1.31 MB, 1280x687, Lightning.png)

File: 1747160906043-2.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

File: 1747160906043-3.jpg (110.68 KB, 640x960, MRD - 7.jpg)

File: 1747160906043-4.jpg (104.31 KB, 865x505, Explosion.jpg)

>>4108
>As Bedlam is hit by the force of Dana's lightning hammer strike, he feels an immediate surge of pain that maneuvers itself rapidly through his body. The intensity of the sharp pain is almost enough to immobilize him - as he then rapidly falls down to the ground below.

"ARGHHH!!!"

>Yelling in pain, Bedlam hits the ground as a crater forms - barely remaining focused as he feels his body react immediately.

"T-The serum. Recombinant DNA…..Should….activate….."

>Bedlam's eyes glow even more red as he screams - feeling a surge of power coursing through his body. His entire body then glows with a bright red light, before it dissipates. Now, his body seemingly has a shine to it - with a new scaly texture and shiny coating partially protecting his epidermal layers.

>At that moment, a MRD vehicle then tries to ram into Bedlam - only for the hulking monster to pick it up, and literally shake out the MRD agents inside of it. As the MRD agents fall to the ground, they look up in terror as Bedlam says:

"It is by the grace of restraint that you are still breathing. Savor that mercy."

>Tossing the car at supersonic speeds - it crashes into another set of empty cars, causing a massive explosion as Bedlam begins running towards the corner. He remains determined to intercept the APC hovercraft at all costs.

"After everything that they have done, they will not escape from me! I will make them pay, with their blood or with their lives!"

>Bedlam then continues rushing through nearby cars, trucks and other stationary structures in Sanctuary City's open streets - though the damage and pain from the lightning hammer strike still leaves a burned and pulsating wound of glowing energy on his back…..

 No.4110

File: 1747161866556-0.jpg (514.14 KB, 2500x3000, GbIGf6raMAAkuQz.jpg)

File: 1747161866556-1.jpg (735.17 KB, 2555x3652, GkuPBQWWQAAPwfl.jpg)

File: 1747161866556-2.jpg (209.43 KB, 1585x1651, GUl4GQmbAAAiQZu.jpg)

File: 1747161866556-3.gif (664.8 KB, 220x124, fastball-special-colossus.gif)

File: 1747161866556-4.gif (2.96 MB, 540x230, 482a6cfd3ef0d4fee4eabf388f….gif)

>>4109
>Dana looks over at Zurui.

"See? He really didn't like that. . ."

>Dana looks over to see Bedlam rampaging away.

". . .and now he's running away. Meg, streets fucked up enough anyway, so. . ."

"Time for a swim."

>Meg cracks her neck and then dives, smashing through the ground until she's completely buried by it. After the initial debris settles more debris and cracks begin to form as she moves through the ground, almost acting like a crest for a non-existent fin.

"Zurui, get Ayase here and then get Jelena back to base, she'll want to get some of her doohickeys to keep this guy contained after I fry him. . ."

>Zurui nods, then disappears, re-appearing with the blue-skinned woman before disappearing again.

"Do I have to?"

"No, but I still want to."

>Ayase sighs, then begins growing in size, eventually hitting a size where she's large enough to easily hold Dana in her hand for a moment before throwing her.

>The debris trail catches up with Bedlam, flanking around him before Meg bursts out of the ground, tackling the man down and biting into him, her teeth managing to find just enough purchase to slip between his new scales - granting enough leverage for Meg to hold him in place.

>In the air above, Dana manages to reposition herself to be swinging the hammer down in Bedlam's direction.

"Hey, Jolly Green Giant, here's some shocking news for you!"

>Lightning gathers in the air around the hammer, focusing on the edge heading towards Bedlam. . .

 No.4111

File: 1747162981329.png (1.46 MB, 642x1450, Bedlam - 7.png)

>>4110
>After having been pinned down by the shark girl, Bedlam screams in pain as he feels teeth sink deep into his skin. Unable to push the shark woman off of his back, he then sees Dana - ready to strike him from above.

"…..Damnit! I have no choice! Fine! I'll relent!"

>Bedlam, still refusing to directly harm innocent people, then says:

"If you stop, then I'll go! As much as I hate those pieces of shit, I'm not willing to harm innocent young women either!"

>He says, very matter of fact, as he stops relenting against Meg's constraints - resigned to his fate.

 No.4112

File: 1747163788867.jpg (101.55 KB, 888x888, GkWUdVAWIAAJchI.jpg)

>>4111
>Dana's hammer thuds next to Bedlam's head as she lands on top of him, letting off sparks of lightning that lightly graze his skin.

"You've got a real problem with actually crediting women, man, we just kicked your ass."

>Dana steps backwards, pulling the hammer away.

"Still, no point in killing you. . . that means you Meg."

>Meg bites into Bedlam harder for a moment, removing the pressure at the scolding.

"Job's done either way, so you're free to go, green dude."

 No.4113

File: 1747165980600-0.jpg (77.12 KB, 426x691, Bedlam.jpg)

File: 1747165980600-1.jpg (88.69 KB, 1920x1080, Fire Blast - 3.jpg)

File: 1747165980600-2.gif (584.81 KB, 500x210, Flight - 2.gif)

File: 1747165980600-3.jpg (62.49 KB, 1200x571, Hovercraft.jpg)

File: 1747165980600-4.jpg (131.87 KB, 474x500, MRD.jpg)

>>4112
>Sighing, Bedlam slowly rises up as he looks at Dana, stating:

"……I meant no offense. Circumstances were just….."

>Looking down at his large hands, Bedlam examines his claws for a moment before he says:

"Though you are correct. There is no point in killing. Of either me….nor them. I will have them face retribution in some other way."

>Turning back to face Dana, Bedlam then states:

"I will leave you and your associates to your contract then. You will not see me terrorizing this city anymore."

>In another blaze of fire, Bedlam then rockets up into the air - and quickly flies away into the distance, moving much faster than the MRD hovercraft can follow.

["Ack. He was messing with us the entire time. Figures."]

>An MRD hovercraft pilot says, both dejected and relieved.

["Hey, you think he might be right about those DataDrive executives? If he'd go this far just to take a crack at 'em-"]

["That's not our concern, corporal. Information is on a need-to-know basis regarding operations. Let's just rendezvous with the executives and guide them out of the city."]

["Roger that, captain. Moving out."]

>The MRD hovercraft then all turn around and begin flying in the opposite direction - towards the APC hovercraft moving towards the edge of the Industrial Sector.

 No.4114

File: 1747166648253-0.jpg (478.37 KB, 1920x1113, Abandoned Warehouse.jpg)

File: 1747166648253-1.jpg (665.74 KB, 1920x1080, Abandoned Warehouse Interi….jpg)

File: 1747166648253-2.jpeg (91.45 KB, 637x483, Tarantula - 3.jpeg)

File: 1747166648253-3.png (1.84 MB, 942x1432, Bedlam - 6.png)

>>4113
>Location: Sanctuary City - Abandoned Warehouse
>Time: 5:30 PM

>Having landed briefly on the outskirts of a derelict warehouse, Bedlam carries a set of large equipment containers in his hands.

>Each container being the size of a ship container - he casually drops them on the ground as he lumbers around towards the entrance of the warehouse. Sighing, he then slowly walks inside of the warehouse

———————————————————————————

>As he slowly walks inside of the warehouse, Bedlam then hears a voice calling out from the darkened corners of the interior.

"So, you're the one who's been causing trouble the whole day?"

>Quickly spinning around, Bedlam then turns to see the figure of Tarantula, slowly lowering himself down from the ceiling - holding onto a single web line with both of his hands. His feet are clasped around the same web line, further up in height.

>His organic suit lenses instinctively narrow as they stare down the large hulking monster.

"Not as big as I thought you'd be - all things considered."

>Narrowing his own glowing red eyes, Bedlam then states:

"The arachnid? No, you are much taller than he is….."

>Slightly confused, Tarantula then says:

"….You don't remember what happened in the lab? With the protoplasm?"

>Silent for a moment, Bedlam continues to train his eyes on Tarantula, stating:

"….Should I be acquainted with that event?"

>Still remaining silent, Tarantula then says:

"I knew it. Split psyche - a result of the serum. I told you not to use it Daniel!"

>As Tarantula elegantly flips onto the ground, he lands on both feet as he stares at Bedlam once more.

"…Daniel? Why is that name so…..familiar?"

>Tarantula then sighs as he says:

"Because you're married to my boss - and she's been wanting to bring you back from the brink of insanity."

 No.4115

File: 1747167268853-0.jpg (77.12 KB, 426x691, Bedlam.jpg)

File: 1747167268853-1.jpeg (58.21 KB, 735x705, Tarantula - 4.jpeg)

File: 1747167268853-2.jpg (94.5 KB, 1917x875, Webbing.jpg)

>>4114
>Bedlam stares at Tarantula with a lost expression, almost looking like a deer in the headlights of a incoming car.

"Daniel……Daniel 'what'? Daniel….."

>Still in an almost hypnotic-like trance, Tarantula begins walking towards the large brutish monster man, stating:

"Come on, focus. Your name's Daniel Desmond. You're a world-class scientist and married to Dana Desmond. You've got a kid. A son named Damian Desmond."

>Muttering to himself, Tarantula then says:

"Honestly, I'm not sure why you're a family of alliterative names, but that's not for me to judge."

>Looking back at Bedlam for a moment, Tarantula sees that his expression has changed. Now his eyes are widened upon hearing the full name of his original identity.

"Daniel…Desmond? That…..That is….ARGH!!"

>Placing his hands to his head, Bedlam screams in pain as memories begin rushing back to his mind. However, his demeanor becomes enraged as this occurs, with him immediately launching fire balls at Tarantula - who expertly and swiftly dodges out of the way.

"Hey! I'm trying to help you here, Daniel!"

>Still screaming, Bedlam then says:

"This is all her fault! I told her that we shouldn't have went through with that project!"

>As Tarantula continues flipping and leaping from one area of the warehouse to another, he inquisitively asks:

"What project? What are you talking about?!"

>Growing angrier by the second, Bedlam begins screaming and shouting in anger as he says:

"The Gene recombination project! We never should've taken Elias's power signatures? His codons weren't stable in normal human DNA sequences!"

>Having dodged out of the way of the attacks, Tarantula lands off to the side - firing large volumes of his organic webbing from his protoplasm suit. As the webbing piles onto Bedlam's hands - it douses out the fire and insulates said hands as Tarantula speaks:

"Elias? You mean Dr. Grayson? What does he have to do with this-"

>Immediately turning towards Tarantula, Bedlam then shouts:

"Everything! He took everything from me!"

>Bedlam then breathes fire at Tarantula, causing him to backflip, landing on a large pile of wooden crates in the back of the warehouse.

>At that same time, Bedlam looks down at his webbed up hands and blows fire at them from his mouth - immediately vaporizing the webbing and freeing his hands to fight.

 No.4116

File: 1747168190876-0.png (4.31 MB, 1268x1602, Tarantula - 9.png)

File: 1747168190876-1.gif (1.99 MB, 500x280, Punch - 2.gif)

File: 1747168190876-2.jpg (77.12 KB, 426x691, Bedlam.jpg)

File: 1747168190876-3.jpg (16.58 KB, 400x300, Daniel Desmond.jpg)

>>4115
>Now unrestrained and ready to continue the fight, Bedlam then lunges at Tarantula - who senses the attack beforehand and immediately vaults out of the way. Both beings are moving and attacking at supersonic speeds as a warm-up, while Tarantula continues asking:

"Dr. Grayson is dead! How could he possibly have taken-"

>Bedlam interjects, cutting him off with a statement that he did not expect to hear.

"He stole my research and used it to improve his own! Because of that, he took her!"

>Ducking and weaving through the attacks that Bedlam sends his way, Tarantula then uses his webbing to zip towards Bedlam - landing a swift kick on his chin that sends him spiraling backwards.

>As he lands gracefully on the ground, Tarantula says:

"Yeah, that's not great. I won't lie about that. That ain't enough to cause a rampage throughout the city!"

>Slowly rising up to his feet, Bedlam then states:

"He took her. He took the research. He took the fame. The notoriety. Everything. I almost lost everything until the day he died. When he hit the pavement, I was happy. So happy."

>Eyes widening, the realization of what he's implying then hits Tarantula like a brick wall.

"…..You're the one who killed him, aren't you? Christ almighty, it was you!"

>Silent for a moment, Bedlam falls to the ground, taking in the weight of the statement.

"…..Yes. I worked with Will to put him down, permanently."

>Staring in disbelief, Tarantula then lowers his voice to a whisper - though Bedlam's superhuman senses can still easily pick up his voice.

"….So you killed one of the world's greatest geneticists and molecular biologists because outperformed your own research, and because he almost the girl?"

>Bedlam, entirely overrun by emotion and grief at this point, then says:

"I needed some sort of proof that I was right all along. My research it…it couldn't have gone to waste, even after I killed him. Dana and I….we needed a longitudinal test subject for our genomics research. So we-"

>Now angry with pure contempt in his voice, Tarantula then states:

"You created your own God damned son as a test subject?!"

>At that moment, Taratula then lunges forward and punches Bedlam into the ground - beating him in the face relentlessly as he shouts:

"You and your wife are fucking psychopaths! I spent years of my life working for you, thinking that you were trying to make the world a better place!"

>Kicking Bedlam up into the air, Tarantula then webs him in the face and slams him down back into the ground of the warehouse - creating a massive crater in the middle of the warehouse itself.

"But no, turns out, you're just a fucking egomaniac with a God complex! You and your wife!"

>As Tarantula winds back his fist, he then then uses his other arm to yank Bedlam forward - punching him one final time with an immensely powerful punch that knocks Bedlam out cold.

>As Bedlam falls to the ground one last time, his body immediately begins shapeshifting back towards his normal human form - that of Daniel Desmond.

"I helped make you into this. If anybody died today, that would've been on me as well…."

>Tarantula holds out his hands, looking at them as the horror of the situation materializes fully within his mind.

 No.4117

File: 1747168779046-0.jpg (201.27 KB, 850x1210, Tarantula - 7.jpg)

File: 1747168779046-1.jpg (55.45 KB, 413x642, Dana Desmond.jpg)

File: 1747168779046-2.jpg (16.58 KB, 400x300, Daniel Desmond.jpg)

File: 1747168779046-3.jpg (665.74 KB, 1920x1080, Abandoned Warehouse Interi….jpg)

>>4116
>Suddenly, Tarantula hears a voice call out from behind him.

"Oh God…..I didn't….I didn't mean for this to…."

>Immediately recognizing the voice, Tarantula then slowly turns around to see the shocked figure of Dana at the entrance to the warehouse. Her car being parked outside, she is seemingly the only one else around in the warehouse.

"…..You knew the whole time. This entire time, you knew what he did?!"

>Dana holds out her hands, tears streaming down her face as she begins to rapidly speak out words:

"YesbutIdidn'tknowthathe…..that he…."

>Now calming down somewhat, Dana then says:

"…..I didn't know that he pulled the trigger himself…..I thought he just aided William in…."

>Feeling visible rage inside of his body, Tarantula then states:

"That story about the DataDrive executives ruining his life's work. Was that all bullshit too?!"

>Tarantula says, shouting with enough force to pressurize the air in front of him - causing Dana to stumble back, terrified.

"NO! THAT PART WAS REAL!"

>She reflexively says, shouting in return as she closes her eyes. Getting down on her knees, she keeps her eyes closed as she begins crying profusely.

"DataDrive first came to us to fund our research back in the early 90s! They promised academic publication opportunities, provided that we agreed to their terms for rights ownership of the recombination technology!"

>Tarantula then interjects:

"The same technology that you stole from Dr. Grayson! You killed the man and then lied about creating his recombinant Meta-Gene technology! Your entire fucking career was built on a lie!"

>Pointing back at Daniel's unconscious body, Tarantula then says:

"….Does Damian know? That his parents are frauds and scammers who never actually invented anything in their lives? Does he know the sheer extent to which you have used him and lied to him for his entire life?!"

>Dana, slowly opening her eyes, remains silent as the redness of her eyes intensifies - the result of profuse amounts of tears.

>Stepping back in disgust, Tarantula then says:

"Unbelievable. You couldn't even tell the truth to your own God damned son! Does he know that you created him in a lab?!"

 No.4118

File: 1747169519830-0.jpeg (377.6 KB, 1090x1594, Tarantula - 5.jpeg)

File: 1747169519830-1.jpeg (12.24 KB, 149x500, Dana Desmond - 3.jpeg)

File: 1747169519830-2.jpg (16.58 KB, 400x300, Daniel Desmond.jpg)

>>4117
>Dana remains silent, before stating:

"….Damian wouldn't understand. His entire birth and his development - it was remarkable. His cognitive capacity to think, process information and analyze it all. The degree of information synthesis that he can achieve in an instant is just…."

>Looking up at Tarantula for a moment, Dana says:

"It's remarkable. Truly one of a kind. For the sake of his creation alone, it was all worth it. Even if Daniel wasn't able to successfully remove DataDrive from consideration-"

>Tarantula then interjects again, immediately understanding the full weight of the betrayals.

"You knew that Daniel could've been driven to emotional turmoil - after what happened at Archeon…."

>Tarantula now begins to process the information, as the protoplasm suit allows him to fully recollect the events of Hollow's attack.

"You knew that he'd feel like a failure - for being unable to defend you, his wife and Damian, his son. After seeing me become Tarantula - you knew that'd drive Daniel over the edge to do something - anything to make amends."

>Dana now has a neutral expression on her face, no longer feigning concern for her husband's unconscious state.

"….And what if I did? Daniel knows that I never loved him; it was easier to break into the scientific research community as an aspiring pair of married scientists."

>Walking past Tarantula, Dana kneels down and taps on Daniel's unconscious cheek, stating:

"But I knew that he loved me. More than he could bear. So it was no wonder that after killing Elias, he would do anything to make amends."

>Tarantula then grabs at Dana's arm with his strength, turning her around as he remains irate.

"You manipulative bitch! I can't believe that I ever saw anything good in you! You're a sociopath to the highest degree!"

>Dana then slowly smiles, without a hint of maliciousness in her expression as she says:

"Call me what you want. But the results of my experimentation speak for themselves. Damian has become the ultimate biological superhuman, and the limits of his adaptive potential have not even been scratched."

>Looking over her shoulder at Daniel, she then says:

"Daniel's own DNA, despite not being designed to handle Elias's genomic information - was still capable of becoming a powerful superhuman. All it took was a serum of my own making."

>Then turning back towards Tarantula, her smile then begins to widen as she states:

"But you, Joshua. You went above and beyond by constructing an artificial virion-based dynamic transcription mechanism. You took my work on the Chirality factor - and you exponentially exceeded my wildest expectations!"

>Still angry, Tarantula shoves Dana backward as she continues smiling, stating:

"If only I had found a way to implant that artificial symbiote of yours into Damian's genetic code instead of yours - who knows what heights he could've reached….."

 No.4119

File: 1747170219271-0.jpg (665.74 KB, 1920x1080, Abandoned Warehouse Interi….jpg)

File: 1747170219271-1.jpg (201.27 KB, 850x1210, Tarantula - 7.jpg)

File: 1747170219271-2.png (412.79 KB, 1024x575, Dana Desmond - 2.png)

File: 1747170219271-3.jpeg (12.24 KB, 149x500, Dana Desmond - 3.jpeg)

>>4118
>Sighing, Dana then says:

"I suppose it cannot be helped. Whatever the reasons, your Meta-Gene ability and your creation of the Virion protoplasm have worked hand in hand to create - you. A purely artificial counterpart of my son, full of just as much latent potential as him."

>Walking over to Daniel's unconscious body, Dana then kneels down and says:

"That's why I can't let you out of this little hornet's nest that you've kicked. Not only are you aware of the full truth now, but you yourself are far too valuable of a genetic specimen to leave in the hands of other corporations."

>Standing back up, Dana then turns back to Tarantula and states:

"So here's my proposal. If you agree to keep your mouth shut - I'll give you Daniel's old position as head of molecular biology - while I remain head of Genetics. You'll graduate to full time work as an executive level manager at Archeon as part of the C-Suite - while Daniel enjoys "early retirement" after his "sudden and complicated onset of a rare neurological illness". If you understand the gist of my statements."

>Narrowing his organic mask lenses, Tarantula then says:

"What makes you think he'll agree to that? This is his life's work! Now you're throwing it away to keep him quiet?"

>Scoffing, Dana then states:

"His life's work is our son, and he's performing beyond expectations - as are you. Need I remind you that he too has a vested interest in maintaining a legacy as a world renowned geneticist and molecular biologist? He hasn't spent decades of his life to throw all of his achievements away, now has he?"

>Silent once more, Tarantula looks over at the still unconscious form of Daniel, then says:

"And how exactly do I know that you'll keep up your end of the bargain? For all anyone would know, I'm aiding and abetting in the greatest instance of corporate sabotage in modern genetics history. The entire world deserves to know what you two did."

>Dana then blinks twice at Tarantula for a moment, before proceeding to have a laughing fit. After a few moments, her laughter then dies down as she says:

"As if anyone would believe you. There's no proof nor any evidence besides what I still have of the original files - and you will never find where they are."

>Looking around for a moment, Tarantula then looks back at Dana, stating:

"All of this was an act then? It was all preparation? You hired me because you knew I'd eventually go against your research and do something on my own?"

>Dana's eyes beam with a sick and twisted form of pride, as her wry smile returns.

"I knew that I picked a fantastic understudy in you, Joshua. You'll be a fantastic backup plan, if Damian ever decided to work elsewhere besides Archeon after he graduates from college."

 No.4120

File: 1747170710352-0.jpg (665.74 KB, 1920x1080, Abandoned Warehouse Interi….jpg)

File: 1747170710352-1.png (4.31 MB, 1268x1602, Tarantula - 9.png)

File: 1747170710352-2.gif (7.91 MB, 720x404, Swing - 3.gif)

File: 1747170710352-3.jpg (55.45 KB, 413x642, Dana Desmond.jpg)

File: 1747170710352-4.jpg (16.58 KB, 400x300, Daniel Desmond.jpg)

>>4119
>Tarantula thinks long about his options, weighing them through gritted teeth. Then after around a minute of slow pacing, he then finally turns around to face Dana.

"…..Fine. I can accept that even if I did manage to find the proof of what you did - all it would do is cause immense social unrest - and it would put innocent people in even more danger."

>Dana, with a satisfied smug look on her face, then gestures to Daniel, saying:

"If you would be a dear and help me carry my 'intoxicated' husband? I believe he was out for a night of uncharacteristically heavy drinking."

>Looking at her with anger and hatred, Tarantula then says:

"You better pray that I don't tell Damian the truth - ever."

>Dana then confidently walks up to Tarantula and taps him on the cheek, stating:

"If you're that wound up, then maybe I can assist you later."

>Casually sauntering past Tarantula, Dana walks over to her car, as Tarantula holds his hand out behind him - firing an organic web that instantly pulls Daniel's unconscious body towards him. Now carrying him over his shoulder, Tarantula moves him towards Dana's car - in which he carefully places him in the back seat before slamming the door shut.

>As he walks back to the front of the luxury car, Tarantula sees Dana rolling down the window - stating:

"We'll work out the details tomorrow and have the press conference by the end of the week. Enjoy your new role, Mister C-Suite~."

>Dana then winks at Tarantula as she rolls up the window and begins driving away.

"….."

>Silent, Tarantula fires a web line from his wrist as he zips up into the air and swings away.

 No.4121

File: 1747171381158-0.jpg (2.01 MB, 2000x955, Archeon (Earth-0) - 3.jpg)

File: 1747171381158-1.png (9.25 MB, 3848x1632, Executive Office.png)

File: 1747171381158-2.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

File: 1747171381158-3.jpg (171.36 KB, 1000x1467, Mariah - 3.jpg)

>>4120
>Date: October 28th, 2017
>Location: Sanctuary City - Archeon Complex
>Time: 12:00 PM

"…………"

>Joshua sits in his new office as head of the department of molecular biology. As one of the two major aspects of the biotechnology division of Archeon - his new position affords him a significant degree of executive power. Wearing his black executive coat, he carefully parts his white hair as he looks into the mirror.

"……."

>He then hears a knock on the door, and says:

"It's open. You can come in."

>As the door opens, Joshua sees Mariah walking into the larger office space - stating:

"Wow. This place is bigger than my old apartment, Josh. What the hell."

>Sighing, Joshua finishes adjusting his coat as he says:

"You need something M?"

>Mariah shakes her head as she casually sits down in one of his office's many, many leather chairs and couches.

"Not really. Just wanted to see up close what unfettered capitalism looks like. I'm not impressed."

>Scowling lightly, Joshua then sighs as he states:

"I'm sure the others get that a lot, M."

>Nodding, Mariah then looks somewhat dejected as she says:

"…..I can't believe that Mr. Desmond had an illness the entire time. He did a good job of hiding it from us - but I hope he gets better."

>Silent for a moment, Joshua then looks at Mariah and states:

"Yeah, I do too. For his sake."

———————————————————————————————————————-

>After a few minutes of talking and discussion, Mariah then waves to Joshua as she takes her leave from his office.

>Once she's gone however, a few minutes pass before another knock on the door appears. Sighing, Joshua says:

"Look, Mariah. You don't have to keep knocking each time that you want to enter-"

>Then Joshua's ESP goes off, as he realizes who it is. Looking at the doorway with a look of quiet anger in his eyes, Joshua then says:

"What the hell do you want?"

 No.4122

File: 1747172085208-0.png (9.25 MB, 3848x1632, Executive Office.png)

File: 1747172085208-1.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

File: 1747172085208-2.jpeg (12.24 KB, 149x500, Dana Desmond - 3.jpeg)

File: 1747172085208-3.jpg (319.21 KB, 1279x2000, Sazerac - 2.jpg)

>>4121
>Dana slowly walks into the large office space, an amused smile on her face as she says:

"Can't your colleague ask how your first day as an executive has been? Remember, I'm not your boss anymore, Joshua. I'm your colleague now."

>Raising an eyebrow, Joshua watches as Dana then gives a dismissive gesture as she walks around the room, saying:

"Why do I get the feeling that was always part of your plan?"

>Walking over to a nearby table, Dana takes one of the red wine bottles and opens it up - pouring herself a glass before effortlessly shaking it with her wrist motions.

"Well you're a grown man, Joshua. You can make your own decisions can't you? As a man in your late 20s. You don't need the guidance of others to set you on a proper path, no?"

>Smelling the aroma of the wine, Dana then takes a sip - savoring the taste as she puts the glass down.

>Walking over towards Dana, Joshua has his arms crossed as he says:

"I never realized that you used that research to keep yourself young. As much as I hate to admit it, you don't look a day over thirty."

>Dana takes another swig from her wine glass, as she states:

"That's the secret to success, Joshua. It's perception. Despite my age, people assume a sort of naiveté about my work - due to my appearance. What you'll learn very quickly in life, is that no one will ever give you what you're looking for, what you deserve."

>Putting down the glass, Dana then looks at Joshua and says:

"Success is the intersection of opportunity and preparation. Not luck, nor goodwill. Merely the willingness of a person to seize what they can, and use what they have. I was a very driven and capable young woman when I started my research - but the good looks didn't hurt either."

 No.4123

File: 1747172833141-0.png (9.25 MB, 3848x1632, Executive Office.png)

File: 1747172833141-1.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

File: 1747172833141-2.jpg (55.45 KB, 413x642, Dana Desmond.jpg)

File: 1747172833141-3.jpg (319.21 KB, 1279x2000, Sazerac - 2.jpg)

>>4122
>Joshua raises an eyebrow as he says:

"No, but I'm sure the psychological gaslighting, emotional manipulation, blackmail and bribery more than made up for it."

>Rolling her eyes, Dana then states:

"A means to an end, and nothing more. As I have been trying to teach you all these years."

>Leaning against the table, Dana continues shaking her glass with her wrist slowly. As she does so, she gives Joshua a wistful expression as she states:

"Do you know why I picked you to be my assistant, Joshua?"

>Joshua narrows his eyes as he continues to cross his arms across his coat jacket.

"I'm certain it was because of my good looks, wasn't it?"

>He says, in the most sarcastically hostile tone that he can muster.

>Completely unfazed, Dana gives Joshua a wry smile as she says:

"It's because you were the only one who was actually willing to break the rules in order to succeed."

>Josh's eyes widen as Dana states:

"I know that you used your Meta-Gene powers to synthesize more efficient chemicals during your preliminary research in the lab. When the usage of Meta-Human powers was explicitly banned - and yet you still did it."

>Josh immediately falls silent as he sighs - resigned to an admission of guilt.

"It was at that moment that I knew that you were capable. Not worthless like the others. Mariah has that same quality as you - willing to bend the rules to achieve effective results."

>Still silent, Joshua then finally relents as he says:

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to cause any mayhem with the evaluations process - it would throw Archeon's reputation into question if people ever found out what I did."

>Dana laughs once more as she says:

"Joshua, the mayhem is the point. Effective progress through empirical means can never be achieved in a purely sterile manner. You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs first."

>Dana then turns around, looking over the skyline of Sanctuary City as she continues swirling her drink in her glass with her wrist.

"Chaos is natural, and order is the façade that we provide ourselves - to justify our inherently chaotic actions. Our drives - and our ambitions. And to that end…"

 No.4124

File: 1747173884335-0.png (9.25 MB, 3848x1632, Executive Office.png)

File: 1747173884335-1.jpg (55.45 KB, 413x642, Dana Desmond.jpg)

File: 1747173884335-2.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

File: 1747173884335-3.jpg (240.25 KB, 1920x1080, Magitek Chest.jpg)

File: 1747173884335-4.png (8.86 MB, 3846x2162, Ohm Gear.png)

>>4123
>Turning back to face Joshua, she then tosses the drink to the ground as it shatters - walking towards him.

"What are you doing-"

>Joshua then stops talking, as Dana stands right in front of him - holding out her hand to show him a small device in her palm.

"What is that?"

>Dana, still looking directly at Joshua, immediately begins speaking to him in a neutral tone of voice, fully demonstrating her complete control over her actions.

"A little something I swiped from a Eukaryon-based lab, when I was still in captivity and replaced by Mirage's clone."

>Tossing the device on the ground, Dana watches calmly as it slowly grows into a large technological structure.

"Something that'll help us with our empirical research…."

>As the nanoform material grows into a large pod structure, it slowly opens to reveal a black and gold harness inside - eerily similar to Arachnid and Omnius's own.

"I kept this a secret from Damian and Aiden because I have ambitions that they wouldn't understand - and I need you to achieve those ambitions for me."

>Joshua is conflicted in his mind for a moment, before Dana then leans in to whisper:

["Remember, ends justify the means."]

>After a moment of thought, Joshua then reaches out for the technological harness - as it begins to glow a bright radiant gold light.

[To Be Continued In - "Ohm, But Not Gold"]


[Return][Go to top] [Catalog] [Post a Reply]
Delete Post [ ]