The dust settled across the battlefield, revealing the devastation Steel had wrought. Fragments of his metallic body still glittered in the sunlight, slowly disintegrating into nothingness. The Heptad members gathered, their breathing heavy, bodies worn from the intense battle.
"That must've been Steel, huh?" Jeremiah said, sheathing his double-edged sword with practiced ease. The legendary blade slid into its scabbard with a soft metallic whisper. "Good thing I got here early, or else we all would have been cooked. You guys have done very well nonetheless."
John straightened his posture despite his exhaustion, pride evident in his weathered features. "Another second and the situation would have been dire."
Lisa approached, her usually immaculate appearance now marred by battle. "Your timing is impeccable as always, Jeremiah. We've been tracking Steel for months."
"The real question is," Franklin interjected, cradling his injured arm, "is he truly gone this time?"
Jeremiah's gaze swept across the battlefield, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He won't be returning. My blade severs not just flesh, but essence." His attention returned to his comrades. "Now, I guess it's time to report to the Immortal Sovereign."
"Yeah, you're right," John replied, brushing crystallized sand from his combat gear. "I was in charge of this mission, so I'll do all the talking."
Trevor, now returned to his human form, rolled his shoulders and winced. "Fine by me. I just want a long shower and about three days of sleep."
***
The journey back to Alpha's stronghold was swift, their transportation cutting through the sky at hypersonic speeds. The Eternal Tower loomed ahead, a monument to Alpha's power and vision—one thousand stories of gleaming metal and advanced materials that seemed to pierce the very heavens.
The Heptad members, including the elusive Rank 4, gathered in the Eternal Tower's throne chamber. Massive pillars of obsidian-like material stretched upward to a ceiling adorned with a mural depicting Alpha's rise to power. Golden light filtered through strategically placed skylights, illuminating the cavernous space.
They bowed respectfully before Alpha, who sat resplendent in his rich golden crown and flowing cape. His eyes, ancient and wise, seemed to contain galaxies within them. Power radiated from his very presence, a reminder of why he held dominion over this world.
John stepped forward, his posture military-precise. He spoke calmly, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Lord Alpha, the mission was a success. Team casualties: zero. Civilian casualties: zero. Steel has been eliminated along with all his clones, and we prevented any damage to nearby cities."
Alpha leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "And the ancient metallic tree?"
"Secured and under observation, my lord," John replied. "Our scientists are already studying it from a safe distance. Initial readings suggest its energy signatures are stabilizing now that Steel's influence has been removed."
Lord Alpha's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Amazing. Superb. You children have done exceptionally well." His voice resonated through the chamber, carrying both warmth and power. "The threat Steel posed cannot be overstated. Had he fully merged with the tree's power..." He shook his head slightly. "You will be rewarded highly for your service, and yes, the people of the Undercity too shall be rewarded for helping prevent this world-ending threat."
"Thank you, Lord Alpha. We appreciate it very much," John said, head still bowed in respect.
Alpha's gaze drifted across the assembled warriors, assessing the battle damage evident on their bodies and gear. "You should all visit the medical wing before returning to your duties." His eyes settled on Jeremiah, who showed no signs of having been in battle at all. "Alright. Everyone except Jeremiah is dismissed."
The other Heptad members exchanged brief glances before departing silently, their footsteps echoing in the vast chamber until the massive doors closed behind them.
"Jeremiah, please stand," Alpha said, his tone softening. The formality between them had always been different—more a dance of mutual respect than true hierarchy. "Our authority is almost the same, and you might even be stronger than me."
Jeremiah rose, a respectful smile on his face. "C'mon, there isn't anyone on Earth as strong as you." Though his words were light, both men knew there was truth to Alpha's statement. Jeremiah's power was an unknown quantity, even to the Immortal Sovereign himself.
"Hmm," Alpha hummed noncommittally before his expression grew serious. He descended from his throne, walking to a control panel embedded in the arm of his chair. With a few swift motions, he activated the chamber's privacy protocols. A subtle hum filled the air as defensive barriers and sound dampeners engaged.
"Now we can speak freely," Alpha said, his voice lower. "Jeremiah, could you tell me what you found on planet Oikon? Your transmission was deliberately vague, which concerns me."
Jeremiah's expression darkened. "What I found was extraordinary—and terrifying," he began, his eyes clouding with the memory. "Unlike my first visit, I saw the habitats on the planet. There are large, powerful beasts there—creatures that would make Trevor's beast form look like a house cat."
He paced as he spoke, something he rarely did—a sign of his disquiet. "The weather and atmosphere were even worse than last time. Acid storms that could melt through our strongest metals, gravitational fluctuations that defy our understanding of physics."
"But most concerning—" Jeremiah paused, meeting Alpha's gaze directly. "I encountered eleven very strong entities. I overheard their conversation, and it turns out they plan to attack and destroy Earth completely. We have less than two years before their arrival."
Alpha's eyes narrowed. "You're certain of this timeline?"
"Absolutely," Jeremiah confirmed. "These entities are incredibly powerful. Each one is probably stronger than Steel at his peak. We need to take action immediately."
"I see," Alpha replied, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "That is indeed horrifying, but we can overcome whatever problems come our way. When faced with strong adversaries, we never give up—we push forward."
He stood from his throne, resolve evident in his posture. "We will devise a perfect plan to protect Earth from these entities."
Alpha walked closer to Jeremiah, lowering his voice further. "There's one other matter, Jeremiah. Something potentially related to Steel's reemergence. I received information from Beta regarding the successive trait of the Exploiter abilities that transfer from relative to relative."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "We've learned that Steel impregnated many women throughout his existence. Some he killed, others escaped. Beta reports that one of his children resides in the Undercity and holds an important position there."
Jeremiah's eyebrows raised slightly—a significant display of surprise for someone as composed as he was. "You suspect this child might have inherited his power?"
"It's possible," Alpha confirmed. "We traced his blood, and it led to one person—someone from the Florescent Orphanage. Michael Florescent, also known as the Crimson Angel."
Jeremiah nodded in recognition. "The vigilante. His actions have saved countless lives in the Undercity."
"Yes, the very same," Alpha confirmed, returning to his throne and settling into it with the weight of this revelation. "I leave the decision to you, Jeremiah. Will you eliminate Michael Florescent, or will you bring him in and monitor him to prevent Steel's plan from continuing? The choice is yours."
His expression softened slightly. "Whatever you decide, remember that I've taken a liking to him. He's the main reason the whole world is safe now. His efforts in the Undercity have prevented countless disasters. He truly is an angel who has fallen from heaven. The decision is yours, Jerry."
Jeremiah stood silent for a long moment, weighing the implications of both courses of action. The son of Steel—a potential ally or the seed of the next global threat.
"I'll investigate him personally," he finally said, his voice firm with resolve. "If he shows any signs of following his father's path, I'll act accordingly. But if he truly is the angel you believe him to be..." He left the thought unfinished.
"Alright, I will take care of this for you. I promise—the Steel situation won't happen again." His hand rested on the hilt of his legendary sword, a silent vow that carried more weight than any spoken oath.
Alpha nodded, satisfied. "I trust your judgment completely."