Emergence 2.16b (Patreon)

Emergence 2.16b– o – o – o – o – o – o – o –Makes no sense. Zeke shook his head, turning away from the chaos with a frown. The Hulk—or rather, this cheap knockoff version—was tearing through hot dog stands with the gusto of a starving frat boy at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The sounds emanating from the jade giant were... unsettling, to say the least."No quest, no answers," Zeke muttered, running a hand through his hair, "and nothing to show for it." He paused, reconsidering. "Well, not nothing." His fingers twitched, itching to pull up his inventory and examine the star-spangled shield he'd snagged from Captain Fauxmerica. But now wasn't the time for loot inspection.The remnants of the fake Ultimate lay scattered across the parking lot like discarded action figures. Zeke's brow furrowed as he surveyed the debris. "Where'd you come from, huh?" he asked the nearest chunk of pseudo-Wolverine as he folded his arms over his chest. "And why do I get the feeling this is way above my pay grade?"“Wait…” he frowned, pulling a face as he realized something else, “I don’t even get paid!”As if on cue, a familiar notification popped into view:Mission Gained! Not-so-Marvelous MayhemUltimate chaos reigns as fictional heroes from another universe rampage through Boston's streets. Time to play detective and figure out who's behind this comic book catastrophe before the city becomes a real-life splash page.Objective: Uncover the source of the animated statues and stop themSuccess: 10000 XPOf course.Zeke's eyes skimmed the objective, rolling his eyes behind his goggles. "Uncover the source and stop them? Gee, thanks for being so specific." He sighed, shoulders sagging slightly as he glanced around the wrecked parking lot. "Well, at least I already have an idea."Keeping Kent Nelson from an untimely death came with its own benefits, y’know, other than saving an old man. Mana Vision was a funny skill, considering it literally did almost nothing most of the time, but now…“Mana Vision,” Zeke activated it with four simple syllables. The world shifted completely, taking on a blue tint that made his goggles look like dollar store 3D glasses in comparison. He blinked, adjusting to the new perspective, when something caught his eye. “There we go…”The broken body of not-Wolverine stood out in his field of view, shining like an interactive object in a video game. More than just that, a distinct purplish aura clung to the broken sculpture, pulsing faintly like a dying heartbeat. "Huh," Zeke breathed, leaning in for a closer look. As he watched, the aura began to fade, wisps of energy trailing off into the air like smoke.Above, the sky lit up with another explosion. Captain Atom unleashed a devastating blast, reducing the fake Iron Man to scrap. Thor—or Thor-lite, as Zeke had mentally dubbed him—roared in rage, redoubling his assault.Zeke's attention snapped back to ground level as he noticed the fading energy coalescing into a distinct trail. The purplish mana snaked through the air, leading towards a nearby alley with all the subtlety of a neon "BAD GUYS THIS WAY" sign.A grin spread across Zeke's face. "Well," he said to no one in particular, "this is easy."--------------------------0------------------------------Life changes in ways you might not expect, he thought bitterly as he stared at the stark white ceiling of the hospital room. The fluorescent lights buzzed incessantly, a soundtrack backed by the muffled sounds of nurses chattering and wheels squeaking on linoleum floors just outside his door.For instance, you could lose your dad at ten years old in a car accident.Or, your mom could develop a drinking habit to cope with it and kinda forget you're around most of the time. The image of his mother, slumped on the couch with an empty bottle dangling from her fingertips, flashed through his mind, the acrid smell of cheap tequila lingering on her.Or maybe, your mom could remarry to some dickhead bartender who likes beating you up every time he gets in a bad mood. His jaw clenched, his good hand curling into a fist at his side. The phantom ache of past bruises pulsed beneath his skin.And even worse, all of those could happen.If your name was Manuel Carlito.All of that could happen and lead to this.Lying here. In the hospital. With an arm broken in three fucking places."Fuck you, Steve," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He glared at the cast encasing his left arm, a stark white reminder of his stepfather's latest outburst. The pain throbbed in time with his heartbeat, a constant reminder of his powerlessness.Manuel threw his head back on the cheap hospital pillow, wincing as the movement jostled his injury. The ceiling swam in and out of focus as he blinked back frustrated tears. The antiseptic smell of the room burned his nostrils, mingling with the lingering scent of fear-sweat that clung to his skin.It was even worse, knowing that this was his life.He was better than this.Literally.The irony of it all made him want to laugh and scream at the same time.It had been a year now since he found out about his powers. A year of hope, confusion, and bitter disappointment. Manuel closed his eyes, letting the memory wash over him.The convenience store down the street was just another checkpoint in his daily routine, a place for a quick snack after school. Yet when he had stepped through its automatic doors that day, something had felt very different. The fluorescent lights had seemed brighter, the colors more vivid. Even the stale air had tasted electric on his tongue.His senses had felt unnaturally alert, something prickling at the edge of his awareness. It was like an itch he couldn't scratch, a word on the tip of his tongue. Manuel had walked through the store counter after counter, trying to find out what felt so weird. The cool metal of the shelves beneath his fingertips, the rustle of chip bags, the hum of the refrigerators – everything felt heightened, more real somehow.And then…The man at the end of the snack aisle, looking over some chips. He was just some boring old guy in regular clothes and a receding hairline. But still… Something about the man had pulled at him that day. It was like a magnet drawing him in, an invisible thread connecting them.When the man turned around, Manuel pretended like he hadn't been looking at him, quickly picking up a bottle of soda and peering at it curiously through his round glasses. He thought he was insane, losing his mind or something, anything to explain why he felt so weird about a random stranger. His heart pounded in his chest, palms sweaty as he tried to act natural.As the man’s shoulder grazed his on the way to the check-out counter, Manuel had realized something.Power.He had always had it.Never realized it, but it was always there inside him.He just had to meet someone else with power. The sensation hit him like a bolt of lightning, electrifying every nerve in his body.The man never used his power in front of him, but he didn't have to. Wide brown eyes stared at the man's back as he left the store, as Manuel felt it. An invisible thread laced between them, and a surge of energy rippled through him. It was like being dunked in ice water and set on fire at the same time, every cell in his body singing with newfound energy.Back in his room thirty minutes later, Manuel had been almost drunk on the power, energy coursing through him as he made things around him float and move. Books flipped open and pages fluttered wildly as if caught in a breeze every time he so much as glanced at them while a soccer ball in the corner of his room wobbled and levitated shakily into the air while his action figures and pencils danced several feet above the ground. The rush was intoxicating, better than any high he could imagine.Less than ten minutes later, it was all gone. The power had ebbed and ebbed, until he couldn't even feel it anymore. It was like waking up from the most vivid dream, only to find the details slipping away with each passing second.For weeks, he had visited that same convenience store, hoping it would come back or the strange man would return. No matter what he did, he couldn't bring the energy back. The memory of it haunted him, always just out of reach.The one time he felt powerful.It had been a year now and he almost thought he imagined it. That he had lost his mind. When Steve had gotten in his face, Manuel had acted on instinct, fueled by a year's worth of frustration and fear. He had thrust his hand out like he was going to throw him back with the force of his mind, praying for that surge of power to return. But nothing had happened. No invisible force, no magical energy – just the harsh reality of flesh and bone."Fucking Steve."Manuel's thoughts was shattered by the hospital's ambient noise suddenly spiking into his senses. The buzz of fluorescent lights, the squeak of rubber-soled shoes on linoleum, the distant murmur of voices – it all blasted into a massive wreck of noise that made his teeth shudder. But beneath it all, there was something else. A familiar surge of energy, like an electric current humming just beneath his skin.His eyes widened, heart rate spiking. No way, he thought, it can't be. But the sensation was unmistakable, almost exactly like the way it had that day a year ago. That invisible thread, connecting him to... someone.Ignoring the protest of his broken arm, Manuel swung his legs over the side of the bed. The cold floor sent a shiver up his spine as he hobbled to the door, peering out into the hallway just in time to see a gurney rush by. The glimpse he caught of its occupant was brief – an old man, face lined with pain, wisps of white hair peeking out from beneath an oxygen mask."Maria," he called out, recognizing a familiar face among the bustling hospital staff. The young nurse turned, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she took in his battered appearance and his arm in a cast. Manuel felt a flush creep up his neck, remembering how she used to babysit him, how she'd given him that kiss on the cheek when he was twelve. It had fueled more than a few fantasies since then."Hey, Manny," she said, her voice gentle. "How you feeling?"Manuel plastered on a fake smile, ignoring the twinge in his arm. "I'm good." He jerked his chin towards the room across the hall. "What happened there?"Maria sighed, fatigue etched into the lines around her eyes. "You know Don Pedro?""The old puppeteer guy?" Manuel's brow furrowed. He remembered Don Pedro – or Papa Pedro, as the kids called him – from birthday parties growing up. The way his puppets seemed to move on their own, how they'd talk back to him... it had seemed like magic back then."Yeah, the old puppet guy," Maria confirmed. "His store caught on fire." Her voice dropped, a hint of anger creeping in. "He was always talking about not paying the Cardenas, not bowing his head to criminals that walk over people. I guess they took that personally."Manuel nodded, barely hearing her words. The energy thrummed through him, growing stronger with each passing second. It was like being hooked up to a battery, power flooding his system. "...yeah," he managed, his mind racing.Even after they moved Don Pedro away hours later, the sensation lingered. Manuel lay in his hospital bed that night, flexing his good hand, watching with wide-eyed wonder as wisps of barely-visible energy danced between his fingers. By morning, he knew. This time, it wasn't going away.A month passed in a blur. Manuel practiced in secret, learning to manipulate the energy, to shape the power into gossamer-thin strings that could stick to things and make inanimate objects come to life, acting under his will. With each passing day, his confidence grew. And so did his restlessness.The decision to run away wasn't a hard one. His mom was too lost in her bottles to notice, and Steve... well, the less said about Steve, the better. Manuel packed a bag, pocketed what cash he could find, and slipped out into the night, the thrill of freedom and power singing in his veins.Now, a month later, Manuel stood in the middle of a high-end jewelry store, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. His fingers twitched, barely-visible strings of energy connecting him to the two animated statues that served as his muscle. Outside, he could hear the chaos of his other creations keeping the cops and would-be heroes busy.This is it, he thought, surveying the glittering display cases. No more scraping by. No more feeling powerless. His heart raced with a heady mixture of excitement and fear. Part of him still couldn't believe he was pulling this off.A sudden, sharp pain lanced through his skull. Manuel winced, his connection to three of his animated statues abruptly severing. Shit, he thought, someone out there's putting up a fight. He turned to his remaining creations, schooling his features into a mask of confidence."Nice job, ladies," he said, fighting to keep his voice steady. "I... uh, I think that's enough."The two superhuman sculptures were bent over, their backs to Manuel as they shoveled diamonds and gems into backpacks. At his words, they paused, grinning back at him in perfect sync. "Thank you, Siphon!" they chimed back in unison.She-Hulk straightened first, her jade-skinned form towering over Manuel at 6'7". Her tight sleeveless jumper hugged every curve, the blue and white fabric straining against her muscular frame. She shrugged the backpacks higher on her shoulders, the motion drawing Manuel's eyes to her chest. Damn, he thought, a smirk playing at his lips. Who needs X-ray vision when you've got costume designers like these?Next to her, Warbird rose to her full height. Though shorter than She-Hulk, she still cut an impressive figure in her black and gold bodysuit, a lightning bolt emblazoned across her chest. Manuel's gaze traveled appreciatively over her form. She wore tactical fingerless gloves and combat boots as well as a pair of flight goggles but he usually had her take those off so he could look at her pretty face. He'd never heard of her before – she was new to the "Ultimates Unite" lineup – but he was quickly becoming a fan.They ain't real, Manuel reminded himself, but does it really matter? He'd discovered his power could bring almost anything to life – statues, toys, even puppets. Anything that looked like it could be alive was fair game. It was his other power, the one that let him copy abilities, that still confused him. It only seemed to work on magic, which was just... weird.He'd hung around other meta runaways on his way North, trying to copy their powers, but nothing. The few magical types he'd encountered barely seemed aware of their own abilities. After a few hours near them, though, their power became his. Almost unnoticeable telekinesis, shitty barely-there precognition – bottom-of-the-barrel stuff, really. But power was power, and now it was all his."Let's head back to the hideout," Manuel said, adjusting his green sunglasses as he hefted his own backpack. The weight of the stolen goods sent a thrill through him. I'm rich, baby!Warbird scooped him up in her arms, the sensation both exhilarating and slightly emasculating. They were at the temporary base in no time, She-Hulk landing beside them with a ground-shaking thud.Manuel could still feel the connection to two of his other sculptures, keeping the heroes busy across town. Just my luck, he thought, the day I pull a heist and a freakin' Justice Leaguer shows up. But he hadn't let that stop him. His creations packed a punch, as strong as they were in the comics and shows that inspired them.I can make heroes as strong as a Leaguer, he grinned to himself, unlocking the door to the abandoned brownstone. The possibilities made his head spin. All I gotta do is find someone to build me hero statues. Someone like Hyperion or something. His grin widened as he almost let out a giggle at the thought of it. Suck it, Zatarra. Hell, suck it, Superman. I can make my own Kryptonian.Manuel barely noticed the musty smell of the brownstone as he stepped inside, his mind racing with plans. He'd show them all – his mom, Steve, every person who'd ever looked down on him. He wasn't powerless anymore. He was–A throat cleared, cutting through his thoughts like a knife. Manuel whirled around, heart hammering in his chest. The dim light of the living room revealed a figure he hadn't noticed before, lounging against a window like they owned the place."Wh-who are you?" Manuel blurted out, cursing the way his voice cracked. He couldn’t help it, his entire body froze, energy like he’d never felt before buzzing in his veins as the figure stepped forward and—– o – o – o – o – o – o – o –— grinned, hands at his sides as he posed, the blue star on his chest gleaming in the dim light. "The name's Proton Genesis." His voice echoed in the empty room, the only other occupant staring blankly back, like a deer caught in the headlights.Tough crowd, Zeke thought, his grin faltering slightly.It hadn't taken long for him to follow the trail of purple mana all the way to this place, the ethereal smoke-like tendrils leading him through a maze of alleys and side streets. Zeke had been wary at first, his Mana Vision locked on the odd path laid out before him like a glowing breadcrumb trail.I mean, who wouldn't be, right? He mused, his eyes darting around the room, taking in every detail. Someone strong enough to magically bring statues to life and give them power enough to tussle with Cap... That's some serious power.The thought had made Zeke's stomach twist a little, a cold sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. What if this is a trap, after all? Some kind of elaborate setup to lure me in and then... Bam! Game over, man.He'd barely survived one evil magic-using villain a couple nights ago, and that was by bluffing his ass off until the guy ran away scared. Zeke didn't think he'd be able to traumatize some random villain the same way, not without a lot of luck and some serious improv skills.Klarion was just the perfect combination of childish and traumatized like that, Zeke thought, a smile tugging at his lips. Like a walking, talking, magic-slinging therapy case.Then he had gotten to this building.Frankly, it looked abandoned from the outside, just another boarded-up eyesore in a sea of urban decay. But after he'd jimmied the lock and taken a peek inside, Zeke found himself standing in what looked like some kid's wannabe playhouse. A LexBox 360 and a WayneStation 3 sat nestled among piles of sugary snacks and cereal boxes, the consoles surrounded by a haphazard collection of stolen arcade games and... was that a cotton candy machine?The whole place looked like some homeless kid's idea of a dream clubhouse, a sugar-fueled fever dream come to life. Zeke leaned back against a wall right next to a window, staring with a single raised eyebrow at what could only be a hot dog spinner, the kind you'd see at a convenience store.Yeah, this is definitely a kid's place, he thought, his nose wrinkling at the stale smell of junk food and unwashed socks. And then the door opened, the creaky hinges sounding like a gunshot in the quiet room."Wh-who are you?"Zeke stared at the confused-looking teenager standing near the entrance to the living room, his mind racing as he took in every detail. The guy looked... weak, for lack of a better word.The thin frame was bad enough, even hidden underneath the baggy drop-shoulder hoodie he wore. The bright green round sunglasses perched on his nose did little to hide the dark bags under his eyes, and the smattering of acne across his cheeks and the wispy peach fuzz mustache only served to make him look even more pathetic.Observe, Zeke thought, the command springing to his mind almost instinctively.Siphon Lv 25Power PilfererA tricky teenage talent thief, he can permanently mimic spells and magical talent from real mystics if around them for long enough. Right now, he's packing the power to turn sculptures into living, breathing, magically powered metahuman threats. Stick around, and he might just make art walk—or walk away with your powers.Zeke's eyes widened, his heartbeat quickening as he read the floating text. Not weak, he corrected himself, swallowing hard. Definitely not weak. The boy stood frozen, staring at Genesis with a dazed expression from behind those ridiculous sunglasses, his mouth hanging open slightly. But it was the sound of footsteps coming up from behind him that made Zeke's blood run cold.The young sidekick tensed up, eyes wide, as he spotted two familiar-looking statuesque figures step forward, their forms casting long shadows across the cluttered room. One was massive and green, the other leaner but no less imposing, both radiating an aura of raw power that made the hair on the back of Zeke's neck stand up.Observe, he thought frantically, his mind kicking into overdrive as he tried to process the new threat. Observe, dammit!She-Hulk Lv 45 Discount DivaHere's She-Hulk, fresh off the assembly line from "Ultimates Unite," sporting strength that’s more show than blow and durability on about the same level. Sure, she can lift a sedan, but don't ask her to save the city.Warbird Lv 55 Mock MarvelThis Carol Danvers knockoff hailing from "Ultimates Unite" hits like a champ but folds faster than a lawn chair at a cheap tailgate party. Her blasts pack a punch—when they don't fizzle out. While impressively strong compared to most metahumans, she’s not as tough as she is strong and isn’t smart enough to be worth it in a fight. A true marvel, if marvel meant mediocre.Observe Lv Up!

Lv 16

Shit! Zeke's hands flew up, blue light flaring between his fingers as he brought them together, the energies coalescing into a single, pulsing orb. "HADOKEN!" he yelled, thrusting his palms forward.The blast slammed into She-Hulk's face at full force, the fake green giantess not even having a chance to widen her eyes before her head was introduced to a beach ball-sized sphere of raw mana. The energy tore through her like tissue paper, the explosion caving in the entire upper half of her body, reducing it to nothing but shards of polymer and whatever else went into her artificial body.

2500 XP

$2800

She-Hulk’s Wristbands (Rare)

Minor Magic Core Fragment

Magic-Infused Dust

Ultimates Identicard (Rare)

Ultimates Tactical Manual (Uncommon)

Ultimates-Issue Body Armor Fragment 

Mana Burst Lv Up!

Lv 40

Holy shit, it worked! Zeke thought, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at the smoking remains of the fake She-Hulk. I can't believe I just-His momentary elation was cut short by a blur of black and gold, a fist slamming into his gut with the force of a freight train. The air left Zeke's lungs in a whoosh, his body folding around the punch like a ragdoll and spit flying out of his mouth with more than a little blood going with it.- 282 Resistance: Blunt + 2

Lv 29

VIT + 1 (67)Warbird, he realized, his mind racing even as his body struggled to catch up. Gonna whiz red!"Mana Charge!" The words left his lips in a gasp, his body flaring with blue light as he lunged forward, transforming into a human comet. The air crackled around him as he crashed into Warbird, his shoulder colliding with her midsection in a bone-jarring impact that sent shockwaves through the dilapidated brownstone. The unexpected tackle launched them both through the crumbling wall, shattering it like glass and sending them tumbling into the dirty Boston alley outside.Mana Charge Lv Up!

Lv 4

Debris rained down around them, a cascade of stone and dust that pummeled them relentlessly. Warbird's body took the brunt of it, her form acting as an impromptu shield for Zeke as they rolled across the grimy concrete.-68They slammed into the far wall, Genesis ending up on top of Warbird in a dazed heap. Ow, he thought, his head spinning from the impact. That's gonna leave a mark.But Warbird recovered almost instantly, her hands gripping Zeke's shoulders like steel clamps. With a powerful heave, she hurled him up into the air, sending him rocketing skyward like a human cannonball.Shitshitshit! Zeke's eyes went wide behind his goggles as he soared upwards, the ground falling away at an alarming rate. Okay, don't panic, you got this.He righted himself midair, his hands and feet flaring with blue light as he activated his Mana Thrusters. The energy jets stabilized his descent, allowing him to land safely, if a bit shakily, on a nearby rooftop. His sneakers skidded across the gravel, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.Wow, he thought, shaking his head as he steadied himself. Falling from high up doesn't even trigger my fear of death anymore. A nervous smile tugged at his lips. That's kinda worrying.But something else quickly took the top spot in his list of worries. Warbird blasted up from the alley floor like a golden missile, her eyes blazing with fury as she zeroed in on Zeke. She slammed down onto the rooftop a heartbeat later, the impact of her landing sending a spiderweb of cracks through the concrete."You ready to die, punk?" she snarled, her fists clenching at her sides, wreathed in golden light."Not really," Genesis quipped back, his hands coming up in a defensive stance, blue mana swirling around his fingers. "I had plans this weekend. You know how it is."Warbird let out a growl of frustration, her body tensing like a coiled spring. Then, faster than Genesis could blink, she shot forward, her fist leading the charge, eyes glowing with barely contained power.Shit! He darted back, his mind racing for ideas. Wait..."POWER BOOST!" he yelled, his body flaring with golden light to match Warbird's eyes. He could feel the energy surging through him, enhancing his strength, his speed, his reflexes. With a burst of confidence, he rushed forward to meet her head-on.Warbird's punch aimed straight for his face, swift and precise, but Zeke reacted fast, his head swerving to the side at the last second. He could feel the wind of her fist as it cut through the air, barely missing his cheek.Seizing the opening, Warbird followed up with a rapid succession of strikes, her left hand shooting out in a jab aimed at Zeke's ribcage."Mana Shield!" Zeke's palm snapped out, a blue wall of force materializing just in time to cover his side from what might have been a rib-shattering blow.-40 MPUndeterred, Warbird spun, her leg sweeping out in a wide arc aimed at Zeke's knees. He jumped back, the tip of her boot nearly slamming into his legs with strength nearly five times his own, even with Power Boost active.Okay, he thought, sweat already beading on his forehead as he dodged another lightning-fast punch. Might not be enough.Warbird unleashed a flurry of kicks, each one aimed with precision, her body moving with a powerful but stilted grace. Genesis blocked the first two with his forearms, gritting his teeth as he felt the force reverberate up his arms, his skin tingling from the impact. She's no Black Canary, he thought, his mind racing as he parried another blow, but I'm no Black Canary either. The third kick he managed to catch under his arm, twisting his body to try and leverage her off balance. But I did learn from her teacher!Warbird recovered quickly, rolling back and launching herself up with her hands, her boots aimed directly at Zeke's chest in a double-kick. Zeke crossed his arms in front of him, catching her blow on his Mana Shield which flared to life under the strain, the collision sending a spiderweb of blue energy crackling across its surface. - 71 MPMana Shield Lv Up!

Lv 10

She's not as strong as I thought she would be, Zeke realized, his eyes widening slightly behind his goggles, but still plenty strong!They separated briefly, eyes locked, the rooftop silent except for the sound of their heavy breaths. Warbird charged again, a flurry of punches directed at Zeke's head and shoulders, her fists moving in a blur of black and gold. He ducked, weaved, and deflected, his own hands glowing with a mixture of blue and gold, ready to strike back with fist or blast at a moment's notice. He threw a punch of his own, aiming for her midsection, but she caught his wrist, twisting and turning to use his own momentum against him. Son of a b-!With a swift kick, she aimed to knock his feet from under him, but Genesis flipped backwards, landing on his feet with only a slight stumble, his Power Boost still bright on his skin, the golden glow casting eerie shadows across the rooftop. He lunged forward, his fist encased in a swirling blue Mana Impact, and threw a powerful right hook towards Warbird's side. She blocked with her arm, the impact resonating like a drum, her own suit absorbing the shock but the force of the blast pushing her sideways across the roof, her boots skidding on the gravel.Genesis shifted into a defensive stance, ready for anything, his heart pounding in his chest, the adrenaline singing in his veins. Come on, he thought, his eyes narrowing as he watched Warbird's every move, what else you got?Warbird came at him with something, alright.She threw a high arcing kick aimed directly at his head, forcing Genesis to raise his forearm in a solid guard, parrying her boot with a force that echoed through his bones, the impact jarring his teeth. Now! With Warbird leaving herself open, he didn't waste the chance.Lunging forward, he threw a powerful hook into her midsection, blue force glowing around his fist as he screamed out, "MANA IMPACT!"The hit landed with a satisfying and explosive thud, the brunt of it absorbed by the armoring of her suit's chestplate but the force unmistakable as the woman bent over his fist, the air rushing out of her lungs in a whoosh.Not wasting a moment, Zeke followed up with a quick cross to her jaw, his fist cutting through the air with speed enhanced by his Power Boost. The blow snapped Warbird's head to the side, her hair whipping across her face as she stumbled back, her expression one of surprise mixed with newfound wariness.With a slightly panicked look on her face, Warbird flipped backwards with agile grace, darting back to gain some distance, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath."Flipping?" Zeke shot back at her, a laugh spilling out with the first word, his own breathing heavy but steady. "You can fly, you know!"She scowled at him, irritation and embarrassment clear on her face as she shook her head, her long hair seeming to glow as the light in her eyes intensified, the golden hue growing brighter by the second. "Shut the hell up, kid!" With the last syllable, her hands slapped together, fingertips glowing with stored energy. Her eyes narrowed behind her goggles and Zeke's own widened as the woman unleashed a barrage of energy blasts.The yellow orbs of power shot out from her tightly pressed hands, each one after the other in rapid succession, hurtling towards Zeke like fiery comets, the air sizzling with their heat. Zeke darted to the right, sidestepping the first two blasts as they exploded against the rooftop behind him, sending shards of brick and dust into the air, the debris pelting his back. Another blast aimed for his torso, forcing Zeke to throw up a hasty "MANA SHIELD!", the barrier springing to life in a rush of blue light.The golden blast collided with the shield, dissipating in a shower of sparks that rained down around Zeke, the air crackling with residual energy. Zeke grinned at her through the fading glow of his shield, his eyes narrowed, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. "Hey, lady, uh... you sure you don't wanna just kinda give up?" he called out, his voice mocking. "I mean, I'm just saying, I could do this all day.""In your dreams, brat!" Warbird snarled back, her hands still glowing with power, her face twisted into a mask of fury. "I'm gonna wipe that smirk right off your face!""Gotta catch me first!" Zeke retorted, bouncing on the balls of his feet, ready to move at a moment's notice. "And I gotta say, your aim's about as good as a Stormtrooper's. What’s with that?"Warbird let out a scream of frustration, launching herself forward, her fists leading the charge, the golden glow around her hands intensifying with each passing second. Zeke met her head-on, his own hands wreathed in blue, a fierce grin on his face.Alright, he thought, his heart pounding in his ears as he ducked under a wild haymaker, countering with a swift jab to Warbird's ribs, let's see what else you got, Birdie. Energy gathered in Zeke's palms, blue light condensing into dense, unstable orbs that pulsed with barely contained power. With a sharp flick of his wrists, he hurled the Mana Bursts towards Warbird, each one streaking through the air like a comet, leaving trails of shimmering blue in their wake.Warbird shot into the air, weaving and darting around the orbs, each miss exploding past her in bursts of cobalt light. In a semi-graceful arc, she positioned herself directly above Zeke, her body slicing through the night sky as she dove down towards him, arms outstretched in an attempt to grapple him.Oh no you don't, Zeke thought, his eyes tracking her descent, his body tensing in anticipation. At the last possible moment, he sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as Warbird passed alarmingly close, her fingers grazing the fabric of his jacket. Gotta be quicker than that, Birdie!Seizing the opportunity, he tapped further into his Power Boost, feeling the surge of strength coursing through his veins, his muscles humming with barely contained energy. He pivoted on his heel, and as Warbird attempted to correct her course, he launched an uppercut charged with a bellowed "MANA IMPACT!", the words tearing from his throat. His fist, powered by skill, strength, and two different energies, connected with the underside of her jaw with a sound like a gunshot, the impact reverberating through his arm.Mana Impact + 1

Lv 13

The force of the punch altered Warbird's trajectory, raw power sending her tumbling backward and high up into the air, her body ragdolling through the sky. Okay, that was awesome, Zeke thought, a fierce grin spreading across his face. But let's see how she likes this!Not wasting a moment, Zeke activated his Mana Thrusters, blue energy jets erupting from his gloved palms and beneath both feet, rocketing him upwards into the Boston sky with incredible speed, the wind whipping at his face as he blasted himself up above the disoriented Warbird, his body cutting through the cold night air like a knife.Mana Thruster + 2

Lv 6

"Hey, Warbird!" he called out, his voice barely audible over the roar of his thrusters. "Heard of the Fastball Special? Well, get ready for the Genesis Spike!"With a calculated aim and a shout, Genesis flared his mana in his feet, shooting back down towards Warbird like a human missile. He spun around, driving a Mana-boosted knee directly into the blonde's face with a sickening crunch. The impact was brutal, compounded by their combined momentum and Zeke's heightened power. Warbird hurtled down, crashing into the alley below at breakneck speed, the force of her descent leaving a crater in the concrete, a cloud of dust mushrooming into the air as she impacted.Ooh, that's gotta hurt, Zeke winced, descending to the ground as the Mana Thrusters flickered off, his boots touching down just as Warbird stumbled to her feet, a trickle of blood escaping her mouth, her face a mask of pain and fury. Wait, what?The thirteen-year-old raised an eyebrow, confusion flitting across his features. How can she bleed? She's a robot, right? Or... a sculpture… or something?Warbird skid back to create distance between herself and Zeke, her boots scraping against the cracked concrete. She stood tall, the determination etched in her expression unyielding as she began to gather energy into her hands, golden light swirling around her fingertips. The air around her vibrated with the building power, crackling with yellow energy that grew brighter by the second.Oh, so we're doing this now, Zeke thought, a smirk tugging at his lips. Alright then, let's dance. Mirroring her actions, Genesis began to charge his own energy, blue light forming in his hands, the air around him humming with barely contained power.With a fierce cry that echoed through the alley, Warbird unleashed her wave of yellow energy towards Zeke, the beam cutting through the air like a laser. Simultaneously, Genesis released his blue beam, the energy surging forward to meet Warbird's attack head-on. The two forces collided with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the air, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The beams locked in a ferocious struggle for dominance, a luminous tug-of-war that cast wild, dancing shadows around the crumbling alley, the bricks and mortar groaning under the strain.Zeke's eyes narrowed, his jaw setting firm as he decided to escalate, his mind flashing back to countless hours spent in front of the TV, controller in hand. Alright, Zeke, remember your training, he thought, a wry grin spreading across his face. Time to show her what a true beam struggle looks like.His fingers tightened, and he pushed more power into his Mana Wave, the energy surging through his body like a tidal wave. The blue beam intensified, growing broader and brighter as he poured every ounce of his will into the fight, his teeth gritting with the effort.Warbird grimaced, her energy being pushed back as Zeke pushed forward, taking a strong step forward, his sneakers digging into the cracked concrete. "I'm not gonna lose a beam clash!" he yelled, his voice rising above the roar of the colliding energies. "I've played too much Tenkaichi to ever lose one of these!" Gritting his teeth, he narrowed his eyes and yelled again, his voice raw with determination. "HAAAAAA!""No!" Warbird shouted back, raw frustration clear on her face. "No! I'm not losing!" The blonde woman in the black and gold jumpsuit grimaced as her gold wave began to give way to the young sidekick's blue. "I said, NO!" With a move that looked like a reverse thrust of her hands, the thirteen-year-old felt the energy drain increase much faster all of a sudden.Zeke's eyes widened as he parroted the woman, suddenly realizing what was happening. "No!""Yes!" Warbird screamed with her own grin, pulling in more and more energy.Zeke's eyes widened even further, his mouth falling open. This can't be happening!Fine cracks began to overwhelm her body, lines of light giving way as Zeke's energy kept pouring into her. As the cracks spread, Warbird's expression shifted from determination to alarm. The energy she was trying to harness turned against her, causing her form to fracture more visibly. Realizing the imminent danger, she struggled to maintain control, but the power she was channeling was relentless.Wait a minute, Zeke thought, his mind racing. She can't handle it. She's overloading! A spark of hope ignited in his chest, and he clenched his fists, ready to seize the opportunity.Zeke, sensing victory, didn't relent. He shouted, pushing harder, driving his Mana Wave forward with renewed vigor. The blue energy became overpowering, an unstoppable force that fully pushed Warbird's wave back towards her. "You wanted my power? Take it all!" he yelled, his voice filled with determination and a hint of triumph.Warbird, now visibly panicking, attempted to disengage and retreat. She threw her hands up, trying to shield herself from the onslaught of energy. "No, no, no!" she cried out, her voice laced with fear and desperation.But the energy had built up too much; it was beyond what her body could contain. As Zeke watched, the cracks in her form reached a critical point. With a final, desperate look, Warbird attempted to shield herself, but it was too late. Her body couldn't contain the explosive force of the absorbed Mana Wave.Oh, shit! Zeke thought, his eyes widening in a mix of awe and horror. She's gonna blow!With a blinding flash and a deafening blast, Warbird shattered spectacularly, disintegrating into a cascade of light and energy that scattered into the afternoon air. The force of the explosion sent a shockwave through the alley, kicking up dust and debris.Zeke instinctively raised his arms to shield his face, squinting against the intense light. As the dust settled, he lowered his arms, blinking to clear his vision. The alley was a mess, with crumbling walls and scattered rubble, but Warbird was nowhere to be seen.Mana Wave + 1

Lv 8

Did I just... win? Zeke thought, a surge of exhilaration and disbelief rushing through him. I can't believe it actually worked![ping!]

3500 XP

$3100

Reinforced Knuckle Guard

Photon Blast Residue (Uncommon)

Radiation-Resistant Fabric Swatch (Uncommon)

Warbird's Tactical Gloves (Rare)

Photon Emission Core

Zeke stood in the crumbling alley, his chest heaving with heavy breaths. He looked down at his hands, still glowing faintly with residual mana. A grin spread across his face, and he couldn't resist a final quip. "Eat that."After a second of silence, he couldn't help but let out a little giggle. That was so cool! I said an after-fight one-liner. Like a real hero!He blinked, something suddenly coming to mind. "Like a… real… her-oh no!"The bad guy. He had forgotten about the guy behind all this.The teenager rushed back down the alley towards the shattered brownstone with wide, panicked eyes. With the chaos of the fight, he hadn't remembered that the teenager giving life to all the sculptures was still inside. His heart raced as he leaped over debris and dodged around overturned trash cans, his mind already conjuring up worst-case scenarios.What if he got away? What if he's setting up another trap? Zeke's thoughts ran wild as he approached the gaping hole in the wall, the one he'd made when he tackled the fake Warbird. Man, I really did a number on this place, he mused, taking a brief second to appreciate his handiwork before shaking his head and refocusing on the task at hand."What am I even doing?" He groaned as he jumped back in through the massive hole. "It's been at least a minute or two, no way that guy's still gonna be h—"He came to a sudden stop and blinked.“Here?”

4000 XP

Skill Gain: Mana Drain

Pocket-Sized Magical Encyclopedia (Uncommon)

Telekinetic Focus Object (Uncommon)

Aura Siphoning Crystal (Uncommon)

Advanced Notes on Telekinesis (Rare)

Metahuman Ability Catalog

JL Trading Card: Zatarra

Mana Drain Lv 1The beast devours magic...This allows you to siphon mana directly from your target, draining their magical energy to replenish your own reserves. Each second, you drain an amount equivalent to 1% of your INT from the target's mana pool.

Cost: 10 Will per minute

There, in the middle of the room, was the unconscious form of the teenage mastermind simply lying on the floor. Zeke approached cautiously, ready for any sudden moves, but the other boy remained still, bleeding from his nose and drooling as he snored on the ground. But I didn’t…Genesis frowned. He hadn’t even hit him, unable to get to him before the fake Warbird made him focus on her. But he’s… unconscious.He crouched down next to the unconscious villain, checking for a pulse just to be sure. Yep, still breathing. Just taking a little unplanned nap.As he straightened back up, a series of pings alerted him to his rewards:Mission Success! Not-so-Marvelous MayhemUltimate chaos reigns as fictional heroes from another universe rampage through Boston's streets. Time to play detective and figure out who's behind this comic book catastrophe before the city becomes a real-life splash page.Objective: Uncover the source of the animated statues and stop themSuccess: 10000 XPFace contorted in confusion, he simply raised his hands and dropped them again. “What the fuck, man?”