Fluent Reader

Phocas Multiverse

Rebirth 

Hero Of The City Files:

Beyond Space and Time

-Vol-1

 

“Sometimes the future is

better than the Past”

 

 -Made with ❤️

By Risn 

 

    

 

Risn Books Co. ^™

 

 Our Best Series:

Hero of the City Files

 

The Courageous Against 

The Merchant of Death

 

The Evanescent Memories

 and Repercussions

 

The Bond

 

 

 

 

 

Risn Co. Book

Publishers

The Hero Of The City Files: The Start

About The Author

Vedant Kulkarni or as His Alias is Vedant Kulk is an author Settled in Pune along with his parents. He founded RiSn Co. along with his Friend Prem and is The CEO RiSn Co. currently. He has been working on this idea for almost more than 4 years and he is finally able to publish this comprehensive copy and bring light to the world of the Hero of the city files.

 

To- Aai and Baba-

Thank you For Your Every Lasting Support in the creation of this wonderful series and in all the steps of my Life You are my stepping stone of all the hill and the way to the solutions of all my problem I wish I Could Become Like You…. You are My Role Models :)

 

Editor’s Note 

 

In the vast expanse of space, hidden from the prying eyes of the ordinary, lies the sanctum of a legend—the Hero Of The City. It is here that an extraordinary adventure unfolds, one that transcends time and space, beckoning a group of unsuspecting children into a world of wonder and heroism.

This is not just a tale of superhuman feats; it is a journey of self-discovery, of eight young souls who, by a twist of fate, are thrust into the heart of the cosmos to uncover the chronicles of a guardian whose deeds have become the fabric of the city’s lore. Within the hallowed halls of the Hero’s headquarters, among the relics and memories, the children find themselves part of a narrative much greater than themselves.

As you turn these pages, you embark on an odyssey alongside Kris, Lili, Arun, Neil, Matt, Soterios and James.—a voyage that will challenge their beliefs, forge their characters, and unveil the true essence of heroism. The ‘Records and Diaries’ they unearth are more than mere files; they are the testament of a protector whose life has been dedicated to the safety and prosperity of others.

This preface serves as your invitation to delve into the “Story of the Hero Of The City,” where every discovery is a piece of the puzzle, and every moment is a step towards destiny. Prepare to be transported to a realm where the impossible becomes possible, and where the legacy of a hero inspires a new generation to rise.

Welcome to a story that starts with curiosity and leads to the stars. Welcome to the legend that is the Hero Of The City.

 

 

~Vedant Kulk

 And RiSn Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base Story

The season of Spring the best time to be alive.... One Such Spring The Fortune City Lower High School Decides to Visit The Hero Of The City's Honor Memorial......(Too Many Capital Letters)..Where was I ha! the school trip to Memorial Museum, Cheers Folks cause here is where our Story Starts....  from just eight lower high schoolers visiting the museum of the Hero of The City to becoming God Crushers. To the Part where We reveal their names Kris, Lili, Arun, Neil, Matt, Soterios and James.

Let me Tell You what Has Happened in short.. The Kids Touched Some Old Relic and well..you know..suddenly got teleported to Hero Of The City HQ which was unknown to normal Humans as it was in space.......

The children Found a box Labeled 'Records and Diaries'..They opened it and Found many Files, Hence The Name Hero Of The City Files

Follow along with the Story of the Hero Of The City.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1: The Man with Ambition

- By Ashish Foreman

 

 

 

File Binder 1: THE EARLY AGES

 

 The Multiverse, is a whole new dimension. Each single universe is a black hole, and is controlled by the mighty beings which you may call Gods or also Devils! Depends on  the perspective.

Story starts a billion years ago, when the multiverse was in peace. Everyone was living in their own liking, and were happy with it. These people, also called the mortal beings, were in form of many creatures, which in the current world, you may call them animals, birds, insects and humans.

Each black hole, or universe consisted of many different worlds, called Dimensions and mortal beings could travel into these new Dimension.

This is the multiverse, and you may ask, who is in control of all this stuff? , who or what makes all the decisions?

Well, it is controlled by an ancient and powerful stone emitting blue light called, ‘El Operador’, which monitors the working of different dimensions and different universes. Which is located in a Hidden Paradise called the Kinner,

That’s what we call it. The place is prohibited for mortals, it is a place where only gods can go to.This is a long journey, and I hope you are ready to start this, because a wise man once said, “A journey of a billion steps, begins with the first one”.

I will be the Narrator for the whole story. I am Ashish Foreman, and you can call me by the name, GUIDE! So, buckle up and turn the File Binder to discover this new dimension and enjoy what lies ahead!

(Turn to the next page)

File Binder 2: Xuicher Macnoddle

 

In one of the universes, there was a human or a mortal being called Xuicher Macnoddle a.k.a. The Man With Ambition who wanted to rule the WHOLE universe! He wanted to break the silence of universe and wanted the whole power to him instead.

He traveled many worlds, then universes/black holes and traveled afar…. (Blah, blah, blah, not needed As Rowley would never read this) let’s just skip to this part.

He finally reached the Kinner and it was wonderful, the nature and sights made it difficult for him to search and find it.

Now, you may ask ‘How didn’t the gods know about his questions as they lived in the same universe? ‘ . Well, this all happened when the gods went to check other universes and meet other gods, or should I say, a more different universe to relax and party. (Just for the plot, Don’t Remove me Neymar and Rowley)

As I was saying, he was finding it difficult to find, but he didn’t lose hope, he had enough ambition to break the distractions made by the crystal and finally found a cave, emitting a powerful blue light, stronger than the surroundings, the blue light made it too obvious…... Its radiation was pretty strong for him to handle. He removed his shield

he designed to handle the radiation. Well, he is called The Man With Ambition for something! (This is the part where you should chuckle)

He made his way through the long way and tough path of radiation and finally reached ‘El Operador’! He touched it, hoping to gain power but…

 

He could not handle its power, it was the power designed to create the Multiverse, every small detail down till the last minute, what did he expect from it! He, after absorbing almost half of its eternal power, died.

 This created a disturbance in the flow of time, and thus, interrupted the peace maintained by the crystal. Horrific sights were seen by the people, Multiversal beings colliding with each other and smaller creatures eating bigger ones, the poor more powerful than the rich, entire structures collapsing and regaining the form of raw materials and mixing back into the planets!

The Gods were endangered! Now no one could trust each other. Every creature was praying for their survival.

The Gods were transmitted the rendezvous point and they summoned to the location where the disturbance occurred. They saw the dead body of him and when his identity was revealed, they instantly knew that he wasn’t a man of ambition but a man with a death wish. ( I Love those Puns!) The Gods left immediately to handle and set apart different multiversal beings, while Mason, the God of nature and Aite, the God of mischief stayed back and had been told to inspect the sight.

 

As Mason tried inspecting the body, Aite, stood there meaninglessly thinking about mischief. He took out his dagger, awarded to him by the God of Demons. Mason, saw the marks made by the crystal and its radiation and made notes of it and tried to bury the body using vines, while Aite, consumed by the power of the dagger placed his hand on Mason’s shoulder and tried to stab him, but Mason tangled him up his vines and asked him, "Do you think I was that

much of an idiot, Aite! This is not the first time we are meeting each other, isn’t it? “Aite, trying to struggle and cut through the vines, said, “No! I don’t think it is. “

Mason untangled him from his vines and continued to bury the body. Aite, from the back with his unbeatable attitude, stabbed him in the back and said, “But you still don’t know me that well”. Mason fainted and fell on the ground and Broke the stability of the multiverse  and as Aite tried to walk away, he could not handle the transfer of the power to the dagger and fainted next to Mason.

Later on, when all the Gods arrived, Ascelpius, the God of medicine, treated them both. The other gods decided that the crystal wielded too much power and needs to be drained and kept safer than in the Kinner.

  (Turn to the next page)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File Binder 4: Birth of Hope

 

And thus, it was declared, with the help of the mighty gods, Zeus, Indra, Odin and Jesus, they combined their powers and drained its energy and created ‘Perpetuity’, which existed in a place at the end of space and time and contained all existing black holes as if looking through just one dimension.

This being evolved for millions of years and now, it needs some beings who are worthy enough so that they can manage and divide its powers, possessing the power that could control different universes. These helpers were called the ‘Dime-titans’!

One of the mightiest gods, decided that there is no fun without a villain in the story, so he created a powerful being called………
__________________________________________________

*Matt Stops Reading. Gasps Some Air and Waits

Kris mentioned that the file provided a clear explanation for why his grandmother always worships hope. He found the information enlightening and felt it added depth to his understanding of her beliefs. Lili echoed his sentiment, sharing that she had a similar experience and found the connection to hope quite touching. Both Kris and Lili seemed to find a new appreciation for their grandmother's devotion.

Arun, however, was more focused on a different aspect of the story. He raised a question about the identity of the person who ordered a villain, expressing his curiosity about the underlying plot. "But who was the one who ordered a villain?" he asked, looking around for answers. "Who was the villain?" His inquiry sparked a moment of contemplation among the group.

Neil then shifted the conversation to another mystery. "How did the hero of the city meet their end?" he asked, his voice filled with intrigue. The question hung in the air, emphasizing the dramatic turn of events they were discussing. It was clear that the ending of the story had left a significant impact on him, and he was eager to delve deeper into the details.

Pointing at a file on the table, Matt confidently stated, "We will find the answers in the following file." His gesture and tone conveyed a sense of determination, as if he believed the answers they sought were just within their reach. The group looked at the file with renewed interest, ready to uncover the truths hidden within its pages.

Soterios agreed with Matt's assertion, nodding in agreement. "I think Matt is right. All the answers we need should be in there," he said, encouraging the group to continue their investigation. The anticipation was palpable as they prepared to dive back into the file.

With a consensus reached, James took the initiative to turn to the next page. The group leaned in, eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of curiosity and excitement as they delved deeper into the mysteries that lay ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: The Park View

-By Chief Of Army Park View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File Binder 1: The City of Redsand

 

In a tent-shaped bunker nestled in the red desert next to the city of Redson, a tense atmosphere lingered among its occupants.

 

"How many more days do we have to live here? This cot is killing my back," the President grumbled, shifting uncomfortably.

 

"Until either Fortune City or Clark City is finished, Mr. President," the Vice President replied calmly.

 

The President sighed deeply. "We don't even get a decent meal here. Forget pizza delivery! This whole situation is a disaster."

 

The Army General, standing at attention, interjected respectfully, "Mr. President, with all due respect, we wouldn't be in this situation if—"

 

"I know, I know, General," the President cut him off, frustration evident in his voice. "We should have listened to your warnings about the Redsand attacks sooner."

 

"Look, on a brighter note, at least we have a plan now," the Vice President offered, trying to lift the mood.

 

"A plan that involves deploying a group of... what did you call them again, General?" the President asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

"A Reclamation Team, Mr. President," the General replied. "A group of experts with the skills to assess the remaining threats and pave the way for reconstruction efforts in Fortune City and Clark City."

 

The President rubbed his temples, a sign of his growing weariness. "I guess that's the only way... but deploying them comes with risks."

 

"Sir, that's why we have a highly trained military force here to support them, if needed," the Vice President reassured him.

 

The President sighed again, resignation settling in. "I suppose you're right. Sitting here idle won't solve anything. Fine, General, deploy them."

 

"Yes, sir!" the General responded, saluting crisply.

 

In a secret army base near the ruins of Fortune City, the Army General began briefing the assembled team.

 

"Our first team member is Rowley Redfield," the General announced. "An ex-intelligence officer with an impressive resume. He also served with distinction in the FC Rescue and Rebuild program before stepping down when the project was halted."

 

"Excellent. Bring him in. I'm eager to meet him," the Vice President said, his interest piqued.

 

The General spoke into his comm device. "R0R, come in! We have the VP waiting for you."

 

A moment later, the door slid open, and in walked a fine-looking gentleman with a short, neatly trimmed mustache. His attire was a curious mix: a modified trench coat worn over a professional outfit. A worn fedora rested in his hand. He took off his hat and gave a polite nod.

 

"Vice President, General. It's an honor to be considered for this mission," Rowley Redfield said, his voice steady and confident.

 

"The pleasure's all ours, Mr. Redfield," the Vice President replied warmly. "From what I've read in your file, you're exactly the kind of skilled and experienced individual we need for this task."

 

Rowley offered a wry smile. "Perhaps more experienced than I care to admit, but I'm always up for a challenge."

 

The Army General continued, "Mr. Redfield, you may already be familiar with some of the other team members we've assembled."

 

"Is that right?" Rowley raised an eyebrow. "Well, that could be an advantage depending on the company."

 

"Indeed," the General confirmed. "The first you might recognize is Ashish Foreman. He's a skilled operative with whom you've collaborated on several past missions, if my intel is correct."

 

Rowley's smile widened. "Ashish! Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while. Always a pleasure to work alongside a steady hand like him."

 

A knock sounded on the door. The General gestured, and a moment later it slid open to reveal a man in his late forties with a determined expression.

 

"Rowley! Fancy meeting you here. Looks like we're in for another adventure," Ashish Foreman greeted, extending his hand.

 

"Ashish, good to see you again," Rowley replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Let's hope this one goes smoother than the last Bucharest affair."

 

The Vice President stepped forward, shaking both their hands. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Foreman. Your experience will be invaluable."

 

The Army General added, "There's one more member with a unique background joining the team. Superintendent Leon Foreman, Ashish's brother. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his years with the City Police Department."

 

Leon Foreman stepped forward, offering a firm handshake. "Gentlemen. I'm honored to contribute my expertise to this critical mission. Maintaining order within the city will be a crucial part of the effort."

 

"Excellent," the Vice President acknowledged. "Having someone with your experience on the ground will be a tremendous asset. Now, let's meet the detectives who'll be instrumental in gathering intel. These are the Constantine brothers: Namare, the lead detective, and Chris, a specialist investigator known for his…unorthodox methods."

 

Rowley chuckled. "I have someone like me in this group then," he remarked, referring to Chris Constantine.

 

Two men entered, Namare in a sharp suit and Chris in a more casual outfit. Chris offered a sardonic grin.

 

"Pleasure to be working with you all," Namare Constantine greeted. "My brother Chris here may not always follow the rulebook, but he gets results."

 

Chris Constantine winked. "Let's just say I have a way of persuading even the most tight-lipped criminal to loosen their tongue."

 

The Vice President chuckled slightly. "We trust your judgment, Mr. Constantine. Just keep it within the bounds of legality, shall we?"

 

Chris held up his hands in mock surrender. "No promises, but I'll do my best.”

 

The Army General introduced the final members. " Then, what you shall have here is the world famous Tony Sebastian Who un fortunately is not here today but will tend to you when you need it…

And finally, we have two highly trained army captains who will be accompanying you: Captain John Jones and Captain William Jones. Twins, you might say they can finish each other's sentences."

 

Two identical-looking soldiers stepped forward, both with serious expressions.

 

"Ready to serve, sir," John Jones stated.

 

"At your command," William Jones added.

 

"Welcome, everyone," the Vice President addressed the assembled team. "Together, you are 'The Heroes of the City.' This is a dangerous mission, but I have complete faith in your skills and teamwork."

 

The Army General nodded. "We'll brief you further on the specifics of the operation shortly. There are two more members who will be joining the team—"

 

***********************Torn Page***********************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: “The Beginning Of Hero of the City” And “Our First Mission”

- By Rowley Brookfield

 

File Binder 1: The Rise of The Masks

 

The war between Adventure View and Park View wasn’t just a conflict over territory or ideology—it was a conflict that shattered lives. By the time it was over, many cities were reduced to ruins, and society was left scrambling to rebuild itself. In this fragile post-war world, Fortune City had stood tall for a brief moment, like a beacon of hope. But that hope was short-lived. Beneath the surface of its rapid reconstruction, forces were gathering—forces that wanted to remake the world in their own image. That was when The Masks appeared.

At first, they were little more than a whisper—a few masked criminals carrying out robberies, wearing strange grotesque masks that distorted their features. But their tactics were more precise than those of ordinary street thugs. They left no clues, no traces, only fear. The city, still healing from the scars of war, did not take them seriously, dismissing their early attacks as isolated incidents. But we, those who had fought in the trenches of the war, knew better.

The leader of the gang, known only as The Mask, quickly became a name whispered in dark alleyways, a ghost haunting the underworld of Fortune City. His identity was shrouded in mystery. Some said he was a disillusioned war hero from Park View, a man who had once served with honor but was now corrupted by vengeance. Others claimed he was never a soldier at all, but a master tactician from Adventure View, a remnant of their shadow forces. No matter the rumors, one fact remained: The Mask’s rise was swift and brutal. His first major attack sent a clear message that Fortune City’s safety was nothing more than an illusion.

It was late one evening when the city plunged into darkness. Power plants on the outskirts were systematically sabotaged, leaving the entire urban sprawl in a blackout. People were trapped in elevators, the city’s famous skyline reduced to a silhouette against the night sky, and panic spread through the streets. In the chaos, the Masks made their move. Armed with advanced weaponry, they stormed the city’s banks and armories. They weren’t just after money—they were after control.

The heist was timed to perfection. Dozens of security guards and police officers were caught off guard, disoriented in the darkness, as the Masks moved through the city with surgical precision. They killed without hesitation, leaving behind no survivors in their path. When the lights returned to the city the next morning, Fortune City was left with more questions than answers. Who were these attackers? How had they moved so swiftly? And why had they targeted critical infrastructure rather than just money or resources?

The mayor called an emergency meeting with the city’s law enforcement and military leaders, but there was no clear solution. The Masks were like a cancer spreading through Fortune City’s streets—unseen, but ever-present. They controlled the black market, the flow of illegal arms, and even had influence in the city’s crumbling political sphere. The city's elite began to withdraw, hiring private security forces, hiding behind gated communities, while the rest of the city suffered. The Masks took advantage of the power vacuum, growing more emboldened with each passing day.

That’s when they came for us.

I still remember that night vividly. The sky was overcast, with a thin layer of mist hanging in the air. Chris Brookfield, my brother, and I had been huddled around a small table in one of our safe houses, going over intelligence reports. Ashish Feast and Nolan Cambre were nearby, discussing their upcoming recon mission in the northern district. We had been tracking the Masks for weeks, trying to piece together their movements, their hierarchy. They were more than just another gang—they had military training, tactics that pointed to a larger conspiracy. And their leader, The Mask, was at the center of it all.

Our group had been forged in the fires of war. Each of us had seen things in the battlefield that changed us, hardened us. Ashish and Chris had fought together in the brutal campaigns along the Park View frontlines, while I had spent my years as an undercover SPY, infiltrating hostile forces. We had gathered a group of trusted allies—Nolan Cambre, the Constantine brothers, and Leon Feast, all of whom had served in law enforcement or had military experience. Then there was Tony Sebastian, the quiet genius behind our operations. Tony wasn’t a soldier—he was a scientist. His mind was his greatest weapon, and it was thanks to him that we stayed ahead of the curve. He built our tech, designed our strategies, and his deep understanding of psychology often gave us the edge in outmaneuvering enemies.

That night, the mist outside seemed to thicken as if the city itself were holding its breath. Suddenly, a sharp, blinding light flooded the room. We barely had time to react. Flashbangs exploded around us, and masked figures came crashing through the windows. They were The Masks, and they had found us.

Chaos erupted in the safe house. Ashish was the first to engage, taking cover behind an overturned table and returning fire. Chris and I exchanged quick glances, communicating without words—a habit developed from years of working together. In an instant, we were in motion. Chris drew his knife, moving silently around the perimeter while I took a defensive position near Tony. Nolan and the Constantine brothers were upstairs when the attack started, and within seconds, they joined the fray. The Masks moved with terrifying efficiency, each one of them highly trained, disciplined. But they weren’t expecting us to be prepared.

Tony had anticipated an attack, and his early warning systems gave us the edge we needed. As bullets flew through the room, Tony activated a set of hidden traps—high-frequency sound emitters that disoriented the attackers just long enough for us to turn the tide. Within minutes, we had pushed them back, driving them out of the building. But as we gathered ourselves in the aftermath, one thing became clear: the Masks knew who we were. They had come for us, and that meant one thing—they saw us as a threat.

The next few weeks were a blur of planning and preparation. The Masks were more than just a criminal organization—they were a movement, led by a man whose vision was far darker than anything we could have imagined. We uncovered more of their plans, learning that they weren’t just after control of Fortune City—they were after its soul. The Mask believed that the only way to rebuild society was to tear it down completely, to strip away the false sense of security and force people to confront their primal fears. In his twisted worldview, only by living in constant fear could people truly be free. And to him, Fortune City was the perfect testing ground for his theory.

But it wasn’t just philosophy that drove him. As we delved deeper into his past, we discovered his true identity. The Mask had once been a soldier, an elite member of Park View’s covert operations unit, but something had gone wrong during the war. He had been betrayed by his superiors, left for dead, and had returned a different man. His mask wasn’t just a symbol—it was a prison, a way to hide the humanity he had lost along the way. Now, he was determined to make the world pay for what had been done to him, and Fortune City was only the beginning.

We couldn’t allow that to happen.

Tony had pieced together the location of their headquarters. It wasn’t a simple hideout in an abandoned warehouse or some dilapidated building in the industrial district. It was far more insidious than that. The Masks had built their base beneath the city, deep in the forgotten subway tunnels that ran beneath Fortune City like a maze of shadows. This was where they operated from, where they planned their next move. And their next move was the assassination of the mayor—a public execution that would serve as the final blow to the city's morale.

We were running out of time.

The night before the assault, I couldn’t sleep. I found myself standing on the roof of our safe house, staring out at the city. The skyline was a mixture of lights and shadows, a reminder of what we were fighting for. Ashish joined me after a while, standing silently beside me. He didn’t have to say anything—we both knew what was at stake. If we failed, it wouldn’t just be our lives on the line. The entire city would fall into the hands of the Masks.

The following evening, we gathered our gear and made our way into the subway tunnels. The air was thick and stale, and the walls were covered in grime and graffiti. It was a forgotten place, a relic of a different time. As we moved deeper into the tunnels, the sounds of the city faded, replaced by the distant echoes of dripping water and the occasional rumble of the ground above.

The attack came swiftly. The Masks had fortified their position, and as we approached, they unleashed their first wave of defense. Flashbangs once again lit up the darkness, followed by the rapid fire of automatic weapons. Chris and Ashish took point, their military training kicking in as they moved from cover to cover, returning fire with deadly precision. Nolan, Leon, and the Constantine brothers flanked the enemy, using their knowledge of tactical positioning to outmaneuver the attackers.

But this time, the Masks were ready for us. They had set traps throughout the tunnels—pressure plates that triggered explosions, motion sensors that activated automated turrets. At one point, we were pinned down by a hail of gunfire, unable to move forward. Tony worked quickly, overriding the turrets’ systems with a handheld device he had designed specifically for this mission. But it was slow going, and every second counted.

Finally, we reached the heart of their operations. The underground base was a sprawling complex of old subway cars, cables, and makeshift command centers. And there, at the center of it all, stood The Mask. He was waiting for us, standing atop a platform surrounded by his most loyal followers. His voice echoed through the chamber as he addressed us.

“You’ve come to stop me, but you don’t even understand what I’m trying to do,” he said, his voice cold and detached. “You’re still living in the old world, clinging to your illusions of safety and order. But that world is dead. I’m offering you freedom—a chance to see the truth. You should be thanking me.”

The final battle began.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File Binder 2: The Finale Of this Season

 

The atmosphere in the dimly lit chamber was thick with tension as we locked eyes with The Mask. His tall, imposing figure was backlit by the flickering lights of old subway cars, casting his shadow like a specter over us. Around him stood his most loyal followers, their masks reflecting the cold light, their weapons trained on us. This wasn’t just another skirmish—this was the confrontation that would decide the fate of Fortune City.

His voice, though calm, carried a chilling weight. "You’ve seen the world fall apart," he began, his tone laced with both menace and a strange charisma. "You’ve seen what happens when society clings to its fragile lies. I’m not your enemy, Brookfield. I’m the truth you’ve been running from your whole life. Fortune City was always going to fall—I'm just helping it along."

As he spoke, the Masks surrounding him began to close in, their movements precise, deliberate. The air buzzed with anticipation, and I could feel the weight of every decision, every action, pressing down on my chest. We were outnumbered, and every one of his soldiers was battle-hardened, prepared to die for his cause. But we had something they didn’t—each other. Years of fighting together had made us more than a team; we were a unit, each of us moving like extensions of one another, knowing each other’s next steps before they were taken.

The first gunshot shattered the silence. Chris, always quick on the trigger, fired a calculated shot that hit one of the Masks in the shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground. That was the signal, and all hell broke loose.

"Move! Now!" I shouted, diving behind an overturned subway car as bullets pinged against the metal. Ashish and Nolan immediately flanked left, using the debris scattered around the underground complex as cover. Leon Feast and the Constantine brothers, drawing from their years in law enforcement, advanced strategically, exchanging fire with the enemy while staying low and minimizing their exposure.

The chaos was immediate. The sound of gunfire reverberated through the tunnels, punctuated by the grunts and shouts of battle. But amidst the cacophony, I saw him—The Mask, standing atop his platform, unmoving, watching us like a predator studying its prey. He wasn’t joining the fight. No, he was waiting—waiting for the right moment.

Tony Sebastian, who had been crouched behind me working furiously on his tablet, called out. "I’m almost there! Give me two more minutes, I can take down their security grid."

We didn’t have two minutes.

The Mask finally descended from his platform, stepping into the fray with a calm, lethal grace. In his hands, he held a long, curved knife—not a gun. He didn’t need one. His movements were fluid, honed from years of combat training. He dispatched two of our men with terrifying ease, his knife slicing through the air as though it were an extension of his arm.

Chris engaged him first, swinging the butt of his rifle at The Mask’s head. But The Mask anticipated the move, ducking beneath the strike and countering with a swift kick to Chris’s midsection that sent him sprawling into a pile of rubble. Before I could react, The Mask was already upon him, his knife gleaming in the dim light.

"Chris!" I yelled, rushing forward, but Leon and Jim Constantine were faster, laying down suppressive fire to force The Mask back. It worked—temporarily. He retreated a few steps, disappearing into the shadows of the tunnels as his soldiers continued the firefight. But I knew it wasn’t over. He was playing with us.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocked the chamber. One of the Masks had triggered a booby trap, and a section of the ceiling collapsed, sending dust and debris raining down on both sides. For a moment, everything was chaos, the air thick with dust and smoke. Coughing, I pulled myself up, trying to assess the situation.

Through the haze, I saw Tony, finally standing tall, his tablet in hand. "I’ve got it! Their communications are down!"

That was the opening we needed.

With their network disrupted, the Masks faltered, their once-coordinated assault breaking apart. Ashish and Nolan took advantage, advancing on their position with brutal efficiency. One by one, the enemy fell, their lines crumbling under the weight of our counterattack. But amidst the chaos, The Mask reappeared, moving with terrifying speed and precision.

He came for me.

I barely had time to react before he was on me, his knife flashing in the low light. I dodged to the side, but not fast enough—his blade grazed my arm, cutting through my jacket and drawing blood. The pain was sharp, but I couldn’t afford to focus on it. He was relentless, each strike faster and more calculated than the last. This wasn’t some mindless thug—this was a man who had been trained to kill.

"You’re too late, Brookfield," he hissed as his blade clashed with mine. "Even if you stop me, this city will tear itself apart. I’ve already won."

I gritted my teeth, pushing back with all the strength I had. "You haven’t won anything," I spat, deflecting another strike aimed at my throat. "This city’s still standing. And as long as we’re here, it’s not going to fall."

His eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Naive."

Suddenly, he changed tactics, aiming low with a sweeping kick that took my legs out from under me. I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of me. Before I could recover, he was on top of me, his knife raised high, ready for the final blow.

But then, out of nowhere, Chris tackled him from the side, sending both of them crashing to the ground. The knife skittered out of The Mask’s hand as the two struggled for control. Chris landed a solid punch to The Mask’s jaw, but it wasn’t enough. The Mask recovered quickly, flipping Chris onto his back and pinning him down.

I scrambled to my feet, grabbing the knife from where it had fallen. As The Mask raised his fist to strike Chris again, I lunged, driving the blade deep into his side. He let out a sharp gasp, his body tensing as the pain coursed through him. For a moment, he froze, staring at me through his featureless mask.

"You… won’t change anything," he whispered, his voice weak, but still filled with defiance.

With a final, shuddering breath, he collapsed to the ground, his mask cracking as it hit the concrete floor. The battle around us had all but stopped, the remaining Masks either retreating or surrendering as their leader lay motionless.

Chris, still breathing heavily, pushed himself to his feet. "You okay?" he asked, wiping blood from his mouth.

I nodded, though my arm throbbed from the wound. "Yeah. Thanks for the assist."

We stood there for a moment, catching our breath as the reality of what had just happened sank in. The battle was over. The Masks had been defeated. But as I looked down at The Mask’s lifeless body, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the end.

He had been right about one thing—Fortune City was still standing. But the scars left by the Masks would take a long time to heal. And in the shadows, there were always others waiting to rise, others who craved power, chaos, and destruction.

The city had been saved for now. But we would be ready for whatever came next.

.

 

File Binder 3: The Shadows That Lurk - “New Threats and Old Enemies”

The victory over the Masks had given Fortune City a fragile peace. The streets, once filled with chaos and violence, were now calm, and the people began to feel a flicker of hope. But beneath the surface, trouble brewed. It was as if the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for the next storm to hit.

And hit it did.

One morning, without warning, the sky over Fortune City darkened. At first, people thought it was a passing storm, but soon, a colossal shape blotted out the sun. It was the Dreadnought, a massive airship floating menacingly above the city, casting an ominous shadow over everything below. Its metallic surface gleamed under the dull light, and the faint hum of its engines filled the air with an unsettling tension. The city had never seen anything like it.

At the helm of this fortress was a man who was no stranger to us—Dr. Vortex. Once a brilliant scientist and a colleague of Tony Sebastian, he had descended into madness after his radical ideas were rejected by the scientific community. His obsession with creating a utopia built on his vision of "technological perfection" had led him to transform himself into a tyrant, driven by a desire to reshape Fortune City in his image. His airship was more than a threat; it was a symbol of the future he sought to impose.

"We have to move fast," I said, gathering the team at our hidden base. The room was heavy with a sense of urgency as each of us considered the gravity of the situation. We had barely recovered from the war with the Masks, and now another battle loomed—one that was even more dangerous.

Tony’s face was drawn tight with concern. "He’s back," he said quietly. "Vortex. I should have known he’d come back after all these years. I just didn’t expect it to be like this."

The others were equally tense. Ashish Foreman, my closest friend and a skilled tactician, suggested an immediate strategy. "We need to split our efforts. Some of us should focus on getting people out of the danger zone, while the rest of us take the fight directly to him. That airship needs to be grounded."

Nolan Cambre and the Constantine brothers—Namare and Chris—were already on it, organizing the city’s forces. They coordinated with local police and emergency services to evacuate the most vulnerable areas, working tirelessly to set up defenses should Dr. Vortex decide to launch an all-out assault. The Dreadnought hovered ominously above, like a predator waiting to strike.

As we prepared Tony’s goal was simple: find the Dreadnought’s weakness. Hours passed as he pored over blueprints and schematics, analyzing every inch of the airship’s defenses. Finally, he found it.

"It’s powered by a highly volatile energy core," Tony explained, pointing to a spot deep within the ship’s belly. "If we can get inside and sabotage it, the whole thing will come crashing down."

The plan was as dangerous as it was necessary. The only way to stop Dr. Vortex was to destroy his airship from within. We had to infiltrate the Dreadnought, disable the core, and get out before the ship turned the city into rubble.

Nightfall came, and the time to act was now. Under the cover of darkness, we moved swiftly through the streets, avoiding the watchful eyes of the drones that buzzed overhead like mechanical vultures. The city below was eerily quiet, as if everyone was holding their breath, praying for the heroes to succeed.

We reached the docking area where the Dreadnought had lowered its boarding ramp for its army of automatons—soulless machines designed to carry out Dr. Vortex’s will. These were no ordinary robots; they were fast, heavily armored, and nearly unstoppable. But we had dealt with worse.

As we made our way up the ramp, I couldn’t help but glance at the city below. The streets we had fought so hard to protect were now vulnerable again, and it was up to us to make sure that this battle didn’t end in disaster.

Inside the Dreadnought, the air was stifling. The metallic corridors were dimly lit, the hum of machinery all around us. We moved cautiously, knowing that Dr. Vortex had eyes everywhere. Automated turrets lined the walls, ready to fire on any intruders. But Tony had anticipated this. With a few taps on his handheld device, he disabled the security systems, giving us a narrow window to reach the core.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of marching. Dr. Vortex’s mechanical soldiers had found us. The battle erupted in an instant—bullets ricocheted off the metal walls, and sparks flew as we fought our way through the endless wave of automatons. Chris Brookfield and Ashish moved with practiced precision, their years of combat experience showing as they expertly took down the machines. Namare and Jim Constantine, using their training as police officers, worked to clear the path ahead, their weapons cutting through the robotic horde.

But the real challenge lay ahead.

As we reached the heart of the ship, the massive energy core loomed before us—a glowing, pulsating mass of unstable power. And standing in front of it, waiting for us, was Dr. Vortex himself. His gaunt face, hidden beneath a mask of cold metal, stared at us with a mixture of contempt and amusement.

"You’ve come all this way," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "But you still don’t understand. This city is broken, diseased. I’m giving it a chance to be reborn, free from the shackles of its corrupt past. You could have been a part of it, Brookfield, but you chose the losing side."

His words were filled with venom, but I knew better than to engage him in a debate. We didn’t have time for that.

"We’re here to stop you, Vortex," I said, my voice steady. "Whatever you think you’re doing, it ends tonight."

He sneered, his fingers dancing across the controls on his arm. "We’ll see about that."

The battle that followed was unlike anything we had faced before. Dr. Vortex was not just a scientist; he had transformed himself into something more—his body enhanced with cybernetic implants, his strength and speed far beyond that of a normal human. He fought with cold precision, his mechanical limbs moving with terrifying efficiency.

Chris engaged him first, his fists flying as he tried to find an opening. But Dr. Vortex was faster, dodging each blow with ease. He countered with a brutal strike to Chris’s midsection, sending him crashing into a wall. Nolan and Ashish moved in next, their combined efforts managing to land a few hits, but it wasn’t enough.

"We need to disable that core!" Tony shouted from the other side of the room, frantically working to bypass the ship’s control systems.

Leon, always quick on his feet, sprinted towards the control panel, dodging laser fire as he went. He reached the console and began the shutdown sequence, but Dr. Vortex wasn’t going to make it easy. With a roar of anger, he launched himself at Leon, but I intercepted him, tackling him to the ground.

The two of us grappled, his strength almost overwhelming. I could feel the cold metal of his implants digging into my skin, but I didn’t let go. I couldn’t. This was the moment that would decide the fate of the city.

"Get out of here, Brookfield," Dr. Vortex hissed, his voice distorted by his cybernetic enhancements. "This city will fall, whether you’re here or not."

"Not today," I growled, forcing him back with all the strength I had left.

Just as he was about to strike again, a sudden jolt shook the Dreadnought. Leon had done it—the core was destabilizing. The ship’s lights flickered, and the hum of the engines grew louder, more erratic.

"We need to move!" I shouted, pulling myself to my feet. "This thing’s going down!"

We barely made it out. The Dreadnought began to crumble, its once-mighty frame falling apart as the core’s energy spiraled out of control. As we leaped from the ship, it plummeted into the river, a massive explosion sending water and debris flying into the air.

But the battle wasn’t over. As we regrouped on the riverbank, I noticed Tony lagging behind, his expression strained. "I’ll hold him off," he shouted, stepping back toward the wreckage, determined to buy us time.

"Tony, no!" I yelled, but it was too late. He launched himself back into the fray, confronting the disoriented Dr. Vortex, who was staggering from the impact of the explosion.

In a moment of desperation, Tony hurled a makeshift explosive he had crafted earlier, aiming for the remnants of the Dreadnought around Dr. Vortex. The blast sent the mad scientist reeling, but as the flames engulfed the area, I realized the explosion was too powerful.

"Tony!" I screamed, horror gripping my heart as I watched him disappear in the fiery chaos.

When the smoke cleared, we found only silence. The remnants of the Dreadnought floated in the river, and Tony was gone. Grief washed over us like a tidal wave, but there was no time to mourn. We had won, but the victory felt hollow.

As dawn broke, we stood at the river’s edge, watching the last of the wreckage sink beneath the water. The city would rejoice, but for us, the cost was high. We had lost a friend and a hero. The cheers of the citizens echoed in the distance, a bittersweet reminder of what we had sacrificed.

I could still hear Dr. Vortex's mocking laughter ringing in my ears, his last words haunting me. "You may have won this time, but I will return." The thought sent chills down my spine. What if he did come back? What if we weren't prepared?

As the sun climbed higher, casting a golden hue over the city, I turned to Nolan and Chris, both of whom stood beside me, their expressions grave. It was then that an unexpected surge of energy enveloped them. The air crackled with electricity, and before my eyes, the two men awaited for there departure. After some time we were met by the familiar faces of Captain John Jones and Captain William Jones. Chis and Nolan Made their leave.

"Welcome back," I said, struggling to mask the turmoil within me. The reunion should have filled me with joy, but the loss of Tony weighed heavily on my heart.

“We are grateful for your bravery,” John said, his voice steady despite the chaos around us. “But we must prepare. This city needs its heroes now more than ever.”

As the sun rose higher, illuminating the city that had fought so hard to reclaim its peace, I felt a new resolve take root in my heart. The battle for Fortune City was far from over. The shadows of the past still lingered, and we would need to be ready for whatever came next.

We gathered at the riverbank, the weight of our loss pressing down on us, but we also felt the support of the city behind us. The people needed us, and we would not abandon them. We would honor Tony’s sacrifice by continuing the fight for justice, by standing united against the darkness that threatened our home.

The story of the Hero of the City was far from finished. It was only the beginning.