Quirkless Mastermind

C-8:Hollers of Failure

The tranquil symphony of the distant crickets serenading the silent streets at the late hours of the night never failed to imbue the atmosphere with a profound sense of peace and tranquillity. As if guided by the stars above, heroes could be seen gracefully patrolling the starry night skies, their acrobatic manoeuvres akin to shooting stars gliding through space, granting the wish of every hero hopeful out there.

Each jump, each movement, was a testament to the unwavering dedication of the various schools across the country that had meticulously nurtured and honed these young heroes' skills. Their combined efforts led Japan to be ranked as the 8th highest producer of hero graduates in the world.

And on this particular night, as two heroes worked together in pursuit of a seemingly young target, there was a sense of hope that emanated from their every move. With a sense of purpose that shone as brightly as the stars above, they chased their quarry with an unwavering determination, inspired by the belief that they could make a positive difference in the world.

However, just like the darker alleys and the flickering street lights of the walkways, there always are they areas, where the sun shines less. The mothers tell the children, to not wander off after 9 while letting them drift off to sleep with the urban folklore mostly derived from the earlier villain incident dating back to the 2030s. I stopped and turned my head as if a reflex took control that I harnessed after years of being observed and being under constant threat. The rotten smell of flesh hit my nostrils, yet I didn't gag. It seems, this time, the heroes lost yet again. It's not as if this was the first time.I stayed silent as I waited behind the side wall, for about...

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I felt a cool breeze hit my face as I someone flew past me, just above me.It was Velocity, the speed hero as written on his badge. Even if he went past me in a matter of milliseconds, it was enough to leave a sense of his urgency. His shivering hands as he tried to take up the remains of his dead ally, yet all he got was a wet mess of intestines, scattered along the polluted corners. Oftentimes, heroes even after years of experience, tend to be overridden by emotions. That's a surge, that can only be controlled by being desensitised, it's a sacrifice and quite a big one. So it made sense, why this hero was emotional. But sadly, such emotions hinder one's judgement.

He hadn't checked his surroundings as a cat-like figure wrapped her talons across the man's neck.

"Aww, such a cutie! These tears, just so pure, your blood must be even purer. Stay still will ya!Lemme~"

As if it wasn't cruel enough, this person shapeshifted into his dead companion.The hero seemed to be too stunned as if the shock was too much for him to prepare for.

"Ooooo! Such a pretty expression! Can I take a selfie?....Oh wait, I don't really have a camera...Hey mister, I know exactly what I should do! After I stab all over your oh-so-perfect body, maybe I can take off your face! Hehhh! Yes, that's for the best! I will get your cute face ripped off your skin after I take off the blood I need, yes! that will be amazing!!! YYEYHAAHHH! I can't wait! Look I even look like your friend! Isn't it so adorable having your trusted comrade be the one to leave a blood trail as your proof of friendship? I THINK IT'S LOVELY!!AHHHAA....YES! LOVELY!!!"