Heroes of Veridia

Chapter 13: Silent Resilience

Seraphina Blake's POV

I leaned back in my chair, the sharp lines of the conference table reflecting the holographic broadcast of Victor Blackwood's live serum announcement. His face filled the room—youthful, almost disturbingly fresh-faced. As he spoke about revolutionizing the future for giftless people, I could sense the ripple effect his words would have, not only on our society but on the council's stance regarding power.

Beside me, the members of my board were quiet, some nodding in agreement, while others had a look of unease. Victor's proposal was bold, but I knew it came with consequences. The modified human program had been the only option for those who sought power but were born without gifts. His serum could change all that.

Victor smiled into the camera, feeding the public the idea that anyone could become a hero. He sold them the dream. But as someone who knew him too well, I could see the hidden ambition behind his eyes. This wasn't just about helping people—it was about control.

"Seraphina?" one of the board members, Tobias, interrupted my thoughts. He was leaning forward, his hands clasped together as if in prayer. "Do you really think partnering with Blackwood is wise? His factory could be dangerous. This serum... we don't even fully understand its long-term effects."

I scanned the room. Half the board was apprehensive, the other half intrigued by the prospect of what Victor's invention could mean. I cleared my throat.

"We've been relying on the modified human transformation process for too long. It's risky, and we all know it," I said, letting my gaze meet each of theirs. "Every day, we hear stories of people losing their emotions, becoming hollow shells after being modified. Yes, some keep their humanity, but most do not. It's a gamble. Victor's serum, if it works the way he claims, offers a safer alternative. One where people retain their humanity."

"Isn't that idealistic?" Diana, one of the more conservative members, folded her arms. "Becoming modified guarantees power. The serum... it's still experimental."

I steepled my fingers, leaning forward, letting the weight of my next words sink in. "We cannot ignore the risks of becoming modified any longer. I've seen the statistics. You've seen them too. The emotional toll, the ethical debates. How many times have we been criticized for supporting the transformation process, knowing the price people pay?"

There was silence. Everyone knew the answer, but no one wanted to say it.

"What I'm proposing," I continued, "is not an immediate leap into Victor's hands. It's a partnership. We will control how the serum is distributed. We'll give giftless people who want to become heroes an alternative to the transformation. We'll monitor the effects, and if successful, we'll slowly transition away from the modification process altogether."

I could feel the shift in the room as they processed my words. Some, like Diana, still wore uncertainty on their faces, while others, like Tobias, were starting to see the opportunity. "The serum gives people a choice. A chance to keep their humanity intact," I pressed. "If we don't act now, Victor will move forward with or without us. And then we'll have no say in how this new power is controlled."

Silence followed as they mulled over my proposition.

Finally, Tobias nodded. "You have a point. This serum could be revolutionary. But we need guarantees—safeguards. The last thing we need is to jump into this without leverage."

"Agreed," I said, nodding. "We negotiate on our terms. We ensure that the serum is safe and ethically distributed. And most importantly, we maintain control over how this power is used."

Diana sighed. "But how can we trust Victor? You know what he's like. He's not the type to share power easily."

I smiled wryly. "I've known Victor for years. I know how he operates. He's ambitious, yes, but he won't turn down a partnership if it benefits him. We'll have to be careful, but I believe we can outmaneuver him if needed."