Heroes of Veridia

Chapter 18

Evelyn approached the towering structure of the serum factory. Its steel exterior gleamed under the midday sun, making the building look modern and clinical, yet there was an undercurrent of menace about it. Tall barbed wire fences surrounded the perimeter, and cameras were positioned at every corner, sweeping back and forth, scanning the area for intruders. Armed security guards in sleek, black uniforms patrolled the entrance, their expressions stern and alert. The air was thick with tension, and the scent of metal and chemicals lingered in the atmosphere.

The factory buzzed with activity as workers and officials moved in and out. A line of trucks stood by the loading docks, filled with crates marked with the serum logo, waiting to be transported to other locations. Crowds of people — civilians, possibly investors, and other officials — were moving through the gates, their faces filled with a mix of curiosity and greed. They whispered to each other in low voices, excited about the prospects that Victor's serum could offer, unaware of the dark truth hidden within the factory's walls.

Evelyn slipped into an alleyway, keeping herself out of sight. The shadows clung to her, offering some protection from the prying eyes of the cameras. She touched the wooden mask covering her face, and with a thought, it disintegrated into tiny particles, scattering in the air before vanishing completely.

She adjusted the hood of her white tracksuit, ensuring it concealed her features. The material glowed faintly in the light, but with her identity hidden, she felt more confident moving amongst the crowd. Blending in would be key to her plan.

As she stepped out of the alley, she weaved through the people entering the factory. Her eyes scanned the area, noting the absence of the criminals she had bound to the factory. Whatever chaos she had left behind was now gone, replaced by an eerie calm. The factory showed no signs of the battle that had taken place—no damage to the structure, no evidence of the prisoners she had captured. It was as if nothing had ever happened.

Evelyn's mind raced. The police must have taken them away, she thought, her gaze falling on the increased security presence. It seems they've learned their lesson.

Guards stood at every corner, and their eyes were sharp, watching every movement, every person who walked past. Metal detectors were placed at the entrance, and scanners checked each person's ID, ensuring no one unauthorized entered. There was no room for mistakes.

Inside the factory, she saw glass doors leading into the main lobby, which was filled with sleek white counters and clean, futuristic designs. The walls were adorned with motivational posters about "a brighter, safer future" thanks to Victor's serum. Holographic screens displayed promotional videos showcasing the "heroic potential" of modified individuals, as well as footage of people using their enhanced abilities for everyday life—lifting cars, running at incredible speeds, and stopping disasters. It was a spectacle, a facade hiding the truth.

The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, a clear indication that something big was happening today. As she weaved through the crowd, she noticed a familiar face: the female factory worker she had saved the previous day.

"Hey, how are you doing?" Evelyn asked as she approached her, lowering her voice slightly to avoid attention.

The worker glanced up, eyes widening in recognition despite Evelyn's hood. "Better," she replied, her voice grateful. "Did you come to witness the tests?"

Evelyn looked around, noting the unusually large crowd. "You didn't tell me this place would be so filled up," she remarked, her tone casual but her eyes scanning the scene with curiosity.

The worker shook her head. "It wasn't like this yesterday. Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Blake finalized their agreement, and now the serum has the green light to be made available to the public. I'm sure most of these people are here to get some," she explained, gesturing toward the line of people eagerly waiting near the front counters.