Mutant Teenagers

A Mysterious Proposition

It was late afternoon, and the group had gathered in the safehouse’s common area after another exhausting training session. Leonidas entered the room, holding an old, weathered journal, his expression as serious as they’d ever seen it.

“There’s something you all need to hear,” Leonidas began, his voice calm but commanding.

“What is it now?” Spuros asked, leaning back on the couch and lazily spinning a portal the size of an orange above his hand.

Leonidas shot him a look but continued. “While researching potential ways to help you control your abilities, I came across a lead about an ancient temple in the forests outside Athens. According to legend, it was once a sanctuary for mutants—an ancient group of people who wielded powers similar to yours.”

Sofia leaned forward. “A sanctuary? So... like us but thousands of years ago?”

“Exactly,” Leonidas confirmed. “The records suggest this temple holds artifacts and knowledge about the origin of mutant abilities. If that’s true, it could help you understand your powers better—and maybe even enhance them.”

Kwstas frowned, crossing his arms. “Sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”

Leonidas’s expression darkened slightly. “The temple is said to be protected by trials, traps, and ancient mechanisms designed to keep it hidden. It won’t be easy.”

“I’m in,” Nikolas said without hesitation. “If there’s even a chance it’ll help us, it’s worth the risk.”

Kwstas nodded. “Agreed. We can’t afford to pass this up.”

Melina glanced at Spuros, who had stopped playing with his portal and was listening intently. “What do you think?”

“I think it sounds fun,” Spuros said with a grin. “But also dangerous. Which is why we definitely have to do it.”

Morena, who had been quietly examining the journal, spoke up. “I think we should prepare carefully. If these trials are anything like what we’ve faced before, we’ll need to work as a team.”

Leonidas nodded. “Then it’s settled. Gather your gear. We leave at dawn.”

---

The Journey to the Temple

The next morning, the group set out at first light. The dense forests outside Athens were cool and misty, the sun barely breaking through the canopy. As they hiked, the group fell into a rhythm of conversation and banter.

“Do you think these ancient mutants had powers like ours?” Sofia asked, adjusting her backpack.

“Probably,” Morena replied. “But who knows how advanced they were? They might’ve been way beyond us.”

“Or way worse,” Spuros joked. “What if they couldn’t control their powers and just blew stuff up all the time?”

Nikolas smirked. “Sounds like you.”

“Hey!” Spuros protested, shoving Nikolas playfully.

Kwstas rolled his eyes but couldn’t help a small smile. “Focus, guys. This isn’t a vacation.”

Melina, walking slightly ahead, turned to look back at him. “You really need to lighten up sometimes, Kwstas.”

“I’ll lighten up when we’re not risking our lives,” he shot back, though there was no real bite to his tone.

After hours of trekking, they finally reached the clearing. In the center stood a massive, vine-covered stone structure. The entrance was marked by glowing symbols that pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat.