Aguilar observed the sterile white walls of the room, an atmosphere heavy with silence and the faint light filtering through the blinds. Sitting on the examination table, he tried to summon his shadow power as he had done countless times before, only to feel a deep void where there had once been a vibrant connection. He closed his eyes, concentrating, but found nothing. His breathing grew slow and heavy as he finally accepted what he had suspected since the ritual: the power no longer belonged to him. Izuku was now its bearer.
Francisco, his friend and confidant, watched him from the corner of the room with a mix of compassion and pragmatism. He approached, crossing his arms, and spoke in a measured tone:
-*Indeed, he has started to progress aggressively now that you no longer have that power* - His voice was soft but firm, like someone who knows there's no easy way to say what needed to be said. Aguilar nodded, looking at the ground. He knew what Francisco was referring to, even if he hadn't wanted to accept it.
After a pause, Aguilar looked up, seeking answers in his friend's face -*How much time?* -.
Francisco took a breath before responding -*At most, two years* -.
The answer hung in the air, heavy with a weight that seemed to flood the room. Aguilar, though accustomed to facing dangers and challenges, felt a mix of emotions that were hard to process. The silence between them grew long, almost oppressive, as Aguilar tried to absorb it. He knew his time was limited, but hearing that number gave him a sense of urgency unlike anything he had felt before.
Francisco, sensing the burden his friend carried, stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder - *This isn't the end, old friend. You still have time, and more than ever, you have a clear purpose. Izuku now carries your legacy, but that doesn't mean you no longer have a role to play* -.
Aguilar offered a faint, almost imperceptible smile and nodded - *You're right. If this is what I have left, I'll make sure to make the most of it. I won't let time slip away without preparing everything for what's to come* -.
Both men fell silent, understanding that while the situation was uncertain, it wasn't insurmountable. Aguilar knew he still had a mission, and though the shadows had changed bearers, his will and determination remained unshaken.
After his conversation with Francisco, Aguilar got to work. He knew that, even though he still had time, he needed to start taking action to prepare Izuku's path and ensure everything would be in order when he was no longer around. Although he had already passed on the power of shadows, there was still much to do to solidify his legacy and provide Izuku with a stable and sustainable future.
His first step was to initiate the transfer of leadership of Monarch Inc. He began working with his advisors to restructure the company, formally naming Izuku as his heir and ensuring that everything could be carried out smoothly and effectively. He set up meetings with his lawyers and financial advisors to guarantee that Izuku would have all the support he needed to take on the leadership role. Although Izuku was still unaware of his plans, Aguilar would make sure he had a solid support team when the time came.
At the same time, Aguilar thought about Izuku's training and the importance of providing him with a place where he could develop and strengthen his body and mind. With that in mind, he turned his attention to Japan, specifically to a place that, though unconventional, had unique potential: Dagoba Beach. He knew that the abandoned, trash-filled beach would be the perfect location to build a training base. He could see the potential in transforming that space into a sanctuary where Izuku could not only train his powers but also find a refuge to prepare himself as a leader.
Aguilar sent his team of architects and builders to inspect the beach and design plans for a house that would serve not only as a home but also as a multifunctional training center. The construction would include a high-tech gym, combat simulators, and a strategy area for business leadership training. The house would have a discreet exterior but state-of-the-art facilities inside, including specific areas for practicing his shadow powers and a small library with the most relevant knowledge for his studies and growth.
As the preparations advanced, Aguilar reached out to several specialized equipment companies to obtain the best tools and resources for Izuku's training. Every decision was meticulous and planned, aiming to create an environment where Izuku could discover his own potential and grow stronger, not just as a hero but also as the future leader of Monarch Inc.
Amid these arrangements, Aguilar took a moment to review the final blueprints of the house, imagining Izuku there, training with the same determination he had shown so far. He knew he was leaving him with a lot of work and responsibility, but also a unique opportunity to build his own path and overcome the challenges of the world. Despite the shadow of his condition, Aguilar felt at peace, confident that he was creating a solid future for his young apprentice and protégé.
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In a private meeting room at the Monarch Mercs facilities, Aguilar summoned Francisco, Roberto, and Tanaka-San. It was an unusual gathering, as they rarely found themselves in the same place, let alone for such a serious conversation. Aguilar had reflected deeply on this meeting and knew he needed their full support to ensure Izuku could face the future without difficulties.
Francisco, who knew Aguilar's situation more intimately, maintained a calm and serene expression, though his eyes betrayed his concern. Roberto, the head of field operations, listened attentively, while Tanaka-San, ever meticulous, took silent notes.
Aguilar began the meeting with a summary of recent events, explaining how he had transferred his shadow power to Izuku and how he had become the new heir to that mystical force. Then, he provided an update on the state of Monarch Mercs, including his plans for the transition. Francisco supplemented the information, adding details about the company's growth and global expansion, which would help facilitate Izuku's work in the future.
-*As you know, Izuku is in the process of training and has great potential* -Aguilar said, making eye contact with each of them - *But I want you to know that my time here is limited. I've taken every precaution to ensure Monarch Inc continues in good hands, but Izuku will need your support, especially when I'm no longer here to guide him* -.
Francisco nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew Aguilar's strength well, but he was also aware of the limitations his condition imposed.
- *You can count on it, Aguilar* -Francisco replied- *Izuku has much to learn, but we won't leave him alone. I'll make sure he has all the financial and logistical support he needs to lead the company forward* -.
Roberto then stepped forward, his expression one of determination.
-*Izuku has my backing in the field. I'll train him to lead in critical situations, not just with the power of shadows but also in real combat. I'll make sure he's ready for any challenge that comes his way* -.
Tanaka-San, who had been taking careful notes, looked up and addressed Aguilar with a slight bow.
- *I have always been at the service of Monarch Inc, and now I will serve Izuku with the same commitment. I'll ensure that every step of his journey is well-guided, and I'll make sure he's ready both physically and mentally to take on the responsibilities of leadership* -he said seriously* -.
Aguilar nodded, satisfied and grateful. He knew he had the best team, a group of people he trusted completely. Hearing their words, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders, though he knew there was still much to do.
- *Thank you all* -Aguilar said, his voice revealing both determination and gratitude- *Izuku will need each of you in different aspects of his life, and with your support, I'm confident he'll achieve great things. But also, take care of him. He's a young man with a heavy burden and great power, and he still has much to discover about himself* -.
Francisco, Roberto, and Tanaka-San exchanged glances, aware of the magnitude of the task ahead. They were determined to fulfill their promise to Aguilar, ensuring that Izuku would have not just a team but a family he could trust and rely on.
The meeting ended with an air of silent commitment. Each of them was prepared to give their best, with the goal of strengthening and guiding Izuku in his new responsibilities. They knew the future of Monarch Mercs depended on them, and they would not fail to honor Aguilar's legacy.
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Izuku, Johnson, and Forge arrived at their first destination in Africa, a settlement that Monarch Mercs had helped protect on several occasions. As they approached, they found clear signs of a recent attack. The houses and buildings showed significant damage: broken windows, collapsed walls, and debris scattered across the streets. However, there were no signs of civilian casualties, which was a relief to everyone.
-*No civilian casualties* -Forge reported, reading a quick update from his devices- *but it seems the attack happened just a few hours ago* -.
The local inhabitants, though visibly shaken, were doing their best to clean up and repair what they could. The arrival of the mercenaries was met with a mix of relief and wariness. Some remembered Monarch Mercs' past support and were grateful for their presence, while others watched cautiously.
Johnson, with his usual efficiency, took charge of organizing the group. First, they distributed translation devices that allowed them to communicate with the locals. These small devices, designed to facilitate interaction in multinational environments, were equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling not only precise translation but also the ability to pick up on body language and tone, essential for building good relationships with the locals.
Izuku adjusted his device and approached an elderly woman who was clearing debris from her home. After a brief pause, the device picked up her language and began translating.
-*Can we help you with this?* -Izuku asked with a reassuring smile.
The woman, though initially surprised by the sudden offer, smiled back and nodded. Izuku began clearing the debris alongside her, quickly and carefully moving stones and wooden panels. As he worked, other villagers approached, curious about the young foreigner who seemed so willing to get his hands dirty to help.
Johnson and Forge, meanwhile, organized the mercenaries into groups to work on different areas of the settlement. Some began repairing damaged structures, while others helped clear the streets and secure areas that had been affected by the attack.
Johnson moved from group to group, overseeing and coordinating the efforts.
-*We don't know who or what carried out this attack* -Johnson commented to Izuku as he passed by- *But we need to be prepared for the possibility that they'll return* -.
Izuku nodded. He knew his mission wasn't just about rebuilding but also about protecting the villagers from future attacks. As he lifted a wooden beam to stabilize a structure, he thought about Aguilar's words on the importance of being ready to face the dark side of the world. Here he was, facing real danger, and his determination grew stronger with every effort.
As the hours passed, the mercenaries and villagers, thanks to the translation devices, began working more fluidly and in sync. Language barriers faded, and cooperation increased. Though the work was exhausting, Izuku felt a deep connection with the people. Through the translations, he heard their stories and understood the bravery with which they faced each day, despite the attacks and destruction.
Forge approached Izuku, observing his progress with a mix of approval and awe.
- *You're doing good work, kid. But remember, this is just the beginning. Soon, we'll need to make sure this doesn't happen again* -.
- *I understand* -Izuku replied, looking around- *This is what I want to do. I want to protect those who can't protect themselves, and also learn from them* -.
Johnson, watching the scene from a short distance, smiled to himself. He knew Izuku had a long road ahead, but he was convinced he had the spirit to face it. This work in Africa wouldn't be easy, and he would likely see things that would test his strength, but they would also be experiences that would forge the character he would need in the future.
As they continued with the reconstruction efforts, the sky began to darken, and the settlement regained some of its tranquility. Izuku and the mercenaries prepared for the night, ready to act in case of any emergency, with a renewed sense of purpose.
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Izuku had spent several days helping to rebuild the settlement and getting familiar with the rhythm of life there. He was starting to feel like part of the community, recognizing faces and understanding a bit more about the lives he was helping to protect. However, the brief respite of tranquility didn't last long. One night, just as they were about to rest after an intense day, the air filled with screams and the deafening sound of explosions that shook the ground.
Izuku immediately got up, running toward the epicenter of the chaos. Johnson and Forge were already mobilizing the mercenaries, preparing to face the approaching threat. In the distance, he could make out armed figures advancing rapidly, accompanied by the roar of vehicles and the sound of gunfire. Everything became a blur as he tried to process the chaos unfolding before his eyes.
At that moment, time seemed to stop. Izuku looked around, his breathing rapid and his mind assaulted by a flood of thoughts. In the distance, he saw people running desperately, some falling and others taking shelter wherever they could. He hadn't had time to adapt to this violent reality, and now, faced with the possibility of losing his life or seeing others die, he felt fear beginning to take hold of him. His hands trembled, and his mind momentarily faded, overwhelmed by the enormity of the horror surrounding him.
The sound of a nearby explosion brought him back to the present. A building collapsed into a pile of rubble, and he could hear the screams of those still trapped inside. The urgency of the situation jolted him and forced him to react, but for a moment, the magnitude of the violence had left him paralyzed. He had never been so close to a conflict of this nature. He could feel the danger lurking around every corner and the bitter taste of fear in his mouth. He was facing a situation he had only imagined from afar, and the reality was far more brutal than he had ever anticipated.
Forge snapped him out of his trance with a sharp slap on the shoulder.
-*Izuku! We need to move, now!* -he shouted, his eyes reflecting the urgency of the moment. The words struck him like a lightning bolt, and finally, his body reacted, following the sergeant toward the front lines.
They moved through the smoke and debris, and Izuku began to summon the shadows that were now part of his power. It still felt strange to use them, but at that moment, they were his only defense. He ordered one of the shadows to head toward the collapsed building to help pull out the wounded, while he prepared to face the approaching enemies. His body moved automatically, guided by instinct and the training he had received, but fear still lingered, threatening to hinder his movements.
Suddenly, a projectile exploded near him, and he was thrown into the air, hitting the ground hard. His head spun, and his vision blurred for a moment. When he opened his eyes, pain mixed with confusion, and the possibility of dying there, in the midst of that battle, hit him hard. He was on the verge of panic, but then he remembered Aguilar's words about sacrifice and strength. With a tremendous effort, he got up, taking deep breaths to calm himself.
Izuku forced himself to focus, clearing his mind of doubts and fears. It wasn't just his life at stake but also the lives of those he had promised to protect. He gripped the weapon he had been given and resumed his position. Around him, the Monarch mercenaries fought fiercely, and the sight of their determination restored some of the calm he desperately needed. This was his chance to prove himself, and though fear persisted, he used it as fuel to keep going.
Every movement was a reminder that, though he was scared, he was also prepared. He couldn't afford to hesitate now, not when lives were on the line. With his teeth clenched and his body tense, Izuku threw himself into the fight, facing the chaos with newfound resolve. The shadow of fear still accompanied him, but now it became an ally, reminding him that every second was crucial and that, despite the horror, he could keep moving forward.
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Izuku, still with the sharp sting of fear inside him, moved cautiously, keeping his eyes fixed on the movements of the enemies. The adrenaline kept him alert, and every sound seemed amplified, as if the battlefield were whispering its secrets to him. As he approached, the Monarch Mercs' defensive line tightened. His experienced and stoic comrades held their positions, but the number of attackers began to overwhelm the group, forcing them to make a difficult decision.
Suddenly, an armed attacker emerged from the shadows, just meters away from Izuku. Everything happened in an instant. The man aimed his weapon at him, and without thinking, Izuku summoned a shadow to intercept. The projectile was deflected, but the attacker kept coming, ready to strike again. With no time to think, Izuku channeled his training, adjusting his stance and preparing for a lethal defensive maneuver.
When the enemy was close enough, Izuku unleashed a flurry of blows, faster than the man could anticipate. His enemy fell to the ground, gasping, and Izuku stood still, contemplating what he had just done. Though he hadn't taken a life, the man lay unconscious, defeated and vulnerable. However, he knew that not every confrontation would be so straightforward. With enemy forces advancing, it would become increasingly difficult to avoid the dilemma of taking a life.
A shout brought him back to reality, and he turned to see one of his comrades, a mercenary he had patrolled with several times, fall to the ground after being shot. The fury and pain on the faces of the others grew, and despite their best efforts, the group began to lose ground. The idea of a retreat became more palpable.
Johnson, his expression dark and his voice firm, shouted over the communicator:
-*We need to fall back! We don't have enough cover to hold this position!* -.
Izuku, his jaw clenched and his pulse racing, nodded. He could feel the weight of reality crushing him: retreat was necessary, but the battlefield still demanded sacrifices. He knew that as they fell back, they would have to cover the wounded and keep the attackers at bay as best they could.
However, before taking the next step, he felt the shadows within him begin to stir. It was as if they knew what was at stake. Determined to do whatever it took to protect his team, he summoned Igris, the shadow knight, and sent him to cover their retreat. The imposing figure charged forward, wielding his sword and repelling the enemies with skill and fury. The sight renewed the group's strength and allowed them to regroup.
As they retreated, Izuku stayed in the rear, making sure all his comrades could fall back without being overtaken. Gunfire echoed around him, and every second felt like an eternity. His mind wrestled with the idea of having to take a life, but the violence surrounding him left no room for doubt.
Finally, with the group covered by shadows and sheltered behind a couple of collapsed walls, Johnson ordered a full retreat. The team moved quickly to a safer position, leaving the battlefield behind to regroup and rethink their strategy. With every step, Izuku felt the weight of what he had experienced. He hadn't taken any lives, but he had faced the possibility of doing so, and the knowledge of what might still happen loomed over him like a persistent shadow. He knew this wouldn't be the last time and that the conflict had only just begun.
Three enemies emerged with an air of superiority, clearly confident in their abilities. One of them had skin that looked like polished stone, a natural armor that made him nearly invulnerable. The second was wreathed in flames, his eyes burning with the same intensity as his body. The third, a massive mutant with bull-like features, advanced with heavy steps, breathing furiously as his bloodshot eyes focused on his opponents.
Johnson and Forge exchanged glances; they knew this wouldn't be easy, but they were used to intense battles. However, the presence of these three new enemies changed the landscape. Izuku, without thinking too much, stood by their side. He was determined to support them and level the playing field.
Johnson roared as he charged at the enemy with the natural armor quirk. His muscles tensed, and the ground shook under his weight. The opponent, unmoving, prepared to take the impact with an air of disdain, confident in his resilience. When they collided, the sound of the two titans resonated like thunder, and both struggled to hold their ground. Johnson, however, overpowered him with his superhuman strength and began delivering a series of powerful blows, searching for cracks in the enemy's armor.
Meanwhile, the bull-like mutant roared and charged at Forge, who adopted a defensive stance. With every move he made, his body glowed with intense energy, harnessing kinetic energy to empower himself further. When the enemy reached him, Forge agilely dodged and countered with a powerful strike that staggered the bull. The two exchanged brutal blows, and though the bull had the advantage in size, Forge countered with the extra power generated by his movements.
Izuku, for his part, focused on the enemy with the fire quirk. Flames crackled around his adversary, creating a circle of heat that distorted the air. With a determined look, Izuku summoned Igris to assist him. The shadow knight charged at the man in flames, drawing his attention. The enemy unleashed a burst of fire, but Igris momentarily vanished into the shadows, dodging the flames.
Izuku moved agilely around the enemy, using his speed to evade his fire attacks. With a quick motion, he concentrated shadows around his fists and delivered a blow to the man's stomach, knocking him down momentarily. He wasted no time and followed up with a series of strikes, while Igris reappeared behind the man, raising his sword to cut off his escape. The combined attacks of Izuku and his summon kept the opponent at bay, while Izuku learned to better coordinate with the shadows.
As Izuku and his shadow fought the fire-wielding enemy, the battle unexpectedly intensified. As Izuku's attacks became more precise, his opponent grew more agitated, and the flames surrounding him began to grow in intensity, spiraling out of control. With a roar of desperation, the enemy unleashed a wave of fire that spread rapidly, engulfing several nearby houses in flames.
Izuku stopped, alarmed at the damage the fire was causing around him. The situation had worsened considerably, and the cries of civilians began to fill the air. Without a second to lose, Izuku focused all his energy, gathering shadows around him and charging at his opponent with renewed strength. Igris joined him, attacking from the other side, and together they finally subdued the fire-wielding man, leaving him unconscious and unable to spread further chaos.
With the enemy defeated, Izuku turned toward the burning buildings. He took a deep breath, concentrating his energy, and began manipulating the wind in an attempt to extinguish the flames. He struggled to control it precisely, trying to direct the air currents in a way that would put out the fire without fanning it further. However, the intensity of the flames was too great, and the fire only seemed to grow, fueled by the uncontrolled air currents.
Without losing his composure, Izuku turned to his ability to manipulate water, summoning all the reserves he could find in the vicinity. He created torrents of water and directed them at the fire, desperately trying to extinguish it. However, the amount of water wasn't enough, and the fire spread faster than he could contain it. The shadows around him fluctuated in response to his distress as he watched the fire spread uncontrollably, threatening to destroy even more structures.
As the flames continued to consume the houses, Izuku felt frustrated and exhausted. Conventional methods seemed insufficient, and for a moment, the fire appeared unstoppable. However, just when he thought he had run out of options, a new sensation awakened within him, a deep connection to the ground beneath his feet. Izuku sensed a latent force, an ancient energy that resonated with his will to protect and save.
Without overthinking it, he let his instincts guide his movements. He raised his hands and felt a current of power connecting with the earth, as if his cells vibrated in harmony with the ground. The earth began to respond to his call. With a decisive motion, Izuku caused the ground to rise and form massive barriers of earth around the flames, creating a perimeter that contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas.
But Izuku didn't stop there. He channeled even more energy, and the terrain beneath the flames rose, encapsulating the fire in a sort of dome of earth and rocks that deprived the flames of oxygen. The lack of air caused the fire to slowly die out, as Izuku maintained the barrier and controlled its variations. Within minutes, the fire began to subside, until it was completely extinguished.
Johnson and Forge looked at him, stunned yet impressed. Commander Johnson broke the silence, amazed by Izuku's display of power.
-*Amazing, Izuku! In the field, we don't have the technology of hospitals, but we don't need much to know that your quirk is still recovering* -Johnson said, with a mix of relief and respect.
Izuku, though exhausted, felt comforted by those words. He had unlocked something new, and though the experience had been intense, he knew in that moment that every challenge he faced brought him closer to becoming the hero he aspired to be.