The day arrived, and Jace was sprawled on the floor, drenched in sweat, with a trash can nearby filled with puke, its foul odor filling the room. He was passed out, but in his mind, the decision was already made. He would get out of the slums, and he would do it by becoming a HERO.
Jace had always struggled with academics. Becoming as smart as Riley would be near impossible for him. His only other option was physical labor, but in a world full of powered individuals, he couldn’t compete. Not to mention, the wages were low. Being a hero, though, seemed like a far-off dream, but one that could be realized—and it paid better. He didn’t just need strength; he needed smarts. That was his plan.
Jace stirred as a noise echoed through the room. It was Riley, walking in and pausing when she saw him lying on the floor.
“Oi, wake up! I know your mom died, but I thought you had more fortitude than this, dimwit.”
He slowly sat up, his expression neutral.
“My mom died yesterday, and that’s how you wake me up?” Jace stared at her for a moment before adding, realizing he wasn’t the most emotional person, “Yeah, so… now that I can’t live here anymore—since my livelihood’s gone—can I crash with you?”
Riley grinned cheekily and offered him her hand. “Alright, but you’re gonna be my guinea pig for gadgets, and you’ll also be running errands. Deal?”
He knew she was exaggerating the whole “experiment” thing, but he shook her hand. “Deal. I mean, I don’t have much of a choice, do I? I’m four hundred credits in debt.”
Riley rolled her eyes, but he caught a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
And so, Jace moved in with Riley.
Elsewhere, Celeste sat at a sterile dinner table with her father. Her family’s lavish home, pristine and perfect, was a stark contrast to Jace’s world. As they ate, Celeste broached the subject that had been on her mind for months.
“Hey, Dad, I’m seventeen today. When do you think I’ll be able to join the Hero Program?” Her tone was eager, hopeful, eyes glinting with ambition.
Her father looked at her seriously, his gaze heavy. “Celeste, my dear, after the passing of King, it wouldn’t be wise to join now. Perhaps in three years, after the next election.”
Celeste’s expression brightened at the thought. “Alright, three years then.”
Back at Riley’s place, Jace was overwhelmed by the sight of all the expensive gadgets and furnishings. His eyes sparkled with awe.
“Holy shit, are you rich? Why do you have so much stuff?”
Riley shot him an annoyed look and gave him a light smack on the head. “You’re not to tell anyone about my wealth, understand?”
Jace rubbed his head, wincing. “But seriously, why the hell are you living in the slums if you’re so loaded?”
She paused, then sat him down, her tone suddenly serious. “Listen, Jace. I’ve been inventing since I was eleven. I made a ton of money. I’ve tried living the high life, but the people up there are so full of themselves and self-centered, I couldn’t stand it. I’d rather live here and keep to myself. Now, let me get back to work. I’ve got gadgets to build.”
She walked away, slamming her door behind her.
Jace thought about her words, but soon his thoughts wandered back to the luxury around him. He couldn’t help himself.
In the background, a radio crackled, the announcer’s voice cutting through the room. “Breaking news: thirty thousand dead in factory explosion. All powerless employees perished during the explosion. The cause of the blast remains unknown…” The report droned on, but Jace didn’t listen. His mind was elsewhere, lost in the amazement of Riley’s wealth.
And so, Jace’s new life began—one filled with grueling training and awe of Riley’s lavish lifestyle.
