The grand hall of the Neo-City Federation shimmered under the glow of holographic lights, the air thick with anticipation. The Compatibility Ceremony was the most awaited event of the year, where the Universal System would reveal the fated partners of its citizens. For Kian Arlen, it was a night he had both longed for and dreaded. Kian stood at the edge of the crowd, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn-out jacket. His low-level System implant buzzed faintly on his wrist, a constant reminder of his place in the hierarchy. Around him, the elite of the Federation mingled effortlessly, their high Power Levels evident in the way they carried themselves. Kian’s eyes, however, were fixed on one person: Elena Voss. Elena stood at the center of the room, radiant in a gown that seemed to glow with the same brilliance as her Power Level. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her sharp green eyes scanned the crowd with a mix of confidence and detachment. She was the H

The observatory was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of the city below. Kian stood protectively in front of Elena, his golden System implant glowing faintly in the dim light. Darius stood a few feet away, his crimson implant casting an ominous red glow on his face. His smirk was cold, his eyes sharp with malice. “Darius,” Kian said, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. “What are you doing here?” Darius tilted his head, his smirk widening. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to finish what I started.” Elena gripped Kian’s arm, her voice trembling. “Kian, he’s working with Marcus. They’ve been planning something—something big. I didn’t know who else to turn to.” Kian’s heart ached at the fear in her voice, but he kept his focus on Darius. “Whatever you’re planning, it’s over. The Federation knows about the rebels.” Darius laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. “Oh, Kian. You always were so naive. The Federation? The System? They’re all part of the problem. And you

The old subway station was eerily silent, save for the faint drip of water echoing through the tunnels. Darius stood before them, his crimson implant casting an ominous glow that illuminated his cold, calculating smile. Behind him, a group of armed rebels emerged from the shadows, their weapons trained on Kian, Elena, and Selene. Kian stepped forward, his golden implant flickering to life as he positioned himself protectively in front of Elena. “Darius,” he said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. “Let us go. This doesn’t have to end in violence.” Darius chuckled, a low, mocking sound that sent a chill down Kian’s spine. “Oh, Kian. Always the hero. But this time, you’re out of your depth.” Selene stepped up beside Kian, her weapon raised and her crimson implant glowing fiercely. “You’re not walking out of here, Darius. Not this time.” Darius’s smirk widened. “Brave words, Captain. But you’re outnumbered. And outmatched.” Before anyone could react,

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the air, but the bullet never hit its mark. Kian reacted instinctively, his golden implant flaring to life as he raised a shimmering energy shield just in time. The bullet ricocheted off the barrier, embedding itself in the wall behind them. Elena gasped, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Selene. “Selene, what are you doing?” Kian demanded, his voice filled with disbelief. Selene’s expression remained cold, her crimson implant glowing faintly. “I’m following orders, Kian. Something you’ve never been good at.” Kian’s heart sank as the realization hit him. “Marcus… he got to you, didn’t he?” Selene’s lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. “Marcus? No. This is bigger than him. Bigger than you.” Before Kian could respond, the ground beneath them shook violently, the building groaning under the strain. The explosion from earlier had destabilized the structure, and it was beginning to collapse. “We need to move!” Elena shouted,

The world seemed to freeze as Kian stared down the barrel of Ryker’s weapon. The commander’s expression was unreadable, his eyes cold and distant. Behind him, the rebels stood in tense silence, their weapons still trained on Kian, Elena, and Selene. “Ryker,” Kian said, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. “Don’t do this. You’re better than this.” Ryker’s jaw tightened, but his grip on the weapon didn’t waver. “You don’t understand, Kian. This isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about survival. The System is broken, and if we don’t take control, everything will collapse.” Elena stepped forward, her eyes filled with anger. “And what? You think Marcus is the answer? He’s using you, just like he used Selene. Just like he’s using everyone.” Ryker’s expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. But then his eyes hardened, and he shook his head. “It’s too late for second thoughts. The decision been made.” Before anyone could react, Selene l