Reboot My Heart

Chapter Two: The Power Within

Kian stared at his System implant, the glowing interface casting an eerie light on his face. The message blinked insistently:

System Override Activated. Power Level Upgrade Imminent.

His heart pounded as a surge of energy coursed through him, unlike anything he had ever felt. It was as if the System itself had awakened something deep within him, something powerful and untamed. His implant, once dull and lifeless, now pulsed with a vibrant golden light, its hum resonating in his bones.

“What… is this?” Kian whispered, his voice trembling.

Before he could process what was happening, a sharp pain shot through his skull, and he stumbled backward, clutching his head. Visions flashed before his eyes—scenes of fire, betrayal, and a future he couldn’t yet comprehend. He saw Elena, her face pale and terrified, reaching out to him. He saw Marcus, his smug smile twisted into a snarl. And he saw himself, standing tall and commanding, his Power Level radiating like a star.

The pain subsided as quickly as it had come, leaving Kian gasping for breath. He looked down at his hands, which now shimmered faintly with a golden aura. His Power Level, once a meager 2.5, now read 7.8—a number that would place him among the Federation’s elite.

“This… can’t be real,” Kian muttered, his mind racing.

But the energy coursing through him was undeniable. For the first time in his life, he felt strong. He felt… worthy.

The next morning, Kian woke up in his small apartment, the events of the previous night feeling like a dream. But the golden glow of his implant and the lingering warmth in his chest told him otherwise. He had changed. The System had changed him.

As he dressed and prepared for the day, a notification buzzed on his implant. It was a summons from the Federation Council, the governing body of Neo-City. Kian’s stomach churned. He had never been summoned before—low-level users like him were rarely acknowledged by the Council.

When he arrived at the Council chambers, he was met with a mix of curiosity and disdain. The Council members, seated at a long, gleaming table, eyed him with suspicion. At the head of the table sat High Chancellor Voss, Elena’s father, his expression unreadable.

“Kian Arlen,” the Chancellor began, his voice echoing through the chamber. “Your Power Level has undergone a significant increase. The System has flagged you for reassignment.”

Kian’s heart skipped a beat. “Reassignment?”

“Yes,” the Chancellor replied. “You are to be transferred to the Elite Division, effective immediately. Your new duties will include assisting in the investigation of the recent rebel attacks.”

The room erupted into murmurs. Kian could feel the weight of their stares—some envious, others hostile. He had gone from being a nobody to a potential threat in their eyes.

“Thank you, Chancellor,” Kian said, forcing himself to sound confident. “I won’t let the Federation down.”

The Chancellor nodded, but his eyes lingered on Kian, as if searching for something. Kian couldn’t shake the feeling that the man knew more than he was letting on.

As Kian left the Council chambers, he was intercepted by Marcus Hale, who leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed.

“Well, well,” Marcus said, his tone dripping with mockery. “Look who’s moving up in the world. Too bad it’s too late to win Elena back.”

Kian clenched his fists, the golden aura around his hands flickering faintly. “I’m not here to play games, Marcus.”

Marcus smirked. “Oh, I’m sure you’re not. But let me give you some advice, Elite—stay out of my way. Elena’s mine, and I don’t take kindly to competition.”

Before Kian could respond, Marcus pushed off the wall and walked away, leaving Kian seething.

Later that evening, as Kian was reviewing his new assignments in the Elite Division’s headquarters, a voice called out to him.

“Kian Arlen?”

He turned to see a woman approaching him. She was tall and striking, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. Her System implant glowed a deep crimson, marking her as a high-level user.

“I’m Captain Selene Drake,” she introduced herself. “I’ll be your supervisor in the Elite Division.”

Kian nodded, extending his hand. “It’s an honor, Captain.”

Selene shook his hand, her grip firm. “I’ve been watching you, Kian. Your sudden Power Level increase is… unusual. But I believe you have potential. Don’t waste it.”

Her words sent a shiver down his spine. There was something about her—something dangerous and alluring.

Kian’s first mission with the Elite Division was a raid on a suspected rebel hideout. As he and Selene led the team through the dark, crumbling building, Kian felt a surge of adrenaline. This was his chance to prove himself.

But when they breached the hideout, they found it empty—except for a single holographic message playing on a loop.

“The System is a lie. The Federation will fall.”

Kian’s blood ran cold as he recognized the voice. It was Darius Voss, his former best friend.

“What the hell is this?” Selene muttered, her eyes narrowing.

Before Kian could respond, the building shook violently, and the walls began to collapse.

“Get out!” Kian shouted, grabbing Selene’s arm and pulling her toward the exit.

They barely made it out before the building exploded, the force of the blast sending them flying. Kian landed hard on the ground, his ears ringing. As he struggled to his feet, he saw Selene staring at him, her expression a mix of shock and admiration.

“You saved my life,” she said quietly.

Kian nodded, his heart still racing. “We’re not done yet.”

That night, as Kian lay in bed, his implant buzzed with another notification. It was a private message from an unknown sender.

Meet me at the old observatory. Come alone.”

Kian hesitated, then grabbed his jacket and headed out. When he arrived at the observatory, he found Elena waiting for him, her face pale and drawn.

“Kian,” she said, her voice trembling. “I need your help. Marcus… he’s not who you think he is.”

Before she could say more, a shadow moved behind her, and Kian’s instincts screamed at him to act. He lunged forward, pulling Elena out of the way just as a blade sliced through the air where she had been standing.

Standing before them was Darius, his eyes cold and calculating.

“Hello, old friend,” Darius said, his voice dripping with malice. “Did you really think you could escape the past?”