Fifth-Street's only gated community was now a graveyard of luxury. Gangsters lay scattered across manicured lawns, their breathing shallow and panicked. Kevin sat among them, greedily stuffing stacks of blood-stained cash into duffel bags.
"Millions," Kevin whispered, his eyes wide. "All mine."
The gang boss groaned, reaching out. "Kevin... leave some... please..."
"I've got a getaway car and a full charge," Kevin sneered, raising a silenced rifle. "I don't need survivors."
WHOOSH!!
A blinding, red-hot light cut through the evening air. The temperature spiked instantly, turning the humid NYC air into a furnace. A figure emerged from the glare—The Cinder-Soul. His skin was a cracked, obsidian crust leaking molten magma. His face was a jagged mask with a single, unblinking black eye that burned like a dying star.
"Another one?" Kevin shrieked, firing his rifle. The bullets didn't even touch Tyler's skin; they vaporized into leaden mist inches from his body.
Tyler didn't speak. He simply pointed a finger. A jet of white-hot flame erupted, slamming into the ground at Kevin's feet.
"You like electricity? I like the smell of ozone," Tyler's voice rumbled like a volcano.
Kevin threw the rifle aside, his hands crackling with stolen high-voltage current. He lashed out, but Tyler's fire was relentless. It didn't just meet the electricity; it consumed it. The blast sent Kevin hurtling onto the street, smoke trailing from his charred clothes.
Tyler stepped over the gate, moving with the heavy, inevitable grace of a god.
"Tyler!" Ben's voice called out. He stood behind him, his expression torn. "Let me finish this. I wanted to help him... I need to be the one to stop him."
Tyler paused, the flames on his head flickering. "He's dangerous, Ben. He's a parasite."
"Please... I need to do this," Ben insisted.
Tyler nodded, stepping back into the shadows. "Use range. Don't let him touch you."
Ben slammed his watch. FLASH! He transformed into The Buzz-Shock. "I'll use his own power against him!"
But Kevin was a survivor. As Ben rained down lightning, Kevin didn't dodge. He stood still, letting the current wash over him, his skin turning pitch black and his eyes glowing golden. He absorbed Ben's very essence.
"Your body is pure energy?" Kevin laughed, his voice now a distorted mirror of Ben's. "I'll take it all!"
The feedback sent Ben sprawling back, reverting to human form. "I messed up," Ben gasped.
Tyler stepped forward, his single eye narrowing. "You did your best, Ben. I'll take it from here."
Kevin, now a mutated, adult-sized version of a Buzz-Shock, charged. Tyler didn't hesitate. He unleashed a barrage of fire-punches with "Eagle-Eye" precision. Every time Kevin tried to take flight, Tyler shot him back down. It wasn't a fight; it was an execution of skill.
Tyler flew through the air like a jet, chasing the broken Kevin until the boy crashed into a burning warehouse.
"Next time..." Kevin wheezed, his body reverting to a scorched human form. "I'll get your DNA..." He vanished into the sea of fire, using the last of his stolen energy to phase through the wreckage.
Tyler watched the flames, his expression cold. If you take my DNA, Kevin, you'll only find a curse.
[Ding! Host has defeated High-Voltage Kevin and Buzz-Shock Kevin. Progress: +1%]
[Template Mastery: 18/100. Physical Function Enhancement Unlocked!]
Tyler felt his muscles tighten. His loose T-shirt suddenly felt small as his physique shifted. He wasn't just "strong" anymore. He felt like he could punch through a tank.
Host: Tyler Levison
Age: 11
Template: Carnitrix (18/100)
Status: Killer Mode/Consciousness Unlocked.
Physique:Entry-Level Plumber (Human form now possesses peak-human durability and strength).
"Plumber-level?" Tyler muttered, testing his grip. He felt a surging power in his veins that made his next transformation feel even more imminent.
He rejoined the group at the Rustbucket. Ben was quiet, his head bowed. "If I hadn't been reckless, he wouldn't have escaped."
Max patted Ben's shoulder. "Reality is a tough teacher, Ben. But you're learning."
Tyler watched them, a small sense of relief washing over him. Ben was growing up faster in this dark world. Tyler looked at his own reflection in the window—the muscle definition, the coldness in his eyes. He was becoming the guardian this timeline needed, even if he had to be the monster to do it.
"Next stop," Tyler said, looking at the map. "Let's see what else the world has to throw at us."