I sat frozen. "No. No, that's impossible. I don't have a power—I got tested at the Hero's Association. They said I was normal."
Katara shrugged like it was nothing. "Well, they were wrong."
"That's not how powers work."
"Apparently, it is now."
She grinned. "You're one of us, Lena. Welcome to Interitus."
My head swam with questions, but Katara waved them off like I was a radio set to the wrong channel.
"We're a hero team," she said. "Not the flashy public kind—more like the underground world-saving type. We're gathering people like you. People with… special cases."
She stepped back, arms wide. "So. You in?"
My mouth hung open. I wasn't even sure if I was still dreaming. I gave the only answer I could:
"…I'll think about it."
Katara grinned. "Fair. While you do that—come on. I'll give you the tour."
The base was massive. Way bigger than I thought. White halls stretched endlessly, lined with doors, training areas, tech rooms, even a cafeteria full of warm smells and chatter. People passed by in sleek suits and casual wear, some glowing with energy, others floating objects beside them like it was no big deal.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"Underground," she said. "Somewhere not even the Hero's Association knows about."
I glanced around. "Everyone here has powers?"
"Yup. Or skills that make them stand out. Not everyone's throwing fireballs or lifting cars, but they all matter. And now, so do you."
After the tour, Katara dropped me off at a small room—a bed, desk, and soft lights.
Before she left, I called out.
"Katara?"
She looked back, raising an eyebrow.
"I'll join," I said. My voice still shook—but it felt right.
She smiled like I just handed her the best news of the year. "Awesome. I'll tell the team."
Within minutes, the room was packed with people—laughing, eating, offering me drinks and high-fives. It felt… warm. Almost like family.
But deep down, something still didn't sit right.
I wasn't sure if they were keeping me safe—or keeping me trapped.
A week later, Katara appeared at my door, bouncing with excitement.
"You ready?" she asked. "Time to train."
I barely had time to throw on my uniform.
We walked to the training dome—an open, circular space surrounded by observation glass. The entire team watched from the upper levels.
I felt like I was on stage.
"I still don't know what my power even is," I muttered.
Katara smiled. "That's why you're here."
She stepped back. "Now close your eyes."
I did.
"Focus on your breath. On your heart. Feel what's inside you."
I breathed.
In… out…
And then—
Heat.
It began in my chest. A warm pulse. No—hot. Blazing. I felt something crawl up through my ribs, through my throat, burning like wildfire. My hands trembled.
Green light erupted behind my eyes.
What is this?!
I opened my mouth to scream—and the world around me exploded.
"LENA!! STOP! YOUR POWER—!!"
I snapped my eyes open.
The training dome was destroyed. Cracks in the walls. Scorch marks everywhere. And me? I was floating. My body was dripping in green, liquid fire. My fingers burned like torches.
I looked around in horror.
"Oh no… oh no oh no—"
Before I could spiral, Katara ran up to me.
She flung her arms around me and hugged me like I just won an award.
"YESSSSS!" she shouted. "YOU DID IT!! First stage, BABY!"
I blinked. "I literally just blew up your entire gym."
"I know!" she beamed.
I couldn't help it. I burst into laughter. Katara was clueless.
"What's so funny?"
The others walked up, sighed, and smacked Katara on the back of the head.
"You're an idiot," Sol muttered.
We all laughed—hard.
In time, I gained control. I could form shields, shape blades, and even heal small wounds. But the flame in my eyes never left. Sometimes, it still took over.
Katara called it "Nuclear Flame." She said no one else had it.
And just like that, I was named the strongest member of Interitus.
But strength doesn't make you ready.
Not yet.