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At this moment, deep within the Global Defense Agency (GDA), several people were gathered in a high-tech operations room, watching a battle unfold between Atom Eve and her defective clones. The walls of the base were made of thick metal, designed to withstand the strongest impacts and attacks, offering the highest level of security. The environment was lit by harsh, cold artificial lights, reflecting the glow of numerous control screens scattered across the walls. Every corner of the base was equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras, sensors, and surveillance systems that tracked every movement, every change in temperature or sound, ensuring that nothing escaped the GDA's watchful eye.
This was the safest place on the planet, where Earth's security was constantly monitored, and where global crises and threats were dealt with the utmost seriousness. The GDA had the responsibility of protecting the planet, using all the resources at its disposal, from heroes to advanced technology. The man in charge of it all was Cecil Stedman, the director of the organization, who was currently standing in front of a large screen, observing the battle with deep concentration. His serious face reflected the tension of the moment, and his eyes never left the fight that was unfolding on the screen.
As the battle between Atom Eve and her defective clones continued to intensify, Cecil turned to the agents standing behind him, who were also watching the fight attentively.
— Cecil: I want you to find out everything about her. I want to know her name, her parents' names, any information you can find. Everything will be useful. We don't know anything about her yet, and she could be a threat.
Donald, Cecil's most trusted assistant, frowned upon hearing his friend's words. He looked at the screen, concern etched on his face, and spoke up.
— Donald: Cecil, she's just a girl... She can't be a threat.
Cecil stared at him for a moment, his cold, calculating eyes before responding firmly.
— Cecil: You haven't seen what she's capable of? The girl is strong. She's fighting that thing alone. Who knows what she might do in the future if she gets even stronger?
Donald tried to soften the situation but knew he was dealing with someone who never underestimated a threat.
— Donald: Even if she was a threat, the Guardians of the Globe are here to handle it if she steps out of line.
Cecil rolled his eyes and sighed impatiently, his expression hardening.
— Cecil: Humans should take care of themselves. I don't want to depend on them. We should be able to handle things on our own. Alone.
Donald knew his friend was right, even if he didn't fully agree. It was hard to question Cecil's actions, as he always prioritized Earth's safety above all else. He nodded silently, letting the conversation continue without further words.
Meanwhile, the images of the battle kept playing on the GDA's monitor. Atom Eve, despite being at a disadvantage, seemed to keep fighting with impressive determination. The battle was intense, but Eve, even with injuries, held her ground. She had been wounded on her side, and blood was visible on the screen, but she didn't give up. The battle scene, with her defective clones attacking mercilessly, was a testament to her strength, but also to her vulnerability.
Donald, watching the fight, couldn't keep quiet any longer.
— Donald: Sir, wouldn't it be better to help her?
Cecil, maintaining his calm, responded in a soft but firm voice.
— Cecil: I've already sent reinforcements. You didn't need to remind me, Donald. But I still want to see everything she's capable of. This will help us understand her power better. We can't act without complete information.
The battle continued, and eventually, Atom Eve was wounded again, this time with a direct blow to her side. The pain was evident on her face, and blood began to stain her clothes. Donald, clearly worried, couldn't help but speak up.
— Donald: Sir, she's going to die if this keeps up...
Before Cecil could give the order for his agents to intervene and help, a mysterious figure suddenly appeared between Atom Eve and her clones, so quickly that no one had time to react. He positioned himself in front of the girl and, with incredible agility, managed to block the attack from the clone, protecting her. He stood there, like a living wall, with an imposing presence.
The man had a perfect physique, visibly strong and agile. His hair was short and black, and his eyes, sharp and piercing, reflected a contained power. He wore a red and blue uniform, with a symbol of an "S" on his chest, and his posture was calm, as if the battle around him was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He looked young, perhaps around 16, but his strength was unquestionable. The attacks, which could have destroyed a car, were easily stopped by him as if they were nothing. His power was overwhelming, yet his youthful appearance made him seem completely out of place.
Cecil, who had been calm and collected until then, reacted instantly. His normally impassive face went through several expressions, as if his mind was trying to process the information quickly and accurately.
— Cecil: It can't be...
Donald, observing the situation with concern, asked, trying to make sense of what was happening.
— Donald: Sir, what's going on? Who is this? A threat?
Cecil stared at the screen, his eyes narrowing as he processed what he was seeing. His words came out almost hesitantly, filled with growing tension.
— Cecil: A Viltrumite? Is he... a threat?
Cecil's response was almost automatic, but the panic was visible in his eyes. He knew what that meant. Nolan Grayson, also known as Omni-Man, was the most powerful Viltrumite on the planet, and the idea that there was another, someone like him, was putting Cecil on high alert. If this was truly a Viltrumite, the implications were enormous.
Cecil knew that Nolan Grayson could destroy the planet alone if he wanted to. No hero on Earth, not even the Guardians of the Globe, posed a threat to someone of the Viltrumite race. A Viltrumite's power was unmatched, and the presence of a potential new Viltrumite made Cecil's blood run cold.
— Cecil: Have all agents retreat. I want them to keep their distance, but monitor him closely. I want eyes everywhere on this planet, watching his every move. If necessary, use every camera on the planet.
The agents behind him, who had been observing and monitoring the situation, immediately began to follow his orders. The screens flickered as they set up systems to keep an eye on the new suspect.
— Agents: Yes, sir.
The tension in the room was palpable. Donald, with a worried look, couldn't help himself.
— Donald: Should we call Nolan?
Cecil paused for a moment, reflecting. His thoughts were in turmoil. He knew that if this was indeed a Viltrumite, Nolan would be the only one capable of dealing with him. But at the same time, Cecil never fully trusted Nolan. His commitment had always been to Earth, and he always believed it was better to keep control in his own hands, without relying on outside beings. If a Viltrumite were truly a threat, Cecil knew the GDA would have to take action, and that Nolan, no matter how powerful, wasn't the solution to everything.
After a long silence, Cecil looked at Donald and, with a determined expression, said:
— Cecil: Not yet, Donald. We'll wait. We need to know more before making any decisions. For now, our priority is to monitor him.
The tension in the room only increased, and Cecil knew he was facing something that could change everything. But he was ready. He had always been. This was also an opportunity for Cecil to finally uncover the truth about the Viltrumites. Maybe this new guy knew something they didn't. That's why Cecil intentionally decided not to contact Nolan—he wanted to see if he could gather any information on this potential Viltrumite.
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