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After saying goodbye to the Guardians, Henry didn't go straight home. Instead, he spent some time helping as many people as he could. He flew over the city, using his super-hearing. He listened to the sounds of people talking, animals, and even screams—hundreds of voices crying out for help. Henry could hear everything, and it bothered him. He had to do something about it.
He descended from the sky and stopped a thief who had just robbed a woman. He knocked the criminal out and returned her belongings. He saved a child from drowning, rescued a cat stuck in a tree, stopped an out-of-control car, and even prevented a plane from crashing. After spending a few hours helping people, he finally returned home as night fell.
He landed in the backyard and entered through the back door, unseen by anyone.
His brother and mother were already in bed. His father was still awake, waiting for him in the kitchen, dressed casually.
Henry tried to sneak in unnoticed, but his father caught him. He walked over and ruffled Henry's hair.
'I'm glad you're okay, Henry. Your mom left some food for you in the fridge. She and I have been really worried about you.'
'Sorry, Dad, I was...'
His father cut him off before he could finish.
'I know, you don't have to say it. I saw everything on TV.'
'On TV?'
'Yeah, take a look.'
His father went to the kitchen TV and turned it on. The news was showing footage and reports of Henry and the Guardians saving the kaiju cruise ship. Several people Henry had rescued appeared on screen, thanking him.
'I thought I was going to die.'
'Without them, we'd all be dead. Thanks to them, our family is still alive.'
The anchor started talking about him on the country's biggest news broadcast.
'Looks like we have a new hero in town. Could he be the newest member of the Guardians? Rachel, what do you think the "S" on his chest stands for? Is he even human?'
'We don't know yet, but stay tuned for updates. This hero also prevented a commercial plane from crashing. It seems a flock of birds took out both engines, and he managed to land it safely at our airport. The footage is unbelievable.'
The news played clips of Henry holding the plane and bringing it down smoothly onto the runway. He had to use his bio-field to keep the aircraft from breaking apart midair.
Henry had barely made his first appearance, yet he already had admirers. However, it was only a matter of time before some people started seeing him as a threat.
His father kept switching channels, and every station was talking about him. Then he turned off the TV and looked at Henry.
'Don't tell your mom, but I'm really proud of you. She won't say it, but I think she is too.'
'Thanks, Dad.'
'Now go upstairs and get some sleep. You've got school tomorrow.'
'Yeah, yeah...'
Henry climbed the stairs to his room, took off his suit, showered, and collapsed into bed. Even though he was made of steel and nearly indestructible, he still needed sleep. He wasn't a god—at least, not yet.
The next morning, Henry got up and got ready for school. He called Ned, and they agreed to meet up at his house after class to work on developing a game. Henry was still unsure whether he should make a mobile or PC game. Since he wanted to make quick and easy money, he figured he should start with something simple and profitable.
He got dressed, grabbed a quick bite, and headed to school. Once he arrived, he looked for Ned, and they started chatting about everyday stuff. When class ended, Henry and Ned walked back together.
They stood at Henry's front door, and he knocked. His mom answered.
'Ned! It's been so long since I've seen you! Have you lost weight?'
'Actually, Mrs. Lia, I've gained a little.'
Ned pressed his belly and smiled awkwardly.
'Really? Oh, I'm sorry. Come on in, boys. I'll fix you something to eat.'
'Thanks!'
Henry and Ned went upstairs and started planning how to create a game. Henry didn't have much experience, but after a few hours of reading, he was confident he could learn anything. His brain absorbed information much faster than normal. As for Ned, he was a total nerd—he spent most of his time on his PC, coding and studying. He already had experience.
'Dude, so what's the plan? What's your idea? Maybe a shooter?... Although that might be too hard.'
They sat around the PC, discussing their options. The floor was covered with books they had borrowed from the library, plus a few Ned had brought in his backpack.
Henry thought about what kind of game he should make. His first idea was Minecraft, and it seemed like a good one, but it would take too long to develop—and he was in a hurry. Then, he remembered two simple games that had made millions: Five Nights at Freddy's and Plants vs. Zombies. They were simple, had minimal animations, and were perfect for making a quick buck.
'Ned, here's how the game is going to work...'
Henry spent some time explaining his idea to Ned. He decided to make Five Nights first.
After the discussion, they divided the tasks. Ned would handle programming and animation, while Henry worked on character design and voice-acting for the story. He would also assist with details and fine-tuning.
Henry and Ned spent the entire day sketching and painting 3D character designs. Henry's super-brain was incredible, but he still enjoyed having Ned's help. Ned had the harder job. Once Henry finished the character designs, he would help with programming and animation. He'd need to study a bit to learn how to do it properly.
By the end of the day, the rough concept of the game was ready. As night fell, Ned and Henry said their goodbyes. Henry walked with Ned to the door.
'Thanks for helping me out, Ned. I had a great time today.'
'I had a great time too, Henry. Let's keep working on it tomorrow.'
'Sounds good.'
They said their goodbyes. Henry went upstairs to his room and continued programming and working on 3D character models.
The next day, Henry went to school as usual. He made a point to attend, learn new things, and enjoy life like a normal kid.
When he wasn't in school, he was out on the streets in his suit, saving people. Sometimes, he helped Cecil, but most of the time, he patrolled the city alone.
Henry had told Ned about his superhero identity, and Ned had completely freaked out. He wouldn't stop asking questions about everything Henry did. So one day, Henry built him a custom radio that could tap into police communications.
Ned had basically become his Alfred. Whenever a crime happened, Ned would alert him.
During this time, Henry kept balancing his superhero life with school.
His relationship with Cecil and the other Guardians had improved a lot. They trusted him more now, and they had become friends and allies.
Meanwhile, the number of civilians who admired him had skyrocketed. By now, he had saved thousands of people, and his reputation had grown immensely.
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(Time Skip in the next chapter.)