บท 380: Prince
Grace City, Central Square
Grace City had long been a city haunted by fear. For as long as most people could remember, its streets were dangerous after sunset, plagued by crime and killers who operated without consequence. People avoided venturing out at night, locking their doors and waiting anxiously for dawn. But times had changed. The criminals who had once ruled the city's underbelly were being rooted out, one by one, and the streets were no longer shrouded in terror.
Now, Grace City was alive, bustling with activity at all hours. Streetlights illuminated vibrant neighborhoods, and night markets hummed with energy. The people, free from their fear of the dark, seemed determined to reclaim the night. The transformation wasn't just visible—it was palpable. The city was becoming a beacon of hope, a place that never slept.
Tonight, the central square was the heart of that energy.
Even though it was well past eleven, the square was packed with people. The streets were a blur of movement, filled with excited voices and glowing lights. Families, couples, and groups of friends filled every corner, and the air buzzed with excitement. Street vendors sold snacks and drinks, their carts lit by colorful lanterns. On the sidewalks, performers juggled or danced, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Amid the crowd, a few dedicated cosplayers turned heads. A group of friends had painstakingly built bulky Iron Man suits by hand, sweating as they clanked their way through the streets. Their hard work earned cheers and applause from bystanders, who eagerly snapped photos. Kids wearing oversized Iron Man helmets laughed and posed, while others sported red-and-gold T-shirts, jackets, and accessories. Everywhere you looked, there was no mistaking the theme of the night.
Iron Man.
---
Though it had been only a few years since Iron Man had appeared on the world stage, his impact was undeniable. Under Tony Stark's leadership, the world had entered a technological revolution. Roads were now filled with sleek, silent Stark-designed vehicles powered by renewable energy. Holographic displays and Stark tech had replaced traditional smartphones, and subway systems used cutting-edge designs to transport people faster than ever before. In large shopping centers, shoppers could even summon interactive floating screens with a wave of their hand.
But it wasn't just the convenience of Stark's technology that had changed the world—it was the hope it inspired. After the Avengers had defeated an alien invasion, Iron Man became a symbol of humanity's potential. People saw him not just as a hero, but as a pioneer leading the world into a brighter future.
---
Detective Ivan Petrov leaned against a metal railing on the edge of the square, a cigarette in his hand. From his vantage point, he could see the throngs of people surrounding the black copper statue of Iron Man in the square's center. The statue was a masterpiece, its lifelike detail capturing Iron Man's strength and determination. It had been placed in the square two days earlier, and since then, it had become a focal point for photos and admiration.
Ivan took a slow drag from his cigarette, his lips curling into a faint smile. The excitement of the crowd was infectious, and even a seasoned detective like him couldn't help but feel a spark of hope.
"Unbelievable, isn't it?" came a voice from beside him.
Ivan turned to see an older man with white hair, standing tall despite his age. It was Professor Prince, the host of tonight's event. Though not officially part of the Ninth Special Service Division, Prince was a prominent member of the Star Technology Committee and had worked closely with the organization. He was one of the first to embrace Stark's innovations, playing a pivotal role in reshaping the energy industry.
Prince wasn't looking at Ivan. His gaze was fixed on the statue, his expression contemplative. "I mean them," Prince continued, gesturing slightly toward the towering figure of Iron Man. "The superheroes. The ones from beyond the stars. They've changed everything. It's incredible, isn't it? The power of technology—our greatest tool. They showed us what's possible and gave us the confidence to push forward. This is the future."
Ivan exhaled a puff of smoke, nodding slightly. "Yeah. I've waited my whole life for the world to get its act together. Finally feels like it's moving in the right direction."
Prince's lips curved into a knowing smile. "And what is the right direction for you, Detective Petrov?"
Ivan hesitated. The question caught him off guard. He thought for a moment before replying, "A world where people can walk outside at night without fear. Where justice is real, and no one gets pushed around. A place where everyone can live their lives in peace. That's what I'd call the right direction."
Prince chuckled softly but didn't respond. Instead, he patted Ivan's shoulder. "The opening's about to start. Enjoy the evening." With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Ivan shook his head, smirking as he lit a fresh cigarette. "Cryptic old man," he muttered.
---
The venue was packed to capacity. Every entrance was swarmed with eager attendees, and the event organizers struggled to manage the flow of people. Security guards, equipped with metal detectors and scanners, worked tirelessly to process the endless line of visitors. Despite their best efforts, the sheer volume of attendees left them overwhelmed.
Among the crowd, a hooded boy moved unnoticed. His dark sweatshirt concealed most of his face, and he kept his head low, blending into the sea of people. As he approached the entrance, the metal detectors beeped occasionally, but the guards waved him through after a cursory scan. Additional devices, including infection and anomaly detectors, also returned "safe" results. The boy passed without incident.
Above the venue, two drones hovered silently, their stealth technology rendering them invisible to the naked eye. They patrolled the crowd, scanning faces and identifying potential threats. When their cameras swept over the boy, his face appeared briefly on their monitors, marked with a green "safe" icon. Satisfied, the drones continued their watch.
The boy weaved through the crowd, moving closer to the stage. He stopped near the front, his hood casting a shadow over his face. Though his posture was casual, his sharp eyes remained locked on the stage, watching and waiting.
---
Professor Prince stepped up to the podium, adjusting the microphone. The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement filling the square. Prince smiled warmly, waiting for the noise to settle before he spoke.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice carrying across the square. "It's wonderful to see so many enthusiastic faces tonight. I'm sure you all know why we're here. Tonight, we celebrate the incredible changes that have transformed our lives."
He gestured toward the Iron Man statue behind him. "Technology is a beacon of hope. From the moment our ancestors first harnessed fire, it has guided us, lighting the path to the future. And now, thanks to visionaries like Tony Stark, we stand on the brink of a new era."
In the crowd, the hooded boy muttered something under his breath, his voice barely audible. No one noticed as his hands began to glow faintly, a soft blue light emanating from beneath his sleeves. The energy coiled around his arms like living tendrils, pulsing rhythmically.
Then it happened.
With a deafening roar, the roof of the venue exploded outward, sending shards of metal and concrete raining down. A shockwave rippled through the square, knocking people to the ground and shattering nearby windows. Dust and smoke filled the air, and screams echoed as the crowd scattered in every direction.
Amid the chaos, the hooded boy remained still, standing at the center of the devastation he had unleashed. The faint blue glow around him intensified, casting an eerie light in the swirling dust. His glowing eyes pierced through the darkness, cold and unyielding.
Onstage, Professor Prince stumbled back, shielding himself from the falling debris. His expression was a mix of shock and disbelief as he stared at the destruction.
Alarms blared in the distance, signaling the arrival of emergency responders. The square, once filled with excitement and celebration, was now a scene of chaos and fear.
The boy raised his head slightly, his glowing eyes scanning the panicked crowd. Whatever his intentions, it was clear that the celebration was over—and something far more dangerous had begun.
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