章節 41: Mask Upgrades
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Back at their base, Nero tossed his cloak onto a nearby chair, running a hand through his hair as he settled into one of the plush seats. The air in the room was light, filled with the buzz of post-mission energy.
Sofia bounced into the room, practically vibrating with excitement. "Did you see Stark's face when we shut down the Ironmonger? He had no idea what hit him!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Nero smirked, leaning back with an air of casual satisfaction. "He'll figure it out eventually," he said, his tone light. "But by then, we'll be two steps ahead."
Donald leaned against the wall, his cane resting by his side. "Think he'll come looking for us?" he asked, more curious than concerned.
"Let him try," Nero replied with a shrug. "He's smart, but he's not ready for what we have in store. Besides, I'd be disappointed if he didn't at least make the attempt."
Diego, who had been lounging on the couch, stretched lazily before chiming in, "Can't say I blame him. You were pretty flashy out there, boss. The guy's probably kicking himself for not figuring out who we are on the spot."
Nero's grin widened. "Keep them guessing. Let Stark think he's got all the pieces, but fail to see the full picture."
Sofia flopped onto the couch beside Diego, nudging him playfully. "It's not every day you get to mess with a billionaire in a flying tin can. I call that a win."
"Just don't get too comfortable," Nero warned, though his tone was more teasing than serious. "Stark's not someone to underestimate. He's got resources and a stubborn streak a mile wide. This was just the opening move."
Anthony, who had been quiet since their return, finally spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "So, what's the next step?"
Maria settled herself into Nero's armrest, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Today was just a debut, a little introduction to Stark, and by extension, to the Army and SHIELD."
Nero nodded in agreement, the glint of amusement in his eyes. "Maria's right. We made our presence known, but this was just a greeting."
From the corner of the room, Nigel emerged from the shadows. "So, what's the official name of our little masked band, anyway?" There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he recalled their colorful entrance.
Nero chuckled, catching the playful glint in Nigel's eyes. "You seemed to enjoy playing the masked vigilante, Nigel."
The older man spread his arms wide, a mock-serious look on his face. "What can I say? I've been a fan of Power Rangers for years. Now we've sort of embodied their spirit—colors, masks, the whole deal."
Nero clicked his tongue in annoyance, shaking his head. "Damn it, Nigel. You should have brought that up before we went with the masks. Now we'll look like we're ripping them off."
Nigel laughed, a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the room. "And what's wrong with that, Capo? There are worse things to be compared to."
Nero couldn't help but grin, his amusement growing. "True, we are definitely skipping the spandex." The room filled with light laughter.
Sofia swung her legs over the arm of the couch, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "As long as we keep kicking ass like we did today, I don't care what we're called."
Nero sighed, rubbing his temples before leaning back in his chair. "Alright, fine. I'll bite. Let's hear the suggestions."
Sofia was the first to jump in, her enthusiasm barely contained, despite her earlier comment. "How about something classic, like 'The Shadow Syndicate'?" She grinned, clearly pleased with herself.
Nero chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like a comic book villain team, Sofia. We're not trying to be the bad guys here."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, but admit it—it has a nice ring to it."
Diego chimed in next, "What about 'The Faceless'? You know, since we're all about keeping our identities under wraps."
Nero smirked. "And what happens when one of us gets recognized? Do we just rebrand as 'The Slightly Less Faceless'?"
Diego chuckled, unbothered. "Fair point."
Donald, after thinking for a little while, finally spoke up. "What about something that represents what we stand for? Like 'The Wraiths'—we strike from the shadows and vanish before anyone knows what hit them."
Nero raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous as he processed Donald's suggestion. "The Wraiths? Seriously, Donald? Ghosts are scary."
Donald shrugged, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well, if the shoe fits."
Nero shook his head, turning to Maria, Anthony, and Nigel, who had yet to contribute. "Alright, any better ideas?"
Maria, lounging comfortably on the arm of Nero's chair, smiled knowingly. "I think we're overthinking this. Why not keep it simple? Something that reflects who we are—no frills, no theatrics."
Nero nodded thoughtfully. "Straight to the point. I like it. But what?"
Anthony spoke up with a bit of a wistful tone. "How about something heroic? 'The Vanguard'? We're always at the front, leading the charge, unseen but always there."
Nero shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "That's the name of a corrupt corporation on an alternate Earth, Anthony. Let's not associate ourselves with that kind of baggage."
He turned his attention to Maria and Nigel, who had been quietly listening to the suggestions with varying degrees of amusement. "Alright, you two," Nero said, his tone light but expectant. "You two better come up with something good, or we'll be stuck with Sofia's comic book villain team name."
Maria tapped her chin thoughtfully, a playful glint in her eye. "I am still going with my earlier suggestion, something simple but strong? Like 'The Shield'? We stand between the world and those who would harm it."
Nero considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "Nice idea, but SHIELD's already got that name locked down. Plus, we're more offensive than defensive."
Nigel leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed as he mused aloud. "What about 'The Veil'? We operate from the shadows, unseen and unknown, but always present."
Sighing, Nero pushed himself out of the plush chair, stretching his arms lazily. "Alright, alright. I'll come up with the name," he said, his tone playfully resigned. "Being the boss is such a burden."
The group collectively rolled their eyes, clearly used to Nero's dramatics. He paced the room for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, then snapped his fingers as an idea struck him. "The Good Omen," he declared, his voice filled with a subtle triumph.
Maria and Anthony, the more artistic souls of the group, immediately perked up at the suggestion. They exchanged a glance, both clearly intrigued. The name was simple, yet it carried a weight that resonated with them. It was more than just a title—it was a promise, a symbol of what they stood for.
"The juxtaposition is perfect," Maria said, her voice filled with approval. "It's like a warning and a blessing all wrapped into one."
Anthony nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. "It's poetic. We're the ones who bring change, whether the world is ready for it or not. I didn't know you had such an artistic soul, boss."
Sighing, Nero shook his head with a chuckle. "It's the name of a show on Earth. I just borrowed it. We already stole the whole design from Power Rangers, might as well go all the way."
The room filled with laughter, the tension from earlier battles fading as they all relaxed into the comfort of their base. Nero leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he watched his friends. "The Good Omen," he repeated, this time with a hint of irony. "It's fitting—gives people hope while keeping them on edge. Just how we like it."
Maria gave him a playful nudge. "Still, I think it suits us. We're not exactly saints, but we're not the villains either."
Nero smirked. "Speak for yourself. Some of us are better at hiding our horns."
Diego said from his side with a grin. "And our capes. Don't forget the capes."
Nero rolled his eyes, amused. "Capes, masks, and all. We've definitely got style. Let's just make sure we don't trip over them when things get serious."
Donald rapped his cane against the floor, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "So, the name's settled. Design and debut are done. Now, what about the Hulk's entrance? We're staying in the background, right? Letting Neogenes take the spotlight?"
Nero nodded, leaning back in his chair, fingers tapping idly on the armrest. "Exactly. We've already made enough noise for one day. Let them handle the big green guy. We'll keep an eye on things, but no need to step in unless it benefits us."
Sofia bounced her leg as she sat on the couch. "Feels like we're skipping all the fun."
Nero shot her a knowing look. "Patience, Sofia. We'll have our moment. Right now, it's all about positioning. Besides, it's not like we're missing out entirely. We're still part of the game, just not the ones on the front line this time."
The gang nodded in agreement, the room settling into a comfortable silence. Nero was about to move on when Nigel spoke up, his tone thoughtful. "Boss, today when I locked the Arc Reactor, I felt something different in my power. Originally, I planned to limit how the Arc Reactor worked, but instead, I managed to limit who could access its energy."
Nero leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "You altered who could tap into it, rather than just dampening its function?"
Nigel nodded, his gaze distant as he replayed the moment in his mind. "Exactly. It wasn't just about restricting its output—it was about deciding who gets to use it. Almost like setting permissions."
Sofia perked up from her spot on the couch, a grin spreading across her face. "Sounds like coding. You basically set user access levels for the core. Made sure only the right people could interact with it."
Nero chuckled, shaking his head. "Leave it to Sofia to turn magic into tech-speak."
She shot him a playful glare. "Hey, it's all just systems and logic at the end of the day. Magic or not, there's always a way to explain it."
Nero nodded, still amused. "Fair enough. So, Nigel, does this mean you can start filtering who can mess with our stuff? Maybe block certain people out entirely?"
Nigel shrugged, but there was a glint of excitement in his usually calm eyes. "It's possible. If I can do it once, I can refine it. But it's not something I'd rely on just yet—still needs more testing."
Nero nodded, his expression one of genuine interest. "That's excellent, Nigel. Like I've said before, you're all still discovering what you're truly capable of. Even I don't know the full extent of these powers. The more you experiment, the more potential you'll unlock."
He pulled his mask off and tossed it onto the table, the subtle gleam of its surface catching the light. "Now, let's talk about making these masks more than just symbols. Nigel, I want you to start working on limiting scrutiny. I don't care who's looking—whether it's with tech, magic, or anything else—they shouldn't be able to see through these."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as Nero continued, his voice firm yet casual. "Each of you should test your abilities on your own masks as well. We're aiming for something stronger, something that can hold up against anything thrown at us. If we're going to play this game, we're going to do it right."
Each member of the group settled into their space, masks in hand, as the room buzzed with quiet energy. The mission had gone well, but now it was time to fine-tune their gear. Nero watched from his chair, his gaze shifting from one to another as they began to work, a faint smile playing on his lips. It wasn't often they had moments like this—time to reflect, adjust, and prepare for what came next.
Sofia was the first to break the silence, her fingers tracing the edges of her mask thoughtfully. "Alright, girl and boys," she said with a playful lilt, "I'm thinking of adding a water vapor shield to this bad boy. Keep it cool under pressure, literally."
Donald chuckled from his spot by the wall. "You mean you're making it rain on your own face?"
Sofia shot him a mock glare. "Not exactly, genius. It's more like a thermal defense—less sweat, more survival. Plus, it'll mess with heat-seeking tech. Think of it as staying one step ahead."
Diego twirled his mask between his fingers. "Sounds like overkill for someone who spends most of her time behind a screen," he teased.
Sofia tossed a pillow at him, grinning. "Says the guy who spends half the battle acting cute. At least my upgrades are practical."
Diego caught the pillow effortlessly, laughing. "Practicality is overrated. I'm thinking more along the lines of a soundwave nullifier—silent but deadly."
Anthony looked up from his own mask, a thoughtful expression on his face. "How about adding a solar flare feature," he mused. "Blind the enemy, give us an opening."
Nero listened, his eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. Maria traced a finger along the surface of her mask, her voice thoughtful but tinged with playfulness. "I got an idea. Enhancing the illusion aspect—make it so people can't quite tell where I am. You know, a little smoke and mirrors."
Nigel remained quiet for a moment longer before adding his input. "Capo has already given me direction, on top of that I'm thinking of making the mask filter out harmful energies. That way, if someone tries to mess with us through magic or toxins, they'll hit a wall. Plus, I'll strengthen the mask's connection to the ring. The stronger our defenses, the more freedom we have to act."
They started to work on their ideas for a while, until Sofia broke the silence while fiddling with the edges of her mask. "Water vapor shield's coming along nicely," she muttered, mostly to herself, though her voice carried across the room. "Just gotta make sure it doesn't fog up the inside. That'd be a real buzzkill in a fight."
Donald grinned at her. "Maybe add a windshield wiper function," he teased, his voice light. "You know, just in case."
Sofia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smirk tugging at her lips. "Very funny, Doc. We'll see who's laughing when your mask starts short-circuiting from all the sparks flying around."
Donald tapped his cane thoughtfully. "Reinforced structure, electromagnetic barrier—no sparks are getting through this baby," he replied confidently.
"Yeah, yeah," Sofia shot back, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Just don't cry when you lose signal. My data masking's gonna make sure of that." She fiddled with her mask, the light from her ring illuminating the part she was tweaking.
Donald smirked, glancing up from his work. "As long as your mask doesn't go on the fritz mid-battle, I'll be fine."
Sofia arched an eyebrow, a grin tugging at her lips. "Please, Doc, my tech's solid. Can't say the same for your cane, though. What happens if you zap yourself with that electromagnetic barrier?"
Donald tapped his cane against the floor with a soft thud. "It's called insurance. And unlike you, I don't need Wi-Fi to stay useful."
"Ouch," Sofia laughed, working on her mask. "But don't come running to me when your insurance needs updating."
Diego eyed her work with mock concern. "You sure you're not just setting yourself up for a headache? As Donny said, if that thing glitches mid-mission, we're all gonna hear about it."
Sofia waved him off, not missing a beat. "Please, Diego. I know what I'm doing. Besides, your soundwave thing better not fry my comms or we'll have bigger problems."
Diego chuckled, leaning back. "Fair enough. But if it works, you'll be thanking me when you need a little peace and quiet."
Anthony, sitting cross-legged on the floor, looked up from his mask. "You two better not mess with each other's gear. I've got enough to worry about without trying to deflect soundwaves and data blocks in the middle of a fight." His voice was light, but the point was clear.
Sofia shot him a grin. "Don't worry, babe. I've got it under control."
Maria tilted her head with a teasing smile. "By the way, 'Boss,'" she emphasized with mock seriousness, "why are you just sitting there? Is it fun to play the boss who doesn't actually do anything?"
Nero grinned, unfazed by the playful jab. "You know how it is, Maria. Delegation is key. Besides, I'm here for moral support."
Anthony, not missing a beat, joined in. "Oh, so that's what you call sitting around while we do the work? You must be really supportive then, boss."
Diego pressed without a delay, "Yeah, Nero. Watching us sweat over these upgrades while you relax? That's some top-tier leadership."
Nero shrugged, completely at ease. "Hey, someone's got to supervise. Make sure you don't accidentally blow up the base."
Sofia snorted. "Please, like I'd ever let that happen. If anything, we should be supervising you, Nero. Last time you tried to 'help,' we ended up with a sparking mess of wires."
Donald chuckled softly. "You're right, Sofia. On the second though Nero, you might want to stick to what you're good at—like watching us from a safe distance. Keep up the good work!"
Nero raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I get it. I'm just a pretty face around here."
"Pretty face, sure," Maria teased, nudging him with her elbow. "But you're not fooling anyone. We all know you're just dodging the hard work."
Nigel added with a smirk, "To be fair, he's perfected the art of looking busy while doing absolutely nothing. It's a talent, really."
Nero rolled his eyes, but the grin never left his face. "I will let you know, Nigel. It is called being a boss, thank you. You've all got your specialties, and I'm just giving you the chance to shine."
Sofia leaned back, laughing. "Strategic delegation? That's a fancy way of saying 'I am too lazy to do the heavy lifting.'"
Diego stretched. "Let's be real, Nero. If you were in charge of these upgrades, we'd all end up with flamethrowers instead of functional masks."
Anthony nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and while that sounds cool in theory, I'd rather not set myself on fire during a mission."
Maria turned to Nero with a mock serious expression. "So, boss, any brilliant ideas for your own upgrades? Or are you leaving that to us too?"
Nero leaned back, pretending to think. "Hmm, I was considering adding a voice modulator. You know, just to sound more intimidating."
Sofia smirked. "Because your natural charm isn't enough?"
Nero grinned. "Exactly. Gotta keep up appearances, after all."
Seeing their unconvinced faces, Nero chuckled, "Seems like you all forget what my ability is." With a flick of his wrist, an orange light lit up his hand, then shifted through a spectrum of colors—sun yellow, rain blue, cloud purple, lightning green, storm red, and finally mist indigo.
"Woah!" Sofia exclaimed, her eyes widening in awe. Nero grinned at her reaction, teasing, "I encompass all of you, like the sky hugs all your elements. So when you're done with your enhancements, I'll merge them together in all your masks."
Diego raised an eyebrow with a smirk on his face. "Oh, great. So, basically, you're saying we're just fancy accessories for your grand vision?"
"Pretty much," Nero shot back, his grin widening. "But hey, you all look good while doing it."
Nigel tapped his foot thoughtfully against the floor. "And here I thought I was more than just a cloud in your sky, Capo. Guess I'm just part of the weather report now."
Maria shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "I think he's just trying to make himself sound more important. We all know he's just showing off because he doesn't want to admit he's not doing the hard work."
Nero pulled Maria into his lap, making her yelp in surprise as he stretched her cheeks playfully. "Hey, you're supposed to be my first lady. Don't go exposing my secrets."
Maria swatted at his hands, half-laughing as she tried to wriggle free. "If you don't want to be exposed, stop making it so easy, boss."
The rest of the group burst out laughing, and Diego leaned in, grinning. "First lady? More like the one keeping you in line. We all know who really runs this show."
Anthony smirked as he added, "If you keep that up, Nero, you'll be the one on the receiving end of her scolding."
Sofia, never one to miss a chance to pile on, chuckled from her spot on the couch. "She's got enough dirt on you to sink a ship."
Nero raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin spreading across his face. "Fine, fine. M'lady, whatever you say." Then, with a swift movement, he pulled Maria closer, planting a quick kiss on her lips. She playfully pushed him away, shaking her head with a smile.
"Alright, alright," she teased, "don't think a kiss gets you off the hook for dodging work."
Nero chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Nah, the kiss was my last meal before execution."
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