Heroes of Veridia: Evelyn's Journey

Evelyn's POV...

I straightened my jacket as I stepped through the hallway, the signs on the walls leading me directly to where I needed to be—the instructor's office. My mind reached out to my soldiers, my first gift's creation. Even though I'd recently awakened my nature ability, I'd always relied on the three superhuman-like soldiers at my disposal. Their existence was as real to me as the blood running through my veins, yet no one else could tell they weren't flesh and bone. They moved with precision, and their aim never faltered.

Wait outside the gym, I sent the mental message. I didn't need to say much; they understood every unspoken command. They were already moving as I reached the door to the instructor's office.

I knocked once, firm and certain, before stepping in. The instructor, sitting back in his chair, gave me a disinterested look. His eyes barely shifted, as though I were just another distraction in his day.

"Instructor," I began, "I need access to the gym. Now."

He raised an eyebrow, an almost lazy gesture. "Gym's closed. You're supposed to be resting after the morning exercises. All students are."

"I didn't ask for your opinion about what students are supposed to do." I smiled, but there was no warmth behind it. "I need the gym."

His eyes flickered slightly, more out of irritation than concern. "It's not up for discussion. You kids did enough for today."

"I don't think you understand." I leaned forward, my voice steady and firm. "I'm sure the manager would be very interested to hear why I couldn't continue my training. And we both know he doesn't take kindly to wasted potential."

His indifference turned to mild annoyance. "Do whatever you want. I don't care. But don't think your threats matter to me." He waved a hand at one of his guards standing by the door. "Let her in if she wants."

The guard's face remained impassive as he took a set of keys and headed toward the gym entrance.

"Oh, one more thing," I added, turning back to the instructor. "I don't want anyone else inside. The manager would understand."

The instructor gave me a careless nod, already dismissing me from his mind. "Yeah, yeah. Do whatever."

Satisfied, I followed the guard toward the gym, my soldiers already waiting in formation. As we approached, I saw them standing alert, as perfect as always, their sharp eyes scanning the area for any threat—though they knew, as well as I did, that there wouldn't be one here.

The guard unlocked the door, and I slipped inside the gym, my soldiers falling in behind me like shadows. The heavy scent of sweat from earlier lingered in the air, but the gym was silent now, empty and waiting.

"Now," I muttered to myself as I stretched my arms. "Time to put in the real work."

The soldiers stood at attention, their presence a quiet reassurance. With them watching my back, I could push myself without restraint.

After the gym doors shut behind us, I turned to my soldiers, their faces expressionless, awaiting my next command. Even though they looked human, they weren't entirely like us. They had their limitations, though. Their strength wasn't as impressive as one would expect from superhumans, but they excelled at stealth and firearms. Guns were their primary tools, and they knew how to stay out of sight—perfect for my needs.

I crossed my arms and gave them a nod. "You're free to do whatever you want in here. Keep yourselves sharp."

Without a word, they dispersed around the gym, moving with precision. They weren't much for lifting weights or brute strength exercises. Instead, they worked on speed drills, reflexes, and things that aligned more with their nature as silent fighters. I didn't need them to be powerhouses. Their efficiency came in how well they could handle a firearm and disappear before anyone noticed they were there.

As they went about their tasks, I focused on myself. I pushed my body through another hour of intense training. Each rep, each movement, burned, but I relished the feeling. My nature gift hummed quietly beneath my skin, ready to assist, but I resisted the temptation. I wanted to get stronger on my own, not rely on my abilities for every hurdle.

By the time I finished, my muscles were on fire, and sweat clung to every part of me. Satisfied with my progress, I headed for the girls' bath. It wasn't as luxurious as I would have liked, but it was enough to wash away the grime from training.

The warm water felt heavenly against my skin. I let myself relax for a moment, enjoying the quiet. My mind wandered to the day's events, replaying the exercises, the faces of the others in the cafeteria, and Vivian's sharp gaze. Even after all that, I couldn't shake the feeling that something more was coming. I needed to be ready.

After cleaning myself off and changing into a fresh tracksuit, I left the bath and made my way down the hall. My soldiers had already gone to their dorms—though they were my creations, they were also considered students of Phantom Edge. It kept things easier that way, and they blended in well enough.

My next stop was the manager's office. As I reached the door, I knocked softly before entering. He sat at his desk, his eyes sharp as always, though he didn't seem surprised to see me. I approached with purpose, stopping in front of him.

"I need to see Victor," I said politely, keeping my tone neutral. There was no need for excess explanation. He didn't need to know why.

The manager studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Very well," he said, his voice as calm as ever. He stood up from his desk, motioning for me to follow him to a corner of the room.

He didn't ask questions, didn't pry into my reasons. That was something I appreciated about him. When you gave an order, he followed through, with no hesitation.

The world shimmered around me as the Manager's teleportation ability activated, pulling me from the familiar grounds of Phantom Edge and dropping me in front of the massive gate of Heroic Heights. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the new surroundings. The Manager couldn't bring me in—not with the kind of protection that surrounded Heroic Heights. It was a fortress, after all, a symbol of the power they held.

Before disappearing, the Manager gave his usual calm instructions. "Call out 'Manager' when you wish to return." Then, just like that, he was gone, leaving me alone at the gates.

I stood there for a moment, feeling the warmth of the sunset. The sun was low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. Its rays hit my skin, and I felt a familiar surge of power stir within me. The connection to nature was always there, humming beneath the surface, but the sun seemed to ignite it further. I inhaled deeply, feeling my muscles loosen, and my senses sharpening.

I let out a slow breath, a small smile tugging at my lips. There was something about the way the sun interacted with my nature that made me feel... alive. More powerful, more in tune with everything around me.

Focus, I reminded myself. I couldn't get too distracted by the warmth or the sensation of power flowing through me. I was here for a reason.

I tilted my head back slightly, taking in the full view of Heroic Heights. The massive structure loomed ahead, its walls reinforced with layers of protection. It was no surprise they were interested in partnering with Victor. His serum was game-changing, a tool that could shift the balance of power. They were smart—of course, they'd want to work with someone like him. Everyone wanted a piece of Victor's brilliance.

I began to walk forward, making my way through the gates. The barriers that lined the entrance were formidable, but I passed through them without issue. The guards stationed at the front eyed me curiously, but after a few words exchanged, they let me through. I wasn't here to cause trouble, at least not today.

The inside of Heroic Heights was just as impressive as I had imagined. People bustled about, some with an air of authority, others with the quiet confidence of warriors. The place was alive with energy, and yet, beneath the surface, there was something colder. A tension that lingered in the air. Maybe it was just the nature of their work, or maybe it was something more. Either way, it didn't matter to me.

I exchanged a few more words with some of the staff, each interaction confirming what I had suspected—they were all on edge, eager to hear more about Victor's serum. It was clear that Heroic Heights was preparing for something bigger. A partnership with Victor would make them unstoppable.

As I walked deeper into the complex, I kept my posture relaxed, but my mind was alert, absorbing every detail. This place, with all its strength, was just another player in the game. And I intended to make sure I was always one step ahead.

As I stepped through the gates of Heroic Heights, even though I'd been here countless times, the sheer size and power of the place never failed to impress me. The walls seemed to tower endlessly, and the polished floors gleamed under the artificial lights. A place so full of ambition and secrets.

I walked calmly towards the elevator, following the directions given. The soft hum of the machinery filled the air as the doors slid open. Stepping inside, I pressed the button for the conference room floor. My reflection stared back at me from the elevator's glossy walls, but I quickly focused my mind on the task at hand.

When the elevator chimed, signaling my arrival, I stepped out and made my way down the hallway. Two of Victor's guards were stationed outside the door, their presence reassuring but also a reminder of the power Victor commanded.

"Here for the meeting?" one of them asked, his tone neutral but alert.

I nodded. "Yes. Is Victor inside?"

The other guard stepped aside, allowing me to approach the door.

As I reached for the door handle to the conference room, something inside me hesitated. I paused, hand hovering midair, and then quickly withdrew.

"Actually," I said, turning to the guard, "I think I'll wait out here. No point in going inside if I've got nothing to do in there."

The guard gave a small nod, and I moved to a nearby bench, settling down, and letting my thoughts drift. Whatever was happening inside, it was Victor's business, and I could wait until he was finished.

Moments later, the door to the conference room flew open, and Diana, who worked under Seraphina, rushed out. She disappeared into a nearby office but re-emerged moments later, her arms full of a tablet and a thick notebook. She seemed flustered, but as she passed me, she paused and blinked in surprise.

"Evelyn?" she asked, her voice surprised but excited. Her expression immediately brightened as she walked over quickly, trying to balance her things. "I've been wanting to meet you!"

I offered a polite smile. "Diana, right? You work with Seraphina?"

She nodded, practically beaming. "Yes! I've heard a lot about you. From Seraphina and others. I've been looking forward to talking to you."

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Have you?"

She nodded enthusiastically, setting her things down beside me. "Absolutely! You've been involved in some really impressive things. What's it like working so closely with Victor?"

I measured my response, keeping it neutral. "There's a lot more to it than people realize."

Diana's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I can imagine. Especially with everything going on—the serum, the changes Heroic Heights is making... it's all so exciting."

I looked at her thoughtfully. "It's not just about excitement or power. Some things run deeper."

She seemed to catch on to the undertones of my words, and her face softened. "I imagine it must be a lot to handle. But you're doing a great job."

I smiled faintly. "Thanks. What about you? What's it like working with Seraphina?"

"Oh, it's intense, but I love it," Diana replied, grinning. "She's brilliant, and working beside her has been a great experience. Honestly, I wouldn't trade it."

We shared a few more words, the conversation flowing easily until I glanced at the door behind her. "They're probably waiting for you."

Diana's eyes widened, and she gasped. "Oh no! I almost forgot!" She scrambled to gather her things. "They're expecting me in there."

Before she hurried back, she turned to me with a smile. "Will you still be here after the meeting? I'd love to talk more."

I nodded. "I'll be around."

She smiled gratefully before disappearing back into the conference room. As the door closed behind her, I leaned back, letting the stillness fill the space.

3rd POV...

Evelyn sat on the bench, her thoughts racing. What's this about me working with Victor? I've never worked for anyone in my life, she mused, feeling slightly baffled by the assumption.

A factory worker walked by, carrying a package that piqued her curiosity. He glanced her way and greeted her, "Hello Miss. How are you doing?"

With a straight face, Evelyn responded, "I'm good," watching him as he continued toward the conference room. The package in his hands caught her attention. Was that package filled with serum? she wondered.

As time passed, Evelyn's impatience grew. Twenty minutes had gone by, and the meeting inside the room showed no signs of ending. Deciding to take action, she approached the guards standing outside the conference room. "Don't tell Victor I came here," she said, her voice firm.

The guard responded immediately, "As you wish, Miss Blackwood."

Evelyn mentally rolled her eyes at the mention of "Blackwood," feeling the weight of the name more than ever as she turned away.