Wolfram

Jake Rogers had never sought the spotlight. In fact, he actively avoided it. A quiet, introverted freshman at Veridon University, he was content with a life of solitude: studying, sketching, and keeping to himself. The idea of being in the thick of campus activities, let alone a superhero battle, seemed more like a distant fantasy to him. 

At Veridon, everyone knew about the heroes. People talked about them constantly: Captain Justice, the shining beacon of righteousness, and various smaller heroes who had risen up in the aftermath of the villainous reign of Rex Steel. It wasn't that Jake disliked heroes; he simply never thought he'd be a part of that world. 

And then there was Lucy Carter. Lucy wasn't a hero, but she might as well have been. She was the kind of person who lit up a room without trying, who could walk into any space and instantly have a crowd of friends. She was outgoing, confident, and popular in a way Jake couldn't imagine. She also happened to be in his intro-level Chemistry class. 

Jake had always admired her from a distance, though he doubted she even knew he existed. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to her; he just didn't know how. He preferred to stay invisible, tucked away in his corner, quietly observing the world around him.

But then, everything changed the day he stumbled upon the serum.