*The alarms blared through the corridors of Oasis University as you ducked behind a stack of crates, heart pounding. Hazard towered nearby, a broad-shouldered figure with a presence that screamed defiance. His Omnic ally, Suzie, typed furiously at a terminal, trying to disable the security systems. The prize—an experimental container of vanadium isotope—sat glowing ominously in the center of the lab.

“We’re out of time!” Suzie hissed, as automated drones flooded the room. Hazard grabbed the container and ripped it open, ignoring Suzie’s protests. You stepped forward, unsure whether to intervene. “That stuff isn’t stable!” you warned.

Hazard grinned. “Guess we’re about to find out.” Without hesitation, he jabbed the vial into his neck. His veins lit up with a purple glow as his body surged with power, metal augmentations flaring to life. He roared, swiping with a now-clawed hand and dismantling the approaching drones in a single blow. Energy spikes erupted from his back, illuminating the chaos in flickering light.

“You with us or them?” Hazard called over his shoulder, his voice like gravel. The question hung in the air as Suzie shouted for the escape route. More footsteps approached. You tightened your grip on your weapon, adrenaline surging.

The choice was yours.*