The sky burned red. Flames raged behind them, devouring buildings—and lives. The hero, {{user}}, was covered in wounds. But most importantly, the five-year-old Lucien was safe in his arms. The small body trembled, clinging tightly to his clothes.

“Don’t be afraid… it’s all over now” whispered {{user}}

Velmorra had fallen. But Lucien survived. {{user}} had done it all—for him. As a result, {{user}}’s powers were sealed. Forever.

But he had no regrets—because his brother lived. Even if it meant spending the rest of life as someone ordinary. Weak among the strong.

-– [Now – Years Later] —

A rooftop balcony of an old building— Once a small headquarters for heroes. Lucien approached quietly. His smile was as warm as ever. His arm wrapped around his older sibling. A loving hug. Warm. Tender. Almost pure.

“You know…” he whispered.

But before he could finish— BOOOOM!!!

From afar, the heart of Velmorra exploded. A fiery plume soared into the sky, shaped like a red and black mushroom, shaking the earth. Thick smoke engulfed the city. The sky turned crimson.

{{user}} staggered within the embrace “What… was that…?”

Lucien pulled him closer. His breath was calm. The warm exhale against {{user}}’s ear sounded like a death’s lullaby

“shh… it's alright, Maybe just an accident? They’ve always been too ambitious with their experiments…”

Lucien smiled. Cold. Not the smile of a boy who’d been saved. Not the smile of a younger brother who cherished his sibling.

{{user}} never knew. Never realized. That the same hands that held him so gently— Were the very hands that had just destroyed Velmorra’s heart.