Chapter 180

One Mind, Two Thoughts

Talia tapped her tablet. The dossiers disappeared, replaced by a map of the Middle East. Red markers dotted across several countries, concentrated heavily in one region. Then it zoomed in on an area known as Rub’ al Khali, the Empty Quarter. A vast desert spanning portions of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

“I have two potential targets for the serum,” Talia said. “The first coincides with Gabriel Cross. Intel shows a rapid increase in superhumans in this region over the past six months. The only explanation is access to large quantities of serum, either through a major stockpile or regular provision.”

Augustus stroked his beard. “Could be powered delivery. Gates or teleportation.”

“Possible,” Talia acknowledged. “We can’t guarantee finding serum there. But if we decide to extract Gabriel, there’s a chance we can accomplish both objectives simultaneously.”

Alexander considered the implications. Rescuing a hostage-turned-recruit and securing serum in one operation would be efficient. But it also meant walking into an unknown situation with multiple variables. In a region with some of the worst hostilities worldwide.

“What’s the other option?” he asked.

The map slid over to focus on the United Arab Emirates, then zoomed in on Dubai.

“Dubai,” Talia said. “With the UEG’s restrictions in place, it is now home to the only remaining publicly operating serum treatment facility in the world. It also has one of the largest concentrations of superheroes globally. Almost no supervillain presence. And even AEGIS operates carefully there.”

“How does that work?” Carmen asked.

“In simple terms,” Augustus started, “the UAE was well prepared when the United Earth Government was officially formed. Oil and luxury tourism wealth combined with forward thinking allowed the UAE to position itself as one of two UEG international arbitration locations, making them diplomatically immune to much of the political game. With the value of oil waning, they shifted their focus to aerospace manufacturing, focusing on orbital habitats and space station modules.”

Talia continued. “Not to mention, they were one of the first to truly embrace superhumans as part of society and their powers as part of their daily infrastructure. The Emirates Superhuman Authority was established before GOLD and AEGIS came into play. UAE leadership leveraged that to ensure their country remained in charge of most superhuman related matters within their borders.”

Carmen nodded, satisfied.

Talia swiped. A three-dimensional rendering of a massive building complex appeared, gleaming towers connected by skywalks and gardens. She flipped through images of the center. Luxury interiors. Spa rooms. Exercise centers. Training halls. Lounges overlooking the city.

“Calling it a medical center understates what this actually is. The facility offers complete packages. Relaxation spas, massage therapy, post-awakening instruction, dedicated training rooms. It’s one of the largest buildings in the city, and it caters to everything wealthy clients could want during treatment and awakening.”

Annie leaned forward. “It sounds like you’re describing some sort of destination vacation awakening resort.”

“Essentially, yes.”

“I am so on board with wrecking their stupid awakening spa.” Annie grinned. “When do we go?”

Augustus shook his head. “The UAE must have multiple Tier 3s. That’s a significant problem.”

“One stationed in Dubai,” Talia said, bringing up their profiles. “Two more live in Abu Dhabi. The government maintains a strong superhuman presence, but most are concentrated in the capital.”

“One Tier 3 is still one too many,” Augustus countered. “Why not target serum manufacturing directly?”

“Because nobody knows where any of the mega-corps or government manufacturing is. Current speculation suggests most production has moved off-world, likely to orbital habitats.”

Alexander thought about the sprawl of stations above Earth. Over a thousand facilities housing millions. Residences, manufacturing centers, research labs, starship construction. Finding one specific production facility would be nearly impossible without better intelligence.

Carmen raised a hand. “I have a question. Why are we stealing the serum at all? If Dubai offers public access, couldn’t we simply purchase what we need?”

Silence fell across the room.

Alexander actually hadn’t thought of that. He looked at Talia.

She also looked genuinely surprised. “I… I didn’t consider that angle.” A finger flicked across the tablet. Tapped a few times. “The full treatment package starts at one point five million per person. Fifteen million for Carmen and the crew.”

“We have the money,” Carmen pointed out.

“We do,” Alexander agreed. “Though it doesn’t solve our needs long term.”

Annie crossed her arms. “So we buy it for the crew, they get a relaxing spa week, scope out the place, and then we steal the rest when we need more.”

“Borrow,” Alexander murmured. His thoughts raced at the possibility Carmen had proposed. Annie made a face, but he ignored it, instead turning to Talia. “Could we pull it off?”

“None of the crew have criminal records.” Talia glanced at Carmen, who nodded a confirmation. “So it’s just a matter of making a reservation, which may be a challenge of its own. It looks like individual reservations are booked out for the next few months.” She paused, studying the tablet intently. “There are premium packages for large groups. Targeting wealthy families and corporate getaways. It would run us another five million.”

“I think it’s the best choice,” Augustus said.

Annie scowled. “Less fun though.”

Alexander glanced at Annie. She was very willing to throw down with almost anyone and anything, circumstances be damned. But she’d objected quite aggressively on the topic of targeting the prison. The same prison where they’d killed those two medical technicians during their escape. He wondered if that was because she hadn’t worked through the trauma from that day.

Or perhaps she was just being realistic. There was a big difference in pulling off a heist when it was a Tier 3s job site versus just being the same city they resided in.

Augustus shrugged. “While I’m certain we could pull it off, it would require time to plan. We would need contingencies for everything. Including potential Tier 3 interference. And by the end of it, we’ll have made enemies of yet another major player in the superhero world.”

Alexander nodded. “I’m inclined to avoid this fight if it’s possible. The credits aren’t an issue.” He looked at Talia. “Put together an action plan. Examine if it’s feasible for them to pull this off themselves, with Carmen running point as an executive of some fake company. If it’s not, include me in the plan. We can play it off as the wealthy playboy Xander wanting a full staff of superhumans or something equally ridiculous.”

Annie snorted, struggling to hide a grin.

Alexander raised an eyebrow in her direction. “I don’t know what you’re so happy about. My revenge may not be swift, but it will be legendary.”

Annie’s eyes widened as her smile died.

He continued. “I know I said we wouldn’t be deciding today, but, given the circumstances, I also think we should seriously consider rescuing Gabriel Cross. We’ll be in the region, even if it’s not exactly close.”

“I’m okay with that,” Talia said. “We’d be disrupting an AEGIS operation and we might be able to gather intel on what’s going on. More ammunition for our press release. Plus there’s the potential to recover whatever serum they have.”

“And we’d be doing something good,” Annie added.

Alexander looked around the table and saw mostly agreement. He paused on Gilly and Felix. “Please feel free to share any disagreement. It’s important that everyone has a voice here.”

Felix glanced at Gilly, then met Alexander’s gaze. “I wish to join if everyone else is going. I understand my attributes are still low, but it will take me months to reach Tier 2 unless I have the chance to face challenges. Like you. I understand if you keep me from any assault plans, but I can still scout and heal.”

Alexander studied the alien. He’d known him long enough now to pick up on certain tells. The stillness of his tails, indicating Felix was exerting extreme control over his posture. His spiral pupils, rotating faster to process more light, showing heightened engagement. The subtle, subconscious flexing of his wings.

“It should be his choice, Alex,” Augustus said quietly. “It’s right that we limit his role to match capabilities and experience, but Felix needs every opportunity to grow stronger. Same as us. I know the gateway presents a safer option, and it’s a big factor in your decision, but we could use the support. The healing alone…”

Alexander exhaled slowly. He was inclined to disagree given the Beastworld gateway. They still had time, and the gate presented a safer route to power than he and the others had taken. A more controlled training environment. Less moral considerations.

But Augustus rarely challenged his decisions. And the man remained a font of wisdom with years of experience to back it up.

“Alright.”

Felix blinked slowly. His tails swished slowly, arcing gently through the air behind him. “Thank you, Alex. I will be careful.”

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Alexander nodded. And hoped the decision wouldn’t come back to bite him. “Moving on. We should lock in our skill choices. Everyone has had plenty of time to consider by now.”

He looked around the table.

Annie was fidgeting in her seat, practically vibrating with barely contained energy. Her grin kept threatening to break free.

Alexander narrowed his eyes at her. “Annie. Do you have something you’d like to share with the group?”

She broke immediately. “Yes! I already picked mine!” The words tumbled out as she leaned forward, hands slamming onto the table. “I got the idea from when we were fighting the destroyer. You know, when Vikram was talking about them redlining the engines?”

She cast her status to the table’s holographic display, set to display the changes since they last shared it.

—

[STATUS]

Annette Sheridan

| Alias: Scrappy [Unregistered]

| Organization: Grimnir

| Designation: Supervillain

| Bounty: 835,000 → 1,658,000

| Evaluation: Tier 2 (1% → 15%) — Class A-

ASCENSION POTENTIAL INDEX (API)

Physical Attributes

| Strength ✧ 105 → 122

| Endurance — 95% → 104

| Constitution ✧ 122 → 140

| Dexterity — 93% → 96%

| Agility ✧ 127 → 137

Cognitive Attributes

| Intelligence — 93% → 94%

| Processing Speed — 84% → 85%

| Perception — 86% → 88%

| Focus ✧ 132 → 143

| Willpower (Heart) ✧ 117 → 139 (+4)

Power Manifestation

MetaMetal Adaptation | Class B+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 100%

| Control — 97% → 99%

| Output — 67% → 88%

| Adaptation — 94% → 99%

Thermal Flux Control | Class C+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 75%

| Control — 39% → 50%

| Output — 34% → 37%

| Adaptation — 38%

Density Flux Control | Class C+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 79% → 80%

| Control — 65% → 69%

| Output — 52% → 59%

| Adaptation — 39% → 40%

Saurian Forms | Class B+, Tier 1

| Evolution ✧ 16% → 17%

| Integration ✧ 48% → 62%

Techniques

| Nutcracker

| Assimilate

Skills

| Combat Lock

| Redline

Achievements

| Continue the Dream

—

Redline

Associated Attribute: Strength

You push your muscles beyond safe operational limits. Any muscle group can achieve complete fiber recruitment, delivering maximum force output. Where others access a fraction of their potential, you run in the red. No governors, no hesitation.

—

Carmen laughed.

Felix and Gilly both leaned forward, studying the display with obvious fascination. It was the first time either of them had seen one of the original member’s full status sheets. Gilly’s eyes went wide as he processed the numbers. Felix’s tails went completely still.

“The skill is very you, Annie,” Talia said.

Augustus nodded, looking genuinely impressed. “That’s remarkable. What takes elite athletes years of training to partially achieve in specific movements, you’ve managed for every muscle group.”

Annie sat back in her chair, hands behind her head. “I know. It’s awesome. Like me.”

Alexander sighed, shaking his head while fighting back a smile. He turned to Talia. “What about you?”

Talia shook her head. “I’m not ready yet. There are multiple strategic considerations, and I haven’t determined which provides optimal value given our operational trajectory. I want it to be perfect.”

She shared her status with the team regardless of the new skill.

—

[STATUS]

Talia Kim

| Alias: Unknown

| Organization: Grimnir

| Designation: Supervillain

| Bounty: 625,000 → 1,455,000

| Evaluation: Tier 2 (1% → 16%) — Class B-

ASCENSION POTENTIAL INDEX (API)

Physical Attributes

| Strength ✧ 104 → 111

| Endurance ✧ 104 → 110

| Constitution ✧ 104 → 109

| Dexterity ✧ 109 → 117

| Agility ✧ 108 → 113

Cognitive Attributes

| Intelligence ✧ 109 → 119

| Processing Speed ✧ 113 → 119

| Perception ✧ 108 → 113

| Focus ✧ 111 → 118

| Willpower (Perfection) ✧ 118 → 133 (+3)

Power Manifestation

Cognitive Resonance | Class C, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 95% → 100%

| Control — 96% → 100%

| Output — 83% → 88%

| Adaptation — 90% → 95%

Mind Palace | Class C+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 100%

| Control — 88% → 94%

| Output — 71% → 73%

| Adaptation — 53% → 70%

Manifest Resonance | Class C+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 17% → 33%

| Control — 33% → 47%

| Output — 21% → 40%

| Adaptation — 68% → 70%

Faith Enchanting | Class C, Tier 1

| Belief ✧ 35% → 41%

Techniques

| Realm of the Mind

| Manifestation

Skills

| Perfect Control

Achievements

| First Perfect Ascension

| Continue the Dream

| Decisive Victory

—

Alexander thought that was also very like her. “Alright. Take the time you need.”

He turned to Augustus.

The older man nodded. “I’m ready.”

Augustus closed his eyes.

The room fell still. Even Annie stopped fidgeting.

Alexander felt it then. A brief sense of awareness washing over them. He recognized it. It was the System’s attention, touching reality for just a moment, acknowledging Augustus’s choice.

Then it was gone.

Augustus opened his eyes and took a deep breath. He cast his own status to the holographic display.

—

[STATUS]

Augustus Greaves

| Alias: Unknown

| Designation: Supervillain

| Organization: Grimnir

| Bounty: 700,000 → 1,681,000 credits

| Evaluation: Tier 2 (2% → 25%) — Class B+

ASCENSION POTENTIAL INDEX (API)

Physical Attributes

| Strength — 94% → 96%

| Endurance ✧ 168 → 180

| Constitution ✧ 117 → 121

| Dexterity — 85% → ✧ 106

| Agility — 79% → 81%

Cognitive Attributes

| Intelligence ✧ 112 → 120

| Processing Speed ✧ 118 → 124

| Perception ✧ 114 → 117

| Focus ✧ 123 → 127

| Willpower (Mystery) ✧ 177 → 181 (+5)

Power Manifestation

Arcane Seeker (Sorcery) | Class B+, Tier 1

| Efficiency — 94% → 99%

| Control — 100%

| Output — 87% → 98%

| Adaptation — 100%

Soulbound Spellbook | Class B, Tier 1

| Knowledge ✧ 12% → 19%

| Runes: Permanence, Gather, Amplify, Stabilize, Anchor, Extend, Pierce, Bind, Echo, Resonate, Redirect

Techniques

| Storage Closet

| Arcane Warden

Skills

| Warden

| Runewright

Achievements

| Continue the Dream

—

Runewright

Associated Attribute: Dexterity

Your hand moves with perfect precision. Lines flow exactly as intended, curves bend with flawless accuracy, and symbols take shape without error. What once required painstaking focus now comes naturally. You craft runes as they were meant to be written.

—

Talia studied the skill description. “That will solve all the problems you’ve been having with the rune inscription.” She paused, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “It might even help with active combat casting.”

Augustus smiled. “That’s what I’m hoping for. If I can use my wand to scribe runes on the fly, it opens up considerable possibilities.”

Everyone turned to look at Alexander.

He’d settled on what he wanted long ago. Recognized the limitation holding him back.

Hyperawareness allowed his physical senses to identify anything going on around him. His powered senses gave him awareness of metal and electrical signatures. Droney was capable of feeding streams of information directly into his mind across their bond.

Add on to the overload of information the sheer amount of decisions he had to make in combat. High-level command decisions when the others were around. Tactical, moment-to-moment choices. Actively analyzing his opponents’ capabilities. Wielding Metallokinesis and Electrokinesis simultaneously. Threading Animachina through his Cultivator’s Core, channeling it into drones and empowering them.

It was too much.

At first, he’d considered pursuing something akin to combat intuition. A skill that would let him flow from moment to moment without having to think too hard. Annie fought like that. Anticipated her opponents, chose her next move on the fly.

And it worked.

For her.

But Alexander wasn’t like that. He was analytical. Logical. A planner. Some might even call him a schemer.

Which made his choice obvious.

He closed his eyes and pulled up the flashing notification that had been waiting all this time, demanding his attention. Focused on what he wanted to achieve.

And Willed it into existence.

The System’s presence washed over the room again. But this time it hesitated, pressing down on him for just a moment longer than it had with Augustus.

Then it was gone.

Alexander opened his eyes and took a deep breath. He cast his own status to the holographic display, unchanged since the elevator except for one thing.

The new skill.

—

Multithreading

Associated Attribute: Processing Speed

Your consciousness operates on parallel tracks. Two distinct streams of thought function simultaneously without conflict or confusion. Each thread processes information independently and directs separate actions. You are of one mind, thinking two thoughts.

—

The change was immediate.

One half of his mind was reading the description, acknowledging it was almost exactly what he wanted.

The other half of his mind focused on something else entirely.

It was wondering if this moment marked yet another step along the path toward becoming more machine than man.

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