Chancellor Adrian Voss stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, overlooking the sprawling metropolis below. His reflection stared back at him—a man in his late forties, with sharp features and piercing gray eyes that betrayed no emotion. He adjusted his immaculate suit, a gesture more of habit than necessity.

A subtle chime announced the arrival of his First Blade. Voss didn't turn as the door opened silently.

"Report," he commanded, his voice low and measured.

First Blade, clad in the distinctive white armor of Voss's elite guard, stood at attention. "Sir, Operation Iron Fist is underway. Registration centers are operational in all major cities. We've already processed over 10,000 superhumans in the first 24 hours."

Voss allowed himself a small smile. "Resistance?"

"Minimal, sir. Most are complying, fearing the consequences of non-registration. However, we've identified several potential troublemakers."

Voss finally turned, fixing First Blade with an intense stare. "Names?"

"Most notably, Quantum, an A-class matter manipulator. He's been vocal about opposing the registration."

Voss's jaw tightened imperceptibly. Quantum. The name alone sent a surge of disgust through him, though his face remained impassive. These "heroes" with their godlike powers, playing at being humanity's saviors while leaving destruction in their wake. They were a cancer that needed to be excised.

"Monitor him closely. If he steps out of line, we'll make an example of him." Voss moved to his desk, activating a holographic display. A map of the city appeared, dotted with red markers indicating registration centers. "What of the S-class threats?"

First Blade hesitated. "We've confirmed the location of three. Titan, Psyren, and Maelstrom. They've agreed to register, but..."

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"But they're too dangerous to approach directly," Voss finished. "No matter. We have other plans for them."

He dismissed the map with a wave and pulled up another file. "The media campaign?"

"Launched as scheduled, sir. All major networks are running our approved narratives. Social media influencers have been... persuaded to cooperate."

Voss nodded, satisfied. "Good. The masses are easily swayed. Soon, they'll be begging us to protect them from these 'superhuman menaces'."

A notification flashed on the screen. Voss's eyes narrowed as he read it. "It seems we have our first high-profile resistor. Lumina, C-class light manipulator. She's giving an unauthorized press conference as we speak."

First Blade tensed. "Your orders, sir?"

Voss considered for a moment. This could be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the consequences of defiance. "Let her speak. Then arrest her—publicly. Make it clear that her actions are a threat to public safety."

"Understood, sir." First Blade paused. "There's one more thing. Director Chen from the Science Division requests a meeting. He has concerns about the ethical implications of the superhuman research program."

Voss's expression hardened. "Ethical implications?" he scoffed. "Inform Director Chen that his job is to follow orders, not question them. If he can't handle that, we'll find someone who can."

First Blade nodded, recognizing the dismissal. As he turned to leave, Voss spoke again.

"And First Blade? Remind our friend Chen of the non-disclosure agreement he signed. It would be... unfortunate if he forgot its terms."

"Yes, sir."

Once alone, Voss returned to the window. The city stretched before him, a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Soon, it would be cleansed of the superhuman pestilence that threatened to destroy everything they had built.

He thought of the S-class superhumans, beings capable of leveling cities with a thought. Titan, with his immeasurable strength. Psyren, who could reshape reality itself. Maelstrom, able to control the very elements. They were too powerful to confront directly, but Voss had plans within plans.

A cruel smile played at the corners of his mouth. Let them think they were safe for now. Let them register and feel secure in their compliance. It would make their fall all the more satisfying.

His intercom buzzed. "Sir, your interview with GNN is in ten minutes."

Voss straightened his tie. It was time to play the benevolent leader, the protector of humanity. He would weave a narrative of fear and security, turning the public against their once-beloved heroes.

As he left his office, Voss's mind was already racing with the next phases of his plan. The registration was just the beginning. Soon, they would move to containment, then research, and finally... eradication.

For the good of humanity, of course.