Vincent could feel nothing but fear.

He failed.Now kneeling down with his hands still chained up in the middle of an empty road with the corpses of dead policemen and their vehicles overturned,Vincent found himself surrounded by at least two dozen heavily armed men,surrounding him and his own men.

Everything was cold...with the occasional warmth brought about by the wind,blowing some heat from the flames around them.Vincent looked up at the opposing gang's seemingly leader,making a phone call which he had to assume was the Chairman on the other end of the line.

"I'm sorry Ariel...Janda."Vincent recalled about his wife and son.

"Five minutes before the police's backup reach here.Within that time period,you have to decide...Vincent."The leader of the attacking Chairman's gang tells Vincent,who looked up at him:"I don't understand...you came here to finish us off for failing us right?"

"The Chairman is cruel,not reckless.As much of a failure you might be,you are a superhuman,people like you are rare."The leader informs Vincent.

"Who are you?"Vincent asks as the leader introduced himself:"My name is Argus.I will be your contact for the Chairman.Now...as much as you have failed,it has come to the Chairman's attention that the same teenager,Starlio Stex has built some kind of mecha like armor with limitless combat potential.The Chairman is willing to offer you a deal."

"Please."Vincent asks.

"In return for failing the trafficking twice.You will find Starlio Stex,you will steal his blueprints for the armor for us to replicate and after which,you are free to take your revenge and kill him."Argus says.

"I have...a problem.I am more than willing to complete this task but as you can see,my men and resources have been busted by the stupid kid."Vincent tells Argus who unlocked the chains on Vincent:"The Chairman is well aware of your condition.But...there is more to the deal.He is generously willing to give you thirty well trained men as well as a collection of military grade rifles and of course,a resupply of Silverblood.But be informed that he also wants you to bring him 30 million dollars.By the end of the month."

"30 Million?!Why?Silverblood never costs this much?!Where am I supposed to get the money?!"

"That's your problem Vincent.You've been busted twice,losing almost half the amount he asked.In addition,the resources he is about to lend you are not free.Never will be.Count yourself lucky that he is even willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself.Fail this next task and he will kill you personally."Argus warns,guiding Vincent to one of their own vans that they drove here in.

"How much...Silverblood is he willing to-"

"You will know.End of the month.Remember that.Return to your warehouse and prepare your remaining men.The Chairman's men and backup resources will be delivered to you by tomorrow along with the Silverblood.Do not fail him again or your head will be his next prize."Argus warns.

"I will do my best."Vincent promises.

-

Last day of Holidays.

Weeks passed since he fought Vincent using the Model 1.

Starlio was in his lab,his passion for inventing barely affected by the events around him.The Model 1 stood at the middle of the lab,displayed nicely within a glass casing that was able to fold in case he ever needed to deploy the armor.

Javier knocked on the door to the lab,holding a paper up to catch Starlio's attention.

Starlio quickly got up from his seat,putting away a helmet he was constructing and ran towards the door,greeting Javier."Hi,what's up?"

"You're lucky young man.The police haven't found enough evidence to proof that you are behind the attack on the human traffickers.Also,they don't really care and is just happy someone did their jobs for them.Though I'm still a little worried about the questions they asked."Javier informs the prodigy.

"What do you mean?"Starlio tilts his head curiously.

"You know,ask me about the business status between you and Xavier.Just things that weren't really related to the human traffickers.Anyway don't keep doing this type of stuff alright?I don't have the ability to cover for you all the time."Javier reminds Starlio who nods:"Of course,only out of necessity."

"I'm going to transfer your cut of the income we received last month also so just make sure you don't wear yourself out with that injured arm of yours."Javier reminds him.

Starlio looked down at his bandaged arm,which according to Shannon,should be able to be removed as soon as the evening where he arranged to meet her to do so."I'll keep that in mind,thank you Javier.Also please tell Xavier I have already submitted a blueprint for a magnetic cable that I designed.I don't think he read his emails yet."

"Will do."Javier says,walking back downstairs to the rest of the warehouse.

School starts tomorrow.

Starlio turned to his calendar next to him,reflecting on the insane holiday he just went through.His life was different now.A part of him was extremely nervous in returning back to school,with his status within society now literally changed.How would people within his school view him?Can he act like how he always did before?

But this was what he always wanted wasn't it?To be recognized for his real talents.Be above school.

Starlio couldn't help but look back at the him before the job he had now.Being special kinda disconnects him with the rest of society...maybe it isn't that bad to be normal.Part of him wanted his old life back,the part where no one in public recognized him so that he could go out,behave and live like any other civilians.

If he left school...maybe he could commit full time to his job now.

His bank account balance now stood at a very comfortable $20,000.A lot of money for such a short period of time,already managing to improve his family's financial condition significantly.Because of this job,both him and Mitchell didn't need to worry about their school fees anymore.

They were no longer at the mercy of their father who used to control every cent they got to spend.If he continued building his wealth like this,he could buy a new house for his mother,maybe finally get her the divorce she needed.Potentials for the future were limitless.But...what if he left school?

Conner.Roy.His friends,Shannon...will he be able to maintain his relationships with them?

"Ello."

Starlio turned to the door to see Shannon right there,waving her hand to get his attention.The prodigy quickly got up,allowing her to enter his lab.

"How did you get in here?"Starlio asks.

"Dakota let me in."

"Right."

Shannon immediately noticed the mecha like helmet on the corner of the room.It wasn't the Model 1,which was right in the middle of the room,fully assembled.The helmet she was looking at was more agile and sleek."What's that?"she asked.

Starlio followed the direction of her eyes:"Oh...it's...I want to build something more powerful than the Model 1.Improving upon it's flaws."

"Is it done?"Shannon eyes lit up with curiosity.

"For the most part yea."Starlio says,turning around when Shannon noticed the scars on his arm:"Starlio,your arm...those stitches are starting to re open.Let me change the bandages and stitches for you."Shannon tells the prodigy,who gladly followed her orders,taking a seat on a table next to her as Shannon grabbed the lab's first aid kit and got to work.

"Tell me if I'm hurting you."Shannon tells Starlio,who smiled in agreement.

Silence.

Shannon began taking out the older stitches,reapplying them to close the open scar that Starlio received from the second battle with Vincent.It had mostly healed already,but his skin was still barely recovered,being able to re open anytime."Starlio?"Shannon began.

Shannon knew Starlio was about to build something again.There were mechanical pieces she couldn't recognize scattered all over the lab.Gloves,more tech like and sleek compared to the taser glove he used just weeks ago and she didn't know if she saw things wrongly,but a sleek helmet with two glowing blues eyes were at the corner of the room,being surrounded by more mechanical parts.

"Hm?"Starlio replied.

"About the Model 1.I know you did what you did to save those kids who were kidnapped,like I once was.You've killed multiple of them didn't you?"Shannon looked him in the eye.Starlio couldn't help but doubt his own actions.

"I did.I felt like it was necessary."Starlio admits,willing to own up to his own actions.

"I'm sorry."Shannon muttered.Starlio quickly turned to her,confused about her apology:"Wait,why are you apologizing.I made the choice to shoot them.This isn't on you Shannon."

"I got myself captured.I made you to choose between me and the guy who took me hostage and made you kill for the first time.Once someone kills,there is no going back to before.I know this isn't your fault for doing what you did but...as someone who cares about you,I want you to hold yourself back.Don't give in into the rage that gives you the courage to kill.Once you get the taste of blood,you might lose the kind merciful person you were before."Shannon tells him,her voice cracking a little.

"No...no no..."Starlio's guilt was sinking his heart as he walked towards her,grabbing her by the arms:"Shannon.I'm not going to lose who I am.I promise you this.I will not give into my rage for blood.I am still merciful,like I'm not gonna just go around murdering people who stand in my way.No.I am still me.Don't feel bad about it."Starlio assures her.

Shannon held back her tears,nodding.

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"I'm sorry,I didn't want to break down or anything...I just felt that I needed to talk to you about that."Shannon tells the prodigy.

"I...I was wondering.There's also something I also wanna talk to you about."Starlio's voice became more serious, looking at her as the two accidentally locked eyes.Shannon directly her sight away shyly,blushing a little as she whispered:"You are making this sound...you're making me nervous Starlio.Why are you talking to me in this tone?"

"I have been doing this job for almost two months now.It's been really financially beneficial for me and...I was thinking about leaving school to focus on this full time."

"NO!"

Starlio paused,shocked by her explosive response."I'm sorry I didn't mean to...I..I..."Shannon was clearly at a loss for words as Starlio smiled:"I mean...I understand if you will miss me too much."the prodigy joked.

Shannon slapped him on the arm lightly,accidentally hitting his scar as Starlio cried out in pain."Ah shit!Erm...sowwie!"Shannon grabbed him,apologizing profusely as Starlio nods his head:"I...I'm good...I'm okay..."

Shannon moved to the other side of his body,punching him lightly in his other arm.

"Alright jeez..."Starlio chuckled.

"Honestly...I don't think I can stop you even if I wanted to.It's your choice Starlio,this is your future.I don't wanna make that call for you but either way,as your friend,I will respect whatever path you end up taking.After all,you did save my life."Shannon smiled.

"I know...I just want a third party opinion to get a better perspective."Starlio admits.

Shannon smiled,going back to his injured arm and began re bandaging the wound."I understand where you are coming from.But remember,this is a very important decision.Also...if you really decide on this choice..I may or may not miss you."

"What?"Starlio blushed.

"Take that how you wanna.I'm hungry,wanna go for lunch?"Shannon asks with a cheeky smirk which Starlio joyfully agreed to.

That night.

Starlio looked at his school bag,which has been untouched for over a month now.

Alice Stex,his mother knocked on his bedroom door,entering the room:"Starlio do you need to pay your school fees soon?"

"It's okay Ma I got it covered."

Alice Stex sighed:"Starlio,you are just a student after all.It's my job as a mother to help you financially.Save up the money you've earned so far alright?You have a bright future ahead of you.You need every penny you can get."

"It's my job as a son to lessen the burden on my mom's shoulders.Trust me Mom,I can afford it."Starlio assures her.

"Alright then.Remember Starlio,it's not your duty to carry the financial burdens of this family alright?Focus on your studies okay?There's plenty of time in your adulthood for you to work.For now,enjoy your childhood."

Should I tell her about my plans to leave school?

But she's been telling me about the importance of education since I was a kid...since forever.To gain a proper certification,to get a good job and eventually,build himself a bright future and not having to experience whatever that she had went through in her poverty filled childhood.

It's okay...I'll break the news slowly.

"Yea.I will study hard."Starlio says as his mom smiled,closing the door of his room and heading back downstairs.With a deep breath,Starlio grabbed his phone,texting into the group chat shared between him,Conner and Roy:The Idiotic Trio.

Wanna meet for breakfast before school guys?Starlio began.

Roy replied instantly:Sorry,already have breakfast at home.See u guys in school.

Starlio relaxed on his newly furnished bed,grabbing an octopus plush and hugged it,relaxing while waiting for the next reply with his eyes closed and resting.Starlio's phone notified him shortly after with Conner giving him a thumbs up emoji:Where?

The following morning.

One of the worst days of his life was about to begin.

Walking to the entrance of their school,North Star Academy after their breakfast,Starlio found himself getting increasingly nervous.He didn't know if he would be viewed differently in comparison to before.People in school have already gave him a ton of unwanted attention for being a prodigy and now...what will be next?

"Chip,you gotta calm down."Conner noticed his anxiousness.

"I'm trying man."

"Come on,think of it this way.You always wanted people to give you recognition right?You've always known you were far beyond what this school could offer.You've already proven that you can do so much more good without the school,now is your time to keep your head up.Show them your confidence and in doing so,show them what kind of person you wanna be and can be."Conner tells Starlio,who forced a smile out.

"I know...I'll do my best.Also...I feel like I need to tell you something.I'll inform Roy about it later on but...I think I wanna quit school.Focus full time with the Navarro Brothers.But...I'm afraid this is a decision I might regret later."Starlio tells Conner who smirked:"Yea,you are definitely way in over your head."

"You think so?"Starlio turned to him.

"Yea no shit man.I mean...from what I think,school may not be academically beneficial for you at the moment but look at this,all those rich kids,cooperate assholes.Yes they may be successful but they are all products,they look and act artificial.Right?"

"Yea...I think I know where you are going with this."Starlio tells Conner who nods:"My point exactly.Staying in school keeps you humble,like Spiderman.He's a superhero who keeps his head down to Earth,that's why we like him.He's relatable,he's able to have that human connection with people around him."

"You have a point.Maybe that's what I needed to hear after all."Starlio replied.

"I mean...I don't wanna influence your choice completely.If you genuinely feel like leaving school is the right path to take,by all means go for it.Whatever I just told you is just what I feel after all."Conner tells Starlio who smiled:"Yea,I'll think about it for a little while."

The two friends approached the entrance of the school where Starlio found himself being stared at by hundreds of eyes,looking at him with curiosity.

"Heads up Chip.You can do it."Conner tells him as Starlio smiled,lifting his head up and focusing his attention onto going straight to class only.Walking into the school building,every head he encountered turned towards him,inevitably onto Conner as well."Sorry for this unwanted attention.I'll get you a drink after school."

"Mocha Frappe?"

"Anything for you bro."Starlio promised.

Starlio tried his best to filter out the people around him,but there was no such thing as closing your ear holes."He...He looks kinda scrawny.Did he really save those students alone?"

The heck?I've been going to the gym.Starlio told himself.

"Must have been scary to fight all those men alone.He must have went through a lot.He's pretty brave for doing what he did."Starlio overheard another voice.Oh why thank you.Starlio turned to the girl who made that comment,giving her a warm smile before continuing on his way.

Starlio found his way quickly into his class,taking his seat and noticing Shannon at the front of the class,talking with her two friends Angie and Joseline.Shannon gave Starlio a friendly wave which Starlio responded to,making Angie turn to Shannon with curiosity:"Wait...since when are you so close with Starlio?"

"He literately saved our lives.I think a little wave is nothing right?"Shannon made a cheeky face.

"I...I really wanna ask him out someday but I'm not sure how."Angie whispered.

"Come on don't act like you have no confidence in chasing him."Joseline teased."I know!I'm not usually like this but he...he's being signed to a company already right?What if he's out of my league?I don't know..."Angie sounded sad.

"I mean...you can always...try..."Shannon forced herself to say something encouraging,guilt in her own heart lingering as she looked towards her friend.Why is she feeling the way she is feeling?Shannon glanced over at Starlio,who was already being surrounded by their other classmates,which surprisingly included Kate and Kane.

She's has a point.He's out of my league too.Shannon tells herself.

"Alright everyone to their seats!"Mrs Wooly's voice echoed throughout the classroom as all the students scrambled back into their seats.

"Aite Chip,time for class."Conner went back to his seat as well.

From the corner of his eye,Starlio spotted Roy,sprinting across the school hallways and sliding right past Mrs Wooly,shooting himself towards his seat and making it in the nick of time.Mrs Wooly sighed:"I'm going to close one eye for that one."

"Yo you alright man?"Conner asks Roy,who wiped his sweat away."Yea,just had some chores to do."

Mrs Wooly headed to the teacher desk at the front of the class,placing her stack of files down and looking directly at the class with a serious expression on her face."As I am sure you all are aware by now...an incident,involving six of our students had occurred during the holidays.This is a matter taken extremely seriously not only by the school,but also the police and the government."

Starlio couldn't help but look at the empty seat of Miles at the corner of the class...

"Ma'am...sorry for asking but...many of us only heard rumors.We don't know the full story of what exactly happened.Is it possible for you to tell us?"A student raised his arm and asked.

"I'm going to make this quick and simple.As fellow students I am only telling you all this to stop any false rumors of spreading so after I tell you all this,I don't wanna see anymore rumors surfacing around."Mrs Wooly tells the class,clearing her throat.

"Shannon Ray,Angie Snow,Kate Alexander,Kane Kyoung and Miles Barry Jr encountered human traffickers on their journey to Aor Town as a charity trip organized by the school and were kidnapped.Miles was...killed,by those said traffickers and when Starlio learnt about what had happened...he used a home constructed flying device and homemade weapons,going to the scene of the incident,tracking them down and single handedly freed everyone kidnapped.His bravery saved the five kids,but he suffered gruesome injuries in the process and landed in the hospital for over a week."Mrs Wooly says.

The entire classed turned their attention onto Starlio,who now realized that the bandages on his arm were actually bringing him tons of unnecessary attention.He had almost gotten to used to it to remember he even had those bandages still on.

"I want all of you to remain normal.I know such an event can be traumatic but as much as you can,we need to maintain order within the school.Let Starlio and the affected students be.As for you lot,Starlio,Shannon,Angie,Kane and Kate.The school counselor is on standby in the counseling room.You are free to look for him anytime if you feel like it.Don't hold any bad thoughts in okay?"

"Yes Mrs Wooly."The five of them answered in unison.

"Okay...we have things to learn and I have a job to teach so...let's get on with the lessons."Mrs Wooly announced,clapping her hands together to continue the class.

Starlio smiled to himself,just glad that his life had returned to some form of normality.

The first two hours of school passed relatively quickly.Starlio was still getting bored as normal but deep down,the prodigy was more than glad to be able to attend school again...every now and then he knew Angie was sneaking peeks at him but Shannon,she didn't seem to pay him any attention whatsoever.Will they be the same again after the holidays was over?

Bzzz...Bzzz..

Starlio felt his phone vibrating through his pocket.

Starlio continued sketching his next design for his next invention on a piece of paper under his textbook when his phone began buzzing again.Angie,sitting to his right leaned forward:"Is that your phone?"

"Yea sorry."Starlio whispered back.Was it the Navarro Brothers?I mean no one else would be looking for him other than them and if they are so persistent in calling him....it must be pretty urgent.Starlio raised his hand,getting the attention of Mrs Wooly:"May I go to the restroom?"

"Yea Starlio go ahead."Mrs Wooly says as Starlio quickly marched over to the restroom where he flipped open his phone,looking at his messages in horror.

Javier Navarro: The lab was broken into!Where are you?!

Xavier Navarro: The Model 1 was taken from the lab by a group of mercenaries.Get yourself somewhere safe now!

"Oh shit..."Starlio scratched his head,returning the call to Xavier Navarro who quickly picked up the call:"Starlio?Starlio are you in school now?"

"Yes.Yes I am.What's going on?!The Model 1 is stolen?!"Starlio asks as Xavier quickly answered:"Yes.A group of mercenaries broke into the warehouse.Fortunately our staff evacuated quickly but they went straight for your lab,took the Model 1 and left."

"What?!"Starlio couldn't wrap his head around the situation."Okay...erm...erm is the wooden crate still there?The large one by the corner of the lab."Starlio could hear Xavier walking through the warehouse,heading towards his lab and checking:"Yes it's still there."

"That means they only went for the Model 1...but-"

BOOM.

The wall of the restroom exploded into flames as chunks of rubble struck Starlio,heat scorching his skin and blasting the prodigy across the room,knocking him out unconscious.

Next Chapter- Attack on North Star