The last track of Staress’ new album flooded into Leland’s ears, blessing him with heavenly vocals and sweet instrumentals. His face goofily distorted in response— nose scrunched up, upper lip curled, eyes squinted. He shook his head in disbelief in the dimly lit recording studio, appreciating the soundproofing panels lining the walls which ensured perfect acoustics.

It didn’t matter what any reviewer or critic said…

The album was peak. To Leland, it was nothing short of perfection, her best project yet.

“Well?” Staress asked, tinkering with the mixing console at the centre of the room. “What do you think?”

“I mean, it’s alright,” Cadell said, holding a blasphemous blank face, arms folded. “Most of the tracks are mediocre at best. Overhyped in my opinion.”

Leland almost tackled the man to the floor, but Staress smiled, noticing his scowl. “It’s okay, Lee. You can’t please them all. Now let’s start the first official reluctant meeting. Our main objective is to usher in the Super Era.”

“The Super Era…” Leland repeated slowly. “A time period w-where superpowers are m-more common, right?

“Correct,” Staress said. “It begins when superheroes are fully integrated into society and when that happens—”

“We can live h-how we want? W-where do we start?”

Staress chortled. “You’re finally eager for once. It’s a long journey, but I’ll try my best to keep the ideal timeline on track. Right now, we need to work together to keep Earth safe. It’s received too much attention from the rest of the universe. Since I’m aware of when and where the threats will come, I’ve created a handy schedule for us to follow.”

She handed them tablets, and Leland scrolled through. At first, it seemed fair. Then his eyes narrowed.

“You’re not on there for the whole of summer,” Cadell said.

“Really?” Staress asked innocently. “That’s weird. It’s probably because I’m going on tour soon and I’m not as capable as you two strong gentlemen. Also—” She stopped herself, struck by two glares of disgust. “Okay, fine! But I’m never doing Fridays. I don’t care if Earth blows the fuck up.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Leland laughed. "Shared burden f-from now on.”

"Shared burden," Cadell agreed.

"Shared burden until the end," Staress said, extending an arm.

Their fists bumped together in unison.

A few months later…

I’m not sure why you unblocked me. I guess it doesn’t matter. This message is more for closure than anything else.

I’m sure you’ve seen me flying around a lot recently. Aliens are a thing now and they attack Earth relentlessly. That’s kind of my fault. Boxed into a corner, I formed a peace treaty with one of the most powerful creatures in the universe.

You might be surprised as to why I’m a superhero. There are two reasons for that. Number one, I had little choice. The alternative was everyone dying. Number two, I want to help ease the load off two great friends who have been protecting Earth for way too long.

I didn’t think I could ever be like you or Mark. Grandiose goals never appealed to me but somehow I find myself smiling about a vision while typing this.

I dream of a world filled with people who not only have incredible superpowers but also have the burning desire to spend most of their lives taking down monstrous supervillains.

I dream of a world where having overpowered abilities doesn't obligate you to become a superhero. A world where people can use their superpowers only for convenience or entertainment if they choose to.

I dream of a world of people much better than me. More courageous. More righteous. More willing.

Long speech aside, thank you, Maggie. Thank you for once liking me, imperfections and all. You will always be one of my favourite people.

Maggie: Okay, Martin Leland King . Do you want to play chess?

----------------------------------------

Leland knocked on a dorm room door and, after waiting a while, he found himself stylishly shuffling to the beat blasting out of his headphones. Eventually, a chuckle greeted him.

“Nice moves,” the student said. “We’re roommates, right?”

An impenetrable brick wall stood firm in Leland's mind, just like during the chemistry presentation half a year ago. But unlike before, he smiled wide with beaming eyes brimming with confidence and spoke without hesitation. The stutter took a backseat, simply existing, not disappearing but, at the same time, very much disappearing.

“Yep. N-nice to meet you. M-my name's Leland.”

BOOK 1 END