Chapter 8: Type 05-6
About ten years ago, in the year 2088, society experienced a drastic change. Technology took a significant leap and what was once considered the stuff of dreams became reality overnight. Cures were found for the most terrible of diseases, and not a disability was left without a technological solution for it.
Those innovations changed how the entire works, but those changes weren't positive in every case.
It was impossible for a new technology to be invented without humans finding a way to use it for harm. Advanced Prosthetics meant to help those who lost limbs were quickly turned into weapons. Artificial organs got fine-tuned to enhance the performance of soldiers. Genetic therapy was pushed beyond its original purpose of ridding people of disease and used to manufacture powerful warriors.
Humanity's never-ending search for ways to murder each other manifested in what quickly became known as Enhanced Individuals. They were people who underwent a change that set them apart from the baseline human, and though most didn't stray too far from their origin, others had no qualms about abandoning it, doing whatever it takes to gain power.
Some used their newfound abilities for good, but most chose evil instead. Suddenly, the world took on the colors of comic books. Villains appeared by the dozen, wreaking havoc and destroying lives. Heroes followed, vowing to punish evil and protect the innocent.
Anyone with keen eyes would have recognized it was all an act, for there was always another way to distinguish between the two sides.
It was never about morals or protecting the peace. It was always about suppressing the weak and preserving the status quo.
Dante differed from his peers in that he never admired the so-called heroes. He understood that they were nothing but tools, weapons for the elites to use under the guise of justice and all that is good.
There is a reason why most heroes come from a wealthy background or work for mega-corporations. For a child born to a lower-class family, the dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with humanity's protectors was destined to go unfulfilled.
The rules were set and there was no changing them. One can only follow them or risk a gruesome fate, and Dante chose the latter right away. He chose to defy the rulers of his world, to fight a hopeless fight and never surrender. He had no doubt it would lead to his demise sooner or later, but he was determined, and that determination didn't waver when the end came sooner rather than later.
Aegis, leader of Flame Guard, one of the many superhero teams protecting the world from danger. He was a Level 5 Prime, an Enhanced Individual completely separate from a base human, capable of fighting entire armies on his own. Such a monster was far too important to be dealing with a bunch of mercs.