Chapter 17: The Darkness
— A Day Later - Pre-Celebration —
As dusk falls over the city center, crowds begin gathering in anticipation of the Victory Week night parade. Neon lights flicker to life, illuminating packed shops, malls, and bars filled with revelers ready to celebrate.
Police officers redirect those dressed in dirty clothing—beggars and homeless individuals—toward the outskirts. Every year during Victory Week, slum dwellers attempt to enter the city center for free food and drinks, often making others uncomfortable with their drunken behavior or poor hygiene.
To maintain order, authorities have no choice but to restrict entry to those who appear unkempt. However, those who dress neatly and control their habits are permitted to join the festivities.
With nearby roads closed to all civilian and private vehicles due to the massive crowds, people stream into the venue on foot.
— Watchtower - Security Command Center —
Inside a watchtower bristling with monitors, communication equipment, and venue maps, police and UEC law enforcement personnel oversee security cameras and coordinate with field teams to handle troublemakers. Among them is Thomas Baker, required to remain on duty, Oldcowboy, who casually flips through a gun magazine nearby, and the last one the UEC Officer from the IHB (International Hero Bureau) Heinrich Strauss.
"Sir, has the Hero from Central arrived yet?" Thomas asks Strauss who are sharing the watchtower with him.
Heinrich Strauss, The Officer clad in a long coat adorned with medals and badges bearing the UEC emblem, 'a sword-crossed shield over a globe' turns to Thomas.
"The Central Hero will arrive soon, Captain. Don't worry, that villain won't get a chance to cause trouble," The officer assures with a confident smile.
He's referring to Necrotox, a villain whose threat level exceeds what Arkadia City's local Heroes can handle. The UEC respond with sending a powerful hero from the central to handle him.