Chapter 28: CH-28. Team Name
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The nodded, then shamefully turned and fled.
Michael wasn't worried about him going back on his word or causing trouble.
That's the power of strength!
Only with strength can you do what you want without second-guessing.
"See? Solving problems can be that simple."
Michael turned to face Clarice and Sarah, who looked at him with admiration. They hadn't expected the danger to be resolved so easily, a testament to Michael's power and their desire to grow stronger.
"Can I... can I follow you?" Sarah asked, her voice tense but full of hope.
"Of course, I'm building a team. If you want to join, you're welcome!"
Michael was pleased with Sarah's offer. Although he didn't fully know her abilities, he knew that having more allies was always beneficial.
---
Three days later.
Hong Kong.
The streets were bustling with people, neon lights flashing, proof of the city's thriving nightlife.
A man and two women walked down the busy street, drawing quite a few glances.
"Boss, who are we looking for?" Clarice asked curiously from Michael's left. Sarah, walking on his right, overheard and also asked, "Is it another mutant we're after?"
"Not only mutants have powers. Some people gain abilities in other ways. For instance..." Michael gestured casually toward a man performing street magic nearby, "That street magician there. What do you think—does he have any abilities?"
Clarice and Sarah exchanged a glance,"It's just a magic trick, not a power. And it's a lousy one at that..." Clarice replied with a smirk.
Michael smiled knowingly and continued, "The person we're looking for is named Chen Haoran. You might also hear him called Scorch. His ability is to release flames, but it's not powerful—just a spark. Still, a spark can start a wildfire. With some effort, he could become strong. But right now... he's just a struggling street magician."
As he spoke, Michael began walking toward the magician.
Clarice and Sarah exchanged surprised glances, 'Could it be... him?'
The magician finished his performance, looking disappointed by the lackluster response. Just as he was about to collect the few coins in his hat, someone tossed in a few U.S. dollars. Startled, he looked up at the man who gave him the money.
"Thanks!" He stammered, unused to receiving such a generous tip from a stranger.
Michael shrugged, "To be honest, your magic is pretty bad, but... I have a feeling you're capable of something far more exciting. Care to show me?"
The magician shook his head, "Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. That's my best trick!"
"Really? Chen Haoran, is this your most exciting performance?" Michael asked with a smile.
Magician Chen Haoran was stunned, "You... you know my name?"
"Of course. I came here specifically to see you. So, shall we talk somewhere else?"
Chen Haoran hesitated for a moment and finally nodded, "Then let's go to my place."
"Your home isn't safe."
Michael smiled, took Chen Haoran over to Clarice and Sarah, greeted them, and then led Chen Haoran toward an alley nearby.
"Here? Doesn't seem like a place for a chat." Chen Haoran said curiously.
Michael didn't respond and simply looked at Clarice. Casually, she took out a crystal, activated it, and opened a portal, leaving Chen Haoran stunned.
"Let's go!"
Michael grabbed Chen Haoran's shoulder, and together they stepped through the portal.
The portal closed behind them, and the alley returned to silence.
"This… where are we?"
After a moment, the portal reappeared, and Chen Haoran looked around the unfamiliar hotel room in shock before turning to Michael nervously.
"USA."
Michael smiled as he answered.
"America? How... how is that possible?" In the blink of an eye, he'd gone from Hong Kong to the United States? Chen Haoran looked at Michael and the others in disbelief, especially at Clarice. Her power was astonishing!
"Who are you, and why are you looking for me?" Chen Haoran asked Michael.
"First, you'd better show me what you can do." Michael said. He wanted to recruit Chen Haoran, but only if he was worthy.
Though Chen Haoran was still a bit confused, he could tell that, for now, these people meant him no harm. They clearly knew his abilities and background, so there was no point in hiding anything. Extending his palm, he conjured a small flame. Feeling somewhat proud, he looked up but noticed Michael's calm expression, and the two women next to him looked almost unimpressed.
"This is my ability!" Chen Haoran announced.
"A spark, indeed."
Although Michael already knew about his power, seeing it in action was slightly disappointing. Flames of this level didn't hold much destructive power.
"Are you looking down on me?"
Chen Haoran was expecting a more enthusiastic reaction, but instead, Michael seemed unexcited, "This ability was granted to me by God!"
"Granted by God?" Michael smirked, "If your abilities are from God, then I must be God!"
As he finished speaking, hot flames erupted from Michael's body, engulfing him completely. No—his entire body had turned to fire.
Chen Haoran was stunned, watching Michael transform entirely into flames. He looked at the small flame in his own hand, then put it out in frustration, overwhelmed by the difference.
Michael returned to his normal state, looked at the disheartened Chen Haoran, and said, "Although your power is still weak, I can help you grow stronger. Follow me, and I'll help you truly unleash your strength!"
Though his words were simple, they lit a spark of excitement in Chen Haoran. He'd always believed his abilities were a divine gift and that he could become a hero. Now, Michael's words inspired him, opening the door to becoming a true superhero. Looking at Michael, he nodded firmly, brimming with excitement.
Chen Haoran was on SHIELD's radar and had a dedicated contact who checked in on him to ensure he hadn't disappeared or encountered any trouble. Nervously, he explained this to Michael, who didn't seem bothered in the slightest.
"I'm on that so-called list too, as are most super-powered individuals, whether they're well-known or not. But when you're strong enough, you don't need to worry about that." Michael reassured him.
Chen Haoran had some power but not enough to avoid SHIELD's supervision.
"Now that you're with me, you don't need to worry about SHIELD. No one can take you away as long as I don't allow it." Michael said confidently. His casual tone eased Chen Haoran's worries. Although SHIELD hadn't interfered too much in his life, no one enjoyed being monitored.
"So, how do I get stronger?" Chen Haoran asked, his eagerness clear.
Michael smiled and shook his head, "Be patient. For you, growing stronger is actually simple, and you even have some unique advantages. Once I wrap up my current tasks, I'll help you. In the meantime, stick close to Clarice and Sarah, get to know them. You'll be fighting alongside them in the future—comrades."
He paused, waved for Clarice and Sarah to come over, and then added, "Though our team is small now, it's going to grow, so we need a base. For now, Clarice, you'll act as captain and look for a good place to set up. I'll give you funds when I get back."
"You're leaving? Aren't we coming with you?" Clarice asked, disappointed.
Michael shook his head, "The place I'm going is dangerous, and there's little you could do to help. If you want to support me, focus on strengthening yourselves."
Clarice nodded, determined to grow stronger so she wouldn't let Michael down.
"What's our team name, then?" Sarah asked curiously.
Team name? Michael hadn't thought of one yet. After a moment, he said casually, "Let's call it the War Alliance. We'll face countless battles in the future, and as long as we live, we'll keep fighting."
"War Alliance? I like it!" Sarah repeated the name with satisfaction.
It was simple but powerful—a mission as much as a name.
"Never retreat in the face of danger. Keep fighting as long as you're alive!" Clarice murmured, nodding in agreement.
And so, the team name was set.
"This money is for now. Since you're following me, I'll make sure you're taken care of." Michael took all the money from his system storage and handed it to Clarice. It wasn't much, under six million USD, but it would cover their expenses and activities for now.
"Put it away; we have company."
Michael's tone shifted, and Clarice took the money, a bit curious about who the guests were.
Bang!
The door burst open, and a group of armed men stormed in, their guns trained on Michael and his team.
Clarice conjured a crystal in her hand, while Sarah's shoulders suddenly sprouted two bone knives. Chen Haoran, though inexperienced, kept his composure.
Leaning back on the sofa, Michael watched the intruders with mild annoyance, "Didn't anyone teach you it's rude to barge in like this?"
"It's less rude than you suddenly taking Chen Haoran away! Michael, what exactly do you want?" Demanded the leader of the armed men.
"First, Chen Haoran is a free man, not your property. He's free to go with whomever he chooses, so my actions were not disrespectful. Second, you want to know my intentions? Fine—I'll teach you some manners."
With a wave of his hand, Michael sent the intruders' guns flying into the air. In the next instant, the men were pulled backward, one after another, out of the room.