The Spectacular Rank F Hero

Chapter 53: Aftershocks

The convoy rumbled back toward the city, the atmosphere in the transport vehicle tense. Rin sat in the corner, leaning against the cold metal wall with his arms crossed, his face set in a deep scowl.

Mara and Luthien exchanged glances but said nothing as the faint glow still flickering around Rin's hands kept everyone on edge. No one dared to ask the obvious question.

It was Mara who broke the silence. "What the hell did you do back there?"

Rin opened one eye lazily, his tone dry. "I touched the big shiny thing, and now I glow. Isn't it obvious?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Rin," Mara snapped, her voice rising. "That wasn't just a shiny thing. The Chaos Core is one of the most dangerous artifacts on the planet. You can't just go around poking things like a kid in a candy shop!"

"Noted," Rin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Next time, I'll let it blow up the entire cave instead."

Luthien sighed, her grip on her staff tightening. "Mara, calm down. Rin didn't have much of a choice. The Core was destabilizing. If he hadn't intervened, we might not have made it out alive."

Mara opened her mouth to retort but closed it after a moment, shaking her head.

---

The vehicle hit a bump, jolting everyone. Rin winced as the glow around his hands flared for a moment, sending a ripple of energy through the confined space.

"Whoa!" one of the operatives sitting nearby exclaimed, scrambling further away from Rin.

"Relax," Rin said, holding up his hands. "I don't think I'm going to explode. Probably."

"That's not comforting," Mara muttered, running a hand through her hair.

Luthien leaned forward, her eyes scanning Rin with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Do you feel different? Any pain or unusual sensations?"

Rin tilted his head, considering. "Other than the usual existential dread? Nah, I'm good."

"Rin," Luthien said firmly, "this isn't a joke. The Chaos Core is an artifact of pure energy. If it's fused with you, it could have long-term effects—on your body, your mind…" She hesitated. "Even your soul."

"Great," Rin said, rolling his eyes. "So now I'm a glowing, ticking time bomb. Just what I needed in my already perfect life."

---

The convoy arrived at the Hero Guild's main facility, a sprawling complex bristling with security. The team was ushered inside, where a debriefing room awaited them.

The Guild Commander, a stern-faced man with a military bearing, was already waiting. His sharp gaze swept over the group before landing on Rin.

"Explain," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Explain what?" Rin asked, flopping into a chair. "The part where we saved the day, or the part where I accidentally turned into a human glow stick?"

The Commander's expression darkened, and Mara shot Rin a warning look.

"Sir," Luthien interjected, stepping forward. "The mission was successful in retrieving the Chaos Core, but it was unstable. Rin had to act to prevent a catastrophic explosion."

"And now?" the Commander asked, his gaze narrowing at Rin.

Luthien hesitated. "The Core's energy appears to have… bonded with him."

The Commander's frown deepened. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Rin shrugged. "Not really, but I'm guessing you're about to tell me."

---

The briefing devolved into a tense back-and-forth, with Mara and Luthien attempting to defend Rin's actions while the Commander expressed increasing concern about the implications.

"Do you realize the kind of attention this will draw?" the Commander said, slamming his hand on the table. "The Syndicate won't stop until they get their hands on that energy, and if other factions catch wind of this…"

"Let them come," Rin said, leaning back in his chair. "I'll just keep doing what I always do: survive and annoy everyone in the process."

"This isn't a joke, Rin," the Commander snapped.

"It's my life," Rin shot back, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. "If you've got a better plan, I'm all ears. Otherwise, maybe stop yelling at me for saving your asses."

---

The tension in the room was palpable, but before it could escalate further, an alarm blared through the facility.

The Commander stiffened, his comm device crackling to life. "What's happening?"

"Sir," a voice responded, "we have an unauthorized breach in Sector 7. Multiple hostiles detected."

Mara cursed under her breath. "They didn't waste any time."

Luthien's eyes widened. "The Syndicate."

"Looks like they want their Core back," Rin said, standing and cracking his neck.

The Commander barked orders, mobilizing the Guild's forces. "Get to the safe zone!" he ordered the group.

"Safe zone?" Rin echoed, raising an eyebrow. "That's adorable. You think a glowing guy like me can hide?"

---

The group rushed through the facility, the sound of gunfire and explosions echoing in the distance. Mara led the way, her weapon at the ready, while Luthien brought up the rear, her staff glowing faintly.

Rin, as usual, strolled in the middle, his expression more annoyed than afraid. "You'd think these guys would give up after one or two beatdowns."

"Stay focused, Rin," Mara snapped.

As they rounded a corner, they came face-to-face with a group of heavily armed Syndicate operatives. The leader, a tall figure in sleek black armor, stepped forward, their helmet reflecting the emergency lights.

"Hand over the Core," the leader demanded, their voice cold and mechanical.

"Core?" Rin said, pointing to himself. "You mean me? Sorry, but I'm not great at sharing."

The leader raised their weapon, but before they could fire, the glow around Rin's hands flared again. This time, the energy surged outward, knocking the operatives off their feet.

"Whoa," Rin said, staring at his hands. "Didn't mean to do that."

"Control it later," Mara shouted, pulling him behind cover. "For now, try not to get us all killed!"

---

The battle was chaotic, the Syndicate operatives pressing their attack with relentless precision. Luthien's magic provided a crucial shield, while Mara's sharpshooting kept the enemies at bay.

Rin, however, found himself in the center of the storm, his newfound power acting almost instinctively. Waves of energy lashed out around him, repelling bullets and disorienting their attackers.

"Maybe this Core thing isn't so bad," Rin muttered, ducking as a rocket exploded nearby.

"Rin!" Mara shouted, her tone urgent.

He turned just in time to see the armored leader charging toward him, a blade of pure energy aimed at his chest.

Time seemed to slow as Rin raised his hand, the glow intensifying. With a flick of his wrist, a massive surge of energy erupted, blasting the leader across the room.

The silence that followed was deafening.

---

As the dust settled, the remaining Syndicate operatives retreated, dragging their unconscious leader with them.

"That's right!" Rin called after them, grinning. "Run back to your evil lair or whatever!"

Mara and Luthien approached him cautiously, their expressions unreadable.

"That was…" Luthien began, but she seemed at a loss for words.

"Reckless," Mara finished, glaring at Rin.

"Effective," Rin countered, flashing a smug grin.

The Commander's voice crackled over their comms. "The facility is secure. Return to the briefing room immediately."

Rin sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Guess that means more yelling. Can't wait."

---

To Be Continued...