Watching the arrow blink a few times, Team Silver Wind quickly moved away from the elevator, retreating all the way to the corridor facing it. They watched in silence as the counter continued to rise, and when it finally reached 47, they all braced themselves.
The bell sounded once more, announcing that the elevator had reached its stop. Though they had already predicted as much, the four heroes were still alarmed when it happened, which prompted each one to activate their abilities in preparation for battle.
The reflective doors spread open soon enough, and the interior was revealed. A tall man stepped out with unhurried steps, the soles of his brown brogue shoes making a faint clack with each one. His tailored suit, entirely dark maroon save for its black collar, matched perfectly with the black shirt underneath.
His glossy black hair was slicked back, though some stubborn strands refused to go along with the rest. His face was cleanly shaven, but the scars littering it warped his face, granting it such ferocity that struck fear into the hearts of anyone who dared to look at it.
Scar Face stopped a few meters from the members of Silver Wind, resting his arms behind his back. Eyeing them one after the other, his eyes landed on Night Gale, then narrowed, causing her to shiver slightly.
"We have received reports of people in strange costumes causing problems in the upper floors." He said. "That would be you, correct?"
"Can’t you tell just by looking?" Said Night Gale.
Scar Face’s glare grew sharper.
"As you are not guests at this fine establishment, your unauthorized entry is inexcusable. What gave you the right to invade other people’s property, and without a warrant or prior warning?"
"We are with the Bureau of Enhanced Operations." She said. "I’m sure you already know that much. Which would mean you are aware that we do not require a warrant to execute our authority."
Since the time cyborgs started to become more common, the law has had to be changed to account for the threat they pose. From there, a special exception was granted in the case of crimes committed by Enhanced Individuals, allowing unwarranted inspections and the use of lethal force.
In the case of heroes sanctioned by the BEO, they are free to act as they see fit so long as there is a plausible suspicion that they are dealing with EIs, and since they were involved in this operation from the start, there is no doubt about the availability of evidence.
"Not that we care about your opinion, but..." White Arrow spoke. "Since when did the Romanos get a say in what happens at this hotel?"
"Since our princess was set to marry its owner. Which relates to the second crime you have committed today." Letting his arms drop to his side, he stretched his fingers then clenched his fists. "You have interfered with a very important ceremony. This transgression will not go unpunished so ready yourselves."
"Whoa there," Still transformed, Werewolf stepped forward, his enlarged hands raised in front of him. "Calm down, buddy. I don’t think you understand what you’re doing here."
"Tell him, Werewolf!" Sunray cheered from the side.
"As our leader said, we are with the BEO, and this-"
With the words caught in his throat, Werewolf looked at Scar Face, realizing that he had appeared right before him at some point, ready to swing his fist. A loud boom blasted through the forty-seventh floor, like a cannon had been fired in the enclosed space. Though he managed to guard at the very last moment, Werewolf still found himself flying away. His arms were numb for a moment, but then the pain came in to confirm that he wasn’t imagining what had just happened.
The other three went on the move right away, sure that their furry teammate would recover soon enough and join them. White Arrow leapt back and prepared one of his energy bolts while Night Gale blasted the enemy with a windstorm. Though it pushed him slightly, Scar Face seemed unaffected, holding his right arm up to shield his face.
Something was off about that arm, and it only took a single look to realize what it was. A metallic silver substance had covered it at some point. It shifted and flowed, its shape changing until it settled in the form of a gauntlet with spiked knuckles.
Spreading his fingers, he then bent them slightly as if grabbing at something then swiped with his hand. The wind trajectory changed following the motion, and the storm was brought to a momentary stop. Before she could realize her power wasn’t completely negated, Night Gale froze at the sight of the tall man preparing to crush her with his fist. That was when Sunray stepped between them, her orange poncho fluttering.
Holding her arms to form a cross, she smiled at the tall man and snapped her fingers. Bright light flashed from her hands and slammed into him as if it had a physical effect, causing him to stagger back.
"On more time!" Stepping forward, she extended her right arm and snapped her fingers, causing another radiant flash to hit Scar Face.
Strangely enough, the others seemed unaffected by the light. Or rather, it only ever spread in the stranger’s direction, blinding and blasting him away.
Just as he began to regain balance, a white arrow pierced his left shoulder then exploded into a ball of white flame, swallowing him whole. That felt like it should have been the end for the scary man, but when the explosion ended and the flames scattered, he emerged from it completely unscathed, save for the small cut left on his shoulder.
The silver gauntlet on his right arm was gone, having turned back to the metallic liquid. Though they hadn’t seen it, there was no doubt that he had used that substance to shield himself. Holding his left hand up, he let the silver liquid flow throw it before spilling onto the floor at his feet. It circled around him then spread out, coating the burning floor and putting out the white flames, preventing them from reaching him.
"Carlo Big Fist Romano." White Arrow said as Scar Face turned to face him. "Giovanni Romano’s nephew and one of the family’s top executioners." Letting a smile play on his lips, he added, "A confirmed Level 4."
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