The Ice Box was located in J City, right at its center. J City was known for its endlessly cold climate—snow-covered terrains, frozen roads, and towering mountains that never seemed to thaw. The Ice Box itself was built not only to cover the surface but also to extend deep underground, forming a massive containment facility.
It was guarded heavily by the government's army, reinforced by several heroes stationed permanently on-site. Among them stood an S-Class hero, Daito, codename Sting, ranked 14, whose presence alone radiated pressure.
As Kael and his team entered the Ice Box, they were met with a chilling sight.
Numerous inmates lined the corridors, each wearing a thick metallic collar locked tightly around their necks. Their expressions ranged from empty stares to barely restrained rage.
Leona: So many people are here… Are they all supers? When did so many get captured, and how?
Guard: Yes. As you can see, they're all supers—but only the dangerous ones. Our S-Class heroes have been extremely busy ever since powers and abilities began appearing.
Leona: Those collars… what exactly are they?
Guard: They nullify their power. They were developed by the WHA. They're difficult to remove—unless you happen to have a grenade.
The group continued deeper into the facility, descending floor by floor until they reached Cell 219.
Guard: This is it.
Kael and his team stepped inside.
Herald lay on the narrow bed, seemingly asleep. The moment the cell door slid open, his eyes snapped open. He slowly sat up, a crooked smile forming on his face as recognition dawned.
Herald: Well, well… Nexus-5,my my, what a surprise. The team that put me in this hellhole has come to pay me a visit.
He leaned back against the wall, chains clinking softly as he moved.
Herald: So, what brings you guys here?
Charlie: Cut the bullshit. We know your true nature. Don't even think about crossing that line.
Herald: Ooo… scary. And do you really think you're intimidating? Fuck no. You're just a bitch full of ego and fucking pride.
The words almost made Charlie lose her cool, but before she could react, Kael stepped in, raising a hand.
Kael: Hey. Hey, hey, we're not here to look for trouble. We just want answers.We need you to cooperate with us.
Herald tilted his head slightly.
Herald: (Mockingly)And what makes you think I'd do that?
Kael: Well, we asked the authorities to lower your security level—if you cooperate. And who knows… they might even add some new furniture.
Herald glanced around his cell. The bare walls. The cold floor. The narrow bed.
Considering he would be staying there for a long time, the offer didn't sound entirely unreasonable.
After a brief pause, he sighed.
Herald: Alright,what do you want to know?
They explained the incident at the facility. Herald didn't hesitate—he already knew exactly what it was.
Herald: What put them into an unconscious state is a dark magic called the BlackBreath. In twenty-five days, anyone affected by it will turn into minions of the Dark Light.
The atmosphere grew heavier.
Herald: The only way to break it, is to destroy the source. And by that, I mean killing the leader of the Dark Light, qhich is… impossible.
Kael: Why can't you give us his name or power?
Herald's expression darkened.
Herald:Those who leak his name or power die. Simple as that. I also don't know his exact location. All I know is that he's somewhere among the cities.
With that, there was nothing more to gain.
Since they had gotten what they came for, Nexus-5 bid Herald farewell and left the Ice Box, the weight of what they'd learned settling heavily on their shoulders.
Now that the WHA knew about the Black Breath, only twenty-four days remained.
The World Hero Association immediately ordered every S-Class hero to thoroughly search their respective cities, assisted by heroes from other classes. The situation was escalating too quickly to allow hesitation.
Nexus-5 couldn't afford to stay idle either.
When they requested permission to investigate on their own and locate the hive directly, the WHA agreed, stating that heroes must be trusted with the freedom to act when it mattered most.
Before they departed, the WHA equipped them with special restraint bands—devices capable of capturing Dark Light members and nullifying their abilities. They were also given tracking watches, allowing the WHA to monitor their locations and respond instantly if assistance was needed.
Before setting out, Kael and the others visited their unconscious parents one last time.
Standing beside their beds, they made silent promises—to save them, to save everyone affected, no matter the cost. With heavy hearts but unwavering resolve, they said their goodbyes.
And so, Nexus-5 set out.
With the clock ticking and the darkness spreading, their long and awaited journey had finally begun.