"Here's your ticket, sir."
The receptionist smiled— flustered, caught off guard by the man standing in front of her.
I gave a polite nod and took the slip from her hand.
"Thanks."
No need to linger. I moved past the counter, searching the lounge for a quiet place to sit. Found a spot near the window, out of the way. Sliding into the chair, I glanced at the time.
One hour left.
Just sixty more minutes, and I'd be off—leaving Paris behind, stepping into international territory. But even in waiting, there was work to be done.
I pulled out my private phone and opened the line to Max.
He was still buried in his own projects, handling the job i wanted alya to do and, digging deep into the Snake Miraculous. its structure, material composition, etc. The task wasn't easy, but it was necessary. He hadn't complained. Yet.
Still, I had a lot more for him. Nothing that would break his brain, but enough to keep him from getting too comfortable.
While he disected that image, I wanted a few side projects in motion. Small ones. Projects that pushed toward a more practical combat
Max already had the foundation built: a fully responsive AI that could carry a conversation, a game world that simulated real economic and social pressures, even a life navigation tool that tells you what to do in tough decisions like a guide for a guarenteed successful existence.
All still in testing of course.
Smart tech that was all impressive. But, it meant nothing against someone wearing a Miraculous.
Even with "unlimited" funding and Max could have asked for, there were limits. I couldn't hand him a magical edge at the the time. So I asked for tools that could give me one. Wearable systems to enhance reflexes, track body movements, test endurance. If I was going to fight alongside or against several Miraculous users, I had to make my own skills that much more dangerous.
Before I hit send, I added one last thing: permission for him to finally set up that social account. A little spotlight wouldn't hurt, and was absolutely neccesary to convince the people of paris.
The hour passed fast, while my mind was locked in on precisely what I wanted, shaping the details of what I'd need upon return. By the time the boarding call echoed through the terminal, everything was already set in motion.
---
I headed to the front of the plane and let say.
First class was exactly what it promised. The enormours space the comfort, and the silence. The seat reclined easily beneath me, the smooth white leather catching the morning light as I settled in. Before takeoff, a flight attendant approached, professional but with just enough warmth.
"Would you like something to eat before we depart?"
"Eggs, toast, and black tea," I said.
She nodded and disappeared without another word. I exhaled, letting the quiet of the cabin wrap around me. The vibes were perfect. Nothing to do now but ride the sky.
And just a few hours later, the landing gear touched down with a soft jolt. I blinked awake to the skyline of New York bleeding through the small window beside me. glass spires catching the sunrise, streets already packed with traffic and motion. It was relatively beautiful from a distance
By the time I stepped off the plane and flagged a cab, the city was fully alive.
Concrete. Crowds. Lots of noise and its smells. It was everything I expected and more.
The ride through Manhattan was a blur dispite the traffic, its wider streets somewhat providing clearance for the yellow taxi weaving between cars. pedestrians rushing across crosswalks with coffees and earbuds, all while giant digital billboards painted the sides of buildings with bold colors and even bolder heroes.
It was almost remenisent of tokyo but instead of a bunch people it was cars and it was clear superhumans weren't a secret here. They were culture. Endorsements. Symbols of power. Names you knew whether you wanted to or not.
It was slightly different in the sense that heroeism is normalized.
As the cab pulled to a stop, I stepped out and took a long look around. Bag slung over one shoulder, suitcase rolling behind me, I absorbed it all.
This was the city of heroes.
And if everything went according to plan, Paris would be next.
I took a breath, already filtering out my ideas and plans.The people I needed to meet, What to do at the very start and last just before I go.
First things first before anything, I gotta find a place to stay.