Year: 5025
Location: Earth – Metropolis Prime, District 7
The sky above the city was a canvas of orbital lanes, translucent neon clouds, and drifting cargo ships. On the shimmering horizon, just beyond the flight towers, a personal vessel breached the atmospheric boundary. Unlike the colossal military carriers or merchant transports, this one was sleek, quiet, and coated in stealth alloys — bearing no formal insignias, yet unmistakably Vanguard-grade.
As it descended toward the civilian docking bays of Metropolis Prime, citizens paused their routines. Street markets slowed. Children pointed skyward with awe in their eyes. The arrival of a Vanguard was always an event — but this one felt different.
The landing pad hissed with hydraulic steam as the ship extended its boarding ramp. Heavy footsteps echoed — calm, precise. And then he appeared.
Hero Xender — a towering figure at 7 feet 3 inches, weighing 250 kg of pure augmented muscle mass. His frame exuded power; his gait, composed confidence. His blue eyes were intense yet calm, and his presence was impossible to ignore.
Clad in his official public uniform — sleek matte-black with silver trim and the minimal insignia of a Vanguard — he stepped into the heart of District 7, drawing every eye.
Whispers ignited.
> "It's a Vanguard...!"
"Look at him! That has to be the strongest one I've ever seen!"
"Mom, can I take a picture?!"
Children ran beside him for a few seconds before respectfully stopping. Adults placed their right fists to their chest — the civilian salute of gratitude to Vanguard protectors. Some bowed. Others simply watched with admiration.
Xender offered a nod and a faint smile. To him, kindness was not performative — it was principle. He appreciated the love of the people, though he preferred silence over spectacle. Still, he walked slowly and with grace, giving time for the moment.
---
Meanwhile, deep inside the Earth Directorate Command Tower, a secure alert flashed across the holographic interface of Director Cyrah Inox. Moments later, her private terminal lit up with the UHEC Defense Protocol.
Secure Transmission from UHEC Secretary of Defense:
> "Director Inox, the Vanguard who has just landed is not a regular operative. He is Masterchief Hero Xender, supreme commander of the APEX VANGUARDS. He holds direct authority over all 512 Vanguard units, including the elite forces: GHOST, REVENANT, OMNI, ORACLE, and SERAPH.
While he appears to be on a personal holiday, we have reason to believe his presence may involve a silent planetary audit. He does not require clearance. He does not require escort. But I strongly advise this:
Do not let the public know who he really is. Let them believe he is a standard Vanguard unless he chooses otherwise.
Assign surveillance discreetly. Keep local authority alert. And Director, if he gives an order — treat it as law.
He will be staying at Hotel Continental — activate all available security layers discreetly. The hotel should receive Level-7 Guardian Protection Status.
For now, let the public admire him. They always will. But remember: If he is here, your planet is being watched."
The message auto-deleted seconds after reading.
Director Inox swallowed hard. "He came without warning... Why now?"
She tapped into the citywide AI grid and issued a silent broadcast:
> "Guardian Eyes now watch this district."
This was a code — not for civilians, but for planetary intelligence, military liaisons, and local law enforcement. Everyone with a badge or rank knew what it meant: a Vanguard of high importance is in the area. Do not interfere. Do not approach. Observe. Protect.
As Hero Xender checked into Hotel Continental under a placeholder alias, the city buzzed with a quiet reverence. Even in silence, his presence thundered.