In a far-off galaxy, on a distant world known as Planet Beetle…
Inside a colossal throne room carved from black stone, several human-like creatures with long insect-like tails gathered around a glowing screen. Their eyes twitched with curiosity as they watched recordings of the alien army's defeat on Earth.
"Apparently, the aliens were killed by mere humans," one creature sneered.
"Mere humans?" another burst into laughter. "When did the alien race become so weak that they're slaughtered by humans of all things?"
A third creature leaned forward, voice low. "Weak? No. Maybe… those humans were strong."
Silence filled the room for a second… then the laughter stopped.
"Strong, huh?" the second creature grinned. "Well then, let's see for ourselves."
His voice echoed across the chamber.
"Send our strongest fighters to earth"
A quiet hum filled the air as orders were transmitted. The invasion had already begun.
Meanwhile on Earth…
Adrian woke up feeling fresh and motivated. After a quick breakfast, he went straight outside to train. He sprinted across the street, occasionally activating Flash Step every few seconds. It pushed his body to the limit, but that was the point. For a full hour he ran until his lungs burned and his legs felt like fire.
When he finally stopped, he was gasping for air—completely exhausted.
As he walked back home, something suddenly caught his eye. A robber dashed across the street, snatching an old lady's purse.
"No! Someone stop the robber!" the old lady cried desperately.
Adrian didn't even think. Instinct took over.
He launched forward, activating Flash Step. In an instant, he appeared in front of the robber like a ghost, grabbing him by the shirt. The thief collapsed in shock as Adrian snatched back the purse and returned it.
"Thank you so much," the old lady said, trembling with relief.
"No problem," Adrian smiled softly before walking away.
When he got home, he noticed the house was strangely quiet. His mom and dad were nowhere to be seen. He wondered where they had gone this early, but eventually brushed it off. The rest of the day was normal—mostly playing games. When night arrived, he went outside again to practice Flash Step.
Adrian continued practicing late into the night. Each use of Flash Step felt smoother than the last. His body no longer trembled afterward, and the burning in his legs faded faster.
Then — this time something new happened.
As he pushed off the ground, instead of one afterimage streaking behind him, two faint trails appeared, like overlapping shadows. Adrian could feel his body responding more naturally to the technique, almost as if it were becoming a part of him rather than something he forced.
He stopped and stared at his hands, breathing hard but excited.
I'm actually getting better… I can feel it.
Adrian stepped inside, expecting to hear his mother cooking or his father snoring on the couch — but nothing. Still, he didn't worry too much. Maybe they're just out late on hero duty, he told himself.
So he took a quick shower and went to his room. Exhausted, he sat on his bed but didn't lie down; something about the silence kept him awake. Minutes passed… then nearly an hour. He checked his phone. No messages. No location pings from his parents' hero trackers.
A strange feeling grew in his chest — not fear, but uneasiness.
Finally, just when Adrian stood to look out the window, the front door suddenly opened.
David stepped inside.
He wasn't standing straight. His body looked limp… heavy. His clothes were soaked in blood — some dried, some fresh. His face was bruised, and deep cuts ran across his arms.
Adrian froze in pure shock.His throat tightened, and for a second his voice didn't come out.
"D–Dad??" he finally gasped, stumbling forward. "WHAT HAPPENED?"
"they...are...coming" replied David.