The world held its breath.Across cities, towns, and villages, screens flickered to life. In homes, schools, shops, and busy train stations, people stopped what they were doing. Even in faraway places where Hornet cars had only just become known, crowds gathered around giant screens. Everyone was waiting for the man who had faced the demon once and lived to tell the tale.
On the stage built in the Hornet estate, Tarus walked forward. Behind him, the black-and-gold Hornet car stood under the lights, sharp and powerful like a beast waiting for the race. Cameras zoomed in on him, and satellites carried his image across the globe. This was not just London's story anymore. This was humanity's story.Tarus held the microphone, his helmet resting beside him. He took a deep breath, then began to speak.
Telling the World the Truth:
"People of London. People of the world," Tarus said, his voice firm. "You saw what happened. You saw the fire, the fear, and the destruction Homeless left behind. Many of you ask—what is he? What did I see when I faced him?"He paused, his eyes steady. "I will not lie to you. Homeless is not just a man. He carries something inside him—a demon called Malakar. When I hit him, his body healed.
He is pain turned into fire, and rage turned into strength. When I fought him, I learned that fear alone cannot stop him. Bullets, bombs, soldiers—none of it worked."The crowd in the yard fell silent. People on screens leaned forward.Tarus continued: "I felt fear. Not the kind that shakes your hands. The kind that makes your bones heavy. But I also learned. I saw his patterns. I learned his weaknesses. That fight did not end in victory, but it taught me how to prepare. And I am prepared."
The Plan:
A large screen behind Tarus lit up with blueprints and short test clips. The upgraded Hornet suit was displayed—stronger, faster, sharper."This time," Tarus said, "I will not face him with the same suit. We changed it. We built new shields that can catch and hold shadow. We made plasma weapons that burn in waves strong enough to stop his healing. We added drones that will surround him, trap him, and keep him in the open. This fight will not be in the middle of crowds. This fight will be where he has nowhere to hide."Reporters scribbled furiously. The crowd in the yard broke into applause. Around the world, people cheered.
Speaking to the People:
Tarus's voice grew steady, stronger, as he looked into the main camera."This fight is not just mine. If Homeless wins, fear wins. If he burns this city, then every city in the world becomes weaker. I am going back because running away only makes him stronger. I promise you—every step I take will be to protect the people, not to bring harm to them. Stay calm. Stay strong. Do not let fear rule your homes."In homes and squares, families held each other's hands. Some nodded, some whispered prayers, some shouted his name.
Speaking to Homeless:
Then Tarus's eyes turned cold. He looked directly into the lens, as if speaking to Homeless himself."Homeless," he said, each word like steel, "I know your pain. I know you lost everything. I know you think revenge is the only answer. But your revenge cannot destroy this city. You carry Malakar, but I carry something too—light, steel, and the will of people who refuse to fall. You may want war. But I will bring the fight back to you."He leaned closer, his voice dropping low. "The first battle was survival. The next will be the end of your fire."
Closing Words:
Tarus placed the microphone down. Then he picked it back up one last time."The next fight will not be hidden. The world will see it. And I tell you all now—I will not stop until this ends. Not until he is stopped. Not until people can walk the streets without fear. That is my promise."The Hornet car's headlights flashed behind him, as if answering the vow.The feed ended.
The Reaction:
In London, crowds broke into cheers, chanting "Hornet! Hornet!"
In Tokyo, drivers honked their horns in support.
In Mumbai, shopkeepers played his speech on loudspeakers in the market.
In New York, sports bars erupted as if they had seen a championship win.
And online, one phrase spread like fire: #StandWithTarus.
But far away, in the shadows, another man watched the same speech. His eyes burned with rage, and Malakar's whisper curled in his ear. The world may have believed in Tarus, but Homeless was preparing too.
When I trapped him, his shadows broke free.