-Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport...
A silver twin-engine jet touched down on the tarmac as the evening’s sun cast long shadows across the runway. When it ca to a halt, Lucien stepped out of the aircraft, descending through the stairs and walking towards Two black vehicles that waited on him.
The first one was a Bentley Bentayga SUV in front, followed by a Bentley Flying Spur sedan. Lucien slid into the back seat of the Flying Spur, adjusting his suit jacket as he settled in.
Then the agent behind the wheel turned slightly and said, "Welco back, Chief Director. Where to?"
"The White House," Lucien replied curtly, as it seed like there’d be no breaks for him today.
The driver spoke into his radio. "Destination: White House." The ssage crackled through to the lead vehicle, and within monts, both cars were moving through the busy Washington traffic.
Twenty minutes later, the convoy approached the familiar black iron gates, and security waved them through. The vehicles arrived the entrance, and Lucien stepped out onto the pristine driveway.
He had already confird that President McDonald Dennis was available for an imdiate eting and soon, Lucien found himself seated across from the President in the Oval Office.
"I saw on the news that you left Michigan," President Dennis began, leaning back in his chair. "I didn’t expect you to co straight here."
"I have information you need to hear," Lucien said, his tone serious.
"About the Michigan situation, I assu?" The President’s expression grew more focused.
Lucien nodded. "That’s right, Mr. President."
"Go ahead."
And for the next several minutes, Lucien provided a detailed explanation of what he had discovered. The President listened intently, his eyebrows rising as the full scope of the situation beca clear.
"So you believe those high-level breaches began after this boy awakened so kind of inner power?" President Dennis asked, trying to process the information.
"It’s the only explanation that makes sense, Mr. President. We face the most dangerous monster threats, more the world has ever seen, right here in New York because of all the Family branches and high-tier Visors concentrated in one area. So it’s safe to make that assumption."
"And you think this boy could be the deciding factor in our plans?" President Dennis asked, considering everything he’d just heard
"I’m taking a good chance on that, Mr. President. And even if he doesn’t turn out to be everything we hope, he would still be a valuable addition to our forces."
President Dennis rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I’ll need to brief General Kaine on this developnt." He was referring to his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Mr. President, if I may make a request," Lucien said, leaning forward. "I’d like to keep this information between us for now, at least until the boy fully develops mana quality at deity-level."
"Any particular reason? We’re talking about General Kaine here—." Pres. Dennis said, wondering why this had to kept from Myers.
"I understand, Mr. President, but the fewer people who know about soone like this, the better. When the ti is right, I’ll brief the General myself."
The President considered this for a mont. "Hmm... very well."
Their eting concluded shortly after, and Lucien departed the White House in his convoy of Bentleys.
...
-Beijing, China...
In the early morning hours, while darkness still clung to the sky, a convoy of black Cadillac SUVs rolled through massive iron gates. The vehicles moved slowly up a winding driveway lined with tall Italian cypress trees, their headlights cutting through the pre-dawn gloom.
Soon after, convoy approached a magnificent estate that seed to rise like a castle from the surrounding erald forests. The cream-colored mansion glead under carefully placed lighting, its classical European architecture featuring ornate towers, elegant arches, and slate roofs. Below, were ticulously maintained gardens spread out in perfect geotric patterns.
The vehicles followed a circular driveway past fountains and precisely trimd topiary before coming to a stop at the main entrance. Then, n in dark suits erged from the SUVs, they were personal security details.
One of them hurried to the lead vehicle and opened the rear door, and then a man stepped out, his presence ever commanding. He had sharp, angular features, intense dark eyes beneath thick eyebrows, and a strong jawline complented by defined cheekbones. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and a well-grood beard frad his face. He wore an expensive charcoal gray three-piece suit that fit him perfectly.
"Welco ho, sir," the security agent said with a slight bow.
The man nodded curtly and walked toward the entrance of his palatial ho. From an upstairs window, a figure with white hair watched the scene below. Kai Egnis had been awakened by the sound of the convoy arriving, and the man who had just stepped out of the vehicle was his father, Bastion, returning from his travels.
"Finally," Kai muttered, still watching from the window.
Bastion Ironhide was the CEO of Bastion Inc, the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced weaponry and armor for Visors. The connections and influence he had built through his company had earned him a spot as high-ranked, on the global rankings board, precisely Number 947.
Bastion made his way to his mahogany-paneled study, a room lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and dominated by an ornate crystal chandelier hanging above a large wooden desk. Leather chairs sat before arched windows draped with heavy curtains, and a marble fireplace added to the room’s imposing atmosphere.
As he approached the door that led to his private bedroom, a voice stopped him.
"Welco ho, Father."
Bastion turned to see Kai standing in the doorway, wearing simple black pajamas.
"Hello, son," Bastion replied, with an unreadable expression, and instead of continuing to his room, he stepped back and hung his suit jacket on an iron stand. "When did you return from Arica?" Bastion asked.
"About a week ago," Kai answered simply.
Bastion let out a scoff. "And how was the trip? I didn’t think you’d return this soon. As I recall, you said you wanted to experience the world outside of China."
"It’s been three years..." Kai sighed, then continued, "but that doesn’t matter now. I’ve been waiting for your return because I have so questions that need answers."
Kai’s tone suggested he was trying to avoid what felt like a potential argunt with his father.
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