Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Keagan turned the key in the motel room door, which creaked open, and Josh burst into the room, leaping onto the bed with boundless energy. The mattress sank under his weight as if embracing his vibrant spirit. Keagan followed closely behind, feeling the exhaustion seep into his bones. It was almost 11 p.m., and he hadn't experienced a proper sleep session in what felt like forever. Although his body had fully recovered from the injuries, thanks to his exceptional healing factor acquired from the system, it still needed time to recharge after expending its entire energy reserves. Keagan knew that once he touched the bed, it would be lights out for him. But before he succumbed to sleep, he wanted to share the good news with his brother about his plans for resuming his education.

Taking a deep breath, Keagan sat down on the edge of the bed, facing Josh, who was eagerly awaiting his brother's attention. He looked into Josh's eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope and excitement, hoping that his words would ignite a spark within his younger brother's heart.

"Hey, Josh," Keagan began, his voice filled with warmth and determination. "I've been thinking a lot lately about what's best for you. And you know what? I want you to go back to school, to a prestigious private boarding school."

Josh's eyes widened with surprise and disbelief. "Really, Keagan? You mean it?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Keagan nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Absolutely, little bro. I want you to have the best opportunities and experiences. I want you to be surrounded by classmates your own age, with teachers who can nurture your talents and help you thrive."

Tears welled up in Josh's eyes as he realized the magnitude of his brother's love and sacrifice. He threw his arms around Keagan, embracing him tightly. "Thank you, thank you so much, Keagan!" he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Keagan held his brother close, reciprocating the embrace. He felt a surge of warmth and fulfillment, knowing that he was making a positive impact on Josh's life. "You deserve this, Josh. I want you to have every opportunity to chase your dreams, to create a future that's different from the one we've known."

As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of their shared journey slowly lifted off their shoulders. In that motel room, amidst the worn-out walls and dim lighting, hope and possibility began to blossom. They were no longer alone in their struggle; they had each other, and together, they would forge a new path toward a brighter future.

In that fleeting moment, Keagan basked in the radiance of fulfillment, a sensation he had long yearned for. His younger brother's joy knew no bounds, as he surrendered himself to the vast spectrum of emotions that flooded his being. His elation overflowed, knowing he had a brother who would traverse the depths of Hades and ascend to Olympus just to witness the light of happiness upon his face. They reveled in their newfound bliss, and though Keagan's eyelids drooped with weariness, he made every effort to engage in his brother's animated chatter about the experiences that awaited him, the friendships he would forge. It was a reprieve for Keagan, for in Josh's eyes, there was no need for probing inquiries or doubts concerning the origin of his brother's newfound fortune. All that mattered to Josh was the transformation in his life, a metamorphosis that promised hope and a future far from the shadows of their past. And so, the rambling carried on deep into the night, as stars danced overhead in the nocturnal sky.

Eventually, as the hour grew late, the sweet weight of slumber claimed Josh's restless spirit. He surrendered to the embrace of dreams, sprawled upon the bed. Keagan, though fatigued, stirred from his sleep a few minutes later, his eyes fluttering open. Gently, he tucked the covers around Josh, a protective gesture born from the depths of brotherly love. As he stood there, gazing upon the peaceful visage of his younger sibling, a surge of profound tenderness swelled within his heart.

Returning to his own slumber, Keagan slipped beneath the blankets once more, his weary body seeking solace in the warmth encumber of clean sheets, a once foreign feeling to him. 

As dawn broke, Keagan and his younger brother made their way to a quaint pastry shop nestled on the same street they used to call home, their sanctuary in the midst of dilapidated houses. The shop was run by a kind-hearted elderly baker who had often gifted Josh leftover pastries. But today was different. Josh was going to experience the delight of being a regular customer, treated to a breakfast of his choice. The aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, and the joy on Josh's face was immeasurable.

After their satisfying meal, the duo embarked on their next mission: finding the perfect private school for Josh. Keagan led them to a nearby public library, where he delved into the search for prestigious institutions with open enrollments. As he perused the pages of school directories, he couldn't help but feel the bittersweet tinge of a parent hesitant to let their child venture far from their side. However, Keagan knew deep down that his brother needed a change of scenery, a chance to flourish and leave the hardships behind.

Among the plethora of options, two schools caught Keagan's attention, each holding promise for Josh's future. With determination, he swiftly booked appointments for interviews, ensuring his brother would have the opportunity to select the school that resonated with him the most. One interview was scheduled for the following day, and the other was to take place the day after. The anticipation in Josh's eyes mirrored Keagan's excitement, despite the touch of sadness that tinged their parting.

Keagan bid farewell to his brother for the day, ensuring he had enough funds to enjoy his stay. he hailed a cab that whisked him back to the motel room. Nestled in an alley, he summoned the system.

"Hello, Spectral Guardian. Would you like to log back into Arcanum?" the system inquired.

"Yes," Keagan replied eagerly.

"Your spawn point has been set to the hero central hub by default. You can change it at your convenience. Welcome back!" the system announced, creating a swirling portal that engulfed Keagan and transported him to the familiar hero central hub.

Stepping into the bustling hub, Keagan's gaze was drawn to a large screen displaying a string of letters that caught his attention. Momentarily perplexed, he focused on the bold font spelling out his alias, accompanied by a blurry picture of the infamous ranked Duskbringer.

"BRAVE NEW HERO, SPECTRAL GUARDIAN MANAGES TO TAKE DOWN THE ELUSIVE INFAMOUS RANKED DUSKBRINGER ALONGSIDE HIS SQUAD!"

 the screen proclaimed, scrolling across the bottom as the latest bulletin of the day. However, as people passed by, Keagan realized that the screen did not show a clear image of him. He recalled Dante's inquiry about his name, as the media had been seeking it. Unfortunately, they hadn't captured a photograph of him. Nevertheless, a profound sense of accomplishment surged within him as he strolled past the kiosks, hoping someone would recognize him and request an autograph.

Just as he passed one of the kiosks, a voice called out his name loud and clear. Keagan turned to face the source and recognized the shopkeeper who had sold him his hero suit.

"Hey! Rookie, Spectral Guardian, right?" the shopkeeper exclaimed.

Keagan nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes, that's me! 

“I saw your name on the news bro. It's pretty cool,” The shopkeeper grinned, revealing a display of intriguing items. "I've got a few more things I think you'll love. Come, take a look!"

As Keagan approached the lively kiosk, he was determined to strike up a friendship with the shopkeeper. He longed for someone with a familiar face amidst the masked squadmates he had encountered since his arrival. It often felt like conversing with mannequins, devoid of genuine connection. Settling into a seat inside the shop, Keagan engaged in a spirited conversation with the shopkeeper, who couldn't resist teasing him about his recent triumph.

The shopkeeper chuckled mischievously and pointed at the hero suit. "You see, Spectral Guardian, it was all in this marvelous suit of yours! I bet it's the reason you emerged victorious in that epic fight! I think props should go to me as well seeing as it was me who sold you the suit don't you think"

Keagan laughed, playing along. "Oh, absolutely! This suit has secret powers, I'm convinced. It gives me superhuman strength and lightning-fast reflexes!"

The shopkeeper nodded, winking playfully. "That's the spirit! The legends say it's been crafted by ancient sorcerers with a touch of magic. But hey, I won't take all the credit. It's your heroic skills that truly saved the day."

Keagan grinned, appreciating the shopkeeper's banter. "Well, it's not every day I get to defeat a villain. I couldn't have done it without my amazing squadmates, though. They had my back!"

The shopkeeper leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, "Between you and me, Spectral Guardian, I think they're just going to be dead weight soon enough. You've become quite the legend around here! Many people project you to be a top prospect and in no time better hero squads and top heroes will be flocking at your door to team up with you or make you their sidekick, "

Keagan's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and delight washing over him. "A legend? Me? I never thought..."

The shopkeeper's words hung in the air, stirring conflicting emotions within Keagan. He couldn't deny the allure of a promising future, rubbing shoulders with more powerful heroes and ascending to greater heights. However, the thought of leaving his newfound squadmates behind felt like a betrayal, as if he would be abandoning them in their time of need. Keagan's brow furrowed, wrestling with his thoughts.

"But... what about my squadmates?" he finally voiced his concerns." I can't just up and leave like that?”

The shopkeeper's face softened, understanding the weight of Keagan's dilemma. "I understand your loyalty, my friend. Squadmates become like family, and it's never easy to part ways. But remember, true heroes, are always evolving. By pursuing greater challenges and joining higher-ranked squadrons, you'll not only grow stronger but also inspire those who look up to you."

Keagan sighed, torn between his sense of duty and his desire for personal growth. "I suppose I can think about it."

The shopkeeper nodded sympathetically. "Change is never easy, but it is necessary for growth. Your squadmates will understand and support your decision if they truly value your potential. And who knows, perhaps your departure will motivate them to strive for greatness as well. But that is just a piece of advice from someone who has hung around this trade for a long time to notice such things. Take your time with the decision, no need to rush"

Keagan contemplated the shopkeeper's words.

“Anyways enough about that, what can I get you today Spectral guardian? And for the record you need a catchier name bro, Spectral Guardian just sounds like a generic name for a flashlight,”

Keagan chucked, “ I suppose, I haven't thought of a name yet, I'm still trying to figure out my identity as a hero,”

The shopkeeper nodded approvingly. Their conversation continued as the shopkeeper showed him various gadgets and complementaries to the suit. Keagan settled on a few, including a grappling gun since he saw the two brothers Max and Leo utilizing them so well, he wanted them to teach him their technique.

They finally concluded their brief interaction and Keagan got up to leave the store.

" And don't forget, whenever you need a new gadget or an upgrade, you know where to find me. I'll always have something special for my legendary customers!"

Keagan nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for the shopkeeper's support. "Thank you so much. I'll be back soon."

Leaving the kiosk, Keagan felt the weight of his pending decisions pressing upon him. The words of the shopkeeper echoed in his mind, stirring a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Should he continue on the path he was currently on, forging strong bonds with his squadmates and growing together? Or should he pursue the allure of a higher-ranked squadron, seeking greater challenges and recognition?

Lost in contemplation, Keagan was jolted back to reality by the system's notification. The familiar beep resounded, and the screen displayed the message.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The system's voice reverberated once more, clinging to Keagan's attention.

"Hello, Spectral Guardian," the system greeted him. "Your task for today is skills training. Your squad supervisor, Whiplash, will give you further instructions when you meet up with your squad members. Your deadline is until midnight. Good luck with your task!"

Keagan took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. With the weight of his choices still lingering, he knew that focusing on his training would provide clarity. He squared his shoulders and headed towards the meeting point, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited him.