Chapter 42: Tochiux Serpent 2
Having reached a conclusion, the short man didn’t ponder the matter any longer. He quickly pulled out his device and dialed a number.
Deep beneath the city lay a facility hidden from the rest of the world. A facility that would raise countless questions if the public ever learned of its existence.
"Sir, good morning!" The voice on the other end jolted with panic, clearly not expecting any calls at this moment.
"Release the Tochiux, and lead it towards the academy."
"Sir—?! W-weren’t we meant to release it by next week as scheduled for Night Ninja?"
"Are you questioning me? I said you should release the Tochiux and guide it towards the academy. Also, have Night Ninja and Rope girl on standby. They’ll be stepping in once we need them" the short man ordered, ’It’s all but a small schedule shift to teach this brat a lesson’
"Y-yes sir, I’ll do that immediately" The voice stuttered, before turning his attention to the monitor screen in front of him.
He could see the entire city outline and the sewer system beneath the city.
He marked the academy on the system, and with a single button, all the automatic doors leading to other sections of the sewer system were locked shut, leaving a single straight path, leading directly to the academy.
He casually picked up his telecom device, "Sir Kelsey ordered the release of the Tochiux. I’ve already set the path, release the beast. I’ll send out a message to Night Ninja and Rope girl to have them ready"
"What?! Weren’t they scheduled for release next week?"
"These are direct orders. If you need answers you can call Sir Kelsey to confirm yourself"
The man swallowed as he heard the response, "Very well, we’ll release the beast" the man said as he shifted his gaze to the beast before him.
A massive serpent lay restrained beneath layers of heavy steel chains and reinforced restraints.
It thrashed relentlessly, it’s massive weight causing the large facility to shudder, but with every relentless struggle for escape, a wave of electricity was sent through its form.
"Shieeekk!" The large snake roared, sending out a powerful roar that reverberated through the walls of the facility.
"Everyone! Leave, we’ll be releasing the beast" The man announced and quickly all the workers wearing lab coats quickly evacuated the space.
Looking at the large beast from behind the observation room, the man pressed a button.
The large gate slowly slid up, revealing the large sewer beneath.
The serpent felt the massive restraints pinning it’s body loose its grip, with a powerful twist of its massive frame, the chains rattled to the ground finally letting it free.
It’s large black pupils shrank, its sharp gaze piercing the darkness of the sewers and before anyone could react.
BOOM!
The entire facility shook as the large serpent slithered into the sewers with a speed astonishing for its massive form.
The entire sewer shook under its form, the walls barely able to contain its massive frame.
As it moved it looked in every direction for any opening, and it didn’t take too long for its eyes to catch the light in the distance.
***
"Well, that went faster than I’d expected. I guess the academy doesn’t mind as long as you’ve got enough money" Selena said with an astonished voice as they walked out of the registration room, making their way back to the car.
Nicholas held Katherine by the hand, "And then you wonder why I request so much money for my work." Nicholas said casually.
Selena’s brows twitched, "Well if course I would, since when do heroes charge fees for helping? That’s not the point of heroism!"
Nicholas glanced at her, "Since when are heroes required to be signed under a governing body? Once the government is involved, it’s anything but heroism. To be frank, being a hero feels more like a dirty work than being a hitman"
Selena’s lips parted to argue, but she slowly shut them down, "Well you have a point"
"Regardless, I won’t complain as long as I get paid. Afterall, money solves every problem"
"No it doesn’t" Selena quickly snapped back.
"Well, you’re not just rich enough yet"
Selena’s mouth parted at his words, but before she spoke she let out a tired sigh, "You know what? You’re right, maybe I should start acting more like you"
’Arguing with him is pointless... Somehow he always says the truth. I should start taking pointers rather than argue with him. Maybe I’ll finally get a raise’ She slipped her hands into her pocket and taking out her cigarette, she lit it up and slipped it into her mouth.
"I don’t smoke in front of kids" Nicholas said bluntly.
"Shut up. I don’t want to be like you, besides it’s a flavoured one, so it doesn’t smell bad" Selena muttered under her breath with a cold voice.
Nicholas didn’t push anymore, as they entered the car.
"Big brother! When will I start school" Katie chipped in, she didn’t care about their discussion from earlier, the mere thought of entering the hero academy filled her with so much excitement.
Her eyes never left the academy, she’d been scanning through the entire academy, marking places she’d visit once she was admitted.
Nicholas ruffled her hair, "Don’t worry, when Big brother gets paid, he’ll pay your fees and you’ll start immediately." He said as he tucked her into the back seat, before moving to the front to seat next to Selena.
"I’ll need my payment from the association soon so I can pay the fees" Nicholas stated.
"Oh, don’t worry about that. You will see your income in the forum after the week is over. You’ll probably earn a lot. Your news has been all over the place, hopefully it’ll be enough to cover the three hundred thousand fees"
"If it’s not enough then we’ll do more missions" Nicholas stated calmly.
"You know, I’m really beginning to like your guts" Selena snickered as they drove past the academy gates, Katie had her knees on the seat staring through the back window as the gates closed behind them.
Her eyes, wide with admiration.
"Brother, I can’t wait!" She said with a squeal.
"Me too Katie" Nicholas replied with a smile and suddenly.
BOOM!
The earth shook, the vibration moving through the car.
"What was that?" Selena asked looking at the road ahead, there was nothing in front.
BOOM!
The ground shook violently the car moving unsteadily across the road.
"Is this an earthquake?" Selena asked confused as she stopped the car, to step down and know what was going on.
Nicholas stared at the ground, his instincts sharpening, without a second thought he used the X glasses seeing through the earth.
Instantly, his eyes widened as he stepped out of the car, moving to the back and carrying Katie, cradling her in his arms.
"What is it?" Selena asked, surprised by his actions.
BOOM!
The shake intensified.
Nicholas turned his gaze to Selena, "I don’t know what it is, but I think something is causing the earthquake and it’s underground, let’s move out of here"
"Something is causing the earthquake? What could that—"
BOOOM
The road was shattered, debris sent flying in all directions as a gigantic snake rose from the earth like a volcanic eruption.
Selena, Nicholas and Katie all stared at the monstrosity before them in awe, until it started back.
The sharp golden eyes locked onto them and a cold shiver ran down their spine.
"The Tochiux?" She muttered, life drained from her voice.
"Big brother what’s that?" Katie asked, her small voice shrinking to merely a whisper.
Nicholas frowned.
And just then, the large serpent moved.
