I Am a Hero With A Hundred Abilities-Chapter 73: Ch 72. Aftermath

Golden Booster's mind reeled at Ethan's words.

"I just helped you do your job."

The arrogance was unbelievable.

To speak like that to the Golden Emperor's Clan leader, one of the top-tier Clan's in the City? That alone should've sparked fury.

But Booster… couldn't feel it.

He wasn't angry.

Because, in truth… Ethan was right.

Guardian Angel had turned traitor.

And Ethan—not even a recognized hero, not even registered with any formal group—had fought him alone, subdued him, and prevented even more deaths.

Yes, they had lost good people…

But without Ethan, it might've been all of them.

booster suddenly realized something.

"Why did I trust him so easily…?"

It was like Ethan's presence forced him to accept his words—not magically, but instinctively. Like truth wrapped itself around him.

Before Booster could dwell further, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the bloodstained Maw.

Lady Fury, a woman with fiery red hair and an eye patch, led a squad of elite Heroes down the corridor.

She approached with urgency but respect, her voice controlled despite the grim scene.

"Booster," she said solemnly, "I'm sorry. If we had known what was happening down here sooner, we would've acted. Maybe lives could've been saved."

Booster shook his head. "I understand. But there was nothing you could have done."

His voice was heavy. "A disruption barrier was deployed so no signals could escape. It was meant to keep everything inside."

Lady Fury's expression darkened as she nodded.

She didn't like being blindsided—and the idea of a Hero turning traitor under her watch burned.

Behind her, the Heroes had already started sweeping the area. Bodies were recovered and the villains were being restrained.

Striker, still unconscious, was carried out on a stretcher. Though Ethan had kept him alive, the internal damage was severe.

He was the only survivor among the elite team that came to apprehend Mirveil.

And he would have to live with the fact that he couldn't protect a single teammate.

Lady Fury turned back toward Booster. "It's a good thing you got here in time. If you hadn't stopped the traitor—"

But Booster cut her off.

"It wasn't me."

Lady Fury blinked. "What?"

Booster gestured toward Ethan, who was quietly watching from a short distance.

"It was him."

Lady Fury followed his gaze and locked eyes with Ethan.

"…You're joking."

Booster's voice was flat. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Fury studied Ethan again.

Young. Far too young. But there was something about him.

An edge. A presence.

'Maybe… maybe he just looked young. Perhaps he was a veteran with a unique ability that slowed aging.'

She straightened her posture and gave a short bow.

"Sir, thank you. Your actions saved us from a lot of trouble."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Sir?"

He couldn't help but smirk slightly, wondering why someone old enough to be his mother was addressing him so formally.

But he said nothing.

And just nodded once.

Just then, one of the heroes jogged up to Lady Fury, saluting.

"Ma'am. The Villains have been secured and placed in containment."

Fury nodded. "Good. We'll hand them over to the wardens at Tartarus Vault."

The hero nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Fury's gaze swept the bloodstained walls, her tone turning sharp.

"The Maw is now under full lockdown. Sweep every corridor, every carvan. I want a full security audit—no anomalies, no surprises."

She raised her voice.

"Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" the heroes roared in unison.

She gave one last glance toward the carnage, then turned toward the exit.

"Good. We're done here. Let's move out."

****

Outside the Maw, the night air was heavy with the scent of ash and ozone. Emergency lights cast flickering reds and blues across the entrance.

Ethan stood beside a vehicle, the doors still open. Inside, Striker lay motionless, hooked up to stabilization systems.

Next to him stood Golden Booster, arms crossed, eyes fixed on his injured comrade.

After a long silence, Booster finally turned to Ethan.

His voice, usually laced with arrogance, was genuine.

"Kid… you did well today."

He paused, then offered a rare smile.

"If you ever find yourself in need… the Golden Emperors will be there. You've earned that much."

Ethan gave a silent nod, accepting the words without pride or humility. It was just another part of the job done.

Without saying more, Booster stepped into the ambulance. The doors sealed shut with a hiss, and the vehicle lifted off the ground, disappearing into the night sky with a hum of antigravity engines.

Ethan stood alone for a moment.

He exhaled.

"That was a long day."

His muscles ached, his energy drained—but beneath it all, he could still feel Gray, quietly slumbering inside him.

There was comfort in the presence, even if he didn't fully understand how it worked yet.

He'd check in on Gray later.

For now… he needed rest.

He made his way to where he had parked his car. Sliding into the driver's seat, he leaned back with a sigh, stared at the stars above for a few seconds, and then started the engine.

With a quiet hum, he drove off into the city lights—back to the Lancaster Estate.

****

In a pitch-black chamber, where the shadows seemed alive, a lone figure stood before a glowing blue hologram. The image was distorted, its features hidden behind flickering static, like a ghost cloaked in secrecy.

The voice from the hologram hissed with restrained fury.

"How could you fail to kill him? And bring his body? He was just a newly awakened!"

The shadowy figure didn't move, didn't flinch. His voice, when it came, was cool and sharp like a blade in the dark.

"That 'newly awakened' took down one of our best—Guardian Angel. And he interfered with the elimination of another agent. You call him new? He doesn't fight like it."

He stepped closer to the hologram's glow, just enough for his silhouette to gain shape they were tall, composed and dangerous.

"Either you're lying to me… or you've gravely underestimated him."

The hologram fizzled with static. Then came a long silence before a question:

"…Do you think he had access to the ritual?"

The figure scoffed. "How am I supposed to know? That was your assignment, not mine."

Another silence. This one heavier.

"…What do we do now?" the hologram finally asked.

A mocking chuckle echoed through the room.

"We? No—you're on your own."

He turned away. "I've done more than enough. It's time you cleaned up your mess."

"But—" the hologram started, desperation slipping through.

The shadowy figure cut the connection with a flick of his hand, and the room was swallowed in silence once again.

He stood there for a moment, then whispered under his breath:

"Useless. I don't know what Master sees in you…"

He paused, something dark flickering in his voice.

"Ethan… You've been a thorn in my back for the last time."

His gaze turned cold. "But before I deal with you… I need to eliminate a potential leak."

With that, the figure turned and vanished into the shadows.