Chapter 14: First Candidate

After the meditation, I sealed the girls’ memories of magics except for Ina so they don’t carelessly use it by accident.

I can still protect them after all. I just wanted them to start their foundations early like me, who started meditating right after being born…

We stopped ‘playing’ just before dinner and we all overlapped our illusion selves as I dispel them. This will make the people who saw us only think that we were playing above ground and not in a secret base underneath.

That night, I once again donned the Nightmare suit and expanded my area of...protection? Well, something like that.

The name of Nightmare has slowly being known throughout the world.

Day by day, I gain more mana, the farther the distance I can teleport.

Soon, it reached the point where I have been saving people while touring the world. From USA to China to Russia to Japan to Philippines to the Pacific Ocean...there is truly no place in the world where I cannot go and am not known.

Time passed and my days in Kindergarten had also passed.

When we were leaving, Jenny seemed to be reluctant to part with us…is what I thought but, apparently, she’ll still be following us in [Golden Maple School]...yep, the school we’ll be transferring next…seriously, did this girl really fell for me already for her to be this insistent on following us?

Sigh, it sure is tough being so handsome…

We still have our summer break until the start of a new school year. It should be time to make the ability crystals...is that what we’re really calling it?

Names like Kryptonite, Tesseract, Horcruxes, or All Spark sounds way cooler…how do these guys come up with names like these?

Maybe I should just say some bullshit like, God’s Seeds or Origin Stones or Devil Cores…

…Actually, the Origin Stones doesn’t sound bad at all…yep, it’s settled. Origin Stones it is! OStones for short!

I could say OS for short but it sounds like Operating Systems so…OStones it is then!

I’m such a genius.

Ah, we’re getting off topic here. Anyway, to create the OStones, first, I must make the mana crystals as its core.

The mana crystal will automatically absorb mana in the surroundings that will power up the, well, powers. The powers will be based on the inscribed magic circles on the mana crystal which will be used by the holder of the OStones.

This way, they don’t need to know about magic and simply activate it with a special command. You know, like what those magical girls or power rangers do when they transform…I am so not doing that…but it should be fun watching them do it…hehe.

Now, to make the mana crystals, I just have to condense my own mana and crystalize it.

Sounds easy? Yes it is. Well, to me that is. It’s because I’m a magic genius as well as a cheat character. In truth, there’s like a dozen of formulas and systems used in making one but I don't really get it. I just know it goes swoosh, then swirl, then woosh, then bam! Easy right?

Now you know why I didn’t bother making them earlier and think I’m just cramming. Cause it just takes an instant for me. I had the girls try it but as expected, they can’t.

I gave them several of the mana crystals I made. Not to give them away, but to serve as a backup in the case where they ran out of mana. I really doubt it but it’s better safe than sorry.

Right now, I can maintain my transformation for 2 and a half hours. You might think it’s long but it’s still not enough if I want to do sexy stuff with older women…if you know what I mean. I need at least six hours for that…what? I still need to meet them, talk with them, and some assurance im case we pass out afterwards…or, well, a 6 hour long sexy time is also good.

But, I have been having these ‘chance meetings’ with Rosalline and Jenny every now and then in my young adult form. Mostly it’s just bumping into them and some small talks but there’s definitely some progress…I think…

Or maybe they were really in love with the younger me…women, so hard to understand…

Now then, I’m not going to inscribe some spells on the mana crystals yet. I should start my scouting.

Every now and then, I would go look at people whenever we go out the house, to see who is worthy…alright, I’m just looking for some interesting people.

I already have some potential ones but I still need to make sure. After all, everyone who meets my parents all have smiles because of their identity. By no means are they a good person.

Like I said, I’m no hero, but I still have a conscience and I can’t let the things I give be used for…disturbing things…maybe just stealing is fine…I should do that, like a phantom thief! That will be exciting!

Ah, but let’s create some heroes first.

First on the potential heroes list. Arthur Drake. He’s the eldest son of the Drake family that manages a part of the Connors Technologies which creates state of the art machines from everyday lives to military ones.

He should be 20 years old this year. We met a couple of times since his family is a part of my family’s company and would fool around with me.

He actually invited me to come with him to a nightclub that his friend runs. Before I could say yes, our parents scolded us.

Damn, I bet the girls would love to cuddle a cute 6 year old me…

I swear that was also Arthur’s plan. If he bring this cute kid, girls would flock around him and he could score some chicks.

Not that our parents can stop us though. That day, I snuck out of the house and called Arthur to meet me to the place we agreed on. Then, we went partying.

He didn’t let me drink though…shame…but the girls were nice. I get to ‘coincidentaly’ grope them in different places…or, well, my hand was kinda forced to touch them.

Normally, a 6 year old can’t get inside a nightclub but since it is owned by his friend, I was easily let inside. If any police comes, we can just say that I was visiting my brother or something. If that didn’t do it, I’ll just brainwash them with magic. No problemo.

That day, Nightmare also took a day off but there were hardly any crimes since lately, they have been scared of me.

Right, going back to the topic. I think that Arthur is interesting enough. Not to mention that he is also a genius in making machines that makes life way easier and also affordable to the poor people, this guy also donates his own salary he gets from his parents because he says he will only spend money he earned by himself.

Also, I need his genius in making stuff in order to make the suits for the future heroes. Actually, he said that armored suits like Iron Man had long since existed but has been taken by the military and a law was issued that forbids any non-military personnel to use it. It’s powerful after all. As for why Nightmare was being let off despite being powerful, frankly, they’re still finding out who I am. And the fact that I was also present in other countries made them stop to think where I actually came from.

They can say that I am a wanted man but the fact is, people feel more secure knowing I’m out there.

In fact, some anti-Nightmare people began to rally saying no one should be above the law but they were instantly suppressed by the majority who feel that Nightmare is something we need.

The police also said that they will catch Nightmare for show but even they feel their jobs are easier now thanks to me.

Anyway, no law pertaining to superpowered people exist yet. Most likely because I’m the only one at the moment.

Alright, I keep getting off topic…I traveled the night sky wearing the Nightmare suit going towards Arthur’s place.

This guy actually bought the top three floors of the hotel he is at…no, actually, he bought the whole hotel and lived on the top three floors.

This guy is like Tony Stark’s or Bruce Wayne’s reincarnation or something. Rich, genius, playboy…if armored suits weren’t banned, he’d definitely be wearing one now and play with it.

Hmm…I wonder what power I should give him?

Well, let’s see his response for now.

With x-ray vision, I pinpointed his location and teleported inside directly.

He’s by the bar, pouring wine in his glass. And yes, he has a bar. Rich people all have private bars…I think.

Right now, he’s alone in his house…do I call this a house? Apartment? Condo? Unit? Room?...Let’s just call it his place…

I remained by the shadows and watched him drink his wine as he walked and sat on a couch, turning the TV on.

How should I approach this…talk? But I already established a silent character…

Ah, I can use the TV!

Right, let’s start the [Hero Recruitment Segment]!

* * *

Arthur Drake is currently stressed over what happened a while ago.

Like always, he would head to his friends night club whenever he is free for the night to have fun and hang out with his friend.

Today was just like any other day.

He went inside and drink some wine with people he doesn’t know. Mostly girls.

Arthur had a very handsome look. He had a reddish blonde hair and deep purple eyes which can make just about any girl to be mesmerized looking at his eyes.

His friend made fun of him and called it [Medusa’s Eyes] since people tend to stop when looking at his eyes.

Like any other day, Arthur would hit on girls he fancied with. Occasionally having one night stands or, in some cases, make some sex friends. Never had he have any kind of special relationship with anyone. Why? Because he likes being a playboy. By being in a relationship, he won’t be able to hit on other girls anymore and he himself believe that he isn’t the committed type of guy.

Nevertheless, he always hated it when he see women cry so he tried being in a relationship with the girls who confessed to him and find a way where he can break up with them smoothly.

Well, those only happened in his school days and had never happened recently so he is a free man.

Today, he met a girl who was quietly drinking in a corner.

Just one look and you can see that the girl had some troubles. Arthur, seeing this, couldn’t stand it and talked to her.

At first, the girl refused him, but with Arthur’s experience, he was able to make the girl tell him her problems willingly.

The girl is a prostitute. One day, she had a client. A very rich and powerful fat man. He had a lot of money and was able to make her do it with him without any protection. By chance, that day, she was robbed and no longer had the money to buy any pills so she won’t get pregnant. She didn’t think much of it and thought that she wouldn’t get pregnant that one time but…she did.

The man found out about it and took her. Turns out, his wife was unable to birth a child, causing him to be frustrated and did it with other women instead. Only, no one had given birth to any child so he began to wonder if the reason why he can’t have a child was also because of him. Then, he found out about her, so he took her and cared for her.

The girl thought she would have a stable and carefree life from then on. However…the moment the child was born, she was kicked out.

She protested, but unable to do anything. That man was very powerful and could bend the police or media by his will. She wanted to take her child because, no matter what, she was still that child’s mother. She feared that if that child was left with that man, the child won’t grow up properly. Unfortunately, she truly cannot do anything at all. After all, she is but a prostitute.

It has been 3 years since that happened. The girl went back on being a prostitute and in her free times, she would drink away her sorrows so she can forget about it.

When Arthur heard this, he asked for the man’s name.

Bartholomew Tomb.

The man known as the kingpin of the criminal world. However, no one has any proof at all about his criminal background so no one can touch him. He is as corrupt as anyone can be. Even powerful families like the Drew or Connors family can’t get rid of him no matter how they try.

This made Arthur’s face fall and was in deep thought.

He knew, that no matter what, he isn’t capable of saving her at all.

He can only help her forget it by laughing with her.

When he went back home, he was still depressed on his own powerlessness and couldn’t help but think of the one line she said.

“If only Nightmare will save that child…”

Nightmare. The existence feared by every criminals.

Judging by the fact that he hasn’t made a move on Bartholomew, it means that either he can’t deal with him, or he doesn’t know about him. As for being on his side? That’s too stupid to think. Nightmare has been targeting criminals from all across the world. Even Bartholomew wouldn’t be so stupid as to provoke the crime lords in different countries.

Even if he did, can he even put such a powerful person in check? It’s also highly doubtful for Nightmare to be doing this for money. He can just steal as he wants with that power, yet he chose to use it to help people.

“But why…why hasn’t he help her?” (Arthur)

Just then, the TV buzzed and the screen went black.

Suddenly, words appeared on the screen.

[Even I can’t help everyone.]

!?

Arthur was so surprised that he jumped out of the couch and stared at the screen, causing the glass in his hand to drop. However, there wasn’t any crashing sound at all!

[You shouldn’t waste such good wine.]

Arthur looked at the ground and found that the glass didn’t land at all, rather, it disappeared!

He looked back on the screen and there, he saw a figure sitting in midair at the side of the TV, with the glass in his hand, lightly circling the wine inside.

“Y-you’re!” (Arthur)

[Hold that thought.]

Nightmare made a gesture to quiet him then removed his helmet, revealing a black facemask with a stitched mouth smiley face on it.

The mouth opened with the stitches still attached as it stretched while he drank the wine in the glass.

[Good wine!]

Satisfied, he shook the glass and instantly, the glass reappeared on the table near him.

[Now then, allow me to introduce myself.]

Nightmare made an exaggerated bow.

[I am Nightmare.]

“Y-you…you’re helmet…I thought you were headless?” (Arthur)

[You mean this?]

Suddenly, Nightmare’s head dissipated like smoke and a headless figure was seen.

“H-how…” (Arthur)

[Is that really your question or are you going to ask something else?]

Nightmare wore his helmet again and looked at Arthur with eyes that seem to see through everything.

Arthur shivered for a moment before a determined look appeared in his eyes.

“Do you know about Bartholomew Tomb?” (Arthur)

[?]

“Y-you…don’t know?” (Arthur)

Arthur was stupefied. He thought that since Nightmare had been dealing with criminals lately, he would know a thing or two about the corrupt people as well.

“He’s a corrupt government official who had some dealing with various criminals, engaging with illegal transactions and businesses.” (Arthur)

[If he’s that well known, then why haven’t the police done anything?]

“Because he owns most of the police! And no one has any proof at all!” (Arthur)

[...Then how are you so sure if there’s no proof?]

“Everyone knows about it but no one has the guts to step forward! He has an army of lawyers that would destroy anyone who tries to put him in jail and even if he’s imprisoned, he can still control the police and let him out!” (Arthur)

[Sounds troublesome. And? Why do you hate him so much? Considering how that guy, as you said, has always been like that. Why do you seem to only care now?]

“Kh-...he took the son of my friend.” (Arthur)

[People are always like that. They wouldn’t care about other people’s shit as long as they don’t step on it. Now that it concerns your friend, you started to care.]

Arthur clenched his fists hard as he knew that he was right.

He had always known what kind of man Bartholomew was, but the moment he found someone who was directly affected by him and felt his own powerlessness, he just started to really care about that guy.

He wanted to help her, but he knew that he can’t.

And he didn’t even knew the girl before today, why did he have to help her so much?

But even as he kept saying this in his mind, he is still deeply bothered about it.

When he thinks about what the girl said about Nightmare, it made him think.

Why is that guy, Nightmare, out there, doing what he does?

For what reason?

Why am I, a person with money and brains that is praised to be a genius, doing nothing but party at night and tinker by day?

What’s the difference between us?

He has powers?

No. It’s because Nightmare cared while he doesn’t. To Arthur, as long as it didn’t have anything to do with him, it’s not his problem.

This is a very logical reason. One which no one would blame you for. But it still pains whenever you feel so powerless.

If only I have the power…

[I said before that I can’t help everyone.]

If only I am like Nightmare…

[Not alone.]

If only…

[Do you want to help her?]

“Yes!” (Arthur)

There wasn’t any hesitation at all.

Nightmare looked silently at Arthur and nodded.

[Then let me give you the power you need.]

“Po…wer? You can do that?” (Arthur)

Nightmare opened his right hand with his palm facing up.

Then, a purple orb with engravings that made it look like an eye appeared in his hand, hovering in the air above his palm.

[This is called the [Eye of Petrification] made from an ore called the [Origin Stone]. As long as you hold this, you will gain the power to petrify objects or beings with a gaze.]

“This…Origin Stone? What…” (Arthur)

Arthur shakily moved his hand towards the orb. If he has this, then he wouldn’t fear Bartholomew at all!

However, he didn’t grab it and stopped himself.

He looked at Nightmare instead and asked.

“Those that are petrified…they can’t come back? Does it have a time limit? Are they dead when they are petrified?” (Arthur)

[Why do you care? That Bartholomew is a very bad person right? Do you think he deserves to live?]

When Nightmare coldly asked, Arthur was shaken.

Right…if he has this power, then wouldn’t he be able to kill Bartholomew? Wouldn’t it be much safer for everyone if that bastard is dead!?

As soon as he thought this, he was shocked!

To think that…he can actually think like this!

Arthur shaked his head to dispel this thought.

“I can’t take that. You’re right. No matter what, nobody deserves to die. If taking that means that I will kill everyone I look at, then I would rather not take that. Thank you, if you hadn’t said that, maybe I would’ve gone to the point of no return.” (Arthur)

[...]

Outside, Nightmare displayed an understanding nod. But inside, he was stupefied!

What is this guy talking about? I was just asking him if he has what it takes to kill a man, I have no problems with that especially to bastards like this Bartholomew guy. Did he think I was teaching him or something? Shit, whatever, I can’t let him refuse me. I finally found a good candidate, ahh, whatever, let’s give him another one!

Next, a green orb appeared on Nightmare’s left hand with similar designs.

[This is called the [Eye of Depetrification]. With this, you can depetrify petrified objects or beings. As long as it’s within a day, the being that was petrified will live.]

“Ah! So that’s how it was! I knew you were testing me. Hn, truly a hero!” (Arthur)

Knowing that there’s a cure, Arthur no longer hesitated and grabbed the two orbs immediately and carefully inspected it.

[Be warned. If you try to injest or implant the [Origin Stone], you will immediately die.]

Arthur, who was about to try licking it for experiment, stopped in his tracks the moment he read Nightmare’s sentence on the screen.

[I will also know how you have been using your powers so the moment I find that you abuse it, they will self destruct.]

[Also, don’t even try to experiment with that. There isn’t a substance in this planet that can destroy or even scratch the surface of the [Origin Stone] so you will only waste your time.]

“Wait, I keep hearing this [Origin Stone] thing but what is it, exactly? How did you get this? And why aren’t you using this yourself? Does it have other requirements for the user?” (Arthur)

Arthur was, after all, a scientific person. He can’t just understand how such a thing can exists without anyone knowing.

[The [Origin Stones], or OStones are stones made from the condensed origin of the universe which contains an unbelievable energy and power. I am the one who made them. And also the one who made them useful to others. As for why I’m not using it…]

Nightmare removed the visor of his helmet and stared at the glass he placed in the table.

Suddenly, the glass’ previously transparent appearance turned into a grey stonish texture!

[I can already use it myself.]

“H-how…” (Arthur)

[That’s why I said, I will know how you use your power. Because I was the one who made it. I gave myself the name Nightmare to bring fear to the people in the shadows. But also to let everyone know my existence.]

“But…why? What for?” (Arthur)

[Tell me. If I had appeared to you when no one knows about what I can do, will you believe me?]

“...No.” (Arthur)

[Right, I would have to spend so much effort to make you believe by then. Which is annoying. As for who I really am…well, I don’t really need a name. Being called Nightmare or Origin will suit just fine.]

“...Why me?” (Arthur)

[People always ask that question whenever they are given something that is far bigger than them. They would give a lot of reasons but at the end, it’s always the same thing.]

[Because I chose you.]

*insert pokemon meme here*

Too lazy to do it but I bet you all should know what I meant by that...

Well, this chapter was actually finished yesterday but I have to gave it a read twice, trice, frice....uhh, I dunno what's the short word for four times and since I'm hungry, I'm calling it fries *cough* frice...frice sounds like fried rice.... *q*

Anyway....I had to do that to make sure nothing like before happens again. I tend to just let my fingers do the writing so, I mostly forget some things that I made on the spot.

This whole Bartholomew thing is on the spot but I guess he will make do as one of the main villains that will be appearing every now and then.

He'll be like Lex Luthor or Kingpin (forgot his name...)

I know I said that the hero search will happen in a few more chapters and the time skip also won't happen immediately but I found myself not knowing what to write so I just though, to hell with it, let's just do a slight time skip...

Next up, Arthur's Origin story.

Let's meet again in the next chap!

P.S.: Any idea what kind of teacher Jenny will be? Cause I don't...maybe PE or nurse so Max can sexually harass her...