Shadow's report was thorough, well-structured, with no wasted words. Everyone paid attention, but it was Isaac and Kai who dissected every detail.

Not because the others couldn't, but because they just didn't bother.

No one ever really knew what Takeshi was thinking.

Nadya operated on a simple philosophy: blow through the problem and figure it out after. Her chaotic recklessness had an uncanny way of working out.

And Sven?

He was already halfway to New York in his mind, fantasising about women, parties, and whatever fun he could stir up in the city that never slept.

Kai, though, listened closely, especially when Shadow brought up TEMP Z's side effects.

It mattered to him.

He wasn't a natural mutant like the rest of them, and maybe would experience something similar to TEMP Z users. But as he heard more, he doubted he would, or at least hoped that was the case.

"Most mutants suffer side effects from their abilities," Shadow began, voice even. "But because they awaken naturally, their bodies adapt. They recover. Overuse still has consequences, but their mutant physiology can handle it. TEMP Z users don't have that kind of buffer."

He paused to let that sink in.

"From what we've observed, the lucky ones suffer extreme vitality loss - shortened lifespans, overwhelming fatigue. They need days, sometimes weeks, or months of rest to function again. The unlucky?"

He glanced at Kai.

"They die when the effects wear off. Or worse - undergo Monsterfication when the Z Gene overwhelms their body and fails to stabilise."

Kai said nothing, but his mind stirred.

'Nightmares every night. Waking up soaked in sweat. The bloodlust that never fades. That's all so far.' He'd managed to keep it somewhat in check. Hunting wild animals helped. Training kept him tired and took his mind off of it. But the craving remained.

The need to spill human blood - it was always there, simmering beneath the surface.

It disgusted him.

But it also excited him.

And that terrified him more than anything.

There weren't any physical side effects. No organ failure or lingering pain. If anything, his body felt better and seemed to be able to recover from almost anything.

But the mental toll his ability had was a damning side effect in itself. It would have been much worse for any other person, without Kai's borderline insane resilience. And as of yet, he hadn't lost control since escaping Nyx's facility.

'For now.'

Kai imagined snapping one day in a packed city, going on a killing spree fuelled by overwhelming bloodlust.

He clenched his jaw and shook the thought away.

'That won't happen.'

But he couldn't help but wonder, 'What if he or another mutant took TEMP Z?'

As if reading his thoughts, Shadow kept going.

"We believe TEMP Z is being secretly distributed by the Association itself," he said, eyes narrowing. "Specifically, the MCRD, Mutant Control and Research Division. Led by Dr Alaric Nyx."

Kai's hand twitched.

That name again.

"Nyx is a scientific prodigy. His contributions to tech and bioengineering date back before the Z Virus ever appeared. Since the outbreak, he's fixated on mutation theory and biological augmentation. He's monopolised nearly all research on the Z Gene."

Shadow took a breath.

"Alongside TEMP Z, there are two more drugs - ones not sold on the street, but circulated through the Association and law enforcement: Mutant Enhancers and Mutant Suppressors."

A murmur ran through the room.

"Mutant Enhancers refine TEMP Z, which wouldn't have an effect on real mutants, into a concentrated stimulant. It can boost their power, sometimes even push them a tier higher. Greater potency and denser Z Gene expression for a short period. The problem is the unpredictability, and it also came with similar but lesser consequences to TEMP Z."

"And the Suppressors?" Isaac asked, already frowning and recalling what it felt like not to be able to use his mutant ability.

"Engineered to do the opposite. The serum scans the body for the Z Gene and attacks it like antibodies going after a virus. They weaken a mutant's ability. Physically and genetically. In high enough doses, it could reduce a high-tier mutant to a fragile civilian, or even weaker. Thankfully, it seems to only be temporary, and the Z Gene in the body will multiply and recover over time"

Kai ran a hand through his hair, absorbing it all.

"And all three of these drugs - TEMP Z, Enhancers, and Suppressors - they all trace back to New York."

"Exactly where you're all headed," Shadow confirmed.

Kai exhaled through his nose.

"So," he said, "Nyx creates a way for normal people to become mutants, a way to amplify existing mutants, and a way to weaken them. All three. Right after his little game with us. He's now prepared an even bigger game."

He leaned forward slightly, voice sharpening.

"He's not just experimenting. He's orchestrating a societal war from the shadows - and making sure he owns every weapon involved. He's the only one that will benefit from the chaos, both financially and in terms of his research."

"And of course, the Association will swoop in to save the day."

It all made sense, and everyone fell silent.

Even Nadya looked uncharacteristically uneasy.

Kai's voice dropped to a low murmur.

"He's waiting for us."

He wasn't overthinking things, nor was he being paranoid. He would be an idiot if he hadn't noticed Nyx's obsession with him, even as a test subject in his facility. It only increased since then, and their continuous encounters seemed to be inevitable.

The others glanced his way. He had that same calm expression and slight smile. But it was his eyes, those blood-red eyes, glinting with a cold edge.

They'd seen that look before.

And every time, it disconcerted them.

'Oh well,' Kai thought, his fingers twitching with anticipation. 'Let's see what he's got planned. Not like we've got anything better to do.'

He was daunted.

Excited.

But most of all, he was ready.

And one way or another, he was going to make Nyx suffer.

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