1.06

In this chapter, our protagonist encounters Armsmaster, the leader of the local Protectorate team, after a battle with Lung. Armsmaster, a prominent hero with his own action figures, arrives on the scene, finding our protagonist exhausted but unharmed.

Armsmaster, in his striking blue and silver armor, inquires if she intends to fight. She clarifies she’s a “good guy,” despite her edgy costume. He confirms her honesty, a statement that surprises her. She admits she’s new to the hero game, still struggling to find a suitable name. Armsmaster chuckles, offering a glimpse of his human side. He mentions the Wards, a program for young heroes, but she’s hesitant, having considered it but ultimately deciding against it due to the potential drama and oversight.

Armsmaster reveals he found Lung unconscious and restrained him. Our protagonist shares her account of the fight and her encounter with a group of young villains: Grue, Hellhound, Regent, and Tattletale. Armsmaster is intrigued, admitting they’ve been difficult to pin down. He suspects Tattletale might have a way of tracking them, explaining their success.

Our protagonist reveals she assumed they were on the same side due to the misunderstanding with her costume, and believes she couldn’t have taken them in a fight, especially Hellhound. Armsmaster, ever the optimist, suggests it was a good thing they got the wrong impression.

He then brings up the issue of credit for Lung’s capture. He outlines the potential consequences: Lung’s gang, particularly his two superpowered lieutenants, Oni Lee and the newly recruited Bakuda, a Tinker specializing in advanced bombs. Armsmaster advises caution, suggesting she either join the Wards for protection or keep a low profile and not take credit.

Overwhelmed and tired, she chooses the latter, asking Armsmaster to keep her involvement secret. He agrees, assuring her it’s a wise decision. He offers his help if she’s ever in trouble, implying he owes her one for letting him take the credit. As he departs, she’s left with the satisfaction of knowing she’s made a difference, even if she can’t openly acknowledge it. She heads home, comforted by the thought that things could have been worse.