The quiet hum of Scarlett’s luxury car filled the air as it sliced through the streets of the Lower District. Scarlett Adair leaned back in the plush leather seat, her eyes scanning the cityscape with the kind of detachment only extreme wealth could afford. The Lower District had always been a place of raw energy, a sharp contrast to the gleaming towers of the Upper City. It had a rough beauty of its own, especially now with the mutant energy pulses influencing the air. The upgraded technology and erratic power surges left the city teetering between innovation and chaos.

Scarlett’s sharp violent eyes flickered to her reflection in the rearview mirror, her perfectly composed face showing no trace of fear or hesitation. She was fearless, born to control any situation, and nothing—not even this mutant crisis—would change that.

Her thoughts lingered on her mission. Finding REX was her only focus, and to do that, she needed a team. Not just any team, but a group of individuals as skilled as they were dangerous. Criminals with unique abilities, each capable of adding an edge to the mission that no government squad could provide. She had the wealth, the authority, and the fearlessness. Now she needed the right people.

Her first stop: Normani Kane.

Normani Kane: The Beautiful Hacker

Scarlett’s car slid to a stop in front of a sleek, unmarked building, barely distinguishable from the industrial architecture around it. This was where Normani Kane—the infamous hacker known as the "Ghost in the Machine"—operated. Normani was more than just brilliant; she was stunning, a rare beauty whose sharp intellect matched her elegant appearance. Her presence commanded attention, and Scarlett had heard whispers of Normani’s legendary looks almost as much as her technical prowess.

Inside, Scarlett was escorted through dark corridors filled with glowing monitors and state-of-the-art tech. The air smelled faintly of electricity and ozone, a testament to Normani’s world of digital domination. Scarlett finally arrived at the heart of the operation—a wide, open room with holographic screens flashing complex codes.

At the center of it all stood Normani. She was tall and statuesque, with long black hair cascading in silky waves around her shoulders. Her pale, porcelain skin contrasted against the dark clothing she wore, and her sharp blue eyes glowed with the reflection of her monitors.

“Scarlett Adair,” Normani greeted, not looking away from her screen as Scarlett approached. Her voice was smooth, but held an air of undeniable arrogance. She was untouchable, untamable. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Scarlett smirked, undeterred by Normani’s unflappable composure. “Good. Then you know why I’m here.”

Normani finally turned to face Scarlett fully, her gaze intense and scrutinizing. “I know you need me, but the question is—what makes you think I’d want to help? I don’t do government work.”

“This isn’t government work,” Scarlett replied, stepping closer, her voice steady and commanding. “This is about survival. If we don’t stop REX, he’ll destabilize all of EDVAC, including the Lower District you cherish so much. You’re smart, Normani—smart enough to see what’s coming.”

Normani’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “You’re not wrong. But you’re not the only one with resources, Scarlett. I have more than enough to protect myself.”

Scarlett leaned in, her eyes locking with Normani’s. “Maybe. But this isn’t just about you. It’s about controlling the narrative. Working with me means you get to be on the winning side of history.”

For a moment, there was silence, thick with tension. Scarlett could see the wheels turning behind Normani’s eyes, could see her weighing the offer, the benefits. Normani liked control, and Scarlett was offering a rare opportunity.

Finally, Normani’s smile deepened. “Fine. I’ll help. But let’s be clear—I’m not here to take orders from you.”

Scarlett returned the smile, a flicker of amusement passing through her usually composed features. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Klaus Adler: The Strategist

With Normani on board, Scarlett turned her attention to her next recruit: Klaus Adler. He wasn’t just another fighter; he was an expert strategist with years of military experience and a reputation for ruthless efficiency. Klaus had made a name for himself in the underground after a disastrous betrayal by the very system he once served.

The Steel Pits, where Klaus now fought for sport, was a brutal arena in the heart of the Lower District. Scarlett’s wealth gave her instant access to this hidden world, where the city’s most dangerous figures gambled and thrived. The crowd roared as Scarlett entered the arena, watching Klaus decimate his opponent with cold precision. His muscular frame moved with fluidity, every strike and dodge calculated to perfection.

After the fight, Scarlett found Klaus in the locker room, wrapping his bloodied hands in fresh bandages. His blue eyes flicked toward her as she approached, recognition and wariness in his gaze.

“Adair,” Klaus greeted, his deep voice echoing off the walls. “What brings you to the pits? Thought you’d be above all this.”

Scarlett’s lips curled into a smirk. “Maybe I’m just here to appreciate the view.”

Klaus raised an eyebrow, his expression unamused. “What do you want?”

“I need a strategist, Klaus. Someone who knows how to plan and execute with precision. I know you hate the system, but I’m not asking you to fight for them. I’m asking you to fight for yourself. REX is a threat to all of us.”

Klaus finished wrapping his hands and leaned back against the wall, his sharp gaze cutting into her. “And what makes you think I’d help you after everything?”

“Because this isn’t about trust. This is about survival. You and I both know what happens if we don’t stop REX.”

Klaus let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’ve got nerve, Adair. But fine. I’m in. Just don’t expect me to follow blindly.”

Scarlett gave a nod of approval, her voice steady. “I wouldn’t have recruited you if I thought you would.”