Arrowverse: I'm a Hero

Chapter 12: DEO Debriefs and Developing Powers

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Objective: Integrate into DEO operations. Sub-objective: Showcase "Future Insight" as analytical skill. Primary Skill Acquisition Target: Super-Speed (Proficiency Upgrade). Secondary Target: J'onn J'onzz (Trust/Respect). Emotional Triggers: Urgency, Problem-Solving, Shared Responsibility. ]

The fluorescent hum of the DEO's main operations center was a stark contrast to the cozy warmth of Adam's penthouse, or the lively chaos of a pizza joint. Yet, Adam found himself increasingly at home amidst the blinking screens and hushed urgency. He was there, ostensibly, as Kara's "civilian consultant," a role he'd subtly carved out for himself with his uncanny "hunches" and surprisingly accurate strategic advice. Alex, while still maintaining a healthy level of professional skepticism, had to admit he was often right. J'onn, meanwhile, regarded him with a quiet, watchful trust that spoke volumes.

Today's debriefing was particularly tense. A new alien threat, a species known as the Xylosians, had been detected. They were energy-draining parasites, capable of incapacitating entire power grids and, more alarmingly, sentient beings. National City had already experienced a few minor blackouts, and the DEO was scrambling to understand their physiology and weaknesses.

Adam sat beside Kara, who looked tired but determined. Barry had returned to Central City, but his presence still resonated within Adam, a faint, exhilarating hum of kinetic energy that made his leg twitch with suppressed speed. His Super-Speed proficiency was now hovering around 20%, enough for quick, short bursts, but nowhere near Barry's effortless grace. He'd been practicing in his penthouse, much to the chagrin of his expensive rugs.

"Alright, people," Alex's voice cut through the low murmur of the room, crisp and authoritative. "We've got three confirmed Xylosian sightings in the last 24 hours. They're targeting power substations. Supergirl, you managed to repel the last one, but it got away before we could analyze it."

"It was fast," Kara admitted, "and it felt... cold. Like it was sucking the warmth out of everything."

"That aligns with our preliminary data," J'onn added, his voice deep and resonant. "Their energy signature suggests they absorb ambient energy, both electrical and thermal. They're like living black holes, but on a smaller scale."

"So, how do we stop something that literally feeds on what makes our city run?" a DEO agent asked, frustration clear in his voice.

Adam leaned forward, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "If they absorb energy, then hitting them with more energy might just make them stronger, right? Like trying to put out a fire with gasoline."

Alex looked at him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "That's a valid concern, Adam. We've considered that. Standard energy blasts could be counterproductive."

"Precisely," Adam said, nodding. "My 'network' has been doing some very specific, highly theoretical research into energy-draining entities. And what we've found is that sometimes, the best defense is a lack of offense. Or, more accurately, a sudden, overwhelming absence of the energy they crave."

J'onn's gaze sharpened. "Are you suggesting a power vacuum?"

"Not just a power vacuum," Adam clarified, enjoying the subtle shift in the room's attention. This was where his "Future Insight" could shine, dressed up as brilliant deduction. "Think about it. If they thrive on absorbing energy, what happens if they're suddenly exposed to an environment where there's nothing to absorb? A complete, instantaneous energy void. It would be like a sudden, extreme starvation diet for them. It might disrupt their internal processes, make them vulnerable."

"A localized EMP?" Alex mused, her brow furrowed in thought. "But we've tried that. It just makes them stronger."

"Not an EMP that generates a field," Adam corrected, "but one that absorbs it. A reverse EMP, if you will. Or, even better, a highly focused, short-duration kinetic energy dampener. Something that doesn't just cut off the power, but actively sucks it out of the immediate vicinity, including the Xylosian itself. It would be like trying to breathe in a vacuum."

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Emotion Spike Detected: Curiosity/Intrigue (Alex Danvers). Proficiency: 10%. Your pseudo-scientific jargon is surprisingly effective. Keep it up, you charlatan of knowledge. ]

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Emotion Lock-on: J'onn J'onzz (Trust/Respect, 40%). Increasing. Your insights are proving consistently valuable. He's starting to see you as a strategic asset, not just Kara's eccentric boyfriend. ]

Adam felt the familiar, satisfying surge. J'onn's trust was a slower burn than Kara's affection or Barry's enthusiasm, but it was deep and steady. And it was crucial for future skill acquisitions, particularly anything related to psychic abilities or shapeshifting.

"A kinetic energy dampener..." J'onn murmured, stroking his chin. "That's... an interesting concept. We have some experimental tech in the R&D lab, designed for containment, that might be adaptable. It's highly volatile, but if what you say is true..."

"It's true," Adam stated with conviction. "Or, at least, it's a very, very strong hunch based on extensive, albeit theoretical, data. The key is the suddenness and the completeness of the energy void. Shock and starvation."

The DEO team began buzzing with renewed purpose, discussing the feasibility of adapting their experimental tech. Kara looked at Adam, a mixture of admiration and bewilderment in her eyes. "How do you even think of these things?"

"Years of watching too many documentaries about obscure scientific phenomena, darling," Adam said, winking. "And a healthy dose of caffeine. It really gets the synapses firing."

Later that day, a new Xylosian sighting came in. This time, it was targeting a major data center, threatening to cripple National City's digital infrastructure. Alex, having fast-tracked the modifications to the experimental dampener, deployed Supergirl with the new, albeit untested, device. Adam, naturally, insisted on being there, ostensibly for "moral support" and "on-site consultation."

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Objective: Active Flight Practice. Sub-objective: Assist Supergirl in minor aerial maneuver. Primary Skill Acquisition Target: Super-Speed (Proficiency Upgrade). Emotional Triggers: Urgency, Teamwork, Shared Danger. ]

The Xylosian was a blur of shimmering, dark energy, pulsing ominously as it drained power from the data center. Supergirl engaged it, but the creature was agile, darting around her, its energy-sapping touch causing the surrounding lights to flicker and dim.

"It's faster than I thought!" Kara's voice crackled over the comms. "The dampener is too slow to lock on!"

Adam, observing from a safe distance, saw his opportunity. His 10% Flight proficiency was still more "controlled falling" than actual soaring, but he'd been practicing. He took a deep breath, focused on the kinetic energy within him, and pushed.

He lifted off the ground, wobbling slightly, his arms flailing for balance. He shot forward in a clumsy, undignified trajectory, aiming for a nearby rooftop. It wasn't graceful, but it was flight. He landed with a thud, nearly tripping over a gargoyle.

"Adam, what are you doing?!" Kara exclaimed, distracted for a moment.

"Just providing a tactical distraction!" Adam yelled back, trying to sound more heroic than he felt. "And testing the limits of my... new athletic regimen!"

He then used his Kinetic Energy Manipulation, focusing it into a small, concussive burst aimed at a loose antenna on the data center. The antenna snapped, falling directly into the Xylosian's path, forcing it to momentarily dodge.

"Now, Kara!" Adam yelled. "Hit it with the dampener while it's distracted!"

Kara, seizing the opportunity, activated the device. A focused beam of shimmering blue energy shot out, not striking the Xylosian, but creating a localized void around it. The creature shrieked, its form flickering, its energy rapidly draining. It thrashed wildly, then collapsed, a shriveled, inert husk.

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Emotion Spike Detected: Relief/Admiration (Kara Danvers). Proficiency: 70%. Your quick thinking and unexpected aerial maneuvers are endearing. Keep up the heroics, you charming rogue. ]

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Super-Speed Proficiency Upgrade: 22%. Your active participation in a high-stakes scenario, combined with proximity to a fast-moving target, has accelerated skill acquisition. Also, your flailing was surprisingly effective. ]

Adam landed clumsily back on the ground, his legs feeling like jelly. "See?" he puffed, trying to catch his breath. "Sometimes, the best plan involves a falling antenna and a very awkward flight. Teamwork makes the dream work, darling."

Kara flew down, landing gracefully beside him, a wide smile on her face. "You flew! Adam, you actually flew!" There was genuine awe in her voice.

"Barely," he admitted, dusting off his expensive suit. "More like a controlled plummet with style. But yes, the new 'athletic regimen' is coming along nicely. Just don't ask me to do any barrel rolls yet. My stomach isn't quite ready for that level of aerial acrobatics."

Alex arrived with a DEO team, securing the inert Xylosian. She looked at Adam, a new glint of respect in her eyes. "Your 'hunch' was right, Adam. The kinetic dampener worked perfectly. And your... aerial distraction was surprisingly effective."

"Just doing my part," Adam said, trying to look modest. "Every superhero needs a civilian consultant who can occasionally throw things from rooftops. It's in the job description."

As they returned to the DEO, Adam felt a profound sense of satisfaction. He was no longer just a fanboy observing from the sidelines. He was an active participant, subtly shaping events, gaining powers, and strengthening his bonds with the heroes. His journey was accelerating, much like his burgeoning Super-Speed. Central City was next, and with it, the promise of more chaos, more powers, and more ridiculously fast friends. He couldn't wait.