Marvel: Sin Lord

Three years had passed since Inarius had stepped foot into a school for the first time, and in that time, he had grown into someone almost unrecognizable. At sixteen, he was tall—six foot two, with a lean, muscular frame carved from years of relentless training. His once-skinny build had been replaced by a body that spoke of discipline and quiet strength.

Life wasn't perfect, but it was better.

Inarius had built a routine for himself. School during the day, sword training at Alex's academy after, and then evenings spent unwinding at home. He had even managed to make a couple of real friends. Ryan, his neighbor, was a goofy, laid-back guy with a contagious laugh and a knack for fixing things. And Sophie, the principal's daughter, was whip-smart and fiercely loyal.

There was just one catch. Sophie was dating Chris.

Chris hadn't changed much since middle school. He still went out of his way to antagonize Inarius, but these days, Inarius barely gave him a second thought. Words and petty taunts didn't matter. Not anymore.

After school, Inarius walked to Alex's academy, his bag slung over one shoulder. The smell of sweat and leather greeted him as he entered the training hall, where students sparred and exchanged tips. Inarius had become the best student by far, defeating everyone who stepped into the ring with him.

Today was no different.

"Alright, everyone, gather up!" Alex called, clapping his hands. The students stopped their drills and formed a loose circle. Alex, ever the mentor, stood in the center with his wooden practice sword resting on his shoulder. "Today's match is a little special. Inarius, you're up."

A ripple of excitement went through the room. Everyone knew Inarius was unmatched, but his opponent this time wasn't a fellow student.

It was Alex.

"Let's see if the student can beat the master," Alex said with a grin, stepping into the ring.

Inarius smirked, stepping forward. "You sure you're ready for this, old man?"

Laughter filled the room as the two took their stances. The bout began, and for a while, it seemed even. Alex's years of experience showed in his precision and timing, but Inarius had youth, speed, and strength on his side.

They danced around each other, trading blows that echoed through the hall. Inarius moved with an effortless grace, his sword a blur as he deflected Alex's strikes.

Then, in a burst of movement, he saw his opening. A feint, a pivot, and a clean strike to Alex's side.

The room erupted in cheers.

Alex laughed, shaking his head as he leaned on his sword. "Well, I'll be damned. You've come a long way, kid."

Inarius couldn't hide his grin. "Told you I was ready."

After the academy closed for the evening, Alex decided to treat Inarius to dinner. They went to a cozy little restaurant not far from the academy, one of their usual spots. Over plates of pasta and glasses of soda, they talked about everything and nothing—school, the academy, the future.

It was moments like these that made Inarius realize just how much Alex meant to him. He wasn't just a mentor or a guardian; he was family.

As they left the restaurant, the air was crisp, the streets quiet. They walked side by side, Alex's arm slung casually over Inarius's shoulder.

"So," Alex said, "college thoughts yet? Or are you still planning to be a mysterious, brooding swordsman forever?"

Inarius chuckled. "I'm keeping my options open."

Alex grinned. "Fair enough."

They were crossing the street, the quiet hum of the city around them, when it happened.

Out of nowhere, a car careened around the corner, tires screeching. Inarius barely had time to react.

"Alex!"

The impact was deafening. The car hit Alex with brutal force, sending him crashing onto the pavement. Inarius froze, his breath caught in his throat as the world seemed to tilt on its axis.

"No!"

He dropped to his knees beside Alex, his hands trembling as he pressed them against Alex's chest, trying to stop the blood that was already pooling around him.

"Stay with me," Inarius whispered, his voice cracking. "Alex, please."

Alex's eyes fluttered open, his face pale. "Hey... kid," he said weakly, his voice barely audible.

"You're gonna be okay," Inarius said, his heart pounding. "You're gonna be fine."

Alex's hand reached up, gripping Inarius's arm with surprising strength. "Listen to me," he said, his gaze locking onto Inarius's. "You're stronger than you know. Don't let this... stop you. Keep going."

Tears blurred Inarius's vision as he nodded, his throat too tight to speak.

And then Alex's hand went limp.

The world seemed to shatter around Inarius as he knelt there, cradling the only father he'd ever known. His chest heaved with silent sobs, anger and grief twisting inside him like a storm.

He looked up, his grey eyes blazing as he watched the car speed away into the night.

The boy who had spent years hiding his power, who had fought so hard to build a life for himself, felt something crack deep within.

For the first time in years, he wanted to make someone pay.