Outside of time and space, SafeGuard Headquarters.

“Oblitorus has returned,” announced The Director of SafeGuard.

Agent Brax stood next to his boss looking over a holo-model of London, their faces ashen. They watched the real-time blue-opaque holo, as the capital of England was invaded by SafeGuard’s biggest threat; a figure known as Oblitorus, Destroyer of Worlds.

The Director pinched his fingers and the holo zoomed in closer on Oblitorus. The mysterious, hulking figure of Oblitorus stood victorious atop the ashes of St Paul’s Cathedral, one hand held aloft, cupping the bloody decapitated head of one of England’s premier superheroes.

“Is that The Lion?” Brax asked.

“Who knows,” said The Director. “There are too many superheroes in this world to remember right now.”

Then Oblitorus’s probing white eyes shifted from beneath a black hood and seemed to stare directly at Brax and The Director as they watched. Inviting them to come. To challenge him.

“The world is under attack,” The director finally announced. Swiping a hand over the holo-image, he revealed New York, swipes again, Prague, again, Rotterdam, Paris, Tokyo, Moscow. All aflame. All under attack. Hulking villains, blood-thirsty monsters and gangs of robots ran amok. It was just the beginning. Finally, the image settled back on London and Oblitorus.

Oblitorus flung the bloody head to one side, swept his flowing black cape aside and raised his other arm out in front of him, and the world seemed to shimmer. He walked into and through the shimmer, a portal.

“Where is he headed?” The Director demanded.

Silence seemed to stretch for an eternity.

“Where?” Raged The Director.

Brax stood nonplussed by the outburst. “There,” he finally said. “He’s appeared in Fringe City.”

The Director’s eyes widened as realisation hit. “My god,” he whispered. “The Just?”

“The Just are en route to meet him, but I fear...” Brax trailed off.

Brax narrowed his eyes and looked to The Director. He already knew what he must do. What would be asked. It was time for plan B. Brax felt the tingle of anticipation. His life had led to this moment.

“Brax,” The Director said. “Unite the Strong.”