Purpose. The thing humanity has always strove to discover. Whether that be through wealth, power, or recognition, one thing has always been made known: to be remembered, to prove oneself that they are worthy of the mantle they’ve been given.
In a hospital bedroom, a dejected young man stares in disdain at the cast concealing his once-crippled arm, now implanted with several augments underneath his flesh. While he’s happy that the damage wasn’t life-threatening, he knows all too well that he won’t be able to compete in the sports he once loved to indulge in. He looks up from his arm, and at the monitor that displays the recent news.
Reporter: This just in, witnesses on the scene moments before the attack have confirmed that the perpetrator was none other than Akinjide Adeyemi: otherwise known as, “The Scourge of Numbani”.
The screen shifts to a picture of the man–dark-skinned, roguish grin, and a massive mechanical fist mounted onto his left arm. The photo then zooms into a corner to reveal the damage wrought by the individual.
Reporter: While the damages were not too severe, thanks to the aid of Overwatch operatives, several individuals sustained great physical damage, and were sent to the best hospitals nearby. Among these sustaining injuries, was none other than Nigerian competitive martial artist, Akande Ogundimu, whose family rushed him to a nearby hospital to undergo augmentation treatment to his damaged arm…
The rest of the news is drowned out by young Akande’s thoughts, muttered out loud in the vacant bedroom.
Akande: Honestly, why did this have to happen to me, of all people?
He looks back at the news still being monitored on screen.
Reporter: Now while the collateral damage and debris is currently being taken care of, law enforcement and government officials have been unable to capture Akinjide Adeyemi, who was last seen fleeing the city. Overwatch agents are in pursuit, but for those near Numbani, please remain alert and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.
Just then, a knock is heard on Akande’s door. Akande answers without turning his attention from the screen.
Akande: Come in!
The sound of the door being open is heard.
Akande: If you’re wondering about my condition, nurse, I’m fine. Just a little stiff in–
Akande turns his attention towards the door, and his voice cuts off at the sight of who’s leaning on the entrance: Akinjide Adeyemi, the Scourge of Numbani.
Adeyemi: Now, now, kid. I’m not here to tie up any loose ends. I’m just here for a little… chat.
Adeyemi closes the door behind him.
Adeyemi: Oh, and don’t bother screaming for help, most of the staff is preoccupied with the other recently added patients, and Overwatch is still a ways away, so I’ve got about ten minutes before anyone finds out I’m even here.
Akande senses a bead of sweat sliding down his face, but remains steadfast in The Scourge’s presence.
Akande (sternly): What do you want with me? Haven’t you already done enough!?
Adeyemi raises an eyebrow in intrigue.
Adeyemi: Heh, I just wanted to give my condolences to the heir to Ogundimu Prosthetics. After all, their tech helped make that beaut.
He points towards the news report that’s now broadcasting an image of The Scourge with his gauntlet taking up emphasis.
Adeyemi: I must admit, your family’s development in augmentation and prosthetics did wonders for that piece of work, but I digress… now then…
From the folds of a pocket on his cargo pants, Adeyemi pulls out a card and tucks it into Akande’s non-casted hand: it reads, “For those seeking purpose,” with an address underneath it.
Adeyemi: With those augments in your arm, you’re going to need time to figure out how to properly use it. With competitive martial arts out of the picture–and I’m assuming you don’t want to go back to working a desk job for your family’s company–you can go to that location if you want to find a new purpose.
Akande stares up questionably at the Scourge of Numbani.
Akande: Why are you helping me? What do you get out of it?
Adeyemi strokes the base of his chin as if considering the question.
Adeyemi: Oh… nothing really. Consider it making amends for harming someone important to the company that’s indirectly helped me.
Adeyemi moves towards the door and prepares to exit, looking over his shoulder for one last remark.
Adeyemi: If you’re interested, kid, I could show you a calling far more rewarding than any martial arts achievement could’ve given you… You have till the end of the week to consider my offer.
And with that, Adeyemi closes the door behind him, and disappears quietly down the hallway… A young Akande twirls the card in his hand in consideration.
Akande (intrigued): A higher calling, you say…