The Beginning
LUKE’S ADVENTURE
Book 1 — The Beginning
Day 1–3
My name is Luke Fletcher.
I live in Quantum-Falls, a city that never really seems to sleep.
Even at night, the streets are alive. Hovercars glide between the buildings, advertisements shine from enormous screens, and thousands of windows glow high above the streets. Sometimes I stand on the roof of my apartment building and look across the city. From up there, everything seems different.
The people look tiny.
The cars look like little lights.
The buildings seem to stretch forever.
And every time I look at that skyline, I imagine myself somewhere beyond it.
I’ve always wanted to be a hero.
Not the kind of hero who sits in a giant headquarters and waits for someone else to give him instructions.
I wanted to explore.
I wanted to invent things.
I wanted to chase criminals.
Most importantly, I wanted to help people.
I know what you’re probably thinking.
That’s a pretty big dream for a kid.
I know.
I’ve heard it before.
My parents have told me I spend too much time thinking about gadgets. My teachers have told me that I should focus more on school. Even some of my friends think my obsession with becoming a hero is just a phase.
Maybe they’re right.
But I don’t think so.
I’ve been preparing for this for years.
My bedroom isn’t exactly a normal bedroom anymore. One wall is covered with sketches. Another has shelves filled with wires, batteries, pieces of metal, electronic components, and half-finished inventions.
My favorite invention is my grappling device.
It isn’t perfect.
Actually, it has failed more times than I can count.
But it works.
Usually.
I also built a small laser shooter, an electronic lock tool, a portable computer, a scanner, and several other gadgets that probably shouldn’t be mentioned in case my parents ever read this journal.
The city has become my training ground.
Every rooftop is a challenge.
Every alley is a puzzle.
Every wall is something to climb.
For months, I’ve been practicing.
Running.
Jumping.
Climbing.
Inventing.
Failing.
Trying again.
I don’t know exactly when the dream became serious.
Maybe it was the day I watched that old hero movie.
Maybe it was when I realized there were criminals all over the world and nobody could stop all of them.
Or maybe I’ve just always been this way.
Either way, something has changed.
I’m not just dreaming anymore.
I’m preparing.
And soon, I’m going to leave Quantum-Falls.
I don’t know what I’m going to find.
I don’t know where I’ll end up.
And honestly, I’m scared.
But I’m going anyway.
Because sometimes you have to take the first step before you know where the road leads.
