The Hero Algorithm: Prism

Mika Burrows, a quiet and reserved senior studying computational science at Koda State University, struggles with the pressures of final year while finding comfort in stargazing and the support of his childhood friend, Ellis Reed, and Ellis’s girlfriend, Chloe. After a lighthearted evening at the movies with them, Mika returns to his routine of studying, helping classmates, and reading about space and superheroes. On test day, Mika pushes through his nerves, buoyed by encouraging messages from his family and friends. Relieved once the exam is over, he looks forward to a night under the stars at Riverdale Park. But his peaceful stargazing is shattered when a glowing purple meteor streaks across the sky and crashes nearby. Drawn by curiosity, Mika approaches the crater and discovers a strange artifact radiating with alien energy. Before he can react, the artifact shoots out and strikes him in the chest, knocking him back. Overwhelmed by pain and fear, Mika crawls away before collapsing. The issue closes with Mika unconscious, leaving readers on a cliffhanger as the mysterious artifact binds itself to him.