David recalls a transformative day 10 years prior when he and his father walked into a bank. Most people believed the Epics, a group of superhumans created after a fantastical event called Calamity, were dangerous. Indeed, they had a criminal reputation, but David’s father had faith that truly noble heroes existed among them. An Epic named Deathpoint strolled into the bank, and people instantly turned to ash and bone with a point of his finger.

David’s father, a former soldier, snatched a handgun from the ground and aimed it at Deathpoint. Before he could shoot, a powerful Epic named Steelheart arrived to challenge him. David’s father quietly allied with Steelheart, believing him to be the hero that the world was waiting for. However, Steelheart’s first words reveal him: “I have claimed this city, little Epic. […] And it is my right to dominate the people here, not yours” (9). Still, David’s father tried to convince Steelheart of his own goodness. Government forces then surround the building, blasting useless firepower on the invulnerable Steelheart. Chaos erupted, and David’s father finally shot the gun; David first assumed Steelheart was his target, but the bullet lodged in Deathpoint’s forehead. Steelheart turned and, miraculously, wiped away blood from the bullet that grazed his cheek.