The air grew quiet as a tall figure in a white and gold suit, emblazoned with the emblem of the Hero Association, entered the battleground. He moved with authority, each step resonating across the arena. The sunlight gleamed off the shining hilt of a sword strapped to his back—Clayton Romero, known to the world as Sunblade. With his presence alone, the crowd erupted into wild applause, the reverberation of his name rolling through the stadium like a wave.

Sunblade raised a hand, commanding instant silence. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, surveyed the 102 freshmen lined up before him, and a faint, approving smile touched his lips.

“Congratulations,” he began, his voice carrying the weight of both encouragement and challenge. “To each and every one of you, standing here today as new students of the Astoria Heroes University. You’ve proven yourselves worthy, passing the initial tests to stand among the best this city has to offer. But make no mistake—today’s triumph is only the beginning.”

The students watched him intently, some with awe, others with fierce determination.

“Today, you take your first step toward becoming the legends of tomorrow. The path ahead is treacherous, demanding, and unforgiving. You will be tested—not just in strength, but in resilience, in integrity, and in heart. Each of you has the potential to become a true hero. But potential means nothing without the will to realize it.”

His gaze moved across the students, settling briefly on Valerie, Fiona, and Kian.

“As you go forth, remember—heroes don’t seek glory. True heroes serve a cause greater than themselves. And today, that journey begins, with you committing yourselves to the betterment of this city, to those who depend on you, and to one another.”

He stepped back, nodding to his assistants, who moved forward, carrying a tray lined with small, golden devices, each about the size of a coin.

“This is your Oracle system,” Sunblade explained as the assistants handed one to each student. “This device will be your guide, your mentor, and sometimes, your harshest critic. It will analyze your strengths, weaknesses, and potential, providing missions, training modules, and feedback to help you grow.”

The assistants passed one to Fiona, who stared at it with wide, eager eyes, almost bouncing with excitement.

“Do you think it’ll tell us our potential powers too?” Fiona whispered, her voice full of anticipation. “Like, what we’re best at and what we could be? This is amazing!”

Valerie, holding her own Oracle device, shrugged. “It’s just a tool. Doesn’t change who we are or what we’ve been through. It’s not like some fancy coin is going to make me into something I’m not.”

Kian laughed softly, eyeing the Oracle with mild curiosity but little enthusiasm. “I agree with Val.” He pocketed the Oracle with a casual shrug. “But if it helps keep the Association’s eyes off my back, sure, I’ll use it.”

Fiona shot them both a disapproving look. “You two are hopeless. Come on! It’s not every day we get a device that literally maps out how we can become stronger. Imagine what this could mean for us—for all of us.”

Valerie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, great. It’s one more thing for the Academy to use to keep tabs on us. Don’t you think it’s a little convenient that this ‘helpful’ device also tracks everything we do?”

Kian grinned, raising an eyebrow at her. “And here I thought I was the paranoid one.”

Sunblade’s voice interrupted their conversation, reminding them he was still watching. “Remember, the Oracle is only as effective as the effort you put in. The road ahead is not easy. But if you trust in yourselves, in your training, and in each other, you may one day find yourselves among the greatest of heroes.”

With that, he gave them a final, firm nod. The stadium erupted into applause again as Sunblade and his assistants left the stage, leaving the students to contemplate his words.

Fiona clutched her Oracle device, practically vibrating with excitement. “I don’t care what you two say. This is our first step toward becoming legends. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to start that journey.”

Valerie smirked, pocketing her own device with a flicker of amusement. “Well, I need that money, and this is the only way I can think of. So yeah, bring it!.”

Kian crossed his arms, nodding with a teasing grin. “Guess we’re all in it together now. I need to get stronger too and change this world for the better!”

—

The host grinned, his voice booming with an almost theatrical flair. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, heroes in training—let the games begin!"

The freshmen cheered, some with pumped fists, others glancing at each other with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. They were ushered to their seats, right beside the massive arena where each challenger awaited their turn. Fiona looked like she could hardly sit still, while Valerie leaned back, crossing her arms, her expression unreadable.

The host spun around, making a grand gesture toward the field. "Our main event is a game we call… Rush Attack!" He drew out the name, letting the crowd’s anticipation build. "And trust me, it’s as chaotic as it sounds."

He pointed to a newly revealed stretch of track. "To start, we've got a classic—the 100-meter dash! Simple, right? Well, if you’re expecting a stroll in the park, think again! We’ve added a few… surprises. Imagine a regular sprint but with wind blades, a couple of flamethrowers, and, oh yeah—random explosions. Should be fun!"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

The freshmen shifted in their seats, and Valerie raised an eyebrow. "Explosions? Is that even safe?"

Kian chuckled. "Apparently, it’s ‘hero training.’ If you’re not dodging fireballs, are you even learning?”

The host didn’t pause. He pointed to the next section of the field as it shifted and transformed into a dark, ominous tunnel. "Next, we have the Trapping Tunnel! Our students will have the privilege—nay, the honor—of dodging all kinds of creative booby traps. Sharp spikes, swinging hammers, surprise pitfalls—it’s like a spa day, but for people who think relaxation is for quitters!”

Valerie smirked. "A ‘privilege’? Yeah, sure."

Fiona grinned. "Come on, Val. Maybe it’ll be like dodgeball. Just… with a lot more bruises."

The host moved on, gesturing to a colossal wall that had just risen out of the ground. "And now for the Punching Wall! All our students have to do is punch the wall. The device on the wall will measure the impact of the punches and determine the score. Sounds easy, right? But here’s the catch—it’s reinforced with Kerasitium alloy, a metal so strong it could withstand a nuclear blast. So, if your punches are anything less than legendary, you might just end up with a bruised ego!"

Kian nudged Valerie, smirking. "Think you can handle that, Miss Dragon?"

Valerie scoffed. "Please. I could punch through that wall with one hit."

"Confident, aren’t we?" Kian said, grinning.

The host laughed, clearly relishing the build-up. "But that’s not all, folks! Next, we’ve got… Block the Thunder! Imagine you’re at a metal concert, except the guitars are attacking you with lightning! The students will stand in front of our lovely Thunder Cannon and try to block an attack. Let’s see if our young heroes can keep their hair frizz-free!”

Valerie muttered under her breath, "Pretty sure they’re just trying to get us electrocuted."

Fiona, however, was practically bouncing. "This is insane! I love it."

"And finally!" The host’s voice dropped, dripping with drama as the crowd hushed. "For our grand finale… the Power Showdown! Behold, the Black Stone!" A jet-black monolith emerged from the ground, towering ominously over the arena. "The goal is simple: unleash everything you’ve got, and our trusty stone will give you a score based on the sheer power of your abilities. This isn’t a test for the faint of heart, folks!"

Fiona gulped, looking at the monolith in awe. "Whoa. That thing looks… intense."

Kian grinned, nodding. "I’ve been waiting for a real challenge. Time to see who’s got the strongest punch around here."

The host, clearly reveling in the students' reactions, added, "Now, will some of you look utterly ridiculous? Most definitely! But remember, this is what makes heroes, folks—the ones who can dodge fireballs and block thunder with style!”

Fiona laughed. "This guy’s nuts. I’m all in."

Valerie, finally cracking a smile, leaned back. "Alright, let’s see what they’ve got.”

The crowd roared in approval, and the arena gleamed with the morning light, each obstacle ready to challenge, test, and—if it could—the freshmen’s spirits. The games had begun.

"Let's start with our first student! Please come forward—Edward Anderson!" The host announced with a dramatic flair, making Edward’s name echo across the arena. The audience erupted in cheers, eager to see the first brave soul take on the infamous course.

As soon as Anderson’s name boomed over the speaker, murmurs began rippling through the freshmen rows, and a visible tension crept into the air.

“Why’s everyone whispering?” Valerie murmured, leaning closer to Fiona.

“Beats me,” Fiona replied, looking around. Then, with a curious glance at Kian, she asked, “Any clue?”

Kian’s eyes hardened as he kept his gaze on the arena. “Yeah. He’s got a criminal record… car hijacks, theft, extortion.” he said quietly, though there was no disguising the contempt in his voice. “Shouldn’t even be here. But, thanks to his family, his ‘record’ just… disappeared.”

Valerie arched a brow, surprised. “How do you know all this?”

Kian’s voice dropped even lower. “We went to the same high school. Anderson... he bullied this girl. He kept at it, pushed her so hard that…” His voice trailed off, a shadow crossing his face.

Fiona’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no… Kian, that’s awful. How could they let someone like him into our school?”

“Money talks, influence buys,” he replied, his fists clenching. “He was arrested, but only for a week. Then his family swooped in. And here he is, free as ever.” His jaw tightened, the anger barely contained.

Valerie glanced at him, noticing the haunted look in his eyes. It was clear this wasn’t just a random schoolmate. “Don’t worry, Drexlers,” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder with a smirk. “He’ll get what he deserves. Just watch me.”

Kian looked up at her, the faintest flicker of hope mingling with apprehension. “Valerie, please… don’t do anything reckless. You could get expelled, and… and you won’t be able to help your dad.”

A spark of defiance glinted in her eyes. “Relax, Kian. They won’t expel me. Trust me!” She leaned in, adding with a sly smile, “Just sit back and watch the show.”

Fiona glanced between the two of them, uneasy but oddly reassured. Whatever Valerie had planned, she seemed confident.

“Ready, set… go!” the host’s voice roared through the arena, and Anderson shot off, diving straight into the 100m dash. He sprinted, dodging the swiping wind blades and the bursts of flame like it was all a game, occasionally throwing in a cocky wave or dance move as he dodged. Right at the finish line, he propelled himself forward with a telekinetic push, crossing the line with a flourish.

The crowd murmured in appreciation as the host chuckled, “Not bad, not bad at all—for a freshman, right?”

Fiona crossed her arms with a sigh. “Ugh, that wasn’t half bad,” she admitted, though a smirk slipped onto her face. “But I was kinda hoping he’d trip over his own ego.”

“Too slow!” Valerie scoffed, loud enough for Anderson to hear as he moved into the next stage.

“Now into the Trapping Tunnel, you go, Mr. Freshman!” the host called with a dramatic flair.

Anderson entered the tunnel and, without missing a beat, used his power to freeze all the traps in his path, strolling through as though it were the simplest obstacle in the world.

“Creative!” the host shouted. “Alright, now punch that wall!”

Anderson approached the punching wall, wound back his fist, and… *thunk*. The arena fell silent as his score flashed on the board: 30/100. A murmur of disappointment echoed through the stands.

Valerie burst into laughter, clutching her sides. “What kind of sad punch was that? I actually thought he was going to crack the wall or something!”

Anderson shot a glare in her direction, his jaw clenched in frustration, though he tried to keep his composure. His eyes flashed with irritation, and even Thor in the audience let out a deep, amused chuckle, making Anderson’s cheeks burn.

Moving on to the Thunder Cannon, Anderson gritted his teeth and braced himself. The cannon fired, and while he managed to withstand the attack, it was clear he struggled, his feet skidding backward. His score popped up: 60/100.

The host continued, unfazed, “Now, Mr. Anderson, let’s see what you’ve got—hit that black stone!”

Anderson took a stance, concentrating hard as he lifted chunks of rocks from the ground with his telekinesis, hurling them at the black stone target. When he was done, the score came in: 70/100. He lifted his chin proudly, glancing over at Valerie with a smug smile as if he’d won some private victory.

As Anderson made his way back to his seat, he paused directly in front of Valerie. Leaning just close enough to make sure she heard him, he sneered, “Watch your tongue, Pervert Dragon.” His words sliced through the air, and snickers erupted from the other freshmen around them.

Valerie felt a flash of embarrassment at the nickname, her moment of bravado turning against her.

—

Edward Anderson

Lvl: 1

Strength: 30/50

Speed: 40/60

Agility: 40/60

Intelligence: 40/100

Durability: 60/60

Power output: 70/80

—