Have you ever dreamed of wanting to become a hero? I'm sure you must have thought that at least once when you were a kid.

I remember those days when I was a kid, watching all those superhero shows and dreaming of soaring through the skies, saving the day, and battling against the forces of evil. All the other kids my age were always talking about how they wanted to be a hero.

My best friend and I would spend hours glued to the TV, watching those shows. We never got tired of it - we'd act them out in the living room, running around and pretending to have incredible powers. The other neighborhood kids would join in, and we'd all take turns being the hero.

But I didn't feel the same way as them.

What I admired in those shows were the monsters those heroes fought.

Yes.

The monsters.

I don't remember when it started, but I could never forget the first time I saw them - their sharp fangs bared and eyes burning with a primal ferocity.

I know I'm different from the other kids, so I keep my love of monsters a secret. They all dream of being heroes, swooping in to save the day. But not me - I'm fascinated by the monsters.

I don't think the monsters are "bad" - they're just driven by their most basic instincts, fighting to survive like any other wild creature. But I know the other kids, and even my own parents, would never understand. They'd think I'm weird.

Still, I know this is what I want to become. To be like those monsters. And it's a dream I continue to chase after to this day.

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BEEP BEEP BEEP

I hear my alarm blaring from my phone and quickly silence it. Sighing, I climb out of bed.

I slip on my tailored blue blazer and grey pants, then top it off with a crisp white shirt and a red tie.

Heading downstairs, I prepare a simple breakfast of toast and eggs. As I take the last bite, a loud knock echoes through the house.

"Eddie! You awake?! Hurry up! We are going to be late!"

I open the door to find my childhood friend, Miyuki, her red hair flowing behind her in a ponytail.

"Do you have to be so loud in the morning?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Miyuki grins. "Of course, it's the only way for you to wake up."

I look at the girl in front of me - Miyuki Shibata, my childhood friend. We've been neighbors and best friends since we were kids. Our parents hit it off, and we've always been close. I remember when we were little, how Miyuki would drag me outside to play, no matter how much I protested. She'd always find a way to get me excited and involved, even if I was reluctant at first.

That infectious energy of hers hasn't changed a bit over the years. She's still the same spirited, enthusiastic Miyuki I've known all this time.

I walk alongside Miyuki as we head to school, the morning sun peeking through the trees.

"Are your parents still not back yet?"

"No, they are still aboard working. They won't be back for at least a few months."

"I see; then, do you want to live with us for a while? It will be just like old times. Mom would also like it if you stayed over."

I grimace at the thought. "And hear about you talk about Ember Nova again? No, thank you."

Miyuki pouts, grabbing my arm and shaking it playfully. "Mou~ you're no fun. Come on~ stay over tonight~"

I firmly shake my head. "No!"

We arrive at the imposing gates of Valor Academy, its towering architecture and pristine grounds exuding an air of prestige. Students in their uniforms bustle about, chatting excitedly as they make their way to their classes.

I follow Miyuki as we make our way to our classroom. Once we step inside, Miyuki's other friends immediately start chatting her up. I take my usual seat at the far end of the room, near the window.

Miyuki's always been one of the most popular kids at school. She's got the whole package - straight A's, athletic prowess, and looks that turn heads. The girls all want to be her, and the guys are constantly vying for her attention.

I settle into my desk, content to observe from the sidelines as Miyuki holds court with her adoring fans.

I hear the girls chattering excitedly around Miyuki.

"Ooh, Miyuki, I love your new hair clip! Where did you get it?"

Miyuki grins. "Thanks! My mom got it for me last weekend. Isn't it cute?"

"It matches your uniform so well! You always look so put together."

"And did you see the latest Ember Nova movie? I can't get enough of her!"

The girls erupt into giggles, discussing the latest hero trends and fashion.

I tune out their conversation, focusing instead on the view outside the window.

As the chatter dies down, our teacher walks in and calls the class to order.

"Alright, everyone, settle down and take your seats," she says, her authoritative tone cutting through the chatter. "We have a lot to cover today, so let's get started."

The class falls silent as the teacher launches into the lesson. Time seems to crawl by as she drones on, but eventually, she shifts the focus to history.

"As you know, hundreds of years ago, babies with a unique set of powers started manifesting around the world," the teacher begins. "It started with a child in Africa who could create water with his hands. More babies with powers started appearing around the world from then on."

"There was panic in the beginning, and people thought they were monsters," she continues. "However, scientists have found that these people with powers have a unique set of genetic traits found in their genes, which gives them superpowers."

"These people are now called S.U.P.E.R. (Specialized Users of Powers Enhancing Reality)," the teacher explains. "Currently, they are 30% of the population around the world."

"The emergence of S.U.P.E.R.s also gave rise to supernatural crime," the teacher explains. "Many of the crimes committed by those with powers proved extremely difficult for regular law enforcement to apprehend. However, other S.U.P.E.R.s began to appear, taking it upon themselves to stop these criminals."

She pauses, adjusting her glasses. "These vigilantes gradually became recognized as heroes, forming an organization to protect the public from those who would abuse their powers. Their efforts have been crucial in maintaining order and safety in our society."

I sigh, glancing out the window at the bustling school grounds. Heroes have become a popular profession in this world. Ember Nova, the idol my friend Miyuki adores, is one of many celebrated heroes. She's one of the top heroes in the country.

These top Heroes are revered and feared. Their exploits are made into films, TV shows, and an endless array of merchandise.

That's why so many SUPERs, like Miyuki, have come to Valor Academy - it's a prestigious school that trains the next generation of heroes. Miyuki is a SUPER herself, with her own unique set of powers, and she's enrolled in the Hero course.

As for me, I'm just here to accompany my childhood friend. While Miyuki is pursuing her heroics, I'm taking the general education track. I may not have the same aspirations as her, but I'm content to support her in whatever way I can.

The teacher's lecture on the history of SUPERs and the rise of heroism fades into the background as I gaze out the window, lost in my own thoughts. The world of heroes and powers has not interested me, even if it's not the path I've chosen for myself. But as long as Miyuki is chasing her dreams, I'll be right here, cheering her on.

The lunch bell rings, and I head to my locker, eager to grab my textbooks for the next class. As I open the door, it suddenly slams against me, causing me to stumble back.

I turn to see Kazuya standing nearby, his messy blonde hair and arrogant blue eyes making him look every bit the delinquent. He's the last person I want to see right now.

Kazuya is a bully and a prick. He's always targeting me, finding new ways to make my life miserable.

"Watch where you're going, nerd," Kazuya sneers, his tone dripping with contempt.

I resist the urge to snap back, knowing it will only make things worse. Kazuya thrives on getting a reaction out of me, and I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I simply gather my books and close my locker, doing my best to ignore his taunting gaze.

"What's the matter, Logan? Cat got your tongue?" Kazuya jeers, stepping closer to me.

I was about to confront that jerk Kazuya when suddenly I felt an invisible force shove me against the wall. Kazuya laughed, his arrogant smirk plastered all over his face.

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"What's wrong, Logan? Feeling a little pinned up against the wall?" he taunted.

That Kazuya - he's got the power of telekinesis, being a SUPER and all. He thinks just because he has these powers, he can push people around. Well, he may want to be some big-shot hero, but I doubt his reasons are anything noble. All he cares about is stroking his own ego.

I grit my teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled. "What do you want, Kazuya?"

"Oh, nothing much," he sneered, his blue eyes gleaming with malice. "Just putting the pathetic little sidekick in his place."

Sidekick? I may not have powers like Miyuki, but I'm no one's sidekick. I open my mouth to give him a piece of my mind, but before I can, a familiar voice cuts through the tension.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

I turn to see Miyuki standing there, her eyes widening in alarm as she takes in the scene.

"Kazuya, let him go!" Miyuki demands, her voice sharp and authoritative.

Kazuya's smirk only widens as he maintains his telekinetic hold on me. "What's the matter, Shibata? Don't like seeing your little friend get put in his place?"

Miyuki's expression hardens. "I said, let him go. This isn't funny."

"Oh, I think it's pretty funny," Kazuya taunts, his blue eyes glinting with malice. "Maybe you should teach your sidekick friend to stay out of my way."

I watch as flames suddenly burst from Miyuki's legs, and the floor beneath her feet starts to smoke. I know her power is to emit flames from her legs - she can shoot them like fireballs or use them for propulsion, allowing her to fly. Miyuki is incredibly skilled with her abilities, and I've seen firsthand what she's capable of.

"Kazuya, let him go. Now." Her voice is low and serious, leaving no room for argument.

Kazuya's smirk falters slightly, sensing the shift in Miyuki's demeanor. He pauses, considering his options, before finally releasing his telekinetic hold on me. I stumble forward, catching my balance as the invisible force dissipates.

"Tch, whatever." Kazuya scoffs, turning to walk away. "This isn't over, Logan."

Miyuki steps closer, her eyes still on Kazuya as he retreats down the hall.

"I'm fine, Miyuki," I say, adjusting my glasses. "I could have handled Kazuya on my own, you know."

Miyuki frowns, crossing her arms. "Don't act so tough, Eddie. You know how he gets."

I sigh, glancing down the hall where Kazuya disappeared. "It's the same old with that guy. He's just trying to get a rise out of me."

I sigh, glancing down the hall where Kazuya disappeared. "It's the same old with that guy. He's just trying to get a rise out of me."

Kazuya has been bullying me since we were first years, and Miyuki has had to save me at certain times. But I'm not afraid of that jerk. I know how to stand up for myself, and that seems to annoy Kazuya. It also didn't help that I'm the top scorer in the school in terms of grades.

Kazuya loves to flaunt his powers, thinking he can push people around just because he's a SUPER with a powerful ability. The school also turns a blind eye to his actions to a certain extent because of his talent and potential as a future hero. If people think he is hero material, then they must be blind.

"Let's go grab some lunch," Miyuki suggests. I nod in agreement, and we make our way to the cafeteria

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School had just ended, and I was about to go home, but suddenly, I felt someone's arms wrap around my neck.

"Eddie! Come with me. There are new Ember Nova merch. Let's go buy them!"

I sighed. "Miyuki, you don't have to drag me to buy your merch. I'm busy."

"Stop lying. Every time, you just go home and hole up for days. You only come out for school. I'm sure you're just lazing about in your house. I'm worried you'll become a hermit in the future. So, come on! Let's go!"

"Ah! Miyuki! Don't pull so hard!" I exclaimed, trying to pry her off.

Miyuki yanks me along as we head to the store. We see a long line of people wait to buy the new Ember Nova merch. I sigh, knowing I'll be stuck here for a while.

"The line's way too long, Miyuki. I think I'll just wait over there," I said, nodding towards an empty spot off to the side.

But Miyuki refused to budge; she held onto my sleeve firmly. "No way, Eddie! You're lining up with me, whether you like it or not."

I let out an exasperated sigh, resigning myself to my fate as Miyuki dragged me into the queue. As our turn came, Miyuki was getting excited.

"Hee hee~ It's almost our turn."

"I see…"

I'm on my phone, scrolling through different animal species and reading about their biology. Suddenly, a news alert pops up - there's a robber on the run nearby. That's concerning. It was our turn to buy, so I quickly put my phone away,.

Miyuki gazed at the array of Ember Nova merchandise, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Waa~ What should I pick? What are you getting, Eddie?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not getting anything."

Miyuki pouted. "You're no fun." She tapped her chin, then her face lit up. "Okay! Let's get everything!"

I let out an exasperated sigh as Miyuki began piling up armfuls of Ember Nova goods. Her devotion to the hero was unparalleled, and I have to be the one carrying most of it back.

I suddenly spotted a massive figure barreling down the street straight towards us.

"Look out!" I cried, yanking Miyuki out of harm's way just as the thing smashed through the wall.

"Are you okay?"

Miyuki blinked, a little shaken. "Yeah, I'm fine. What was that?"

Miyuki and I turned around to see a hulking figure with skin-like, gleaming silver metal barreling towards us, clutching bulging sacks of cash. I realized he was the robber from the news alert.

"Get out of my way!" the thief bellowed, his voice booming.

People scattered in all directions, screaming and ducking for cover.

"Miyuki! We should run!"

"No! I'm staying."

"Don't be ridiculous. We need to get to safety. A hero should arrive anytime now."

"Then I'll stall him until a hero arrives." Miyuki takes off her shoes and starts running towards the robber.

"Hey, Miyuki! Come back!"

Miyuki started sprinting toward the robber, and she used her powers. Miyuki's legs caught on fire, and using her fire, she propelled herself towards the robber.

"Hey, metal man! Look at me!"

The thief whirled around, his metal skin gleaming. "Hah?! Get out of my way, brat! Or I'll squash you like a pancake!"

Miyuki's legs erupt in flames, propelling her forward with incredible speed. She leaps into the air, spinning and kicking out with her fiery limbs.

"Hrah!" Miyuki cries, her flames lashing out at the robber.

The metal man roars, his thick skin shimmering as he raises his bulky arms to block Miyuki's assault. The flames seem to have little effect, merely scorching his metallic surface.

"Is that all you got, little girl?" the thief bellows, swinging a massive fist at Miyuki.

Miyuki darts to the side, narrowly avoiding the powerful blow that smashes the ground where she just stood. She retaliates, firing a barrage of fireballs at the robber's face.

The metal man grunts in pain, staggering back as the flames singe his eyes. He swipes blindly, his metal claws raking the air.

"You little pest!" he roars, swinging wildly.

I watch, transfixed by the intensity of the battle. Miyuki's agility and fire powers are the only things keeping her from being crushed by the robber's brute strength and metal skin.

I watch, transfixed by the intensity of the battle. Miyuki's agility and fire powers are the only things keeping her from being crushed by the robber's brute strength and metal skin.

Suddenly, the metal man swings his massive fist, creating a shockwave that knocks Miyuki off balance. Before she can recover, he lunges forward, his clawed hand poised to strike.

I gasp in fear, bracing myself for the impact, but just as the robber's hand reaches Miyuki, a blur of blue and black intercepts the blow. A towering figure in a striking tiger-themed costume stands between Miyuki and the metal man, his muscular frame radiating power.

"That's enough for you, criminal!"

I watched in awe as the blue figure effortlessly blocked the Metal Man's attack with his powerful hand. This guy was seriously built, his muscular frame and athletic physique reminding me of a professional wrestler.

His costume was a deep blue bodysuit with bold black tiger stripes, and he had sleek black and silver arm guards that added to his intimidating presence. I recognized him as Blue Stripes, a relatively new hero in the area, but one who had quickly gained a lot of popularity recently.

From what I knew, Blue Stripes possessed incredible super strength and abilities akin to those of a tiger. He was definitely the right hero to have show up and put a stop to this metal-skinned criminal.

The Metal Man lets out a frustrated roar.

"Get out of my way! This money is mine!"

"I can't let you continue your rampage. It's time to face justice."

With that, the hero launches himself at the Metal Man, his movements swift and precise. He lands a series of powerful blows, each strike echoing with the sound of metal against flesh. The Metal Man staggers back, growling in anger and pain.

"Grr... You'll pay for that!" the villain bellows, swinging his massive fists in a desperate attempt to land a hit.

But Blue Stripes is too fast, too agile. He ducks and weaves, dodging the attacks with ease. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, he leaps into the air, his leg muscles coiling with power. Miyuki and I watch in awe as he delivers a devastating kick straight to the Metal Man's chest, sending the villain crashing to the ground in a shower of sparks and debris.

I watch as the metal-skinned villain collapses to the ground, his shiny armor reverting to normal flesh. Blue Stripes stands over him, triumphant.

I watch in awe as Blue Stripes delivers a devastating blow, sending the metal-skinned villain crashing to the ground. The villain's shimmering armor fades, revealing his normal skin. Blue Stripes stands tall, addressing the crowd.

"Justice is served!" he proclaims, his voice booming with confidence.

The crowd erupted in cheers all around us.

"Alright, Blue Stripes!"

"You showed that metal creep who's boss!"

"Way to go, hero!"

Blue Stripes takes in the crowd's cheers and waves at them.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

I watch in awe as Blue Stripes strides over to Miyuki,

"You showed a lot of bravery out there, young lady," he says, his deep voice laced with admiration. "But leave the villains to heroes like me from now on, okay?"

"Yes! Thank you for saving me. I just wanted to help people…"

"HAHAHA, that is good. I'm sure you will make a fine hero someday."

I watch as the police arrive and swarm the downed metal-skinned robber, quickly apprehending him. Blue Stripes speaks with the officers, likely providing details about the incident. I turn to Miyuki, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, Miyuki, I think it's time we head home. We didn't get your Ember Nova merch after all."

"Aww, I really wanted those new items."

"Don't worry, I'm sure there will be other opportunities. For now, let's just get out of this mess."

As Miyuki and I headed home, I couldn't help but lecture her about her reckless actions.

"Miyuki, you can't just run into danger like that. What if Blue Stripes hadn't shown up in time?" I scolded.

"I'm sorry, Eddie. I just wanted to help." She clasped her hands together, giving me her most adorable pout. "Forgive me?"

I let out a long sigh, unable to stay upset with her for long. "Fine, but please promise you won't do something that dangerous again."

Miyuki tilted her head, her ponytail swaying. "I can't promise that, Eddie. I want to be a hero just like Ember Knight!"

I could only shake my head and sigh even deeper at her unwavering determination.

I let out a long sigh as Miyuki and I arrived at our neighboring homes.

"Well, this is where we part ways," I say. "I've got some things I need to take care of at home."

Here's the text rewritten without action beats and dialogue tags, in first-person perspective:

"You don't want to come over to my place for a bit?"

"Thanks, but I think I'll just head inside. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright, Eddie. See you tomorrow!"

She waves goodbye and heads into her house, leaving me to enter my own. As I closed the door behind me, I was greeted by silence.

I've been living on my own for a while now since mom and dad are living overseas. That attack from the villain was a close call today. I wished Miyuki wasn't so reckless, but I can't fault her for the way she is.

I never really related to Miyuki's liking for heroes. I'm not all that excited about them.

I head to the bathroom to clean myself up a bit. After changing into fresh clothes, I open the closet where I keep my collection of monster action figures. I've had a lot of them since I started collecting when I was a kid. I look at them wistfully, then close the closet door.

I headed towards a hidden panel in the wall of my room and pressed my hand against it. The wall slid open, revealing a keypad and scanner. I quickly punched in my password and scanned my eye.

With a quiet hiss, the wall parted to reveal a circular staircase leading down. I descended the steps, entering my private laboratory. The space was filled with an array of scientific equipment - PCR machines, centrifuges, microscopes, and more. Many of the instruments were of my own design and construction.

I conducted my research here, something I kept hidden even from my parents and my best friend, Miyuki. For years, I had been working tirelessly on my life's passion project.

In the center of the lab stood a large glass tank filled with liquid. And floating within it was my creation - a towering, reptilian creature with dark armored skin, sharp claws, and a maw full of jagged teeth. It was nearly 7 feet tall, its long tail swaying gently in the fluid.

I approached the tank, gazing upon my masterpiece with a sense of pride and wonder.

"Hello, my child," I murmured, placing my hand against the cool glass. "It won't be long now."