The fragrant steam of curry rice filled the training hall. Snek’s memories, vivid and warm, guided Edward’s hands as he recreated the dish. He could almost hear Snek’s hearty laugh echoing as he meticulously ground the spices.

His twenty-five disciples devoured the meal, their faces beaming.

This was Snek’s curry, his legacy, and it was perfect. These quiet moments, sharing a meal born of love and camaraderie, were precious. But even as he savored the warmth, a familiar itch for battle stirred within him.

The insistent buzz of my phone shattered the peaceful atmosphere. I glanced at the caller ID – the Hero Association. A knot tightened in my stomach, but a flicker of excitement danced in my eyes.

Duty called. With a sigh, I excused myself from the table, offering a quick, apologetic smile to my students. “Duty calls,” I mumbled, heading for the hallway.

“Sneck here,” I answered, my voice crisp.

“Sneck, it’s Sitch,” the hurried voice replied, brimming with confidence. “We have a situation – a good one! We’ve been observing your performance. The Hero Association is offering you a promotion. A-Class.”

My stomach flipped. A-Class? Tougher opponents, bigger challenges… bigger stat gains, more orbs. I glanced back at my students, their laughter now echoing with new significance.

Responsibility, expectations, tougher opponents… and the potential for growth. The orbs had seen to that much.

“What’s the situation?” I asked, a hint of excitement creeping in.

“Tiger-level threats in F-City,” Sitch explained. “Near you. Unusual activity. Honestly, Sneck, we wouldn’t have called if we weren’t sure you could handle it. This is practically a formality. Neutralizing these threats solidifies your promotion. A test, yes, but one we’re confident you’ll ace. Afterwards, come to Hero Association headquarters in A-City. Formalities regarding your promotion.”

A-Class. It was a daunting prospect, but Sitch’s confidence, the lure of greater strength, the promise of more orbs, was irresistible.

This was my chance. My test. And Sitch, it seemed, already knew the outcome. I would face these Tiger-level threats, prove my worth, and claim my place among the A-Class heroes.

My heart pounded. Tiger-level threats in City F? Near my home? I had to go, protect my students. My specially crafted beast-hide suit, a symbol of my strength, felt empowering as I donned it. Adrenaline surged. A quiet evening and a promised meal were forgotten.

Tonight, I'd fulfill a different promise: to rise to the challenge, shield my students, and finally achieve A-Class status. And, if I was lucky, maybe, just maybe, I'd get a few attribute points out of it.

And, of course, the orbs. S-Class wasn't just a dream; it was a goal, a destination I was determined to reach. And the orbs were the key.

I rushed back to the dining room, my face a mask of determination.

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“Kids,” I announced, my voice ringing with urgency, “something’s come up. I need to go out on patrol. Stay here, stay safe. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

They looked at me, their eyes wide with a mixture of concern and understanding.

They knew the drill. They knew I was a hero, that I had a duty to protect the city. “Be careful, Sneck-sensei,” the eldest, twelve-year-old Nobita, said, his voice filled with worry.

“I will,” I replied, offering him a reassuring smile. “And I’ll bring back some extra dorayaki if I have time.” That last bit earned me a chorus of cheers, easing the tension slightly.

I left the house, my heart pounding in my chest.

The shopping district was a graveyard of shattered storefronts, a testament to the brutal efficiency of the insectoid monstrosities. Seven remained, their chitinous carapaces gleaming under the flickering streetlights.

Two, larger and more menacing, pulsed with raw power – Tiger Level threats. The others, Wolf Level, were still formidable, a swarm of armored beetles twitching their antennae, sensing my presence.

My gut clenched. This was significantly more dangerous than I’d anticipated. The orbs, the power they promised, were a tempting lure, but survival came first.

I focused, channeling the Snake Biting Style, emphasizing precision over brute force. Against these heavily armored foes, finding weaknesses was key.

The Tiger Level mantises, colossal and razor-limbed, moved first. One lunged, its forelimbs blurring in a strike that could cleave a man in two.

I sidestepped, the air whistling where its blades had passed. Pop. A smaller orb than expected erupted from a Wolf Level beetle as I crippled its leg with a precise strike.

The other mantis screeched, and the beetles swarmed, a chaotic flurry of chitin and buzzing wings. I became a whirlwind, dodging and weaving. Pop. Another orb, this time from a beetle whose head I’d severed.

Ding! You Pick 1 Agility

Ding! You Pick 1 Strength

Ding! You Pick 1 Endurance

The surge of power was familiar, but Tiger Level mantises pressed in, their attacks relentless. Smarts over strength was key.

Using the shattered market stalls as cover, I lured the mantises into a narrow alley.

The less agile beetles struggled. One mantis lunged, and I ducked, using its momentum to slam it into rubble. Pop. Another orb.

Ding You Pick 1 Strength

Ding You Pick 1 Agility

The trapped mantis screeched in fury. I focused, channeling my newfound strength and agility.

This was my chance. I lunged, a blur of motion, my Snake Biting Style finding its mark. Pop. The final orb, twice the size of the others, appeared.

Ding! You picked up 1 lifespan

I felt younger after absorbing it. The leaderless, panicked beetles were easy prey.

I dispatched them, each strike precise, each orb fueling my growing power. The shopping district was silent, save for crackling embers and the hum of power surging through me.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Sitch. “The threats have been neutralized,” I reported, my voice hoarse but steady.

“I’m ready for my promotion.”

“Excellent work, Sneck,” Sitch replied, his voice filled with admiration. “We’ll see you at headquarters tomorrow. Congratulations, A-Class Hero.”

I hung up the phone, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. But beneath the weariness, a sense of accomplishment bloomed. I had faced the challenge, and I had emerged victorious.

I had proven myself worthy of the A-Class rank, and I had collected many orbs today, making me stronger.