9 AM, Interview Day, Paladin's Station, New Arden, New Hampshire.

"Where are we?" Quinn questions, sporting a fresh new black jacket, jeans, and rubber shoes.

"Paladin's Station, a private railway that connects the main city to the Academy," Streetwise responds, still rocking his classic super suit.

"Fun fact about the station: people think that the station itself is in Portsmouth, but actually, it's in New Arden; the cities are just that close to each other."

"That wasn't a fun fact," Matter replies, also sporting her default costume.

Today is the day of the interviews. See, in Paladin's Academy, there is a process for admission. You can't simply send your application, pay the tuition, and get in. Here's how it goes:

Firstly, you need a Superhero's recommendation. What's that? It is quite literally a letter of recommendation by a licensed Superhero acknowledging that you had the basic training required to be a Student Hero. How do you get one? Well, it depends on the Superhero. Some have mass Sidekick programs wherein they train you in a boot camp-like fashion. Usually, these ones only last six weeks, or a summer. Another way is to be personally trained by a Superhero, also known as an old-school sidekick. It's easier to get a glowing recommendation when you personally know a Superhero, and they can even continue to train you while you study at Paladin's Academy.

Now you got the recommendation, what next? Well, the applicants are then screened. Around two weeks before the interviews, the Paladins Administration will conduct background checks on every applicant to ensure they aren't villains in disguise. They usually just check if you've got a juvenile record, or maybe got kicked out of school. But no need to worry; each student is judged on a case-by-case basis.

Once cleared via the background screening, Applicants are then invited to campus for the interview. They ask only simple questions like, why Paladin's, why become a hero, and other miscellaneous questions. If somehow you give a dissatisfactory answer, well, tough luck.

After the interviews, only around 100 applicants would remain. Then comes the fun part, the entrance exam, wherein applicants compete for slots. Depending on the year, Paladins would only accept around 20-40 students. It's not all bad though. For said students, they get a full scholarship, an on-campus dorm room, and a debit card to spend on food, costumes, and equipment.

"Now arriving at Paladin's Academy."

Quinn's eyes widen, as he bears witness, to the school that creates Superheroes. The Academy itself is grand in stature. With spires that look like it could touch the clouds. The campus's aesthetic is very modern, featuring sleek architecture yet there is a hint of medieval charm. The building is like a modern-day castle, adorned with white and blue colors.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The doors open as several applicants exit the train. Matter jumps off while Streetwise and Quinn stay.

"Don't forget to mention that you sidekicked under me!" Streetwise laughs.

"Good luck!" Quinn cheers on.

Matter flips Streetwise off while she waves goodbye to Quinn as the train doors close.

"Next station, Mainland."

"While Matter is off with her interview, I'll give you a quick rundown on how to ace yours."

"Are we not rushing things?"

"Not at all; with me as your mentor, you're already guaranteed a slot."

"Then why do the interview?"

"It's a part of the process, you know, bureaucratic shit."

"Now arriving at Main Land."

The train doors open yet again as Streetwise and Quinn exit the platform. They make a quick detour to the bathroom as Streetwise changes into civilian clothing. Beneath the mask, Streetwise features medium-length black hair, light brown skin, and black irises. He rocks a casual white sweater with black pants and a backpack.

The two make their way out of the station and head towards the nearby mall. They both settle down at the local McDanny's, where Streetwise orders burgers and fries.

"What do I call you?"

"Hm?" Streetwise mumbles as he chows down.

"out of the costume," Quinn whispers.

"Oh, call me Chris," he says, finishing the burger.

"Alright, Chris. Where do we begin?"

"Superhero name."

"What?"

"I mean, unless you want to be the Quintessential Quinn-Man!"

"I do not want that."

"Then come up with a codename!"

"How did you come up with yours?"

"A headline named me back when I was starting out. Maybe check the news."

Quinn takes Chris' phone from the table and looks up the latest news.

"The USS Dreadnought along with other runabout motorboats, will be making an appearance this fall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire."

"Say that line again."

"Dreadnought?"

"No, Runabout! Now that's a catchy name."

"I cannot tell if you are joking."

"I'm serious, the rambunctious Runabout, it's got a ring to it."

Quinn remains silent. It's as if he's actually considering the name 'Runabout.' Thankfully, he chooses the name that speaks to him.

"Next on the agenda, powers; what ya got?"

"I am not entirely sure."

"You do have powers, right? I mean even if you don't, Paladin's has a policy which allows one Nopow Hero per batch."

"No, I do have powers. It just may have been modified."

"Modified how?"

"Tampered with."

"What's the base power then?"

"I do not know."

"Guess we're skipping the powers." Chris shrugs. "Moving on, why enroll in a hero school?"

Quinn ponders the question. He recalls what happened a few days ago. The fear he felt, the powerlessness that came from that fear, the loss of his first friend. His heart aches from the pain. If only he were like Streetwise, strong enough to save those he cares about. He sums up all of his feelings into one sentence.

"I wish to learn how to become the strongest hero, in both body and mind, so that I can save those who cannot save themselves."

"Good answer. I think we're done here. Congratulations Runabout, you've passed!"

"I did?"

"No. You have to be interviewed on campus by someone else." Chris says as he finishes his meal. "Come on, let's see how Matter's doing."