Max groaned as he rolled off the couch in David’s apartment. They’d only been at Neo-York University for a week, and already the pressure was mounting. As the only university in the country where both humans and supers coexisted, the place had its own set of rules. Most importantly, no one was allowed to openly show their powers on campus, no matter their rank.
Max rubbed his eyes. He felt… different. Stronger, taller maybe, but he couldn’t pinpoint why. His clothes were tighter, his shoes felt snug, and his arms looked slightly bulkier in the mirror.
David was already up, scrolling through his tablet when he noticed Max moving. “Bro, you good? You look like you’ve been injected with Captain America serum or something.”
“I'm fine,” Max groaned, sitting up. “Wait, what do you mean?”
Max blinked at his reflection. He did look different. "I—uh, yeah, no clue, man."
David pointed to Max’s arms, which looked noticeably more defined, his clothes slightly tighter around the shoulders. “Dude, look at you. You grew. Like, not just tall. You look… bigger.”
Max frowned and walked over to the mirror, realizing that David was right. He had grown at least three inches, and his muscles were more developed than the last time he'd checked. "What the hell," he muttered.
Greetings, Host. I am Shard 21897. Body acclimation and integration are complete. Permission to begin tutorial? Yes/No.
Max stumbled back from the mirror. “What the—?”
David’s eyebrows shot up. “Dude, you good?”
Max swallowed hard, trying to stay calm. “There’s a voice in my head. It’s calling itself a shard and says it’s fused with me. I think it did… something to my body. Man, I don’t know what’s going on.”
David, to his credit, didn’t freak out. Instead, he leaned in, intrigued. “Wait, are you saying you got powers from that weird crystal thing? Dude, this is huge!”
Max sighed. “I don’t know, man. It’s talking about a tutorial or something. Should I… should I do it?”
David grinned like a kid at Christmas. “Absolutely. Start it. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Taking a deep breath, Max closed his eyes again. “Uh… okay. Yes, begin the tutorial.”
Choice confirmed.
Suddenly, Max’s vision went white, and when he could see again, he was standing in a bright, featureless room. A crystalline shard floated in front of him.
Greetings, Host. The tutorial has begun. Do you have any questions?
Max didn’t hesitate. “Uh, yeah! What the hell did you do to me? Am I going to keep growing until I look like some kind of freak?”
The shard seemed to pulse gently as it answered. I fused with your body to align your inherent potential with my system. This has accelerated your physical growth, but further changes will occur more gradually.
Max sighed in relief, but he wasn’t done. “Okay, but why did you pick me? And what exactly do I have now? Like, what kind of powers?”
You possess latent adaptability, a potential that my system enhances. Your primary ability is absorption—you can take in foreign powers and adapt them to your body.
Max blinked. “So, I can take other people's powers? That sounds awesome, but… also a little terrifying.”
Correct. However, practical experience will be necessary to fully understand and control these abilities.
Max wanted to ask more questions, no way was he done questioning this thing that fused with him, without CONSENT. However, Max’s vision suddenly snapped back to reality. He blinked rapidly, finding himself still on David’s couch. His friend was staring at him expectantly.
“Well? What happened?” David asked, bouncing on his heels.
Max recounted the tutorial as best as he could. “It said I have this absorption power. Apparently, I can take powers from other people or things and use them.”
Before Max could respond further, the alarm on David’s phone buzzed. “Crap, we’re gonna be late for class. Let’s continue this later.”
---
They arrived at their first class, Professor Ziegler’s lecture on superhuman ethics. Ziegler was human but well-respected. He ran a tight ship, and everyone, super or not, was expected to follow his rules. Max had heard rumors about Ziegler being a former government official, one of the key architects in drafting legislation that helped integrate supers and humans into society. He wasn’t the type of professor you messed around with.
"Mr. Tanner," Ziegler called out as Max walked in. "I didn’t recognize you. Did you do something new with your hair?"
A few students turned to look at him, and Max forced a grin. "Yeah, something like that." He slid into his seat, feeling more eyes on him than usual.
As Ziegler strode across the room, he tapped a screen at the front, bringing up a display of global laws that regulated superhuman abilities. "Today," he began, his voice sharp and clear, "we’ll be discussing the Adaptation Clause—a vital component of the Unified Superhuman Accords, passed ten years ago."
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Max, already zoning out, heard the words but was barely processing them. His mind wandered back to the Shard, that strange voice. Was he turning into something else?
Ziegler continued, the tapping of his pointer against the display pulling Max back to reality. "As many of you know, the Adaptation Clause governs how superpowers are handled legally in both public and private spaces. It was designed to ensure a delicate balance between superhuman freedom and public safety." He glanced around the room, making eye contact with several students. "There was a time when supers were seen as potential threats, rather than contributors to society. The clause mandates that superhumans, regardless of rank, must adhere to strict regulations about power usage in public."
The display now showed a graph comparing incidents of power misuse before and after the clause was enacted. Ziegler pointed to the downward slope in incidents. "Since its introduction, we’ve seen a 32% decrease in unauthorized power usage across human-super integrated cities. This includes common infractions such as minor property damage, but also more severe cases like assaults using enhanced abilities."
Max forced himself to focus if only to seem attentive. David, sitting next to him, was taking notes eagerly.
"The clause also emphasizes equality in higher education and professional sectors," Ziegler continued, pacing the room now. "Which is why institutions like Neo-York University exist—places where humans and supers can study side by side. But as you all know, this balance requires discipline. Students are prohibited from using their abilities openly on campus. Violators face immediate suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity of the infraction." His eyes flickered over Claire, a known Rank D super with enhanced strength, and then briefly landed on Max.
"The Hero Program, however," Ziegler added, "has its own exceptions, as those admitted are being trained to work within government-sanctioned frameworks. Even so, participants are expected to follow strict guidelines. For example, Rank C or higher supers must receive explicit permission before demonstrating their powers outside of a controlled environment."
Max heard Ziegler’s words, but the lecture was slipping away from him again. He couldn’t shake the sensation building within him—the thought that something inside him was changing, growing.
David nudged him lightly, pulling him back to the present. “You were zoned out the whole time, man. What’s going on?”
Max shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Just tired, I guess."
David didn’t seem convinced but let it slide. “Come on, you’ve got that appointment with the Hero Program office, right? Let’s go."
As Max gathered his things, he caught one last bit of Ziegler’s lecture.
"And remember," Ziegler said with a grave tone, "the rules governing supers and humans are constantly evolving. The laws that bind you today may change tomorrow, but the core principle remains: responsibility comes with power. If you cannot control it, the law will control you."
---
Max’s palms were sweating as he sat outside the Hero Program admissions office. Despite not fully understanding his powers, he’d decided to apply. The program was prestigious, and only the best supers got in. Most ranked between D and B, though a few F-ranks made it if they showed exceptional promise or had connections.
The door opened, and Dean Holland appeared. He was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with streaks of gray in his neatly combed hair. He looked more like a mid-forties action hero than a university administrator. His sharp suit and clean, polished shoes gave him an air of precision and control. Yet despite the intimidating aura, his expression was calm, even polite.
"Mr. Tanner," Holland greeted, his voice deep with a faint Neo-York accent, "Come in."
Max felt the weight of the moment as he walked in, trying to keep his nerves in check. Holland gestured for him to sit in the leather chair across from his desk, the office walls lined with books on law, ethics, and superhuman legislation. Max could feel the power behind every word as Holland spoke, his presence filling the room in a way that made Max's recent growth seem insignificant.
The dean sat down, folding his hands over a few papers. He glanced briefly at them before fixing his piercing gaze on Max. "So, Mr. Tanner, you’re applying for the Hero Program. Can you tell me why?"
Max swallowed hard, his thoughts racing. “I… think I have a power.”
Holland raised an eyebrow, his expression remaining neutral but interested. "Think?"
Max fumbled, feeling smaller under the dean’s gaze. "I mean, I’ve noticed some changes recently. Physical changes. I’m still figuring it out, but I believe there’s something more."
Holland leaned back in his chair, his movements slow and deliberate, projecting an aura of authority. He paused for a moment, considering Max's words with a thoughtful expression. “Mr. Tanner,” he began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of experience, “the Hero Program is not just about having powers. Many students here possess remarkable abilities, but that’s only part of what makes them candidates. This program demands that you understand your strengths, your limits, and most importantly, your responsibilities.”
Max shifted uncomfortably, feeling the intensity of Holland’s words.
“I’m not rejecting your application simply because you haven’t figured out your power,” Holland continued, his tone softening, though still firm. "I’m rejecting it because the uncertainty in your abilities reflects uncertainty in your readiness. You’re standing at the edge of something important, Mr. Tanner, but you need to understand yourself before we can help you harness it."
Max felt a mixture of disappointment and understanding creeping in. Holland’s words carried a certain logic, even if they stung.
“This isn’t a punishment,” Holland added, leaning forward slightly, his gaze softening as he noticed Max’s reaction. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You’re young, and powers—especially ones that haven’t fully formed—can be unpredictable. Giving you time to understand what you have may save you from much bigger problems down the line.”
Max nodded, feeling the wisdom in the dean’s words. He wasn’t being dismissed or looked down upon but given a chance to grow. Yet, it still felt like a blow to his confidence.
"You may reapply once you have a clearer understanding of your abilities," Holland said, his voice taking on a more encouraging tone. "I’d recommend focusing on control, not just power. Even the strongest supers have failed because they lacked control.”
Max rose to leave, feeling the weight of the rejection but also an odd sense of relief. As he reached for the door, Holland’s voice stopped him.
“One more thing, Mr. Tanner,” the dean said, his expression now almost fatherly. "You have potential. Don’t waste it rushing into something you’re not ready for. When you’re ready, you’ll know."
Max nodded, feeling slightly steadier. “Thank you, sir. I’ll come back when I’m ready.”
Holland gave him a small, approving nod. “I look forward to seeing you again.”
Max’s heart sank. He nodded, muttering a quick “thank you” before slipping out of the office.
David was waiting in the hallway, grinning as if the news would be good. “So, how’d it go?”
Max shook his head. “Rejected. He said I wasn’t ready.”
Before David could respond, a voice chimed in. “Rejected? Ouch.”
They turned to see a girl leaning against the wall. Short-cropped hair, sharp eyes, and a cocky grin. “I’m Claire,” she said, pushing off the wall and extending a hand. Max shook it, feeling a sudden surge of energy.
Do you want to absorb minor strength and lesser durability? Yes/No.
Max hesitated, feeling the warmth in his chest again. Yes, he thought, not sure what would happen.
As they stood there, Claire’s smile faltered for a moment. She looked slightly winded but recovered quickly. “What’s your power?”
Max avoided the question. “Still figuring it out.”
David, ever the curious one, asked, “What about you?”
“Rank D super strength and durability,” Claire replied casually, flexing her arm. “Got accepted into the program, but only barely. Gotta work my way up, you know?”
Max’s heart was racing. He felt the energy settling in, a slight burn in his muscles. The absorption was happening, and Claire didn’t even realize it. But he did. His body was adjusting, slowly integrating her abilities.
Integration time: 12 hours.
Max tried to keep his cool, but inside, he could feel the drain. Claire, too, seemed to be feeling it. She rubbed her temples and yawned. "Weird. Must’ve overdone it in training this morning."
Max exchanged a glance with David but said nothing.
As they walked back toward the dorms, David rambled on about their next training session. “We’ll hit the gym tomorrow, see what you’re really capable of. Maybe we’ll catch up to Claire and her D-rank soon, huh?”
Max nodded, distracted by the warmth still pulsing in his chest. He hadn’t even begun to understand his power, but one thing was clear—he wasn’t powerless anymore. And this was just the start.
---
The next day, Max and David hit the gym. Neo-York University’s gym was divided into two sections: one for regular humans and another for supers. Despite his new abilities, Max stuck to the human section. He wasn’t ready to reveal anything yet.
David spotted him as he pushed through his sets of bench presses, the burn in his muscles feeling different this time. He could feel the slight edge from Claire’s strength, but it was nothing earth-shattering. Yet.
“Not bad, man,” David said after Max finished his set. “But you’re holding back.”
Max wiped the sweat from his brow. “Not holding back. Just… pacing myself.”
David rolled his eyes. “Right. Pacing yourself.”
As they left the gym, Max spotted Claire again, this time chatting with a group of other supers. One of them, a tall guy with an easy smile, noticed Max and gave him a nod.
“Max, right?” the guy said, walking over. “Heard you applied to the Hero Program.”
Max nodded, feeling awkward. “Yeah. Didn’t get in.”
The guy smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t sweat it. Not everyone gets in on the first try. I’m Connor, by the way. Rank C electrokinetic. We’ll probably see each other around.”
As Connor walked away, David nudged Max. “See? You’re already making connections. Just wait, man. We’ll get there.”
Max couldn’t help but smile. Despite the rejection, he felt a spark of hope. The world around him was changing, and so was he.