Stepping into the astral space designed for our meeting, I was awestruck. An endless night sky sprawled around me, illuminated by the radiant glow of the cosmos. It was as if the universe had been compressed, bringing the stars a million light-years closer. No longer distant dots, they blazed with a brilliance a thousand times stronger, rivaled only by the vibrant lights of other galaxies.

"Sim, why this view?" I asked, captivated.

"Think 'shock and awe,'" Sim replied. "We're about to offer incredible abilities to select candidates, but the choice ultimately lies with them. A broader understanding of the universe's potential can help them make a truly informed decision."

"And you thought some celestial ambiance would do the trick?" I raised an eyebrow.

Sim replied, "Well, doesn't it?"

A glance at Jeff and Alec, both mesmerized by the swirling details of the Andromeda Galaxy, confirmed the plan's success.

A scan of the room revealed a glaring absence. "Hey, where's Pea...?" I started, then abruptly ducked. A blur, the size of a furry puppy, zipped past my head, wings deploying at the last second to avoid a messy floor landing by mere millimeters.

"Aw, come on! You're too fast!" Peaches whined, reforming in front of me.

"That was a close one," I admitted. "How'd you pull off hiding?"

"Remember how you can see me when I'm invisible? Cheater eyes! Well, this time, I just made one side of myself look like what's behind me instead of fully disappearing. Almost had you!" Peaches puffed out her chest, a smug grin clear even without a face.

I offered a quick smile. "Almost. Good trick."

With a satisfied trot, she headed towards the colossal table. "Alright, Sim," I called out. "Countdown from ten and teleport everyone into their chairs!"

Seizing the opportunity, I activated my physical shroud. It blurred my features just enough to render them unmemorable. A ninja's shimmer technique, but more for disguise than camouflage. With a nod, I instructed Jeff and Alec to take a seat and followed suit myself.

In a blink, the candidates materialized, each deposited into a plush seat. I watched, eager to gauge their reactions without revealing myself as the admin.

Stunned silence reigned for just a moment, then a figure rose, breaking the spell. "Alright, who's running this?" he boomed.

I remained seated, observing his strategy. A flicker of movement caught my eye – Chris, Jeff, Alec, and Riley, all glancing in my direction. A subtle head shake and a finger to my lips silenced any potential identity giveaway.

Seconds ticked by. Another candidate rose, his voice calming. "Perhaps a little patience is in order. I'm sure our purpose will be revealed soon."

The first candidate scoffed. "Don't tell me to be patient! If the admin wants to talk, a private meeting would've been nice."

Disgruntled, the second candidate sank back into his seat.

This was my cue. With a thought, I froze the disruptive candidate. Time dilation wasn't necessary. He needed to hear the conversation unfold. However, mindful of basic needs, I ensured his bodily functions continued. He wouldn't suffocate, nor would his heart stop.

Materializing at the center of the colossal, circular table that now accommodated over 200 candidates, I addressed everyone.

"As you've likely deduced, I'm the admin. You've been brought here to form a hero class and high council, tasked with safeguarding a new society on Earth." My gaze flickered to the outburst candidate. "Except you," I clarified, "you'll need to explain yourself."

"Earth faces an inevitable invasion from another universe," I continued. "While we'll resist, our true concern lies in the future. When CERN activated years ago, it inadvertently birthed a black hole that threatened multiple universes. One intervened, altering our core's structure and replacing it with a peculiar substance, Origin mana."

A murmur rippled through the crowd at the mention of mana.

"Yes," I smirked, spotting the gamer in the group, "like a video game, but far more potent. Origin mana allows us to manipulate the universe's fundamental laws. Soon, everyone will have access to this power through a system under development. The extent of your access depends on various factors we'll discuss later."

"Time is of the essence, though. The shield containing the proliferating mana core is nearing failure. We have three years at most. Upon its breach, the system will activate, terraforming Earth. When this happens, we will be transporting everyone to an astral space for integration. This is where you come in."

I leaned forward. "I'm offering a head start. Upon integration, those accepted will possess power typically acquired over 50-60 years. Mana's impact is unpredictable. It could alter wildlife, create new entities, or attract invaders. We'll need exceptional individuals to combat such threats."

"This isn't a forced hero gig. Pursue your dreams, careers, chosen classes, anything you desire. But answer the call when needed. I also seek your counsel on critical decisions, like the one I’m bringing before you now." I gestured to a few single parents. "Should they be granted power, potentially leaving their children orphaned? Conversely, empowered parents could better protect their children."

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Silence stretched for a tense thirty seconds before someone stood up. This was a man who just went by Johnson. He was a military major in charge of a special ops infantry group. Sim informed me that he was here because he had, on multiple occasions, broken into zones that everyone thought were too dangerous and were planning on leaving soldiers to die in. He defied orders and saved men over and over until he became the commander of a black ops group specializing in infiltration.

“My name is Johnson. At first, I didn’t believe in all this magic crap, but after my abilities started to manifest, I knew I was wrong. I tell you this because if powers are included, it just makes us that much more capable. One of my soldiers is a single parent. She is one of the best I have. She makes sure her kids are taken care of when we get called away, and she does a damn good job when she’s home. Being a parent shouldn’t affect someone’s ability to do what they’re meant to do.” As soon as he was done, he sat down. His military mindset was to get to the point then shut your mouth.

Riley rose to speak next.

"I have two children," she began, voice steady. "Their father… isn't a part of their lives. We escaped abuse, living in a tent before being saved. Protecting them is my priority. While no one wants to imagine dying and leaving them behind, accepting this responsibility shouldn't disqualify us. As long as we prepare for that possibility, we shouldn't be excluded."

Riley sat, her words hanging heavy in the air. After a ten-second pause, I addressed the group. "Does anyone disagree with Riley's point?"

Another thirty seconds of silence followed. "Logic dictates that single parents be included, with the understanding they prepare for unforeseen circumstances. This applies to everyone. With the mana release imminent, unexpected events are likely, and you should all prepare."

"Those chosen will undergo a one-month pre-integration process at a designated facility. We'll utilize specialized equipment to rapidly expand your mana pathways, preparing you to handle master-tier mana usage. The integration process itself will offer you a selection of skills and abilities. Remember, wielding such power demands both physical and mental fortitude. Now, is anyone here unwilling to participate? Perhaps you prefer to grow at a normal rate, free from the added responsibilities."

A tense silence followed. After a few seconds, someone stood, then another, and another. Within a minute, over 30 people opted out. Curious about their motivations, I decided to delve into the mind of the closest woman, Julie.

"Julie," I began, "what led you to decline?"

Surprised by me knowing her name, she paused before responding. "Honestly, fighting isn't for me. When I gained enhanced strength, I broke a lot due to poor control. Though the increased mental speed and the cooking skill are fantastic, I have no desire to fight. My skill lets me enhance food with bonuses. I can make people stronger or faster, and higher tiers offer even more options. While increased power is tempting, I believe I can achieve that through my own means. I'd rather support those who fight by enhancing their abilities."

A smile spread across my face. "Julie, that's exactly the kind of thinking I appreciate. We only have 47 slots, and I need those who genuinely want to protect. Non-combat roles exist, like techno-wizards who focus on mana technology and support during emergencies. But the desire to help is paramount. Fighting may be necessary at some point for everyone, but with this program, I’m hoping we can avoid that. Are there any others who wish to opt out?"

A significant number stood, bringing the total to around 55. Now, let's address those interested in leadership roles outside the hero program. Raise your hand if you'd like a decision-making position without mandatory combat."

Another 15 hopefuls stood, bringing the total opt-outs to 45. Ten had already declined, content with their current growth rate. The remaining 25, however, expressed interest in leadership roles. It seemed some worried their leadership potential wouldn't be considered if they opted out of the hero program.

"Alright," I addressed the remaining candidates. "For those who prefer their current path, you'll be returned home with your skills intact. Keep honing them – you have a few years to maximize your potential before integration. The skills will persist beyond the system activation. As for the 25 seeking leadership roles, continue excelling. If you prove yourselves during integration, leadership may be offered as a profession."

With a swift gesture, I transported the opt-out group home and shrunk the table, eliminating the vacant chairs. Turning to the frozen man, I spoke directly to his mind.

"The system deemed you worthy. Now prove why I should allow it."

I unfroze him, allowing him to recover his breath. "Jim," I began, "explain your outburst."

"Apologies," he stammered. "Long day at work. I had just sat down to dinner when I got teleported. Unexpected situations usually don't faze me, but I typically eat more often. I'm just extremely hungry. I promise better behavior in the future."

A mental glimpse confirmed his story – a lonely TV dinner sat untouched on his coffee table.

"Fair enough," I conceded. "Perhaps the timing wasn't ideal. I should have given more notice. How about everyone takes a 30-minute break? Food's on me."

With a gesture, I conjured tables laden with various cuisines. From a meat lover's paradise to a vegan’s haven, complete with sides and desserts, the spread rivaled any restaurant. I decided to have the drinks all put in red Solo cups, adding a backyard barbecue touch. Grabbing a chicken leg, I strolled away.

A stunned silence filled the room before the candidates, one by one, rose to see what all the options were.

Suddenly, Peaches materialized in the center of the table. Her wings spanned a staggering thirty feet, all six tails whipping the air in a frenzy. A deafening sound, a horrifying mix of bark and roar, erupted from her throat unlike anything I'd ever heard.

Panic seized the room. Everyone froze, fear etched on their faces. In a flash, I materialized beside Peaches, my own form surging in size to tower over hers. A calming hand rested on her colossal head.

“Now, Peaches, it’s not nice to scare everyone like that.”

“Awe, Daddy, I was just having a little fun!” she whined.

I then changed her back into her one-foot-tall puppy form, and she started bouncing around doing a little puppy bark.

As I shrunk myself back to normal size, I took another bite of my chicken leg and teleported Peaches home.

“Sorry about that, guys,” I said. “That’s my little wiggle butt. She likes to show off. She’s going to be one of the protectors of Earth once she’s fully powered up. She started as my pet Rottweiler and has incrementally leveled up. After her introduction to mana, I was able to help her become what you just saw. A mighty beast with unbelievable powers. She will one day have powers that rival even my own. What you saw was just above the Master tier. She has a little more power than a Master tier, but you get the idea.

Now, enough distractions! I'm sure some of you are famished. Please, go ahead and enjoy the feast."