As the dust settled from the battle and the weight of their victory began to settle, Hakan and Sylvia found themselves surrounded by the heroes and officials who had once been strangers, now united by their shared experience. Among them was Alaric, who had proven to be a steadfast ally in the chaos of the tower break. Though the events had left everyone physically and mentally exhausted, there was an unspoken understanding between them: their work wasn’t over, but for now, they could afford a moment of respite.
Alaric, ever the practical one, turned to Hakan and Sylvia. "You both must be exhausted," he said, his voice gentler than usual. "If you need a place to rest, my home’s not far. It’s the least I can offer after everything that’s happened."
Hakan looked at Sylvia, who gave a nod of agreement. "A rest does sound good," Hakan said, his tone calm but carrying a quiet strength. "We’ve been on our feet for far too long."
"Then it’s settled," Alaric said, smiling lightly. "I’ve got a car waiting. I’ll take you there. Let’s get you both settled in."
As they made their way to Alaric’s car, Sylvia and Hakan exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging that this offer of hospitality was more than just a gesture of kindness. Alaric’s actions had proven his loyalty, and the two were beginning to understand the depth of his character. There was a quiet respect growing between them.
The ride to Alaric’s house was filled with a comfortable silence. The city, though still scarred by the battle, was beginning to regain its normal rhythm. The streets hummed with life as the group passed through them, but for Hakan and Sylvia, the world outside felt distant. Their minds were still processing the enormity of what had happened.
When they finally arrived at Alaric’s home, a quiet and spacious house nestled in a calm neighborhood, the sense of tension lifted. The walls of the house, lined with bookshelves and soft lighting, gave the impression of warmth and peace, a stark contrast to the battlefield they had just left behind.
Alaric led them inside. "Make yourselves comfortable. There’s food in the kitchen, and you’re welcome to take a rest. I’ll show you around," he said, his voice warm and inviting.
Sylvia, though exhausted, couldn’t help but take in the details of Alaric’s home. It was simple but well-kept, a reflection of his personality—practical, grounded, and thoughtful. "You live here alone?" she asked, her gaze wandering over the soft lighting that cast gentle shadows across the room.
Alaric nodded, a slight frown forming. "Yeah, it’s just me. A lot of my friends and family are either out of town or caught up in their own battles." His voice softened. "It’s been like this for a while."
Hakan, who had remained silent up until that point, observed Alaric closely. The man had a quiet strength to him, not unlike his own, but it was tempered with a kind of loneliness. "You seem to manage fine," Hakan commented, his voice calm.
Alaric shrugged, offering a slight smile. "I’ve had to. But I’ve never really been the type to complain. Now, though, with everything that’s happened… it feels different. I guess we all have our roles to play, huh?"
Sylvia, always quick to pick up on the subtleties of people’s emotions, studied Alaric for a moment before speaking. "You’re not alone anymore," she said quietly, offering a gentle smile. "We’re all in this together now."
Alaric’s expression softened, and for the first time since they’d met, he looked truly at ease. "Thanks," he replied simply. "I appreciate that."
As the evening went on, the group began to settle in, sharing stories of their lives, their experiences, and their goals. Over the course of the night, Hakan and Sylvia learned more about Alaric’s background: his rise to heroism, the struggles he had faced, and the quieter moments of doubt that had shaped his character.
Alaric leaned back in his chair, a distant look in his eyes. "When I first started out, I wasn’t strong enough to be taken by any guild. I wanted to join one, to have a place where I could grow and learn, but the truth is, no one would take a 4-star hero seriously. I was just... too weak."
Hakan and Sylvia listened intently, understanding the weight of those words. Alaric’s determination was evident, even back then.
"But as I grew stronger, I started thinking about something bigger," Alaric continued, his gaze steady. "This city doesn’t have a guild to oversee it. No one to step in when the real threats appear. I wanted to create my own guild, one that would protect the people here. But… you can’t just lead a guild without the right strength. To run a guild, you need to be at least a 6-star leader, or maybe even a 5-star depending on the situation."
He sighed, his voice softening. "I’m still only a 4-star. Not strong enough. I couldn’t create the guild I envisioned."
Sylvia exchanged a look with Hakan, both of them struck by the sincerity in Alaric’s words. Hakan spoke up, breaking the silence. "So you’ve been fighting to prove yourself, not just to others, but to yourself too. You want to build something lasting—something that can protect the people who need it."
Alaric nodded, his eyes focused on the floor for a moment. "That’s right. But it’s hard, you know? You don’t get to the top overnight. And being at the bottom, being told you’re not enough—it sticks with you."
Sylvia leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "But you’re still standing, Alaric. That says a lot about your strength."
Hakan agreed, adding, "You’re not alone in this. I can see the heart you have. No matter what your rank is, that’s what makes you a leader."
Alaric’s eyes brightened slightly at their words. "Thanks. I didn’t expect anyone to understand, but I appreciate it."
The conversation continued late into the night, each of them sharing their experiences and understanding each other on a deeper level. The bond between them strengthened, solidifying a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
The next morning, the calm of the house was broken by a knock at the door. Alaric answered, only to find a group of officials from the Heroic Accord standing outside.
"Alaric," one of the officials, a tall man with sharp features, began, "We need to speak with Hakan. We’ve been instructed to evaluate him based on his performance during the tower break."
Hakan, who had been standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "I’ll come with you," he said simply.
The officials led them to a nearby vehicle, ready to take Hakan to the Heroic Accord’s headquarters for evaluation. Alaric, Sylvia, and the rest of the group stood in the doorway, watching as Hakan prepared to leave.
As Hakan walked toward the vehicle, he turned to Alaric. "I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry."
Alaric gave him a firm nod. "Good luck, Hakan. Show them what you’re made of."
With that, Hakan climbed into the vehicle, and it sped off, heading for the Heroic Accord’s headquarters. As the vehicle disappeared into the distance, the rest of the group stood in quiet anticipation, wondering what the future held for them all.
As Hakan was led away by the officials for his evaluation, Alaric stood in the doorway of his house, watching them disappear down the street. His mind raced, the weight of everything that had happened since Hakan had entered their lives heavy on his shoulders. The house fell silent, save for the sound of his breath as he closed the door, turning to face the empty room behind him.
He couldn’t stop thinking about Hakan. About his strength. His calm resolve. His ability to inspire without ever seeking attention. Alaric had seen heroes rise to greatness before, but Hakan—he was something entirely different. More than strength, it was Hakan’s character that stood out. The way he handled situations, how he always acted for the greater good, no matter the cost. Alaric had learned more from him in the short time they had worked together than he had from years of fighting alone.
In that quiet moment, Alaric began to reflect on his own journey. He remembered the struggles he had faced—the long nights, the doubts, the obstacles. At one point, he had dreamed of leading a guild of his own, a place where he could create something that stood for more than just a group of strong individuals. He wanted to build a force that could protect this city, keep it safe from the chaos that often engulfed it. But his dreams had been dashed when he learned that only heroes of 5 or 6 stars could lead a guild. He had been a 4-star hero then, weak in the eyes of the system.
Still, he had never given up. As he got stronger, that dream resurfaced, and he started to think about the possibility of creating a guild himself. But the reality was, he couldn't lead it alone. He needed someone who had the strength, the vision, and the respect of the people to stand beside him as the leader. And in that moment, Alaric realized—it was Hakan. He had the potential, the power, and the humility to be the leader this city needed.
If Hakan would agree, they could form a guild together. Alaric would serve as his second-in-command, helping to organize and lead, while Hakan took charge with his natural leadership abilities. The city didn’t need just another guild—it needed one that truly cared for the people, that wasn’t tied to the politics or ambitions of the Heroic Accord.
Alaric turned toward the window, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. He knew that Hakan would be reluctant to take on such a responsibility. But he also knew that Hakan was the kind of person who would take on the mantle if it meant protecting those who needed it most. He could feel it in his bones—that Hakan’s quiet strength and resolve would be the foundation of something greater.
When the others arrived later, Torren and the others looked at Alaric, who had been lost in thought. They were all wondering what was wrong with Sylvia, who had been unusually quiet, standing by herself near the entrance. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, her eyes focused on the horizon, just like Alaric’s.
Torren finally broke the silence, his voice filled with curiosity. “Hey, Alaric, what’s up with Sylvia? She seems... different.”
Alaric blinked, then sighed, his gaze drifting back to Sylvia. “She’s just processing everything. But you’re right. I’ve been thinking about Hakan.”
“Hakan?” Torren asked, raising an eyebrow. “What about him?”
“He’s different from anyone I’ve met,” Alaric said, his voice steady but filled with conviction. “He’s not just a hero. He’s someone who could change everything for this city. And... I think he could be the leader of the guild we need.”
The others exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “A guild?” one of them asked. “But doesn’t that require a 6-star hero to lead?”
“Exactly,” Alaric replied. “It does. But here’s the thing—I’ve always wanted to build something. I’ve always wanted to lead, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t strong enough. But Hakan—he’s got what it takes. And I know he would never take the title just for the sake of it. He’s the kind of leader this city needs. If he agrees, I’ll be right by his side, as his second-in-command.”
Sylvia looked at Alaric, her face thoughtful. “You really think he’d be willing to take on that responsibility?”
Alaric nodded, his eyes steady. “I do. I think he’d do it if he knew the people would be safe, and if it meant protecting this city. He’s got the strength to lead. And if he does, I’ll support him. I’ll be the one who helps him carry that weight.”
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
The group stood in silence for a moment, considering Alaric’s words. Then, Torren grinned, clapping Alaric on the back. “Well, if anyone can convince him, it’s you.”
Alaric managed a small smile. “I’m not looking to convince him. I just want to offer him a partnership. A chance to build something better.”
As the group continued to talk, their conversation fading into the background, Alaric’s thoughts drifted back to Hakan. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Whatever came next, Alaric knew that with Hakan by his side, they could change the city for the better. But first, they had to see if Hakan was ready to take that next step.
Hakan’s journey took him to the Hero Accord Headquarters in Japan, a massive and imposing structure that stood as a symbol of order and strength. The building itself was a masterpiece of architectural design, combining sleek modernity with traditional Japanese elements—stone pillars and glass walls reflecting the bright, clear skies above. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with purpose. High-ranking officials and officers moved swiftly through the hallways, overseeing the defense of the city and ensuring the readiness of their heroes.
Hakan was led through the winding corridors of the complex until they reached a large, imposing chamber. Inside, a group of officials sat behind sleek desks, their expressions professional yet curious. The room was quiet, the air tense with anticipation as they prepared to assess him.
At the center of the group stood Shiro Tanaka, the main head of the Hero Accord in Japan. A towering man, Shiro’s presence commanded respect. His broad shoulders and sharp features were framed by the graying hair at his temples, his calculating eyes hidden behind glasses. His posture was rigid, exuding an air of authority. Known for his cold efficiency and unflappable demeanor, Shiro Tanaka was a man who handled chaos with the calmness of a seasoned strategist.
Beside him were the three officers who had been overseeing Hakan’s evaluation: Kaito Nakamura, a tall man with sharp features; Yumi Takahashi, a sharp-eyed woman with raven-black hair; and Hiroshi Tanaka, a muscular man whose serious expression rarely shifted. The officers watched with keen interest as Hakan was brought before them.
The first official to speak was Kaito Nakamura, his voice smooth but commanding. "Hakan," he began, "we’ve heard much about your actions during the tower incident. You displayed remarkable skill and power, but we need to understand more. What was your strategy when facing the boss of the tower?"
Hakan stood before them, his calm demeanor unshaken by their scrutiny. His mind still replayed the chaos of the tower, the intensity of the battle. "There wasn’t a strategy," he replied. "It was about reacting to the situation. I didn’t have the luxury of thinking ahead. It was a fight for survival."
Yumi Takahashi leaned forward, her raven-black hair framing her sharp gaze. "Impressive," she said, her tone filled with intrigue. "But defeating such a powerful foe requires more than just raw strength. How did you manage it?"
Hakan’s response was steady and resolute. "It wasn’t just about strength. It was about resolve. I pushed my body and mind beyond their limits."
The officials exchanged glances, clearly impressed, but they weren’t done yet.
"We need to see more," Hiroshi Tanaka said, motioning for Hakan to follow him. "The rumors are intriguing, but we need to assess your capabilities firsthand."
Hakan followed Hiroshi into a large gymnasium, where various training equipment and devices were set up to test a hero’s physical abilities. The officials were already preparing for the upcoming tests. A digital display was mounted on one side of the room, showing the records of previous heroes who had undergone similar assessments.
"You’ll be tested on strength, endurance, agility, and reflexes," Hiroshi explained. "Break the records, and we’ll start to understand where you truly stand."
The first test was a strength challenge, where Hakan was tasked with lifting and carrying massive weights. Without breaking a sweat, Hakan shattered the previous record, lifting more weight than anyone had ever managed before. The officials remained composed, but their surprise was evident.
Next came a speed and agility test. Hakan sprinted through a series of obstacles, dodging lasers and executing perfect maneuvers. He obliterated the previous record, finishing in a fraction of the time it had taken anyone else.
Finally, came the most dangerous and grueling test—the Monster Room.
Inside the room, the tension was palpable. Shiro Tanaka watched intently from the control room, his calculating gaze never leaving the screen. This was the true test of Hakan’s abilities. Would he live up to the rumors?
As Hakan entered the room, the officials observed with bated breath. The clock on the wall began its countdown: 1 minute.
The Monster Room was designed to be a test of strength, strategy, and speed. It contained 100 ferocious monsters—some quick, others powerful—all capable of inflicting harm. Hakan had faced dangerous foes before, but this test would reveal the full extent of his power.
The officials were on edge as the countdown began.
"He’s entering the room," Kaito Nakamura murmured.
"I’ve never seen anyone so calm before such an intense test," Yumi Takahashi remarked, her eyes glued to the monitor.
"Let’s see if he lives up to his reputation," Hiroshi Tanaka said, his arms crossed, his focus unwavering.
Inside the room, Hakan was unfazed. The monstrous creatures emerged from the shadows, their growls echoing through the space. With a swift, fluid motion, Hakan drew his Eclipse Fang swords and sprang into action.
His movements were almost a blur, too fast for the eye to follow. He cut through the monsters with devastating precision, his swords flashing with each swing. It was like watching a storm take shape, a relentless force of nature that tore through the beasts with an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly.
Flashy and dramatic, Hakan executed each strike with flawless efficiency, his blades cleaving through monsters like paper. The countdown continued, and as the seconds ticked away, it was clear that Hakan wasn’t just surviving—he was dominating.
45 seconds remaining.
The officials were in shock. No one had ever cleared the Monster Room this quickly. Kaito Nakamura exchanged a look with Yumi Takahashi, both of them speechless.
Shiro Tanaka stood stoically, his hands clasped behind his back. His sharp eyes remained fixed on the screen. He had seen many heroes in his time, but Hakan was different. There was something in the young man’s movements that told him this was no ordinary hero.
With 30 seconds left, Hakan dispatched the final monster, his blades moving in perfect harmony. The last creature fell, and Hakan stood there, breathing evenly, his expression calm as if he had simply finished a routine training session.
The room fell silent.
"Unbelievable," Kaito Nakamura whispered.
"This is beyond anything we’ve seen," Yumi Takahashi added, her voice tinged with awe.
Shiro Tanaka slowly turned to his officers, his eyes reflecting approval. "I believe we’ve found something truly remarkable."
Hiroshi Tanaka chuckled softly. "If he’s this good now… just imagine what he could become."
The door to the Monster Room opened, and Hakan stepped out, his face calm, his confidence unwavering. He gave a slight smirk, as if the entire ordeal had been nothing more than a mild inconvenience.
"Done," he said simply, meeting the officials’ eyes. "What’s next?"
Shiro Tanaka nodded slowly, his approval evident. "You’ve exceeded every expectation, Hakan. You’re more than just a hero—you’re a force of nature. The city needs someone like you."
Hakan remained silent, his gaze unwavering. He had proven himself, and now the Hero Accord would see just what he could accomplish.
After Hakan completed the final test, the Hero Accord officials escorted him to a private meeting room where Shiro Tanaka was waiting. The atmosphere was tense, yet calm—there was a sense of anticipation in the air as Tanaka observed Hakan, his calculating gaze never leaving him.
"Hakan," Tanaka began, his voice steady but filled with curiosity, "your performance has far surpassed our expectations. You've proven yourself to be more than just a skilled fighter. Your resolve, your determination—it’s clear that you’re not just a hero by title. You have the potential to change the landscape of this world."
Hakan met Tanaka's gaze with a quiet intensity. "I’m not here for recognition or titles," he said, his voice unwavering. "I want to be the strongest hero this world has ever seen. I will not rest until I achieve that."
Tanaka’s eyes sharpened, intrigued by Hakan’s words. "The strongest, you say? A lofty goal. What makes you think you can reach it?"
Hakan leaned forward, his expression unwavering. "Because I won’t stop. No matter the cost, no matter the odds. I will keep pushing, keep fighting, until there’s no one left who can challenge me."
Tanaka couldn’t help but admire the fire in Hakan’s eyes. There was something about him—something that went beyond strength and skill. It was his unwavering belief in himself, his unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
"Impressive," Tanaka muttered, leaning back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities. "You’ve got the spirit of a true champion. But becoming the strongest isn’t something that can be achieved overnight. It requires more than just physical strength—it requires discipline, strategy, and most importantly, the ability to lead."
Hakan nodded, his determination unshaken. "I know. And that’s why I want to form a guild. A guild that will help me reach that goal. I need people who are just as driven, just as relentless, to stand by my side."
Tanaka paused for a moment, contemplating Hakan’s words. "A guild, huh?" he said, his voice thoughtful. "You’re ambitious. But to create a guild, you need more than just strength. You need to lead, and that requires more than just power. You need to inspire others, to guide them, to show them that you’re worthy of being their leader."
Hakan’s gaze didn’t waver. "I will earn their respect. I will prove to them that I am worthy of leading them to greatness."
Tanaka’s eyes softened slightly, a hint of respect creeping into his expression. "I believe you, Hakan. You have the potential to do great things. But remember—becoming the strongest isn’t just about defeating your enemies. It’s about overcoming your own limitations and pushing beyond what you thought was possible."
Hakan nodded again, his determination unwavering. "I understand. And I won’t stop until I’ve reached the top."
Tanaka leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more personal tone. "Hakan, you remind me of myself when I was your age. I, too, sought to become the strongest. But I came to realize that strength comes in many forms. It’s not just about power. It’s about the people you protect, the lives you change, and the legacy you leave behind."
Hakan took in Tanaka’s words, understanding their weight. "I will remember that," he said quietly.
The meeting ended soon after, with Tanaka extending his hand to Hakan. "I look forward to seeing what you achieve, Hakan. The Hero Accord will be watching closely."
Hakan shook his hand firmly, a silent promise in his eyes. "Thank you. I won’t disappoint you."
As Hakan left the room, Tanaka watched him go, his thoughts still on the young hero. There was something about Hakan that intrigued him, something that set him apart from the others. Tanaka had met many heroes in his time, but Hakan was different. He had the heart of a true champion, and if anyone could become the strongest hero, it would be him. Tanaka couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of admiration for the young man who had just walked out of his office.
As Hakan left the office, Ishida, the official from the tower, greeted him with a calm nod. “Follow me,” Ishida instructed, guiding Hakan down a quiet, glass-paneled hallway. "Your hero license is ready, but there are some details we need to finalize."
Curious but composed, Hakan followed the man until they reached a large, high-tech conference room. Ishida ushered him inside, where several screens displayed news updates and reports. Officials buzzed around, all eager to discuss the next steps.
“You’ve been declared a six-star hero, Hakan,” Ishida said, his voice tinged with respect. “A Titanic hero. The news will be broadcast across the country. Your name will go down in history, especially for your actions during the tower incident. You cleared that tower like no one else, and now the entire nation knows your name.”
Hakan stood still, taking it all in. The room felt overwhelming, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about becoming a public figure. He knew this moment would change everything. He had always wanted to be the strongest hero, but the recognition was more than he had expected.
“There’s just one thing,” Hakan said, his voice steady but firm. “I don’t want this broadcast to go global. Just in the city. This city I saved, Shizumi—that’s all.”
Ishida raised an eyebrow. "You’re requesting that the broadcast be limited to just this city? Why?"
Hakan’s eyes were cold, his resolve unwavering. “I don’t want the world to know who I am just yet. I’m not ready for that. Let them know what I’ve done for Shizumi, but no more than that. This is my city. The rest of the world doesn’t need to know me.”
Ishida was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “Understood. You are a six-star hero now, and as such, you have that right. This broadcast will be contained to Shizumi and won’t go beyond that, as per your request.”
Hakan paused for a moment before speaking again. “One more thing.”
Ishida looked at him with a slight tilt of his head. “Yes?”
“I want a mask,” Hakan said. “A long black mask, one that covers my face entirely. Only then will I allow myself to be seen by the public. I want to remain anonymous, at least for now.”
Ishida studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Of course, that can be arranged. The Hero Accord will provide whatever you need for your appearance. But it’s not just about the mask—it’s about what you stand for. You’ve proven yourself to be more than a hero. You’ve become an icon. And now, the city will know you as one.”
With that, the arrangements were made. The broadcast would air only within the city limits, and Hakan’s identity would remain hidden beneath a black mask. He would remain a mysterious figure, his face concealed, and only his actions would speak for him.
The news quickly spread across Shizumi, with locals buzzing about the new six-star hero who had saved their city. The Hero Accord's decision to honor Hakan's strength and bravery was a momentous one. The broadcast aired, showing footage of the tower incident, the battle with the monster, and the aftermath. Hakan’s face, hidden behind the sleek black mask, was shown only in flashes, his figure moving with a sense of purpose and power.
Meanwhile, at Alaric’s home, the celebration began. Alaric, Sylvia, and the others gathered around, their faces lit up by the glow of the television. When Hakan’s masked figure appeared on the screen, there was an eruption of cheers.
“He did it,” Alaric said, his voice full of pride. “He’s a Titanic hero now, just like he always wanted.”
Sylvia smiled softly, a deep sense of satisfaction in her expression. “I knew he was destined for greatness.”
The group raised their glasses in a toast, celebrating Hakan’s triumph. The city of Shizumi had a new hero—a masked figure whose strength was now known to the world, but whose true identity remained a mystery. The broadcast might have been limited to just this city, but its impact would resonate far beyond. Hakan had proven himself, not just as a hero, but as a force to be reckoned with.
And as the night wore on, they all knew that this was just the beginning of Hakan’s journey—one where the challenges would grow more difficult, and his resolve would be tested in ways they couldn’t yet imagine.