Water struck the tiled floor in a steady rhythm, like rainfall, but more intense. Steam curled in the air as the sound continued, then faded into silence with a metallic squeak. A few final droplets splashed against the floor before stopping altogether.

  A hand reached out, grasping a towel from a nearby hook. Moving it over his hair, then across his face and body, the man dried himself before wrapping the towel around his waist.

  He stepped toward the sink, wiping the mist-covered mirror with a smooth glide of his fingers. As the condensation cleared, a face emerged—wet black hair, thick eyebrows, deep brown eyes, a high-bridged nose, and smooth, milky skin. He picked up a toothbrush, scrubbing methodically before flashing a grin at his reflection. His teeth gleamed.

  “Handsome as always,” he muttered, winking at himself before walking out of the bathroom.

  His bedroom came into view—a bed with black covers, bookshelves, a brown wooden table, a full-length mirror, and a clothing rack lined with neatly arranged black suits. As he passed the mirror, his toned physique was reflected, the towel hanging low on his waist, revealing his defined abs.

  Pushing aside the suits, he retrieved a particular outfit. A white uniform with a black lapel and an insignia stitched on the breast pocket: Celestus Academy. Alongside it, black slacks with white edges made from thick yet flexible fabric.

  He dressed swiftly, then grabbed a pair of polished black shoes from the nearby rack. Once ready, he stood before the mirror, nodding at his 180 cm frame with a satisfied smile.

  After a final check, he left his room, grabbing a sleek black bracelet from the table near the door. It resembled a watch but carried far more significance. As he fastened it around his wrist and stepped into the living room, his gaze swept across the modern decor—dark leather couches, paintings, vases, and a grand piano. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the cityscape, a dense skyline shrouded in morning mist. The sun was still hidden beyond the horizon.

  A vibration on his wrist drew his attention. With a tap on the bracelet, a faint glow pulsed, followed by the emergence of a holographic screen.

  "The opening ceremony will begin in one hour. Make sure to arrive on time and do not lose your Aether Brace, as it is required for Student Identity Confirmation." The smooth, mechanical voice of an AI assistant echoed as the message displayed.

  He dismissed the screen and exited his suite, stepping into the waiting elevator. As the doors slid shut, a mounted screen flickered to life.

  “Good morning, everyone!” A man in a sharp navy-blue suit grinned at the camera. “I’m your morning host, Turner, and with me is my lovely co-host, Suri.”

  “Hello, everyone!” Suri, a middle-aged woman with a composed expression, greeted. “Let’s jump right into today’s headlines.”

  Turner chuckled. “With only an hour left before the Celestus Academy opening ceremony, the excitement is at an all-time high! And let me tell you, this year’s new batch of students is something special.”

  “You’re absolutely right,” Suri nodded, turning toward the camera. “We have some truly outstanding talents this year, and their futures as Heroes seem all but certain.”

  “There’s Lyka the Lyrical, who can hypnotize opponents with just her words. Carlo the Ultra Potential, who possesses limitless physical growth. Michelle the Sword Piercer, whose attacks can cut through nearly anything.” Turner listed each name with enthusiasm before pausing for emphasis. “And lastly, Dianne, the Soul Absorber—daughter of Sentinel City’s mayor.”

  As their voices filled the enclosed space, the elevator descended. Metal beams rushed past the transparent side panels before giving way to a breathtaking view of Sentinel City's towering skyline. Beyond the horizon, the first streaks of dawn stretched across the sky, bathing the buildings in a soft, golden glow.

  Echo Maxwell stepped closer to the glass, his gaze fixed downward. The streets were already alive with people moving along the sidewalks, entering and exiting buildings, while vehicles streamed along the roads. The elevator was soundproof, but he could easily imagine the city’s bustling noise below.

  “Dianne has been a standout ever since receiving her Superpower,” Suri continued. “Many believe she could skip Superpower School entirely and go straight into Hero work.”

  “As expected from the Princess,” Turner chuckled. “Let’s just hope none of them take a wrong turn and end up as Villains.”

  Suri’s expression darkened. “Speaking of Villains, a new organization has surfaced recently. They call themselves—”

  The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. Echo stepped into the grand hotel lobby, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh coffee filling the air.

  As he walked past, the attendants straightened their postures and offered respectful bows.

  “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.”

  “Good morning, Sir Echo.”

  He returned their greetings with a polite nod and an easy smile. Having resided in the top-floor suite for two years, he had become a well-recognized figure among the staff.

  Exiting through the automatic doors, he was immediately greeted by the symphony of the city—honking cars, hurried footsteps, and a thousand conversations blending into the morning air.

  In front of the hotel, a sleek black car waited. Standing beside it was a towering figure, over two meters tall, with muscles straining against his tailored suit. A bald head, thin eyebrows, small eyes, and slightly tanned skin completed his formidable appearance.

  The man bowed. “Good morning, Sir Echo.”

  “Morning, Gordo.” Echo’s eyes flicked to the vehicle. “Just a normal one today?”

  “A very normal one, just as you requested.” Gordo tapped the hood, producing a solid metallic thud.

  “Careful, or you’ll dent it.” Echo smirked.

  “Haha, my bad.” Gordo scratched the back of his head before opening the door. “Please, step in.”

  “Thanks.” Echo slid into the car, settling into the comfortable leather seat.

  “To the Academy, sir?” Gordo asked as he climbed into the driver’s seat.

  “Yes, to Celestus.” Echo gazed out the window as the car pulled away, the towering skyscrapers blurring past them. The city was alive, and the day had only just begun.

  …

  Celestus Academy was more than a school; it was an institution designed to nurture Heroes.

  Stepping out of the vehicle as Gordo held the door open, Echo Maxwell gazed at the building where he would be studying. Only one word came to mind to describe it: Fortress. The main building was a massive structure with sleek, aerodynamic lines that gave it a futuristic look. Shimmering glass and reinforced steel reflected the sunlight, casting brilliance on the ground. The polished stone pathways led to various parts of the campus, creating an organized and structured environment.

  Echo glanced at the towering spires surrounding the main building, their surfaces glowing intermittently.

  The academy was adorned with lush, carefully trimmed gardens filled with vibrant flora that radiated peace and calm. Encircling the campus was a light blue, transparent dome—an energy-efficient barrier exuding a protective aura. Holographic displays floated in the air from time to time, showing news, motivational messages, and celebrating the school’s Heroes and their achievements.

  The parking lot was filled with vehicles, ranging from the modest to the incredibly expensive. The people stepping out of them all moved in the same direction—toward the entrance of Celestus.

  Echo observed the students who had passed the Examination, all wearing the same uniform as him. His eyes scrutinized each one until a nudge on his shoulder made him turn toward the two-meter-tall, muscle-packed figure beside him.

  "What is it?" he asked.

  "That young woman is into you," Gordo said with a mischievous smile, nodding toward a woman in the distance who was looking in their direction.

  Echo followed his gaze and, sure enough, someone was staring intently at him. She had black twintails, glasses perched on her small nose, and sparkling eyes that seemed to pierce his soul. She wore the Celestus female uniform, clutching books in her arms. It was only the start of the school year, yet she was already hugging books—a peculiar sight.

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  "Ignore her," he said, sighing as he narrowed his eyes at the peculiar nerd.

  "I think a smart woman would suit you, Sir," Gordo remarked, watching as the young woman turned and walked toward the entrance.

  "That's enough," Echo said with a faint smile. "I should get going now. Do whatever you want for the moment. I'll call you when I need you."

  "Alright!" Gordo nodded.

  …

  Echo entered the main building of Celestus Academy alongside the other students who had passed the exam. The first thing that caught his eye was the colossal statue in the center of the hall.

  The statue stood at the heart of the main hall, sculpted from gold that shimmered in the sunlight. Its fists were clenched and raised above its head, as if celebrating victory. The eyes bore an expression of determination, radiating firmness and absolute might. Every intricate detail of the suit, from the ridges of the armor to the emblem of The Fist etched into the chest, was masterfully depicted. The cape, frozen mid-billow behind the statue’s back, captured the dramatic flow of the wind.

  Around the statue, holographic screens floated, showcasing the feats of the living legend. He had punched a hole through a hundred-meter-tall Untamed that resembled a mythological dragon, razed a city of Undead with a single kick, and pushed back a falling meteor—feat after feat displayed for all to see.

  Passersby stopped in their tracks, marveling at the number one Hero. Their eyes shifted back and forth between the floating screens.

  Echo glanced at the base of the otherworldly statue, where a stone slab was raised. The slab held a simple inscription identifying the golden figure.

  "The World Breaker Herman," he muttered, a small, cold smile playing on his lips—mocking.

  Following the crowd, he walked past the statue and into the stadium where the opening ceremony would be held.

  As Echo entered the venue, his Aether Brace vibrated, and a translucent screen hovered over it, words materializing before him.

  "Identity Confirmed. Echo Maxwell, Normal Hero. Please proceed to seat F-10."

  Echo glanced around, quickly spotting his seat in the back row among the hundreds of benches.

  Nothing surprising.

  He walked toward his seat and sat down. He was the first to arrive in his section, though other students were slowly filling the venue. Their voices echoed, giving the area a lively buzz.

  As he waited for the ceremony to begin, the crowd suddenly erupted in excitement.

  News spread quickly, reaching Echo's ears.

  "They’re here! That’s Lyka the Lyrical! And Carlo the Ultra Potential! And Michelle the Sword Piercer…"

  Echo recognized a few familiar names. Glancing toward the entrance, he saw them: two women and one man. The women were deep in conversation, clearly ignoring the red-haired, thin young man who was trying to insert himself into their discussion. These were the so-called fated heroes, famous even before becoming Official Heroes due to their potential and abilities. While there were other fated ones, these three were the most well-known in Sentinel City.

  However, what truly captured everyone's attention—what truly captured his—was the next person who entered the stadium.

  "Dianne...," Echo muttered.

  Her black hair, dark as the night sky, cascaded down to her waist. Her eyes resembled the universe itself, yet "Death" was the word that best described them. She wore the female Celestus Academy uniform, nearly identical to the men’s, except with a blue lapel instead of black and blue edges on the slacks.

  The young men around him were awestruck by her beauty. Even Echo couldn’t deny it.

  Dianne glanced at her Aether Brace, expressionless, before walking to her seat. She moved with the stillness of water, revealing no emotion.

  Echo followed her movements, not wanting to miss a second. Then, he felt a piercing gaze tugging at his heart. It was the same gaze he had felt in the parking lot, but this time, there was something else…

  He turned toward the woman sitting beside Dianne, and their eyes met. Echo quickly looked away from the nerd. She was pouting, her knuckles white as she clutched her books tightly, her gaze still fixed on him even though he was now looking at the platform in the distance.

  Thankfully, someone soon sat beside him, and big enough for the gaze to vanish—likely because she could no longer see him. Echo smiled in relief. He didn’t want to feel that suffocating sensation again. But he was going to make sure that she would taste her own medicine—in a different way.

  Echo, along with the others, waited for all the chairs to be filled. Once the scheduled time arrived, the entrance doors shut tight.

  A person walked onto the stage, stopping in front of the podium where a floating orb hovered above.

  "Welcome, new aspiring heroes." A man's voice echoed through the stadium, causing the passers to sit up straight at his words.

  Echo Maxwell stared at the figure standing on stage, positioned in front of a podium with a hovering orb above it.

  Wearing a dark blue suit and tie, sleek black hair, and glasses perched on his nose, the speaker exuded a scholarly air as he continued his speech.

  "Year 2090. You have passed the examination to study at this academy—Celestus Academy—where most of the world's prominent heroes have emerged. You stand here because you are the best of the best. Each of you has faced trials, pushed beyond your limits, and proven yourselves worthy just to step onto this sacred ground. Today, we celebrate not just your entry into this prestigious institution but the beginning of your journey toward greatness!"

  The speaker adjusted his glasses, his eyes sweeping over the passers, momentarily lingering on the Fated Heroes.

  Echo looked around as the speaker's voice reverberated alongside the applause from the other passers. Besides the students, he noticed guards in black armored suits, pulse rifles in hand. Some stood straight, while others moved around—well-organized yet laid-back in their mannerisms.

  "But let me remind you," the speaker continued, "this is no ordinary school. Here, you will train your mind, body, and spirit. You will confront challenges far greater than any you have faced before. Villains, Untamed, Fragments of the World Rocks, and your own weaknesses—they are your enemies. Some of you may be blessed with extraordinary powers, while others wield nothing but sheer determination—" He paused, his gaze shifting toward the back of the stadium.

  Echo felt the weight of countless stares land on him and the other passers seated in his section. Two rows at the very back of the hall had attracted attention for a few moments before the audience’s focus returned to the stage.

  While others wield nothing but their great determination... Maxwell thought, glancing at his fellow non-powered passers. They listened intently, determination shining in their eyes. He must be referring to us—the Normal Heroes.

  "However, know this," the speaker declared, "your strength is not measured by the power in your hands but by the fire in your heart!" His words spurred a round of excited applause from the students.

  Echo clapped half-heartedly. There was nothing more boring to him than speeches, which only made him more eager for the other 'event' to begin.

  He glanced at his Aether Brace, noting that the time for it was approaching. Out of curiosity, he leaned slightly to the right, peeking past the big guy beside him to steal a glance at the nerd.

  The moment his gaze landed on her, the nerd whipped her head around, glaring at him with wide eyes.

  Maxwell leaned back, pretending not to notice. Between the boring speeches and her suffocating stares, the handsome young man closed his eyes as the speaker droned on with his scripted orations. He wondered how many times these words had been repeated over the years.

  "...The road ahead is grueling. But the legacy of heroes who have passed through these halls—World Breaker Herman, Dawnbringer Sylva, and so many others—proves that it is possible. One day, your name could stand among them. So, I ask you today: Are you ready to become the hero the world needs? Are you ready to go beyond your limits and reach for something greater?" The speaker's voice rose, his eyes scanning the passers with anticipation. "If so, then welcome to Celestus Academy. Welcome to the beginning of your legend."

  Another round of applause reverberated through the venue—this time more animated, strong, and filled with evident excitement for the future.

  The speaker stepped back with a proud expression. No matter how many times he delivered the speech, he couldn’t help but feel satisfied, seeing the new batch look at him with admiration.

  Another person took the stage, stepping in front of the podium.

  "I will now introduce your instructors according to your section. Take note, the non-powers will have two instructors to help ensure they don’t fall behind the rest. Let's start with the instructor for Section A—Instructor…"

  The person on stage began introducing the instructor for Section A, where those who scored the highest on the exam were placed. This was also the section where the Fated Heroes were located.

  Echo opened his eyes, glancing at his Aether Brace before refocusing on the stage. His arms were crossed in front of him, fingers tapping the side of his left arm. Unlike before, he was now interested in the instructors being introduced.

  From Section A all the way to Section E, Echo listened intently as each instructor was introduced. They gave short speeches, introducing themselves and sharing their expectations for the students—a very common practice.

  Echo focused on the instructors, each one a certified Hero with feats to back up their reputation. While not as famous as World Breaker Herman, they each had their own unique strengths and were well-known in Sentinel City.

  Finally, it was time for Section F. A man and a woman took the stage, both wearing the Academy’s instructor uniform: black suits with gold trim, while the woman had silver lining on hers.

  Naturally, the boys stared at the woman, and Echo was no different. His eyes ignored all the other details, focusing solely on the two "mountains" that seemed ready to burst from her uniform.

  "Such monstrosities," the big fellow beside him muttered.

  "Yeah," Echo nodded in agreement. At the same time, jealousy and envy were directed toward them, though it was understandable.

  The men in Section F could barely focus on the speeches of their instructors, their minds preoccupied with the "mountains" in front of them.

  As the two instructors left the stage, the men shook their heads, trying to dispel their fantasies.

  "Now that you know who your instructors are, you may proceed to your dorms. All necessities are provided. All you need to do is do your best to study and become the next Official Hero of our city!"

  The new students of Celestus Academy stood up from their seats, clapping enthusiastically.

  Echo clapped as well, a smile on his face as his eyes landed on the nerd in the distance.

  This time, the nerd wasn’t paying attention to him. Instead, she was focused intently on the person beside her—the Fated Hero, Dianne the Soul Absorber.

  Maxwell glanced at his Aether Brace, his smile widening. "It’s time."

  Suddenly, a powerful explosion shook the venue!

  Screams and sirens echoed as smoke poured into the stadium.

  Echo looked toward Section A, and sure enough, the nerd was already gone—along with the Sentinel City princess. The other students quickly noticed and began calling for the instructors, but they were already preoccupied, facing off against a group of people dressed in black outfits commonly seen in circuses and talent shows—magician attire that covered their entire bodies.

  "That's the Magician Hats!" someone recognized, and the news spread quickly.