When Vincent Fox stepped through the glowing portal, the world around him shifted in an instant. A kaleidoscope of colors swirled everywhere, as if he'd entered a dream.
"Please select the hero you wish to resonate with…" a calm prompt intoned.
Portraits of countless heroes appeared before him. Vincent didn't glance at the S-Class, A-Class, or B-Class sections. He knew exactly who he wanted and scrolled straight to the C-Class roster.
Soon, an odd, vacant-eyed bald youth materialized before him: Saitama.
His heart pounding, Vincent selected Saitama in a heartbeat.
In the next moment, the scene changed to a pristine white void and there stood the Bald Caped Demon King himself, Saitama.
Vincent flinched, then steadied himself and stared at the hero with hopeful anticipation. Saitama, in turn, gave him a long, appraising look.
After a beat, Saitama spoke. "It's been a while. You're the first person to pick me."
Vincent's jaw dropped. He'd been told heroes never spoke more than necessary: if they approved, resonance happened; if not, they ignored you. Why was Saitama breaking the rule?
Before he could reply, Saitama asked, "What do you want my power for?"
Vincent realized this question would decide everything. He paused, then answered simply, "I want to become a hero."
No grand speeches just honesty. In Saitama's original story, heroism was merely a personal hobby, not a lofty crusade. Vincent was betting honesty would strike a chord.
Silence reigned. Then Saitama cracked a smile. "Then be a proper hero. Don't disgrace the title."
With that, Saitama's form dissolved into a beam of light that surged into Vincent. A chime rang in Vincent's mind:
"Congratulations! You have successfully resonated with C-Class hero Bald Caped Demon King and gained the 'Saitama Physique'!Saitama Physique: Through a fixed training regimen, you can grow infinitely stronger!"
Back in the Heroic Sanctuary's main hall, Ms. Helena Hayes heard excited shouts.
"The portal lit up!"
"It's Vincent Fox he did it!"
She whirled around, her heart racing, only to see the portal glowing not purple (A-Class), red (S-Class), or green (B-Class), but gray.
"What's gray? Which class is that?"
"I thought there were only purple, green, and red lights!"
"Gray? I've never heard of gray before…"
Students buzzed with curiosity; Ms. Hayes's smile vanished. She knew all too well that gray signified C-Class resonance. Years ago someone had bonded with Mumen Rider top C-Class hero and become a national punchline.
Better to fail outright than become a laughingstock. She scowled.
Nearby teachers overheard and smirked, clearly enjoying the spectacle. The hall erupted in whispers:
"So gray means C-Class? Learned something today."
"Fox actually chose a C-Class hero?"
"Is he nuts? Even if he gets into college, it'll be some no-name school."
"I thought he got lucky and bonded with someone awesome…"
"I'd rather fail than pick a useless C-Class."
"Look the principal's face! He's furious. Fox is in hot water now."
Vincent Fox stood calmly at the portal's edge, clutching his new power and bracing himself for whatever mockery awaited.