The day started like any other at the Central Hero Academy—until Ryu Nox raised the alarm:
— "Dude... she's coming our way," he whispered, eyes locked on Annie.
Annie walked confidently, her golden hair swaying gently in the breeze. She stopped in front of them with a warm smile.
— "Hey, Ryu. Hey, Ethan. Have you seen Ryan?"
Ethan pointed with his thumb:
— "He's in the bathroom. Should be out any second now."
A few moments later, Ryan appeared. His hair was still a little messy, his expression calm. As he approached the group, Annie stepped forward.
— "You got home and didn't reply to my messages! I was worried, you know?" she said with a slight pout of disapproval.
Ryan scratched his neck, embarrassed.
— "Sorry... I passed out as soon as I got home. I was exhausted."
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a stir in the crowd. Everyone turned toward the main entrance.
— "Inavy Stormbreak?!" some students whispered in shock.
The Number One Hero walked calmly through the corridor, his gaze firm. In his hand was a lunchbox.
— "Ethan, you forgot your lunchbox. Your mom nearly killed me for it. Said if you ate at the cafeteria again, she'd make me sleep on the couch," Inavy joked.
Then he turned to Ryu.
— "What's up, Ryu. Looking sharp, huh? More than Kelvin... Must've learned that from your uncle Lorien, right? I like it."
Ryu grinned wide:
— "I've always been the better-looking Nox. With a dash of Valtier flair, of course."
But in the next moment, Inavy froze. An aura hit him like a silent windstorm. His eyes locked onto Ryan. Something dormant… dense… was there.
Inside Inavy, the presence of Nion whispered:
— Impossible... that aura... is coming from this boy?
Inavy narrowed his eyes, staring intensely at Ryan.
Ryan froze. His thoughts raced:
— Wait... Inavy Stormbreak... is staring at me?!
Inavy stepped closer.
— "You there. What's your name?"
— "R-Ryan Valeborn, sir," Ryan replied, tense.
Inavy smiled and shook Ryan's hand firmly.
— "I like you, kid. Glad Ethan has friends like this." He looked at his son. "Ethan, Daddy loves you, okay? I'm out!"
And just like that, he left—with the same dazzling charisma he came in with.
Ethan, visibly embarrassed, blushed:
— "Dumb old man…"
Some students stared at Ryan with jealousy. Whispers spread quickly through the room.
Annie approached, giggling:
— "Looks like Number One really likes you, Ryan…"
Far off, Kane watched it all, his eyes darkening with jealousy. His fists clenched tightly.
Back in the classroom, Ryan felt the weight of everyone's stares.
Ethan leaned over and whispered:
— "The whole vibe in here changed… just because my dad said he liked you."
And then…
[SFX: Doors swing open with impact. Heavy footsteps echo.]
The President of the Hero Association, Lorien Valtier, entered the room—accompanied by Darius Valtier. The two radiated authority and an almost divine light.
Everyone stood, respectful and curious.
— "Good morning, young heroes," Lorien said, voice commanding. "Today, we'll talk about the most important Draft of the decade."