The Beginning of the Greatest Draft
[Morning – Central Hero Academy]
The gates of the Central Hero Academy had never seen such a crowd. Reporters hovered at the fences, drones filmed from the sky, and every young hero in the nation seemed to have gathered in one place — each with the same burning dream.
Ryan Valeborn tightened his grip on the registration form in his hand. His heart beat a little faster with every step. All around him were the children of legacy — heirs of famous heroes, noble families, and powerhouses whose names made the world tremble.
And among them… stood him.
The boy with no aura.
He adjusted his jacket and forced a breath. "Let's just… do this."
As he stepped forward, a girl up ahead stumbled. Her papers scattered across the ground. Without thinking, Ryan rushed to help, kneeling beside her.
"Here you go," he said softly, handing her form back. His eyes caught the name at the top.
Abby Fountier.
Wait. Fountier? As in Antoine Fountier — the greatest hero in France?
"Thanks," Abby said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "This always happens. It's like the paper has a personal vendetta against me."
Ryan chuckled. "No problem. So… you're joining the Draft too?"
"Of course. My power's a little complicated though," she said with a faint smile. "I can only use it twice a day."
Ryan blinked. "Twice?"
"It's called Satellite Heart. My heart's an artificial core — it connects to special satellites in orbit. It converts emotion into offensive energy. But if I use it more than twice…" Her expression dimmed. "…I die."
Ryan's eyes widened. "That's… incredible. And terrifying."
She laughed lightly. "Yeah, I get that a lot."
The two shared a brief, quiet look before walking toward the grand auditorium together. Inside, hundreds of participants filled the seats — a sea of nerves, ego, and anticipation.
Up on stage, Lorien Valtier stood by the podium, adjusting the microphone. His Royal blue suit gleamed beneath the lights, his presence commanding and calm.
Ryan searched the crowd — and spotted two familiar hands waving. Ethan and Ryu were calling him over.
"Finally!" Ryu grinned as Ryan reached them, throwing an arm around his shoulder. "Dude, where were you?"
"Helping someone," Ryan replied. "Antoine Fountier's daughter."
Ryu froze. "No way. You mean that Fountier? France's Number One?"
"Yeah," Ryan admitted awkwardly.
Ryu let out a dramatic sigh. "Forget that! You're standing next to the son of the second-strongest hero on the planet! Ryu Nox, my man!" He pointed both thumbs at himself.
Ethan rolled his eyes. "You seriously love hearing your own voice."
"Says the son of Inavy Stormbreak — grandson of Ray Stormbreak," Ryan teased.
Ethan groaned. "Can you not say that out loud—"
"Shhh! Some of us are trying to listen!" someone from the row in front hissed.
Ryu immediately put on headphones that weren't even plugged in. Ethan pulled up his hoodie to hide. Ryan just smiled apologetically at the annoyed students. "Sorry. We'll keep it down."
On stage, Lorien began to speak — his voice amplified and clear.
"Welcome, candidates, to the National Hero Draft."
The room fell silent. Every eye turned toward him.
"This isn't just an event," Lorien continued. "It's the beginning of a new era. Tomorrow's heroes will be forged… today."
Ryan felt his pulse quicken.
"This year," Lorien said, "the Draft will consist of four stages. Listen carefully."
Stage 1 – Speed Challenge: Lightning Run
"The goal is simple: finish the course in the shortest time possible. However—" His tone sharpened. "The course will rebuild itself in real time. Expect machines, traps, illusions, and drones. The path won't just test your speed… but your adaptability."
Ryan swallowed hard. He already felt his legs tense just imagining it.
Stage 2 – Battle IQ Test: War Chess
"This round will test your tactical mind. You'll command illusionary troops on a holographic battlefield. Real attacks will only be allowed during key moments. The first to conquer the Central Core… wins."
Ryu nudged Ryan with a smirk. "Guess who's counting on you, nerd?"
Ryan laughed under his breath. "If we end up on the same team, you're buying me dinner."
Stage 3 – Squad Battle Royale: Conflict Zone
"Teams of three to five," Lorien explained. "One team will be designated as the 'villains' and given an initial advantage. The rest must fight for control — capture zones, protect allies, or secure relics."
He gestured toward the big screen as the rules appeared:
Scoring System:
+100 points – Victory
+50 – Assist
+25 – Captured zone
–50 – Attacking an ally
"At the end of this stage," Lorien said, "the participant with the highest score will secure a guaranteed spot in the Solo Semifinals."
Ryan could hear murmurs ripple through the crowd — excitement, tension, fear.
Stage 4 – Solo Duels: Duel of Destiny
"The top eight scorers — or those handpicked by the Masters — will face each other in direct combat. But there's a twist."
The massive display shifted, showing the portrait of a red-haired warrior holding a gleaming sword.
"The champion of the previous Draft, Dante Valtier, will await in the final duel."
Ryu's jaw dropped. "Oh crap."
Ryan blinked. "What's wrong?"
Ryu buried his face in his hands. "He's my cousin! And he's a walking nightmare with a sword! My dad trained him himself — he knows every move I've got!"
Ryan chuckled. "Sounds like you're doomed."
Ethan leaned back, shaking his head. "My dad fought Tyrus and I'm scared of some red-haired swordsman? I'm seriously screwed."
The entire row around them burst into laughter, even earning a small smile from Lorien on stage.
"Get ready, future heroes," Lorien announced, raising his hand dramatically. "Because today marks the beginning of the greatest Draft of all time!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, a thunderous mix of adrenaline and dreams.
Ryan stood there quietly, clutching his form. He took one long breath — steady and deep.
He could still hear Inavy's voice in his mind.
"You'll show the world that even someone without aura… can become a hero."
Ryan smiled.
The time had come.
End of Chapter 10 – "The Beginning of the Greatest Draft"
"Every legend starts with one heartbeat — one that refuses to give up."