The gates of the Hero Academy were more crowded than ever.
Ryan Valeborn walked in with his registration form in hand, feeling anxiety dance in his chest. He looked around and saw hundreds of youths, each with dreams, powers, influential families.And there he was — the boy with no aura.
In the middle of the crowd, a girl stumbled and dropped her form. Ryan quickly bent down to help.
— "Here you go..." — he said, handing the paper with a shy smile. His eyes caught the name:
"Abby Fountier."
His mind blinked in recognition.
The daughter of Antoine Fountier… the greatest hero in France?
— "Thanks," — Abby replied lightly. — "This always happens... my form acts like it has a life of its own."
— "No problem!" — Ryan scratched the back of his neck, a little awkward. — "So, you're joining too?"
— "Of course. My power's kind of… complicated. I can only use it twice a day."
— "Wait, what?"
— "It's called Satellite Heart. My heart is literally a technological core that connects to special satellites. It converts emotions into offensive energy. But if I use it more than twice... I could die."
— "That's... incredible. And dangerous."
They exchanged curious looks, then walked together toward the auditorium.
On stage, Lorien Valtier adjusted the mic while the crowd settled. Ryan looked around until he saw two arms waving in the crowd — Ethan and Ryu were calling him over.
Ryan smiled and ran to them.
— "Dude, we were looking for you," — said Ryu, throwing an arm over his shoulder.
— "I was helping Antoine Fountier's daughter," — Ryan explained.
— "Forget that! You're with the son of the second strongest hero on the planet now! Ryu Nox, my man!" — Ryu said, pointing to himself like a celebrity.
Ethan rolled his eyes.
— "You really like showing off, don't you?"
— "Says the son of Inavy Stormbreak and grandson of Ray Stormbreak," — Ryan shot back playfully.
People nearby turned to glare at them.
— "Shhh! Can you guys shut up?!" — someone from the row in front scolded.
Ethan pulled up his hoodie and pretended he wasn't there.Ryu put on headphones that weren't even connected.Ryan just smiled and made a gesture of apology.
— "Sorry. We'll keep it down..."
On stage, Lorien began his speech:
— "Welcome to the National Draft.This isn't just an event… it's the start of a new cycle.Tomorrow's heroes will be forged today."
The auditorium fell into absolute silence.
— "This year, the Draft will consist of four main stages. Listen closely."
1. Speed Challenge – "Lightning Run"
— "The goal is simple: finish the course in the shortest time possible," — Lorien explained.— "But the track will reconstruct in real time. Machines, traps, robots, illusions... everything made to knock you out of the race."
Ryan already felt his legs trembling.
2. Battle IQ Test – "War Chess"
— "Here, we'll test your tactical intelligence.You'll control illusionary troops and can only use real attacks during key moments.The first to conquer the Central Core or defeat the enemy wins."
Ryu nudged Ryan.
— "Hope I get matched with you for this one. You're the nerd of the group."
Ryan chuckled nervously.
3. Squad Battle Royale – "Conflict Zone"
— "Teams of 3 to 5.One team will be designated as 'the villains' and get an initial advantage.You'll have to capture zones, protect allies, or gather relics."
Scoring System:
+100 for a direct win+50 for an assist+25 per captured zone–50 for attacking an ally
— "At the end of this stage, the player with the highest score will secure a guaranteed spot in the solo semifinals," — Lorien concluded.
4. Solo Duels – "Duel of Destiny"
— "The top 8 scorers — or those chosen by the masters — will enter a knockout bracket.But... the winner of that bracket must face last year's champion."
The big screen displayed an image of Dante Valtier, vice-captain of the Guild of a Thousand Lights.
Ryu shouted:
— "Oh crap! I'm so not ready for this!"
Ryan asked, confused:
— "Why?"
Ryu groaned:
— "That guy's my cousin.He's an insanely skilled swordsman, trained by my dad…and worst of all — he knows all my moves."
Ryan smiled.
Ethan shook his head.
— "My dad fought Tyrus, and I'm scared of some red-haired swordsman?I'm screwed…"
The crowd laughed, breaking the tension.
Lorien smiled from the stage.
— "Get ready, future heroes.It's about to begin… the greatest Draft of all time."
Ryan took a deep breath. His heart pounded — not from fear, but from purpose.He remembered what Inavy had told him:
"You'll show the world that even someone with no aura can become a hero."
The time was now.