One week after the combat exams, the atmosphere at Lionel Academy reached its boiling point.
Hundreds of first-years packed themselves around the main bulletin board, breathless and anxious. The selection for the Hero Department—the most prestigious course in Vornis—was about to be revealed.
Only twelve students were accepted each year.Only the best.Only the gifted.
Whispers crackled through the crowd:
"Did Astra place first?""Bam or Gray for second?""Roger might barely scrape in…""I heard Raze Arcwell showed up with crazy swords… but there's no way a powerless kid gets in, right?"
The holographic board flickered.
A hush dropped over the courtyard, swallowing every sound.
Then—
The results appeared.
Lionel Academy — Hero Department (First Year Selection)
1st — Astra Noire
2nd — Gray Howitzer
3rd — Bam Relic
4th — Rain Lancelot
5th — Kaine Kaiser
6th — Zack Kreiger
7th — Selene Ward8th — Alren Frost
9th — Mira Goldhart10th — Felix Cinder
11th — Naomi Crest
12th — Roger Castellan
13th (Special Admission) — Raze Arcwell
Silence.
And then—
BOOM!
The courtyard exploded into shouts.
"THIRTEEN!? They added a 13th seat!?""Special admission—seriously!?""That's never happened before!""Why HIM!?""He's powerless!!""Arcwell money bought him a spot, obviously!"
Some were angry.Some were shocked.Some were just confused.
But some defended him—
"Did you see him fight!? He beat those robots without powers!""Abyss Alloy blades! Are you insane!? He's a monster!""That footwork… even instructors looked impressed."
Roger's Entrance
Roger came barreling through the students like a missile.
"RAZE!! LET'S GOOOOO!!"He jumped and hugged him so hard Raze nearly toppled.
Raze chuckled. "Easy, Roger. I still need my ribs intact."
Roger wiped imaginary tears."I knew it… the hero class needed a little Roger seasoning."
"And a powerless idiot for contrast?" Raze teased.
"Hey! Watch it, dual-blade demon."Roger grinned wildly."We're classmates. You can't escape me now."
Suddenly—
A deep, commanding voice cut through the noise.
"It wasn't a gift."
The courtyard froze as Principal Ricardo Leonel strode forward, his coat flowing like a mantle of authority.
Students instinctively straightened.
This was a man who could silence an army.
Principal Leonel Speaks
"I have heard whispers," he began, eyes sharp."Whispers that Raze Arcwell was admitted through wealth… or influence."
A couple of students flinched.
Leonel's gaze hardened.
"You are wrong."
A ripple tore through the crowd.
"The Hero Department is not a place for power alone," he continued."A hero stands not on their birthright—but on courage, discipline, and intent."
He turned toward Raze.
"Raze Arcwell fought without Nexas, without enhancement, against machines designed to overpower most first-years."
His voice lowered, but carried like thunder.
"He defeated them through skill, intellect, and unwavering resolve.""Not because of privilege, but because he earned it."
Astra Noire watched intently, her golden eyes studying Raze.Gray Howitzer gave a small nod of respect.Bam grinned.Zack didn't speak—but he didn't argue.Even Selene smiled shyly.
"I chose to admit thirteen students this year," Leonel concluded."And I expect all thirteen to prove themselves worthy.Let the world witness what a powerless human can become."
The courtyard roared again—not in anger this time,but in awe.
Reactions
Astra stepped forward, her voice calm but sharp.
"Arcwell. You fought well. Don't disappoint yourself now."
Bam clapped him on the back."We're rivals now, yeah? Don't fall behind."
Zack crossed his arms."Tch. Just don't slow the rest of us down."
Rain smiled warmly."I believe you earned your place."
Roger pointed both thumbs at Raze."My boy is built DIFFERENT!"
Raze took a slow breath, his heart steady.
He had done it.
The boy born without Nexas…had stepped into the Hero Department.
But the moment of peace didn't last long.
Roger nudged him."Ready for homeroom?"
Raze nodded.
Across the courtyard, a woman with silver hair and ice-cold eyes watched them.
Professor Celeste Ardyn.
The teacher who would shape—and shake—the entire class.
The real journey was just beginning.