The air in the Core Hero training section of Heroversity felt… different—unnatural.
Not the kind of buzz from first‑day nerves, but literal Source currents humming through power cables and aura fields embedded into the floor.
The atmosphere buzzed with electricity—both literal and metaphorical. Students with all kinds of flashy powers zipped through hallways, teleporting through lockers, sparking with electricity, or phasing through walls like they owned the place.
Through all the chaos, Speed moved with purpose.
He wasn't running… yet. But his natural gait had the speed of someone with too many thoughts in his head and not enough time to process them.
The halls felt smaller than last year, like the building had shrunk around him. Or maybe he had just grown.
As he walked the hall, he could practically feel the draw of attention pulling at him from all over. Like demons of his own anxiety staring at him from every angle.
A random kid bumped his shoulder without even looking back; Speed just shook it off and kept moving.
He walked past groups of upperclassman pointing and whispering and snickering amongst themselves. Speed couldn't make out what they were saying. He tried to ignore and keep walking until a word sliced through the chatter.
"…Shockwave…"
That made his eye twitch. His insides jerked. He clenched his fist in silent irritation. But either way, he was only here for one reason.
He shook his head, bit his tongue with a cocky smirk and kept walking.
Then another one:
"…Trio…"
That one cut a bit deeper, his thoughts started to outrace him. Even as his breathing grew short and shallow, his smile still hadn't faded. He narrowed his eyes forward and increased his walking speed.
As he passed another group of teens, another word sliced through the noise.
"…weak…"
Now his composure started boiling into frustration.
What could they be talking about?
Don't they have anything better to do?
Why can't they just mind their own business.
As his thoughts ran at full speed, his smile started to falter. His shoulders dropped. His once confident stride grew more hesitant. Stiff. Rigid.
Still, he pressed forward.
But—
The last word sliced through the air like a dagger aimed right for his chest:
"…Tony…"
His heart sank, his gut twisted ever so slightly. His gaze fell to the floor as he came to a complete stop. He clutched his fists so hard his hands started to tremble. Then, after just a second, his smile reignited. "Sheesh, didn't think I'd be the life of the party so soon." He said as he loosened his shoulders, refocused his gaze and continued his march.
Speed rounded a corner. The noise of the main hall vanished like someone hitting mute on gossip.
Speed took a look around.
The lights dimmed to a reverent gold. The floor turned to black glass that reflected the ceiling like a night sky. Both walls stretched thirty feet high, alive with moving holograms—slow-spinning statues of light, each one a ghost of the strongest Heroes the world had ever produced.
At the top stood a digital banner that read:
The Memorial Hall.
Speed's boots echoed loud as he passed through with a curious step.
The first hologram towered above him. Outfit made of starfields. White glowing eyes that shinned like beacons of hope.
Underneath, the plaque floated in shifting text:
COSMIC
•First ever recorded S-Rank Power Wielder—Year 010 After Awakening
•Founder of Hero Nation
•Creator of the three world pillars during the great divide. "Humans are the mind. Heroes, the body. Nomads, the hands. Only when united is when the evil of the world is held at bay."
Speed exhaled through his nose as he kept a firm gaze on the past Hero. Even now, a hundred and twenty years later. His presence felt… mythic. Like he was gazing upon a god of the past.
He took a final nod and kept walking.
Next came another Hero, only spoken of through textbook and storytelling. Her fists blazing white-hot, hair drifting like solar flares.
STARBLAZE
•Author of the Hero Nation's "Serve and Protect" order—Year 035 AA.
•Her words became law. "A Heroes strength exists only to shield life. Not to dominate it."
That oath was carved into every Core Hero license. Speed heard it enough to almost memorize it by heart. His father held that message closer to his heart than possibly any other Hero alive. Possibly even to a fault.
Speed crossed his arms as he stared at the holo-gram.
So this is the lady Dad use to always talk about. To think she's the reason why Hero Society even means anything. I never knew that's what she looked like.
He narrowed his eyes at the still image, almost as if she was staring back at him.
Then he smiled.
Hm… she was kinda cute.
He turned back and continued his walk down the hall.
He passed a dozen more—less known names, but the statues still immortalized in the nations history.
Overload.
Nebula.
IronHeart.
There was a woman he'd never heard of who froze an entire ocean to stop a tidal beast.
A man who punched satellites out of orbit during the first tyrant uprising.
Heroes who never made the newsfeeds but kept the world spinning.
As he kept walking, the hall narrowed, the air seemed to almost grow colder, the figures started to look more familiar, more modern.
He started to pass through his own era.
Then came 4 more monuments—separate from the rest. 4 figures. All with familiar faces. Some too familiar.
These 4 faces are cemented at the top of all of human history. The 4 beacons of light during humanities darkest age… The Shattered World War.
A feral woman with soft tanned, caramel skin, tight-fit street clothes and white glowing claws—
Cat Girl—Former #4 S-Rank Hero.
A tall man with a lean, athletic build wearing a baby blue spandex outfit and a wide, goofy grin that only he could pull off.
Magic Man—Former #3 S-Rank Hero.
A hulking man with a long beard. His hologram shifted through various beastly forms.
Animal—Former #2 S-Rank Hero.
Finally came a man Speed knew all too well.
Tan skin, long silver hair spilling broad across his chest like a warrior's mane, trident tattoo plastered subtly down his neck, another across his back, and a smile so bright it seemed like it could cure depression itself.
Tony—Former #1 S-Rank Hero
Speed walked past the first 3 Heroes with little acknowledgment. Not because he didn't care but because he already knew everything there was to know about them. Their resumes were already common knowledge at this point.
Still, he took a a slight glance at each plaque as he walked past.
Even the few accolades that caught his eye seemed otherworldly to him.
•Youngest female Hero to achieve S-Rank status—Cat Girl
•Highest confirmed Villain takedowns during the war—216–Magic Man.
•Awarded Human Nation's greatest savior during the beast resurgence of 119 AA—Animal.
Each achievement more grand than the last, feats that Speed couldn't even imagine accomplishing. He would always feel a sudden pressure in his chest every time he thought about it.
But, his curiosity forced him to stop at the monument that meant most to him.
His father.
He couldn't help but see what was written about him. Was it propaganda? Slander? Lies? Or maybe some generic motivational quote that he never said before.
It was none of that. But after reading it, there was a feeling that crept into his nervous system that told him that he might've wished it was.
Tony—#1 S-Rank Hero
•Strongest power wielder the world had ever seen.
•The symbol that held global peace for almost 15 years.
•Blessed with the greatest gift known to mankind—the ability to manipulate Source itself.
• Used his divine power to breathe life into a dying world—supplying the energy of Source that gave power to cities, nations,
Speed slowly read through the plaque with wide eyes.
He shook his head as his eyes started to gloss over. A single tear fell from his face. "Dang… what a guy." He said with a crack in his voice.
Then he looked up at the hologram.
Even pixelated, it still felt like the man was standing right in front of him. As if Speed could feel his presence, his aura… his will.
Too many thoughts raced across his mind at once. All he could do was shake his head at the hologram. He kept staring, almost hoping he would do something. Show something.
A blink.
A wave.
A smile.
Something.
Anything.
Speed eyes started tearing up more. Then he looked away and covered his eyes. "Stop looking at me like that man! Your coolness is making me tear up."
"Darn it, dude." He said as he wiped his eyes. "I'm supposed to live up to this? How?"
His eyes glided across the plaque again, quickly skimming through every line twice. "How??"
"No literally… how?"
"Push ups?"
"Sit ups?"
"Pull ups?"
"How many?"
"Come on Dad, tell me. Don't be a gatekeeper. Nobody likes those type of people you know." He said with a tired smile.
"Just tell me… something."
He stared up at the hologram, eyes begging for him to answer. But all he got in return was stillness.
He shook his head again with desperation in his gaze. "What… am I… supposed to d—"
Something in the corner of his eye caught his attention.
A digital poster—every S-Rank Hero of the past 130 years standing together in one frame like they'd taken a group photo.
All smiling.
All pointing.
With a caption at the bottom that read: Will You Be Next?
Speed walked up and examined the poster. All he could do was shrug his shoulders. "Sheesh… I hope."
Then he took a glance back at Tony's monument. The statue stared back at him.
Speed might've been going crazy but he could almost swear his expression had changed. Almost as if that last comment disheveled him.
Speed looked back at the poster, a slight spark flashed across his eyes. "…no… I will… yeah… I will… I WILL!!! YEAH! THATS RIGHT! I WILL BE NEXT. YOU HEAR THAT??? I—"
He glanced off to the side and noticed he was standing at the end of the hall. Right at the front of the next lobby, where there were a bunch of students staring at him with a concerned side eye.
He'd just barely caught himself mid hype.
"Oops. My bad." He said with a goofy grin as he fixed his posture and embarrassingly walked into the room.
Everyone went back to minding their business. Speed looked around the massive lobby, as he approached the center. Dozens of students stood around chatting. No urgency in their actions. As if they were procrastinating from going back to home room.
Speed just walked with curiosity in his eyes. All of this was new to him, new environment, new faces, new energy. He just took a second to take it all in.
Then he saw a slightly familiar face. A short, small-frame student with sleek, jet-black hair that fell neatly in straight bangs. He was standing at the far end of the lobby, back against the wall, head down staring at his phone with half lidded eyes.
Speed jogged up and called out to him. "Yo! Twister?"
"Huh?" Twister looked up with a raised brow.
Speed joyfully walked up. "Hey I knew it was you! You're the #10 rookie from last year!"
Twister tilted his head jotted a tired smile. "Aww, you actually recognize me? How flattering."
He tilted his head and squinted his eyes. "And I'm guessing you're Speed? The second son of the great Tony? The strongest man to ever live?"
Speed flinched. "Woah. How'd you know it was me?"
"By the way you were screaming at that statue just now." He said with a mocking smirk.
Speed's shoulders dropped. He looked to the floor with an embarrassed frown. "Oh yeah… don't remind me."
Then he instantly perked back up. "Hey. Maybe you could help me! I'm looking for Hero Course sign ups."
Twister's smile got bigger. "Well you're in the right place big guy."
He stood up from the wall. "Help out the son of a legend? Today must be my lucky day. Come with me. The sign up hall is around this corner. I'll take you."
Twister turned and walked down the outer wall, narrowly avoiding the pile of students crowded up towards the middle. Speed quickly followed behind.
As they rounded the corner, they entered a packed hall filled with students from front to back. Some jittery, some excited, some confident, others emotionless.
As they made their way through the crowds Twister turned to speak. "If you're joining this year then things might actually get interesting around here."
Speed gave a confident nod. "That's right, I'm looking forward to it. And what about you? You're signing up for round 2 I assume?"
"Nah." Twister said with a casual tone.
Speed recoiled in disbelief. "…No?"
"Nope." He said again with assurance in his voice. "It's a no for me this time. I'm just here so I can collect my remaining stripes from last year."
He cracked a satisfied smile. "I think I've earned enough to gain C-Rank status after graduation. That should be quite nice."
Speed shook his head in disbelief. "I don't understand… why not rejoin?"
Twisters smile went flat as he slowed his walking speed. "Because there's no point. I'm not gonna make the cut this year."
Speed's gaze dropped to the floor as he fell into thought.
Twister narrowed his eyes up the hall and went back to normal speed. "Hell, the only reason I even made it last year is because there was no competition."
"Because of that, Hero Course just accepted the first 10 students with an active pulse. It was practically first come first serve rather than actual skill." He said with a shrug.
"In fact the only rookies from last year who're even worth a damn is Shockwave and Pressure. Pressure is pretty good… but Shockwave… that guy has some real strength. It's no wonder he made it to #1 so easily."
Speed rubbed his chin in thought. "No competition?"
"That's right." Twister said. "I guess I have you, Trio, and a few others skipping out last year to thank for that. So… thanks."
"But this time," He continued. "This time's different. The government is clearly desperate for new strength. That's why Magic Man and Cat Girl announced their new 'S-Rank Training Program' for this year's top 2 rookies."
He motioned his arms across the hall, making Speed look around them. "As you can see, that has everyone and their mom signing up for an opportunity to be trained by the new #1 and #2 S-Ranks."
Then he placed his hand on Speeds shoulder. "Not that I think it'll make a difference for you. You're pretty strong, I think you'll have a good chance."
He shrugged again with a deadpan face. "But since Hero Course only allows 10 recruits per year… for someone like me… it's pointless."
Speed face showed empathy for Twister. "Well dang… that sounds kinda sucky."
"Eh, I'm fine I'm with it." Twister said with a smirk. "Kinda excited to get back to normal classes again."
His stride grew more calm, relaxed. A slight twinkle sparked in his eye. "I think I'll take up culinary this year. I heard the ladies love a man who can cook!"
Speed scratched his head. "I mean I guess."
They reached the end of the hall.
Twister led them into a large circular room with digital kiosks lined across the walls. Dozens of students were crowded at each one, eagerly waiting their turn.
"Here you are. The sign up room."
Twister said.
Speed looked around the massive room with awe. His eyes landed on a large crowd gathered around one kiosk making lots on noise.
"The heck is going on over there?" Speed said with a raised eyebrow.
"A crowd like that? Yup, there's only one person around here who can do that…"
"SHOCKWAVE!!!"
"Hey Shockwave can you sign my jacket??"
"YO HE DAPPED ME UP!!!! I THINK I JUST GOT STRONGER!"
"Shockwave! Shockwave! Look over here bro!"
"We love you Shockwave!!!"
The entire crowd stood around him, shouting, cheering, taking pictures, begging for any bit of attention.
Shockwave stood tall in the middle with a confident smile. Unfazed by the chaos standing in front of him.
Speed and Twister stood at the entrance staring from a distance.
Speed's eyes narrowed at the crowd. "All that just for him? Who do they think he is?"
He leaned over and whispered to Twister. "Twister, what do you know about that guy."
"Shockwave?" Twister asked, keeping his eyes forward as he spoke. "Not much, we didn't interact often. I guess it didn't help that the top five and bottom five rookies are separated into two different classes."
"But from what I heard…" he continued. "he's kinda weird."
"Weird?" Speed asked.
"Yeah." Twister responded. "Despite his… lovely… public personality. The man doesn't really say much behind closed doors."
"Nobody can talk to him, not even other top rookies. He has no friends, no allies, no acquaintances. It seems like the only people he truly cares for is his fans."
"Can he be trusted?" Speed asked with a curious tone.
"Good question." Twister sucked his teeth as he thought. "Is he strong as heck? Definitely. Is he motivated? For sure. But is he trustworthy…? That I don't kno—"
Suddenly—
NUDGE—"Watch out kid."—a strong presence aggressively pushed past Speed and Twister.
"What the?" Speed said with an irritated tone.
He looked up at the other student, the guy was well over 6 feet tall. He wore an ocean blue Hero Course jacket with the hood over his head.
Speed clenched his fist as he took a step forward to confront him. "Yo, what's wrong with you—"
Twister put his arm out in front of Speed's chest to stop him. "Calm down. That's the #2 Rookie—Pressure."
Speed narrowed his eyes. "Pressure?"
"That's right," Twister said. "It's not worth it starting something with him right now. Just let it go."
Speed thought to himself.
He's right, I should let it go. It's not that big a deal. No point in starting something before I even sign up—
People started to recognize Pressure as he walked past. He started dapping people up and handing out fist bumps like it was nothing to him.
"Ayeee Pressure's here!"
"My dawg. Where you been at Presh?"
"Pressure! Wassup man!?"
Speed's eyes started drifting to the side as his thoughts started racing. The thoughts of Trio and his father swept through his mind.
I should let it go? What does that say about me though?
These guys think they can just walk all over people because they're some sorta hotshot.
I'm not some kid anymore… how am I supposed to protect people if I can't even stand up for myself. If I just keep letting people walk all over me… am I really even a Hero at that point?
He pondered for a second. He sat quietly for a beat.
Then—he pushed Twister's hand out of the way and stepped forward. "Hey!" He shouted at pressure.
"Hm?" Pressure said as he came to a complete stop.
He turned around and faced Speed and Twister as they stared back at him with clenched teeth.
Then Speed spoke up. "What was that for?"
Twister clenched his teeth as he watched.
The crowd around Pressure went silent. He turned and beckoned them to stay put, then pivoted back and approached Speed with a cocky smirk.
He walked up and stood face to face in front of them. As they stood in front of each other he towered over them. Speed was 5'10 and the man still had at least 7 inches on him.
Then he bent down to make eye contact with Speed. "What was it for?" He asked.
"…Nothing. Absolutely no reason at all. I just wanted to do it." He said.
Then he leaned in closer. "Does that answer your question? Or should I just—"
"Hey! Chill out Pressure." Twister said, cutting him off.
Pressure slid his gaze to Twister
Twister put his fist up. "You'd better back up if you know what's good for you. Don't you know who this guy is?"
Pressure's gaze slid back to Speed—who was still staring back at him with clenched teeth. He looked Speed up and down with a demeaning smirk. "Mmm, nope. Never seen him a day in my life. Am I supposed to know him?"
"You'll find out soon enough!" Twister said. "His name is Speed! And he's the second son of the great Tony; strongest man to ever live."
Pressure gave Speed another look. "Hm… son of… Tony."
Then—
"mm… PFFFFTTTT—AHHAHAHAHA" Pressure burst out into laughter.
Speed's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's so funny?"
"Ahh I get it now! You're Trio's brother." Pressure said with an amused tone.
"Yeah. So?" Speed said reluctantly.
"Nothing man. That's good for you!"
Pressure said, amused. "Or bad for you… I guess it could go either way."
Pressure stood up straight and looked around. "Speaking of which, where is the firecracker? It's interesting seeing you here and not him. Don't tell me he pussied out again?!" He said with mock concern.
"I don't know. Why don't you go ask him." Speed said.
Pressure smiled. "Nahhh… no need. Your answer tells me everything I need to know."
"But that does seem interesting." He continued. "I have to ask… who's stronger? You? Or him?"
Speed flinched and took a step back. "H-huh?"
"I meaaannn it has to be you right?" Pressure said with a condescending tone. "After all, you actually had the balls to sign up… even HE was too scared. That's gotta mean something… right?"
Speed's eyes started darting all over as he thought of an answer. "Uh-I-umm."
Pressure just held the stare. "…right?"
Speed took another reluctant step back with clenched fists. He tried to come up with anything, a comeback, a joke, something.
He gulped.
Then— a hand slid into view from behind Pressure—and grabbed his ear with a painful YANK.
"AHH! SHIT!" Pressure yelled.
He looked at who grabbed his ear and immediately calmed down once he saw who it was.
A man with wild, spiked blond hair, sharp, expressive eyes hidden behind yellow-tinted sunglasses, and a constant, toothy grin.
Instructor Mir.
With a mocking smirk, he pulled Pressure's ear down so he can meet him eye level. "Now I know… I KNOW… that one of my top students isn't harassing a new recruit… right?"
Pressure cringed for a beat then looked back at him in the eye. "Heh… of course not, sir. Just a shit test is all. I just wanted to see if the little guy had that spark in em."
Mir squinted at him. "Hm.. hmmm… sureeee, bud. So, you already signed up right?" He asked as he kept a firm grip on Pressure's ear.
Pressure nodded. "Uh… yea—"
In an instant, Mir let go of his ear and immediately pointed to the door. "THEN GET TO CLASS!"
Pressure recoiled in confusion. "Huh?"
"Try outs aren't till next week." Mir said. "So until then, you're still on the normal schedule. So I suggest you get to stepping. If you're late for homeroom then you can kiss a few of those pretty stripes goodbye."
Pressure looked over at Speed and Twister, they stared back at him. Speed's eyes still glared with intensity.
Then Pressure smiled. "Ight, ight, you got it. I'm leaving."
He turned and waved off the crowd waiting for him then walked off. After a couple steps he turned his head to face Speed. "Tch. See you at tryouts zero. Hope you make it."
Speed folded his arms.
Oh yeah? Well the feeling is NOT mutual. I hope you… don't… make it… on time… yeah! I hope you're late and you miss the tryouts and you look stupid and… and you lose. Yup!
Instructor Mir walked up and nudged Twister's shoulder. "Sup Twist? Long time no see."
Twister leaned back and folded his arms with a slight head nod.
Then Mir turned and slapped a hand on Speed's shoulder with a smile. "Good job, kid. Standing up for yourself is step #1 of becoming a Core Hero."
Speed didn't respond. He just looked off to the side, his mind still stuck on Pressure.
Mir knelt down and met him eye level. "Listen, don't worry about people like him. Being a Hero isn't about moving in a straight line. There's always gonna be ups and downs."
Speed exhaled and dropped his shoulders. Mir stood up and pointed his thumb to his heart. "But the most important thing is remembering your 'why'."
Speed looked up at him. "My 'why'?"
"Yup." Mir responded with a confident smile. "'Why' are you fighting? 'Why' are you training?
He spun around and motioned his arms to their surroundings. "'Why' are you even doing any of this in the first place."
He looked back at Speed. "You could be hiding. You could be chilling, living a normal life, safe behind closed doors… but you chose this… why?"
He clutched his hand in front of his face. "Whatever your why is… keep it close to you. Because when everything around you looks bad… it's the one thing thats gonna keep you going."
Speed looked off to the side as he fell into thought. "My… why."
The memories of his father started racing through his mind. The weight of his past bearing down on him, but feeling light as a feather at the same time.
Then he looked back at Mir and gave a confident head nod.
"Got it!"