I once read that good and evil are completely two different things that could be philosophical or based on someone's mind. They would either think that evil is the opposite of good, gossiping that good is always the right choice and it always will be. Well, no such thing could've ever crossed my mind. But I do always wonder if Evil is more fitter than Good?

How so? I don't know.

I thought of no such thing and sighed heavily from exhaustion. Both my body and mind were wiped. My arms are sore. Man, I should've taken my day off last week.

Wasting no time, I got up to get dressed quickly. The clock showed 8:20, which means I only have 30 minutes. The first thing in the morning is to get dressed, eat breakfast and prepare. That's the morning routine I do every day. Even if I did have enough time, it won't matter, nor will it change a thing.

Time is very precious and I want to spend every single minute of it. Being A full-time employee for eight years like myself should be used to this already. Maybe living comfortably just wasn't my fate to begin with.

My eyes glanced at the clock. Only three minutes left before I head out for work. Both of the clock's arms move makes a soft tick.

To think my co-workers need me for this day. Of course, they wanted me to be to work, even if today was the day it was supposed to be my day off, I still wake up on this stupid day. Not that I can argue with them. I'll only be wasting my time. They'd either claim that they have forgotten or just make up a random ass excuse. I would have argued about it before heroes first even appeared, but I gave up quarreling on their excuses, I'm nothing compared to them.

Anyways, I need to head out to the Hero Association quickly. Originally, the association used to be a company that worked on giving out packages and delivering them. I don't know its history, but it seems they've gone banked-rub. At least that's what I've been told to say the least.

Since I applied for the job much earlier, it's been diff before heroes first appeared. Talk about being lucky I guess.

"Haa…guess that's it. I hope everything goes well today." My hands quivered.

I checked again to see if there was anything I needed and then headed my way out to the association. Looking back, I should have released that this was the day I'll never forget.

***

The "Exceptional". A being who possesses incredible powers no ordinary person could imagine. A being who surpass human standards, someone who's definitely above average.

Everything began about 20 years ago during the 21st century. Somewhere around in East Asia, a couple's child suddenly started to form fire on his hands while playing outside. During that abnormal situation, more individuals around the globe started to get these strange abilities.

It was clearly unknown how this phenomenon started at first as time passed. Your classic fantasy was soon turned into reality. With these abilities, Earth now presents the world of heroes and villains! The exceptional quickly became admirable and worshiped.

With the current time we are today, only 75 percent of the population is made of superhuman abilities while 15 percent being with normal humans. Of course, that 15 percent just had to include me.

'Why…'

My name is Alan Walker, I'm just your average citizen, a typical person, a non-user. Despite just having dull eyes, messy black hair and blank face, I'm indifferent to society. But I'm no different than everyone else. After all, it was my dream to become a 'Hero'.

Because of the exceptional outbreak of abilities, the crime rate has escalated rapidly while officers and many other officials struggled to handle the outburst of criminals. Many crimes soon increased by a lot. Terriosm, robberies, kidnappings, everything soon became a disaster.

However, those that were against evil decided to stand up for humanity to perish evil once and for all. These individuals who bravely decided to help and protect people, were soon recognized as Heroes!

With the public fully supporting, many were soon acquired the right to serve as a Hero, freely to roam the streets.

The Hero Association is a governmental organization that not only supervises heroes and guilds but also manages villains.

As I made my way through the Association entrance, I spotted a familiar face. They waved at me with a bright smile.

"Hey Walker, good morning!"

"...Yes likewise, good morning to you as well Ava."

She paused for a moment. Her eyes spectated my body from top to bottom.

"Did you oversleep again? Are resting properly these days? Do you want me to take care of your work today? I'll ask the Chairman to excuse you today."

"No, no, it's fine really! I'm quite alright, you don't need to worry about me. I'm just a bit tired…yes that's it, don't worry! E-either way, I'm used to this...."

"That's the problem. I'm worried. I think it would be better for you to get yourself checked. Here, I'll help you with your work today so you don't overdo yourself."

Come on, give me a break already! I'm already thankful enough for you caring for me! But isn't this too much?! Nevertheless, this wasn't the first you wanted to help out. Although considering that this girl is genuinely worried about someone as worthless as myself, she still chooses to help me? I've gotta find a way to shake her off.

"T-that's…I appreciate it really. But this is my job. I've been working on this job for years now and I can't let someone who's top-notch handle my work. T-that'll be unpleasant for the others considering I'm not an exception..."

She gives me a warm smile. I wonder how many women could give that same smile like hers. This has to be God's work. Curse you God, to the deepest pits of hell! Reading those forbidden love novels must have given me misfortune. That was just one time! Please don't make me want to have a crush on her, it'll make me feel weird just thinking about it.

"How about this?" She says. "I'll treat you to dinner tonight, how about it? It'll be on me. I'll pay so you worry." She gives me an 'o-kay' sign with her fingers.

That doesn't sound so bad. Yeah, I guess I could go for some dinner later perhaps. Eating cup-o-noodles everyday simply won't cut it for my health. Heck, me being in bad shape is already a problem. I need some coffee. Maybe S.U.P.E.R coffee would be better.

I briefly looked at Ava. I sighed.

"Alright. It would be an honor working with you."

Smiling, Ava replied happily. "It's also an honor working with you, Alan."

Yes, it's an honor as well. I just wished we could've done this if we had met just a bit sooner.

***

"Hey wanna drop by to get some drinks?"

"Nah, not today, I got plans to travel this week."

"My boyfriend's been worried lately, I'll hang out next time with you guys."

"I wonder who's going to be in the top 30 heroes this year."

"Can someone pass me a paper clip please?"

"F*ck, I can't believe I missed the bus! I hate my life…."

"Do you guys know when there's going to be a new S-rank Hero?"

"Not for a while in my opinion. Or maybe ever. The last time we had an S-rank was only four years ago. Hell, I hope we don't even get another person who's S-rank, those guys are monsters. They themselves can destroy a whole nation."

Packing up, I watched as the co-workers started to take their leave. Some hand plans while others had their personal things in life. As for me, well I don't have either. Well at least not for today. Ava had already planned for the two of us to have dinner this evening. Should I cancel the plans?

No Alan, what are you thinking?! That would make her upset! She already helped me alot in times I couldn't accomplish by myself and today seems to be one of them.

I groaned, I was starting to have second thoughts.

'Can't go back on my word now can I?'

I quickly packed up my things and swiftly left the Association building. I then headed towards an elevator and within a couple seconds I walked out towards the door only to see Ava through the clear glass. She waved at me.

Smiling weakly, I replied to her with an effortless wave.

"You ready?" She asked. She opened the passenger's car door and offered to get it.

…Am I getting treated like a woman?

The atmosphere was soon filled by giggles. This is a bit embarrassing... She's just doing something nice for god's sake! But at the same time, if I don't get in, she'll be upset, I don't want to reject Ava's kindness. Well, I guess there's no harm in it anyways. I think….

"Thank you Ava." I put on a fake smile to hide the embarrassment and quickly got inside the car with Ava closing the door behind. Although, it seems she closed it way too fast or was that just my imagination?

Anyways, Ava got in as well, started the car and drove us.

We arrived at our destination not too long. Both of us got out of the car with Ava taking the lead. At the entrance, Ava opens the door for me, how nice. Yes, she's a wonderful woman. I smile warmly.

Both sat down near the entrance before a waiter came to our table and gave us a food menu. I carefully looked at the menu. Man, why does this place have to be so expensive? I don't think I'm going to have enough money to buy this meal for both of us…

"You overthink too much Alan. It's okay don't worry, I'll be paying for the meals for the both of us. So just relax and enjoy your time, after all, isn't this what friends are for? To spend time together and hangout?

I glanced at Ava, her bright orange hair reaching her shoulders while her soft white skin sparkled with holy light, her eyes were like the warm blue sky, they simply looked at me. We both stare at one another for a brief second.

"...Yes, you're right. I'm sorry."

She chuckled. "As long as you're doing good, that's all that matters to me."

Hearing those words, they pierce my heart everytime she says them. Ava, you are truly a wonderful person.

Tururururu, tururururu, tururururu.

A smartphone soon rang. It was Ava's cellphone, she took her smartphone out of her uniform's pocket and reviewed the caller.

"Forgive my Alan, but could you wait for just a moment? I've got to take this call, but don't worry! It won't be long."

I simply nodded in response. She got up from her seat and left the restaurant doors.

I gaze at the window instinctively after Ava left.

I once thought to myself, has there ever been a time where I wished if I was given the confidence to do mostly anything, would my life have gone through a different path? To escape the reality governed by a cruel mistress so-called, existence?

I don't have any natural skills that could make me feel special in life. The only time I probably get good at anything is if I spend detrimental amounts of time doing whatever that is. Like working at an office for years, like myself.

In order to succeed in life, talent is obligated, it always has been. And that's something I don't have.

Arts, mathematics, architecture, physics, acting, singing, dancing, acrobatics, sports, martial arts. Everything.

In this society, you need to become something valuable, through value, it comes from your efforts you put for them to approve of you. If you're not something that others would esteem you, you're worthless. Without processing any type of talent, you're just a disappointment not to society but to every single one. Strangers, family relatives, friends, acquaintances. Disappointment.

This is from my experience though, I am not a prophet who could tell who's which or how they experienced their own experiences.

Talent… is everything within this world gifted by god and is it something I will never possess.

A gem can't be called a jewel without its precious bright and shining stone that not only brings value but those among it itself. And I'm one of those gems, just one without its shining value who can't be picked. An ordinary stone.

Sitting alone waiting patiently. Shortly after, Ava returned and quickly briefly said that some importance came up.

"Was it the association who called you perhaps?"

"Nope, it was from one of my acquaintances. They just wanted to make sure I was

Acquaintances? I expected no less of being an exceptional. Combined with both power and beauty, she'll be able to make some friends easily. Franky, I envy her.

The waiter came back with our food minutes after. We thanked her and began to eat. I wonder how long I've ever eaten this kind of food. 5 or maybe 6 years? No, maybe it was more than that.

"This is really good!"

"Really, then I hope you could eat with me more often then."

"...Haha."

***

"Fuuu~, that was good, don't you agree Alan? The food was amazing."

"Yeah… sure it was."

"Hmm? What's wrong Alan, you seem stressed about something."

I shaked a bit. Her senses are sharp, darn her powers!

"No, not really…"

She locked her eyes with mine. "You're lying."

I hesitated before letting out a sigh.

"I… I'm just thankful for you for everything you've done for me despite not having a super power. Crazy huh?" I said, "[Listen up world, here lies a human in contact with an exceptional! As fellow comrades, we cannot accept the threat he may place upon us between the connection of an exceptional.] At least that's how I perspective how it would go."

Ava laughed at my ironic speech. "I guess that's how it'll probably go."

'To be honest. I don't even know what I said there. I just sprouted random crap.'

We both laughed. We continued to laugh until we reached Ava's car. I halted.

Ava noticed this and came to a stop as well. She turned to face me. "Is something wrong?"

I paused for a moment. Throughout the days, Ava, you are the reason I keep fighting to live for myself. If only I could express my gratitude. I would do it now.

I bit my lip. "No. Nothing's wrong."

"Then get in. I'll take you to your apartment. Hurry before it gets dark."

Now this is a bit awkward. I felt like I was being analyzed from every corner, her gaze isn't helping at all. Honestly give me a break!

I swallowed my saliva a bit before I opened my mouth.

"No, I'll walk from here on out. You can go without me. I… want to clear some things on my mind first."

It seems that Ava understood the situation and gave me a slight nood as a reply. "Gotcha."

I waved goodbye, before she sped off. I watched as the only thing I saw left were the headlights from the back of her car. They shrunk as if it were to inform me the more they reduce, the distance between me and Ava started to break.

I let out a chill breath. The night was cold yet it seemed warm for some reason.

"Haaa…"

I started to walk towards the opposite Ava had driven off. The distance between my apartment and the restaurant was far, but I guess I could take my time walking home. I want to enjoy the time I have on this planet after all.

I then looked back at the conversations me and Ava had at the restaurant. The things she said back still haunt me until now.

'The world is changing, why am I not surprised?'

***

One of the unsettling things I discussed with Ava were the possible outbreaks of a high ranking villain. Their physical strength and power were beyond disruptive, which can easily overpower many heroes.

"Although it'll certainly won't ever happen. However in this case, what if they were to somehow outburst out from their cells? With many famous heroes gone, what can we do to prevent the outbreak from happening?" she asks.

I stayed silent while eating. I wasn't too particular with these types of conversations. I must admit, how would the world react when higher ranking villains start to get loose. Who would stop their hellish destruction? No one in this world would be strong enough to even compare to those guys. My stomach tightens.

She continues. "Recently, there were reports from civilians about a villain wandering around the south street. Although there isn't enough evidence to release this news to the public. But we are sure that this was done by a villain."

Please don't say that. You're going to make me hurl this wonderful food I just put in my mouth.

I looked at Ava, swallowing my food.

"What did the Association say about this? They should've by now at least sent some heroes on the cast by now shouldn't they?"

Ava takes a sip of her coffee received by a waitress.

"See that's where the problem comes in. We don't know how exactly. This person seems to have a special skill of sorts. There's two possibilities. His skill allows him to conceal his presence making it impossible to track them. Or…" She lifts two fingers, "He's receiving help from "Dark Essence".

My whole body suddenly got chills. I could feel the goosebumps from within my clothes. Dark Essence, an organization ruled by one of the most powerful villains in the whole world. They are most known for doing criminal activities as well for being the most wanted organization by the Hero Association. A single individual from their group could threaten a whole nation.

'Dark Essence…'

She continues by saying that in the report, this villain was committing a high rate of murder in public areas, while some even in places where most people usually don't go wandering around at all. This crazy psycho…

Could they be an assassin type-use? No, let's not jump to conclusions. There's more than just silence. Anyone could probably obtain a skill like that. Could he possibly use super sonic speed? That's another possibility.

"I have a theory about this person's identity. It's only an assumption, but there's a possibility that it might not be just some villain or some random murder killing freak."

Ava drinks from her cup of coffee before setting it down.

"It might even be an S-rank villain…"

Chapter 1 completed.