Chapter 2 - Into the shadows

The sun rose over the hero academy, casting a warm glow over the courtyard as students gathered for a very important announcement. In the distance, the golden light spilled across the academy, the pillars and the high-arched windows, creating an air for excitement and anticipation. In the crowd was Mikael, a boy with boundless energy and a grin that could light up the darkest room. His bright eyes sparkled as he spotted his friend, Tetsuo, as he dashed over, practically a blur as he weaved through the other students."Today's the day, Tetsuo!" Mikael said, his voice bubbling with excitement. "We finally get a real mission, let's give it our all."

Tetsuo chuckled, crossing his arms and tilting his head in Mikael's direction. "Yeah, but don't get too carried away. Sometimes jot everything go as planned."

The academy's grand courtyard was filled with students of all ages, each with their unique talents, all eagerly waiting for Master Arashi's words. Some were whispering excitedly; others were exchanging serious, focused looks, mentally preparing themselves for what lay ahead.

As Mikael and Tetsuo chatted, a serious-looking student named Matthew caught Mikael's eye. Matthew was a recent transfer to the academy, already known for his tactical mind and intense focus. His arrival had stirred up some rumors claiming that he was from a desolate future, sent back in time to prevent a disaster that had ravaged his world. Mikael had tried to ask Matthew about his past before, but Matthew always responded with the same reserved nod or a stare response, not ready to reveal too much. Today, however, Matthew's gaze was fixed forward, and there was a sharpness in his eyes that Mikael had never seen before.

Then, a hush fell over the crowd as Master Arashi took the stage. The head instructor was a tall, imposing figure, his dark eyes sweeping across the students with an air of authority.

"Today marks your first true test as heroes," he began, his voice powerful yet measured. " Powerful criminals have taken control of an industrial zone downtown. There's also a gang near Chinatown,Their motives are unclear, but they've already begun causing mayhem at those selected areas. This will be a challeng for the new beginners is unlike anything you've faced in training."

Mikael leaned in, hanging onto every word. The thought of facing real street thugs sent a chill down his spine, and his excitement was almost noticable. But as Master Arashi described each criminal, the reality of the danger began to sink in.

The first criminal was Grendel, a towering behemoth of a man with strength-enhancing modifications. His body was built like a fortress, his veins pulsing with a chemical serum that is implant inside of him, making him nearly indestructible. He had already brought down half a dozen police vehicles and demolished an entire warehouse.

Then came Shadeshot, a master sniper with unnerving precision. He had never missed a target, no matter the distance. His eyes were rumored to be enhanced to lock onto movement with chilling accuracy, and he could hit targets from almost any angle. He had positioned himself atop one of the industrial buildings, ready to take down anyone who entered his line of sight.

The third villain was Madison Green, a twisted and unpredictable woman with a penchant for psychological games. Her Pyschopathy was as unsettling as her illusions, which she used to confuse and manipulate her enemies, making them see and hear things that weren't real. She delighted in watching her opponents lose their grip on reality, giving her the perfect opening to attack.

And finally, there was Grayhound—a silent, relentless hunter with enhanced senses. He was known to track his targets without ever losing sight, pursuing them with monstrous endurance. His presence was as terrifying as it was silent; anyone who crossed his path was as good as captured.

Master Arashi's voice dropped as he concluded. "These criminals are no ordinary criminals. Each is a threat in their own right. You must work together, relying not only on your powers but also on your team and resilience. This will test every lesson you have learned."

There was a solemn pause as the weight of his words settled over the students. Mikael, however, clenched his fist with a fierce grin, his excitement bubbling up again.

"We've got this! Four Criminals? Sounds like a good day to show what we're made of!" Mikael whispered, to himself.

"Stay focused, Mikael. This battle may be serious.," Tetsuo cautioned, though a smile played at the corners of his mouth.

Matthew stepped forward, his tone calm but sharp. "We need a plan," he said, his gaze steady and serious. "I'll take Shadeshot. With my training, I can close the distance before he locks onto me."

Yori Kumo, a girl with dark hair and sharp eyes, nodded. "I'll handle Grendel. My flames can sting him, at least for a while."

Tetsuo looked at the others and said, "Then I'll take Grayhound. I'll keep him busy, away from anyone else."

"And that leaves Madison to me!" Mikael declared, his voice brimming with excitement. "I bet she can't keep up with me!"

Master Arashi gave a nod of approval before sending them off, giving other students mission, As they moved toward the city, Mikael's energy was infectious, his eagerness lifting the spirits of his teammates, even the ever-serious Matthew.

A few hours later....

The industrial district loomed ahead, dark and quiet, its empty warehouses and looming smokestacks casting shadows that seemed to stretch on forever. Mikael's heart raced, his eyes wide with Predictions. The air felt charged with energy, thick with tension. It was a scene from an adventure, and Mikael was ready to dive in the fun.

But before he could make any sudden moves, a loud blast echoed through the air. Shadeshot had spotted them and fired, a bullet tearing through the silence as it shot straight toward them.

Matthew reacted instantly, dodging to the side. "I've got him," he said, voice steady. He moved swiftly, weaving through the shadows and closing in on Shadeshot's vantage point. His steps had no sound, his movements calculated, each one bringing him closer to his target.

Meanwhile, Mikael felt a presence in the distance a woman talking softly, her figure swaying like a dancer. She was draped in Green, her painted face with two green stripes under her eyes, twisted into an unnerving grin.

Madison Green tilted her head, locking her eyes on him. "Well, well. A little boy, all scared." Her voice was a sweet, taunting melody.

Mikael's grin widened, his eyes shining with excitement. "You wanna play? Let's see if you can keep up!"

Without warning, Madison waved her hands, and suddenly, Mikael saw his friends trapped in a purpleforcefield barrier, screaming for help. For a brief second, his heart stopped, but then his instincts kicked in. He saw through the illusion, recognizing the faint shimmer in her trick. With a sharp yell, Mikael closes his eyes and he began chargeing forward, shattering her illusions one by one as he closed in on her, each punch hitting with a burst of raw, relentless energy.

"You're tough, aren't you, boy?" Madison Green hissed, but her smirk faltered. She hadn't expected him to be so fast—or so determined yet strong.

Nearby, Yori was facing off with Grendel. She moved with precision, her Purple Flames encircling her as she struck. Grendel laughed, a deep rumble as he absorbed her hits, but Yori's fire blazed hotter, her focus intensifying. Soon, the flames wrapped around his limbs, holding him in place even as he struggled.

"Is that all you've got?" Grendel sneered, but Yori held her ground, unyielding.

At the same time, Tetsuo found himself face-to-face with Grayhound. The towering figure was silent, his eyes focused on Tetsuo with chilling intensity. Each of Tetsuo's movements was matched with Grayhound's, the two locked in a deadly dance. Tetsuo used every bit of his agility to stay one step ahead, dodging each strike with flawless precision.

Back on the rooftop, Matthew had closed the gap, finally reaching Grayshot. Their battle was swift and brutal, a clash of Matthew's reflexes against Ironshot's lethal accuracy. But Matthew's training gave him the edge; he dodged a final shot by a hair and delivered a strike that sent Ironshot sprawling across the rooftop.

Mikael, meanwhile, had finally closed in on Miss Mirage, his unstoppable drive proving too much for her tricks. With one final punch, he sent her flying into a stack of crates, her illusions shattering around her.

As the battle drew to a close, Mikael regrouped with his team. They were battered and bruised, but victorious. As they walked back to the academy, Mikael's face was alight with triumph.

"That was awesome!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing across the quiet streets. "I could do that every day!"

Matthew, usually reserved, allowed himself a small smile. "Not bad, Mikael. Not bad at all."

And as they returned to the academy, they knew this was only the beginning.