Akira was leaning against the wide window of what seemed to be more than a simple room. It was a space that housed a complete house. The environment had a peculiar aura, a perfect combination of comfort and advanced technology. The view through the window offered a futuristic spectacle: the campus of Shinsei Heroes Academy, a wonder of modern architecture interconnected by suspended walkways, buildings with gleaming facades, and vertical gardens that contrasted with the surrounding technology.
The movement was intense, especially among the new students. Akira watched the crowd, some faces revealing a glint of enthusiasm, others showing nervousness and anticipation. Among them were those who already carried academy badges, mingling in the commotion, guiding newcomers, and offering welcomes with an air of familiarity and pride.
As he observed the bustle of the new students, a sense of inner emptiness filled Akira's mind. In recent years, his existence seemed to be a mechanical journey, devoid of meaning. A machine to eliminate villains, acting without a purpose beyond the distorted sense of justice he carried within.
That crowd of young people, so full of hopes and expectations, contrasted with the aridity Akira felt within himself. It was as if he was surrounded by the vibrant light of that place, but at his core, lingered an opaque and intangible darkness. That abrupt transition to the role of a teacher in that prestigious academy left him restless, questioning what he could offer those students, feeling himself so devoid of purpose.
"If it were me from five years ago..." he whispered to himself, his voice lost in the bustling scene beyond the window. That question echoed in his mind, a constant inquiry that reverberated through his decisions. "Would I have taken this job? I still question if it was the right decision," he murmured, averting his gaze from the crowd to the reflection of his own image in the window.
Perhaps, in times past, he would have declined the opportunity without a second thought. However, the flexibility he had shown surprised even himself. A sigh escaped his lips as he tried to understand the justification behind that choice. It was a foggy road of inquiries, yet one that, for some reason, he had decided to tread.
Knock, knock, knock! The rhythmic sound of the door knocks interrupted Akira's contemplation as his eyes remained fixed on the bustling campus scene outside. Without turning away from the window, he murmured a simple "Come in."
The door slowly swung open, revealing a striking presence. A stunning woman entered, her aura as vibrant as her imposing stature. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes, a deep shade of purple, gleamed with captivating intensity. Every movement was gracefully calculated, and her posture exuded confidence.
"Your name? Ah, that was reserved to be unveiled.
"Akira Yamamoto? The loser without any supernatural abilities came back to the world's number one hero academy? Just wanted to let you know, the maximum age allowed is 16 years old, and, well... you seem a bit old," taunted the woman, her mocking smile standing out as she relished in her own jest.
"Oh, darn! Must've read some fake news then! Thanks for letting me know, Mrs. Scarlet," Akira replied, joining in the banter as his smile matched the subtle irony in his words.
Upon hearing Akira's words, a challenging smile formed on Scarlet's face, and she hugged him energetically, inquiring excitedly, "Hey, slacker! Long time no see! Why didn't you call or text? I thought you had gone off the grid."
Akira returned the hug, smiling lightly at the effusive welcome. "Oh, you know, Scarlett, the busy life of a hero without special abilities! Figured a weak guy's contact wouldn't be welcomed around here," he retorted, trying to match the lighthearted tone of the conversation.
Scarlett pulled back, maintaining a playful smile. "I guess I can make an exception for the toughest guy I've ever known. Now spill it, how are you? Heard from the director that you've become my dear coworker." She paused briefly and continued, "I haven't seen you since that day. I imagine things haven't been easy for you."
Akira sensed the concern in his old friend's words and sighed. Even after all those years apart, Scarlett still seemed the same. Cherishing the good times from the academy, he felt an odd sensation realizing he was pretending to be the "happy" person he used to be. Reflecting on that common phrase among people: "I was happy and didn't know it."
Akira sighed before replying to Scarlett, assuring her that he was okay. "I'm alright, really." Scarlett didn't entirely trust those words but chose not to turn the conversation into a therapy session. She noticed the bustling of students on the campus through the window and, changing the subject, asked Akira, "Do you already know which class you'll be teaching?"
Observing the new students attentively, Akira stood beside Scarlet. As they glanced at the lively crowd, Akira gestured toward his assignment to Classroom A-1.
Scarlet, her eyes filled with curiosity, began explaining the admission process of that academy. "There was a theoretical test and a practical one. The former consisted of questions about personality and decision-making in specific situations. The practical test was a challenge where participants had to accumulate points facing different trials. In the end, out of 200 participants, only 100 succeeded, with the top 20 being the most outstanding, gaining entry into the academy and other benefits, including belonging to Class A-1."
"Interesting, Scarlet. In my time, entering this academy involved much more intense challenges," Akira responded with an indifferent tone. "We had direct and perilous confrontations with other participants. It was a true test of survival."
He expressed some skepticism, questioning the level of challenge in the new admission process, clearly expecting something more complicated or intense.
Scarlet grasped the implied message in his words but chose not to delve into that matter. Instead, she gave Akira a gentle pat on the back and suggested, "Anyway, let's go. We have the director's assembly with all the students, and we need to be on stage. It will be a good opportunity for you to meet your class even before the other teachers, as the top 20 students will ascend the stage to receive their honor medals."