It had been a couple of months since I finished school, and the day to begin my journey to the Hero Academy had finally arrived. The academy was in another city, so I took an early train, heading toward what would be a new chapter in my life.
The train moved slowly through the city as I reviewed my short-term goals. I knew that even though I had many ideas and some innovative inventions in mind, they would be useless if I couldn't secure the money to bring them to life. And in a world like mine, the ability to defend oneself was just as essential. It wasn't enough to have good intentions or a brilliant mind; power was crucial. My immediate goal, then, was to earn money and find a way to protect myself.
With those thoughts in mind, I gazed out the window, letting the scenery pass without much attention. However, something made me shift my focus to the person sitting across from me—a young man who seemed deep in thought. His gaze was fixed ahead, and he murmured softly, almost as if talking to himself. His demeanor seemed to set him apart from the other passengers. My curiosity led me to observe him more closely, but I didn't say anything. I sat quietly, continuing with my own thoughts, though I had a strange feeling that there was something unusual about him.
After a while, the boy noticed I was looking at him and raised his head. He gave me a polite nod, a small gesture that was enough to break the silence.
"Hi," he said calmly.
I looked at him for a moment before responding, noticing there was something different in his eyes.
"Hello," I said, choosing my words carefully.
He didn't seem worried, but his presence wasn't that of someone simply passing the time. He appeared to have something else on his mind, something I couldn't decipher.
"Dante Delacroix," he said, extending his hand.
I shook it firmly.
"Lian Voss Arista."
There was a moment of silence between us. It wasn't casual small talk, but I didn't expect it to be significant at the time either. There was something about his demeanor—a contained calmness—that made me think there was more to him than met the eye. Without further conversation, I decided to return to my thoughts.
---
The train moved at a leisurely pace, but something in the atmosphere began to unsettle me. My analytical ability kept me in a constant state of observation, and I couldn't help but notice a series of strange details around me. At first, they seemed insignificant, but they quickly became more apparent.
The first thing I noticed was a peculiar presence in several individuals scattered throughout the car. It wasn't something that could be identified at a glance, but it was clear to me: they exuded an aura characteristic of someone with a level 2 ability. While it wasn't rare to encounter people with abilities at this level, the number of them gathered here was unusual. On an ordinary trip, I had never noticed so many.
My mind began making rapid connections. Those with a level 2 ability, like me, were rarely common. In fact, my scholarship at the Hero University was largely due to having reached that level. However, the presence of so many in one place seemed more than coincidental.
I needed information first. If I didn't understand what was happening, I couldn't act. For someone like me, with my level 2 Branch, that wasn't a problem. I had trained my mind to process details most people would overlook.
I focused on the scattered groups throughout the car, observing their movements while trying not to draw attention to myself. My attention was drawn to the subtle gestures of a small group. At first glance, they seemed like ordinary people, but something didn't add up. I concentrated on their body language and noticed them exchanging glances—subtle but calculated. Their gestures were discreet, yet there was something more to their behavior—a synchronization that suggested they knew each other well.
They were using a form of sign language I had never seen before. While I was familiar with most sign systems, this one seemed different, composed not only of hand movements but also facial expressions and shifts in posture. At first, it was difficult to process, but my Branch allowed me to quickly discern patterns. As I observed, the movements and signals began to form something my mind could piece together.
Within minutes, I deciphered the message. They were planning to abduct the girl at the front of the car. My heart raced slightly—not out of fear, but from the inevitability of what was about to happen. An internal conflict arose: should I intervene? I wasn't a hero, and I could easily step aside. Yet, I couldn't remain idle while a crime unfolded before my eyes.
I decided I couldn't allow it. My mind began working quickly, searching for a solution. Time was critical. Calmness was my ally.
---
My thoughts raced at a thousand miles per hour. The options were limited, and I needed to act quickly. As I observed the kidnappers and the girl at the front, my mind began formulating a plan. I needed additional support—this wasn't something I could handle alone. I remembered Dante, the boy I had met on the train. Despite his calm demeanor, something about him had told me he wasn't ordinary. The composure he had shown gave me the impression he could be useful.
He had an ability too, though I didn't know what it was. What I did know was that with the type of people in the car, I couldn't risk acting without an extra card up my sleeve. My plan needed someone I could rely on, at least for now.
I decided to approach Dante. I wasn't entirely sure how, but time was running out, and the fact that the train was getting closer to the city only heightened my anxiety. Despite everything, calmness remained my ally. I walked over to where he was sitting, maintaining a composed demeanor, and sat beside him quietly.
"Dante," I said in a low voice, not wanting others to hear. "I need your help."
He looked up, barely surprised, but the focus in his eyes told me he understood something important was happening.
"What's going on?" he asked, maintaining his composure.
I took a deep breath. There was no turning back now. I knew the situation was about to become more dangerous, but it was something I had to face.
"There's something strange happening on this train," I replied, without giving too many details yet. "I need your help with something, but we have to move fast."
He studied me for a moment, as if assessing something. Then, he slowly nodded.
"What do you need me to do?" he asked, his calm demeanor unwavering.
I knew it was time to act. However, I couldn't reveal the entire plan just yet. He needed to be prepared for what was about to happen, but I also knew some details required careful explanation. It was better not to rush.
"I'll tell you when the time comes," I replied, lowering my voice further. "For now, keep your eyes open and be ready for anything."
Dante nodded, his expression serious, and we both fell silent, carefully observing the kidnappers and their movements. Everything indicated that time was running out.
The tension grew, but inside, I felt strangely calm. I knew I had the ability to resolve the situation; I just needed the perfect moment. As the train drew closer to the station, my mind focused on the final details of the plan, never ceasing to observe every movement around me. Time was pressing, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.