"Welcome, new aspiring heroes." A man's voice echoed through the stadium, causing the passers to sit up straight at his words.
Echo Maxwell stared at the figure standing on stage, in front of the podium with a hovering orb above it.
Wearing a dark blue suit and tie, sleek black hair, and glasses perched on his nose, the speaker exuded a scholarly air as he continued his speech.
"Year 2090. You have passed the examination to study at this academy, the Celestus Academy, where most of the world's prominent heroes have emerged. You stand here because you are the best of the best. Each of you has faced trials, pushed beyond your limits, and proven yourselves worthy just to step onto this sacred ground. Today, we celebrate not just your entry into this prestigious institution, but the beginning of your journey toward greatness!"
The speaker adjusted his glasses, his eyes sweeping over all the passers, momentarily lingering on the Fated Heroes.
Echo looked around as the speaker's voice reverberated alongside the applause from the other passers. Besides the students, he noticed guards in black armor suits, pulse rifles in hand. Some stood straight, while others moved around, well-organized yet laid-back in their mannerisms.
"But let me remind you," the speaker continued, "this is no ordinary school. Here, you will train your mind, body, and spirit. You will confront challenges far greater than any you have faced before. Villains, Untamed, Fragments of the World Rocks, and your own weaknesses—they are your enemies. Some of you may be blessed with extraordinary powers, while others wield nothing but their sheer determination—" He paused, his gaze shifting toward the back of the stadium.
Echo felt the weight of stares landing on him and the other passers seated in his section. Two rows at the very back of the hall had attracted attention for a few moments before the audience's focus returned to the stage.
"While others wield nothing but their great determination... He must be referring to us, the Normal Heroes," Maxwell thought, glancing at his fellow non-powered passers. They listened intently, determination shining in their eyes.
"However, know this," the speaker declared, "your strength is not measured by the power in your hands, but by the fire in your heart!" His words spurred a round of excited applause from the students.
Echo clapped half-heartedly. There was nothing more boring to him than speeches, which made him even more eager for the other 'event' to happen.
He glanced at his Aether Brace, noticing that the time for that was approaching. Out of curiosity, he leaned slightly to the right, peeking past the big guy beside him to steal a glance at the nerd.
The moment his gaze landed on her, the nerd whipped her head around, glaring at him with wide eyes.
Maxwell leaned back, pretending not to notice her. Between the boring speeches and her suffocating stares, the handsome young man closed his eyes as the speaker droned on with his scripted orations. He wondered how many times these words had been repeated over the years.
"...the road ahead is grueling. But the legacy of heroes who have passed through these halls—World Breaker Herman, Dawnbringer Sylva, and so many others—proves that it is possible. One day, your name could stand among them. So, I ask you today: Are you ready to become the hero the world needs? Are you ready to go beyond your limits and reach for something greater?" The speaker's voice rose, his eyes scanning the passers with anticipation. "If so, then welcome to Celestus Academy. Welcome to the beginning of your legend."
Another round of applause reverberated through the venue, this time more animated, strong, and filled with evident excitement for the future.
The speaker stepped back with a proud expression. No matter how many times he delivered the speech, he couldn't help but feel satisfied, seeing the new batch look at him with admiration.
Another person took the stage, standing in front of the podium.
"I will now introduce your instructors according to your section. Take note, the non-powers will have two instructors, to help ensure they don't fall behind the rest. Let's start with the instructor for Section A—Instructor…" The person on stage began introducing the instructor for Section A, where those who scored highest on the exam were placed. This was also the section where the Fated Heroes were located.
Echo opened his eyes, glancing at his Aether Brace before refocusing on the stage. His arms were crossed in front of him, fingers tapping the side of his left arm. Unlike before, he was now interested in the instructors being introduced.
From Section A all the way to Section E, Echo listened intently as each instructor was introduced. They gave short speeches, introducing themselves and sharing their expectations for the students—a very common practice.
Echo focused on the instructors, each one a certified Hero with feats to back up their reputation. While not as famous as World Breaker Herman, they each had their own unique strengths and were well-known in Sentinel City.
Finally, it was time for Section F. A man and a woman took the stage, both wearing the Academy's instructor uniform: black suits with gold trim, while the woman had silver lining on hers.
Naturally, the boys stared at the woman, and Echo was no different. His eyes ignored all the other details, focusing solely on the two "mountains" that seemed ready to burst from her uniform.
"Such monstrosity," the big fellow beside him muttered.
"Yeah," Echo nodded in agreement. At the same time, jealousy and envy were directed toward them, though it was understandable.
The men in Section F could barely focus on the speeches of their instructors, their minds preoccupied with the "mountains" in front of them.
As the two instructors left the stage, the men shook their heads, trying to dispel their fantasies.
"Now that you know who your instructors are, you may proceed to your dorms. All necessities are provided. All you need to do is your best to study and become the next Official Hero of our city!"
The new students of Celestus Academy stood up from their seats, clapping enthusiastically.
Echo clapped as well, a smile on his face as his eyes landed on the nerd in the distance.
This time, the nerd wasn't paying attention to him. Instead, she was focused intently on the person beside her, the Fated Hero, Dianne the Soul Absorber.
Maxwell glanced at his Aether Brace, his smile widening. "It's time."
Suddenly, a powerful explosion shook the venue!
Screams and sirens echoed as smoke poured into the stadium.
Echo looked toward Section A and, sure enough, the nerd was already gone, along with the Sentinel City princess. The other students quickly noticed and began calling for the instructors, but they were already preoccupied, facing off against a group of people dressed in black outfits commonly seen in circuses and talent shows—magician attire that covered their entire bodies.
"That's the Magician Hats!" someone recognized, and the news spread quickly.
End of Chapter One.