This isn't a neccessary read, or even a suggested one. In time, it should (hopefully) become completely useless. I am only using it as a way to provide expectations and give insight/context to the story while it's in the beginning chapters, and this information should be introduced throughout the chapters.
World Building Context (minor spoilers, should learn in the first few chapters)
The story is not 'grounded,' (depends on your definition) in the sense that there are 'superheroes.' Though I don't plan to have a marvel-like world where heroes are everywhere destroying cities, the presence of people with extraordinary abilities that protect the major cities of the world. Also, the world isn't fantastical, it is our world, with the americas, europe, asia, africa, and all the countries largely unchanged.
Specifically regarding Valentine's (mc) city, it has been a while (~30 or so years) since it has been without a hero. Very important to recognize; heroes are rare. There is usually only one hero per major city on the planet, which means they are rare but also powerful enough to keep cities in check. There are many cities that are without heroes, though few as large as Valentine's. Valentine's city is completely overridden by crime, but in a 'livable' way. When people go missing, that's an 'oh well.' Of course, his mentor and classmate Candy has an ability, and is the supposed new hero to reign over the city.
About the heroes, there is no "justice league" (at least that I have planned) and the heroes are largely seperate outside of 'hero conferences,' which connect heroes with the goal of improving each other. Is this a 'corrupt hero' stereotype? No, I'm sure there are heroes out there that are corrupt, but most of the time if a bad person gets powers (not to be understated, powers are very rare) they would usually just devote themselves to crime.
Powers (partial spoiler)
Is there a reason for people having powers? No. I think that's silly. A lot of stories tend to say that "Oh all these people get powers because of blah blah blah" but I don't find that interesting. I prefer a world where anyone that awakens some sort of ability, they are generally from unique circumstances. For example, Candy awakened her powers when she was young due to VERY SPECIFIC reasons, but another person may have fallen into a vat of toxic waste, or maybe three seperate heroes got their powers from the same reactor explosion. It is more accurate to say that this world as the capacity to grant people powers, than to say that people in this world are gifted powers. So could someone give themself powers? Who knows.
Story Direction (minor spoiler)
This story obviously follows Valentine and his journey to becoming a hero with the help of his super-powered mysterious classmate. He has no powers, cliche, but it's not REALLY a large plot point. Spoiler, he does just fine. Where does this story go? Wait and find out :>