One week later...
---
"Kurata... are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Mom... really, I'm okay."
During dinner at the Kurata household, Sako Kurata asked her son Takumi with concern as he fiddled with the bones of his grilled fish. Normally, he would eat the fish, bones and all, but when he played with the bones like this, it meant something was wrong—and as his mother, she knew why.
"I'll look for a job, Mom... maybe at a canned fish factory or something. If it's related to dismantling, my Guin might make them hire me."
"Takumi, you don't have to give up on being a hero. If needed, I'll help you look for schools that accept transfers or mid-year applicants..."
"Thanks, Mom... I'm done eating. Thanks for the meal."
Sako tried to comfort her son, who had already given up after telling her how terrible his performance in the practical test had been, though he had done well on the written portion. She told him he didn't have to give up and that she would support him no matter what it took for him to become a hero.
She knew all too well how much conflict her son had faced because of the strong resemblance his Guin bore to her own. It wasn't just petty fights—it had escalated into serious incidents where she had to apologize and bow her head. She had even been summoned to his school countless times. Still, she was proud of supporting his dreams and understanding his kind nature.
As she watched her son clean the dishes and head toward the stairs to his room, the doorbell rang.
"Oh? Could it be your father...?"
Watching his mother head to the front door, Takumi turned to go up the stairs when...
"Takumi! TAKUMI! It's here—the notification!!"
His mother held the envelope that carried what might as well be a death sentence.
---
"I'm here!"
"Wow, V.G. has some incredible technology..."
Breaking the seal on the envelope, an image was projected into the air. Seeing the familiar, smiling face mask of Mr. White, Takumi let a small smile escape as well.
"Alright, let's get straight to the point, Takumi Kurata! Your written test was outstanding. If this were General Studies, you'd pass with flying colors. Your hard work shows... but your practical exam? Zero points. Unfortunately, you didn't make the cut."
The announcement was straightforward, and as expected, Takumi felt no regret—he told himself he didn't, at least.
"Heh... but I guess I do feel a little frustrated after all..."
Blood stained his pajama pants as his fingers gripped them tightly.
"Your written test was great. Your practical exam? Not so much. But if that were all, well... take a look at this footage!"
The screen within the hologram lit up, displaying footage from the practical exam.
"Ah—"
It showed the moment just before the exam ended, where he had saved the girl and been checked on by spike haired boy.
*"You want to transfer your points to him?"*
*"Y-yes... Not just because he saved me, but because he had zero points. Even though he could have gotten more points, he chose to save me instead... He could have prioritized himself, but he didn't. That's why..."*
*"He helped her when everyone else was too busy fleeing. He threw away his chances just to save her... That selflessness is what a hero truly is! Someone like him should be a hero. That's why I want to give him half my points, too!"*
Hearing their words, Takumi covered his face with his hands. No, that's not it. He couldn't do anything else. He was powerless, and that was all he could manage. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he realized this.
*"The entrance exam wasn't just about villain points! A hero course that rejects people who save others? What kind of nonsense is that? Call it idealism—fine by me! Being willing to risk your life for your ideals is what being a hero is all about!!"*
And then, his idol on the screen stretched out his hand and declared:
*"Rescue Points! A fundamental part of what we evaluate at V.G.! Kurata Takumi, 50 points! You're in. Come, young Kurata... This is your Hero journey's start!"*
"Y-yes... yes...!!"
Falling to the floor from his chair, Takumi curled up, clutching himself tightly, and responded to his idol's words in a choked voice.
And thus, the path to becoming a hero opened for Kurata Takumi.