Benny and Frank stood on the edge of their training grounds, the sun barely beginning to dip below the horizon. Their muscles ached from the day's drills, yet their minds were already focused on what came next—their shared decision to leave the country and train with some of the most legendary heroes from around the world.
"You sure this is the right move?" Frank asked, his voice unusually quiet, a rare shift from his usual boisterous tone.
Benny looked up at the sky, his gaze drifting toward the setting sun. "We've done everything we can here," Benny replied, his voice steady but edged with determination. "To get better, we need to see how the top dogs train, push ourselves outside this bubble. We need to understand what it means to be at the top of the top. It's the only way we'll be ready."
Frank gave a slow nod. "I agree. But I still can't believe it's really happening. We're really going to leave for a while."
"I know. It feels... weird. But we need this."
They both turned to face the academy, the towering structure of Highsmith Academy looming in the distance, a symbol of everything they had worked for. And yet, Benny couldn't help but feel the weight of something that lingered on the edges of his thoughts. The other flag-bearers, their old classmates, had all chosen their paths, just as Benny and Frank were now choosing theirs.
"Let's go see what everyone else is doing for the summer before we leave," Benny said, breaking the silence between them.
The first stop was Threya. Benny had always been able to read her better than most, and today was no different. As he approached her room, he could hear the faint hum of music leaking through the door.
He knocked softly. "Threya?"
The door creaked open, revealing her standing inside, her headphones hanging loosely around her neck. She wore an expression of quiet contemplation, a far cry from the energetic persona she used to put on back when everything was normal.
"What's up, Benny?" Threya said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Just wanted to check in. How's your summer going? Got any big plans?"
She sighed, brushing her hair away from her face. "I've been keeping busy. Been in the field a lot, doing reconnaissance missions for some of the other heroes. Mostly small stuff, though. Nothing too intense." She paused, glancing at Benny. "You know, I think about Akio sometimes. I wonder what he would've done. What he would've wanted us to do now."
Benny didn't have an immediate response. Instead, he simply nodded. "Yeah. Me too."
After a beat, Threya's smile faded, and she shrugged. "But it is what it is. I'm not going to sit around forever, dwelling on the past. I'm going to keep pushing forward."
Benny understood. He didn't feel the need to press her further. She had always been the quiet, independent type, even when Akio had been around. Now, it seemed like she was trying to find her own way, just as the rest of them were.
Next, Benny and Frank visited Emi. She was in the middle of a training session when they found her, her lance whirling effortlessly through the air, cutting through targets with precision. She paused when she saw them, grinning like she'd been expecting them all along.
"Hey guys," she greeted, as if it was just another day. "What's up?"
"We were wondering how your summer's been. Got any plans?" Frank asked.
Emi rolled her eyes but chuckled. "Are you kidding? Of course I've got plans. I'm training with some of the top-tier lancers in the world. You know, the kind who can throw their weapons without even looking." She twirled her lance in the air as if it was weightless. "You guys know I can't just sit around all summer. I've got to keep getting better. You two better watch out, I'll be unstoppable by the time we're back."
Benny raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought you were taking a break from all that."
"Breaks are for the weak," she replied with a playful grin.
Despite her teasing tone, Benny knew Emi was serious. She had always been the one to chase after perfection, never satisfied with being good enough.
"I guess that means you're not planning to slow down," Benny said.
"Hell no. If I want to be the best, I've got to keep going, even if it means no time for rest." She leaned in closer to Benny and Frank. "So, what's this about you two leaving the country? You're not going to leave us all behind, are you?"
"We're just getting started," Frank said with a grin. "We'll be back, don't worry."
They next found themselves talking to Montiro, who was sitting outside the academy, his magical guns resting beside him. He looked up when they approached and smiled, though it was a smile that seemed more distant than usual.
"Hey guys. What's up?" he asked, looking as calm as ever, though Benny could see the subtle tension in his posture.
"We were just checking in," Benny said, "What's your summer looking like?"
Montiro tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I'm doing some personal work, you know? Helping out some of the older heroes who need someone with magic-enhanced aim. You'd be surprised how useful a magical gun can be when you've got someone who knows how to use it properly." He paused for a moment, glancing at Benny. "But you know, it's not all about just fighting. It's about making connections, keeping your options open. That's how you get to the top."
Frank raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you were so deep into the whole 'networking' thing."
Montiro grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Trust me. It's not just about fighting. It's about having people who can back you up when things go south. That's how the real power works."
Finally, they made their way to Toma. He was alone, as always, his white hair now longer, falling past his shoulders in a wave. He sat on a bench in the courtyard, his hands folded neatly in his lap, staring out at the horizon. When he noticed Benny and Frank approaching, he stood up, giving them a brief nod of acknowledgment.
"Training hard?" Benny asked.
"I've been meditating," Toma replied quietly. "I find that focusing on my powers in a calm state helps with control." He glanced up at Benny. "I've been working on new techniques. I'm not just relying on the old methods anymore."
Frank cocked his head to the side. "Sounds like you've been busy."
Toma simply nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'm preparing for what's ahead."
The trio stood in silence for a few moments, each of them lost in their thoughts. It was clear that all of them had changed over the years, each one focused on their own path, their own growth. And while they hadn't talked about Akio directly, Benny knew it was always there, lingering between them.
Benny finally sighed. "Guess we all have our plans."
"Yeah," Frank said, "But we'll be back. We're not done yet."
As the sun set behind the academy, Benny couldn't help but feel the weight of the choices ahead. He and Frank were leaving for training soon, but it was clear that they were all walking their own paths now. The others had moved on, but Benny couldn't shake the feeling that Akio was still out there, somewhere, waiting for them to remember. He just didn't know how to bring that part of their past back into focus, not when everyone else was so focused on their future.
"We'll see you guys when we get back," Benny said finally, turning to leave.
Frank clapped him on the back. "Let's go! Only a few more stops left"