"Today," Adrian's dad said, his voice calm but firm, "we start your training."
Adrian straightened, trying to match his father's seriousness. "I'm ready," he said, though a flicker of nerves tugged at him.
"Good," his dad continued. "Flying is the foundation of every hero's work. If you can't master it, you won't be able to chase bandits, stop disasters, or catch aliens. Everything begins in the air."
Adrian tilted his head. "So… how do we make me better at flying?"
"By practice," his dad replied with a faint grin. "Follow me—and keep your own pace."
They launched into the sky together. The cool wind whipped against Adrian's face as they rose above the rooftops. They soared higher, the world shrinking below them until the clouds brushed against their boots. His father glided ahead with ease, while Adrian focused on keeping his balance, adjusting the angle of his arms like he'd been taught.
They stopped at the Eiffel Tower for a quick breakfast, sharing croissants and orange juice while Paris glittered beneath the morning sun. Adrian let himself savor the view: tiny cars threading through streets, the Seine curling like a silver ribbon.
Afterward, they swept across continents, touching down briefly in bustling plazas and quiet mountain ridges. By the time they returned home, Adrian's muscles trembled pleasantly.
His dad clapped him on the shoulder. "You're still slow, but your control is excellent. Speed comes with experience. For now, let's talk about your suit."
Adrian's eyes widened. "A suit? For me?"
"Yes." A smile tugged at the corners of his father's mouth. "We'll visit someone who knows more about suits than anyone else—Dr. Thomas. He crafts gear for almost every hero."
Excitement fluttered in Adrian's chest. A custom suit! He'd only seen them in magazines or from a distance when heroes visited schools.
They drove to the headquarters, slipping past security checkpoints until they reached an unmarked steel door. His dad tapped a series of buttons on a small panel, and the door slid open with a soft hiss. Inside, the air smelled faintly of metal and ozone. Rows of mannequins wore half-finished suits, each one glowing under dim lights.
At the far end stood an elderly man with round glasses perched on his nose.
"David!" the man exclaimed, striding forward. "It's been far too long."
"I know, Thomas," Adrian's dad said, shaking his hand. "Work's kept me busy."
Dr. Thomas glanced at Adrian with a knowing smile. "And this must be your boy."
"That's right," David said proudly. "He's starting his path as a hero. He already has his license—I just need the proper suit for him."
Thomas stroked his chin. "A suit, hmm? I think I can manage that. What color do you want, Adrian?"
Adrian hesitated. "I don't know… maybe you should decide."
"Blue, then," Thomas said with a twinkle in his eye. "It suits most heroes starting out. Give me a few days."
Adrian left the lab buzzing with anticipation.
Back home, his father handed him a pair of weighted straps. "From now on, wear fifty kilograms—twenty-five on your arms, twenty-five on your legs. It'll strengthen your flight control."
Adrian's jaw dropped. "Fifty? That's insane!"
His dad folded his arms. "If you want to be a hero, you need to endure more than you think possible."
Adrian groaned but fastened the weights anyway.
That night, exhaustion pulled him into a deep sleep. At dawn, he was up again, practicing short flights and hovering drills. Each day he grew steadier, his punches sharper, his turns tighter.
A week later, Dr. Thomas called. "The suit's ready. Come by the lab."
They arrived to find a sleek blue suit displayed on a stand, its fabric gleaming faintly under the lights.
"It's flexible, durable, and fire-resistant," Thomas said with pride. "Perfect for a young hero."
"Whoa…" Adrian breathed. "It's incredible."
"Every suit I make is incredible," Thomas replied, chuckling.
"Thanks, Thomas," David said. "We'll take it home."
As they turned to leave, sirens wailed through the building. A voice crackled over the loudspeakers:
"Warning: Alien attack in progress. Citizens, remain indoors until further notice."
David's expression hardened. "Quick, Adrian—we're needed!"