As I walk back towards class, I see a group of boys surrounding someone.
The school doesn't outwardly state it, but bullying is not discouraged here. If anything, the opposite. It can teach a person many lessons, strength of a group, power dynamics, and forcing someone to either dig their way out of the hole they've been thrown into or... die in it.
I watch as they shove some victim to the ground. "You're telling me you signed up for this school, thinking YOU could become a hero? Don't be stupid!"
"But... they said anyone could join this school."
"Well, duh, they are just trying to get your money, or they want you to be good little punching bags for us stronger people so we can try out our new abilities. Why do you think they would bring in new students every year?"
Standing there as I cross my arms. He's not entirely wrong; this school was built for the sole purpose of creating the next "great Luminary", as the government likes to call it.
"Now, go get us some drinks before we beat the money out of you like a little piggy bank."
"But, I don't even have enough for lun-"
The biggest guy in the group punches him across the face. "Well, guess our little piggy is going to lose a few pounds the next few days, won't you."
The victim weeps as he begins to walk to the vending machine.
I start to walk away, but suddenly, a light blue-haired boy appears. The same one who walked me to the doctor. "Hey! Don't let them bully you like that! Us heroes must hold our heads high!"
If I remember correctly, it was Zero.
The chill in the air thickened as he steps forward, breath curling like ghostly wisps in the cold. The boy wears a sleek, frost-white coat that clings to his frame like freshly fallen snow. The buttons are fastened to the top, hiding all warmth beneath, save for the vivid sky-blue scarf that coils snugly around his neck—a rare splash of color against the icy palette of his attire.
His hair, wild and striking, juts back like frozen flame—white at the roots, flaring into a brilliant cyan glow, that matches his blindingly bold blue eyes.
"Eh? Who are you?" The bully questions.
"I'm the hidden hero, Zero! And I'm going to be the number one Luminary of this school!"
"Is that right? Listen, if you leave now, I'll only punch you once for looking like a jackass. "
"I could never back down. Heroes always stand up against evil! Otherwise, how can you call yourself a Luminary?" Zero exclaims.
The big guy scratches his head, deciding if it was even worth it, which apparently it was. "This guy is starting to piss me off. Let's beat his ass and get out of here." He turns to the "hero" "Listen up... Zero, my name is Langar, I'm going to beat the everliving shit out of you and leave." He states very bluntly.
"It's unfortunate that it had to come to a fight, but I won't back down! I'm going to be the greatest hero there ever was! I will never compromise my beliefs." Zero exclaims.
The bully throws a punch, and Zero dodges, managing to punch him, knocking him down. Zero freezes the Langar's wrists as if they were handcuffs. After a very rough brawl, Zero restrains the other two as well. He wipes his brow as he walks up to the victim. The victim now looks up at him with starry eyes.
"Shed your fear. I may not be a Luminary yet, but I know that heroes would never lose to evil. That's what it means to be a true hero of justice. So if you are ever in trouble, call out my name, and I will be there!"
The victim looks up at Zero with hope in his eyes. "Do... you think I can be strong like you?"
"From this day on, we can be rivals! Let's see who becomes the better hero!" The two of them fist bump.
Zero reaches out a hand to help, the victim reaches out, but his face suddenly shifts from hope to fear.
"There is no need to be concerned. The threat has been seale-"
While Zero wasn't looking, Langar had managed to break free of the ice and hit Zero with a chunk of wood. Zero falls to the ground, and Langar kicks him, calling out to his friends. "Get up, you shits!"
They stumble up and join in kicking Zero. The big guy spits on Zero, then proceeds to grab the victim by the hair, dragging him away. As they walk past me, Langar glares at me. "What? You want to fight, too?"
"Nope, just watching." I shrug.
Langar continues on, as the victim screams out, looking at me with pleading eyes, yet I simply stare back.
On the surface, this place is known as a hero school. But in reality, it's a petri dish. What happens when a bunch of kids get their hands on unfathomable powers? All hell breaks loose, yet the common goal prevents anarchy, instead, the creation of a food chain.
Walking up to the beaten-up Zero, I reach out. "Are you alright? Those guys hit you pretty hard."
I can see Zero holding back tears as he coughs up blood and he gives a weak laugh. "I'm alright. I... barely felt it."
"You don't need to put on a tough guy act. They clearly hurt you. Let's get you to the doctor's office."
"It's fine, I just didn't expect them to do something as dishonorable as attacking me from behind. But I guess it's foolish to believe that everyone would have honor."
At least he has more sense than Kunnia. "What you did was very noble, but you won't last long that way. Either you will die with your ideals, or your ideals will have to die."
"Well, I appreciate your advice, Saint. But my mom always said that the only way to make the world a better place is by giving kindness. Once you're kind to someone, then they will be kind to someone else, and then eventually... hopefully... everyone will be kind."
Hopefully? It looks like his ideals are already fading. "I see... have you ever heard of the story of the snake, the farmer, and the heron."
"Um... no? Is it some kind of kids' story?"
"Something like that, it's not important." I shake my head.
Looking down at him, I'm not sure why, but I decided to encourage him; he was so weak. Perhaps I saw future use for his ice ability? So, leaning down I smile. "You truly are a hero. So I'll give you some advice. Don't cry in front of your enemies. Instead, show them your biggest smile. For a smile will instill more fear than any words."
Zero face lights up as if stunned. Then, he gives me his best attempt at a glowing smile. He begins to analyze me, I fear he may see through my facade, so I wrap things up.
"I apologize for the cryptic message. I think what you're doing is noble. I certainly would never have the courage to do something like that, so my words likely hold no weight."
"No! I'm sure you would! Just think of the greater good and all the people you could help!"
The greater good... I'm not sure what that even means anymore. Is it what I think is deemed good? Or is it societies? Religions? My parent's beliefs?
"Thank you, Saint. ...If I'm being honest, that loss kinda got to me... deep down. But you got me fired up again. Now! If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go teach those bullies a lesson!"
"You're going back? Are you sure that's a smart idea?"
"Heroes don't stop being heroes after one loss. That's how you learn what you need to improve upon next time!" Zero rolls up his sleeves, and his eyes shine with overconfidence while he walks away.
Honest knights die first. May your beliefs create a beautiful grave.