Finally, the long-awaited day arrived.Morning sunlight spilled across the city as Ryan and Nikki Jones made their way toward the massive golden gates of the Royal Hero Academy — the most prestigious institution for aspiring heroes in all of Japan.
The emblem above the gate shimmered with a golden crown and a sword crossing through it, symbolizing courage and unity. Nikki stepped forward first, glancing back at her brother with a playful smile. Ryan, calm as always, followed with quiet confidence.
"You sure you're ready for this?" Ryan asked."Of course," Nikki replied with a smirk. "Don't tell me you're nervous.""I could ask you the same," Ryan murmured.
They entered through the towering gates, surrounded by hundreds of excited faces. Sir Shiro hadn't come with them. That morning, he had simply said,
"There's something important I must handle. You two go ahead — I'll meet you afterward."
Ryan didn't question it. Shiro had always been like that — secretive yet dependable.
Getting Nikki to the test grounds, however, was a challenge of its own. Though she always looked calm, Ryan knew she loved to tease and distract him whenever she could.
"Nikki, focus," Ryan said, sighing as she tugged at his sleeve."Relax! You're too serious," she laughed, hopping ahead of him.
He remembered a night not long ago when she couldn't sleep and wandered into his room, pestering him with random stories until she finally fell asleep mid-sentence. Despite her mischief, in serious moments, Nikki was fierce, quick-thinking, and utterly reliable.
As they reached the courtyard, a sleek black car slid to a stop nearby. Its silver finish shimmered with an ice insignia, instantly drawing whispers from nearby students.
"That symbol… the Ice Royals," someone murmured.
A young man stepped out — tall, with snow-white hair and calm, unreadable blue eyes. He didn't say a word. But his quiet confidence was enough to draw attention.
"That's Jason Cruz," another student whispered. "The Ice Royals' heir."
Nikki glanced at him, intrigued. "Cruz…" she muttered, as if the name lingered somewhere in her memory.
Moments later, all participants were guided into a large open hall near the academy's forest testing grounds. Rows upon rows of hopefuls filled the space, buzzing with nervous excitement.
An instructor stood at the front and spoke with a commanding voice.
"Welcome, candidates, to the Royal Hero Academy Entrance Examination! This year, we have 247 participants. You will be divided into three testing fields. Each field will contain multiple participants — but only twenty-five from each field will be selected to advance to the academy."
A murmur spread through the hall — 247 competitors, but only 75 would pass.
"The test will take place in the training forest, one of the academy's oldest and most dangerous arenas. Inside, you will face combat bots, illusions, and traps designed to test your instincts and teamwork. Your goal is simple — reach the marked exit before time runs out."
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
"Additionally," the instructor continued, "one participant, Issabella Cruz, has already passed her test earlier this week after defeating one of our top-ranking teachers. She will be returning to her home country tomorrow. Also joining today's test is Brianna, daughter of Steve, Korea's Number One Hero. Many of you know her by another name — the Swordsaint."
The name drew gasps from nearly everyone in the hall. Even among the proudest hero families, Brianna's reputation stood at the top.
Soon after, the groups were separated and led toward the massive forest arena just outside the academy walls. High-ranking heroes, noble families, and retired champions filled the stands surrounding the forest's barrier field, ready to watch the next generation of heroes rise.
Among them sat Keith Smith, once the world's top hero, now retired. He sat quietly, his sharp gaze scanning the fields below. When his eyes landed on a calm boy with silver hair and steady eyes, he leaned forward slightly.He said nothing — but his hand tightened subtly against the railing. There was something about that boy… something deeply familiar.
Down at Field Three, tension hung heavy in the air. It was known as the toughest arena — and it was where the strongest candidates were placed. Among them were Ronney Smith, Keith's son; Jason Cruz, the silent heir of the Ice Royals; Grid Volt, younger brother of Rohan Volt, the Japan's second-ranked hero; and Brianna, the Swordsaint herself.
When the command was given for participants to move to their designated areas, Nikki grabbed Ryan's arm instinctively.
"Don't run off without me," she said, half-joking, half-serious."Just stay close," Ryan replied, smiling faintly.
They reached the edge of the forest — tall trees stretching endlessly, sunlight cutting through the mist. The loudspeakers crackled to life.
"Attention participants. Your test begins now. Escape the forest before time expires. Failure to do so will result in elimination."
The giant gate at the forest's entrance opened with a thunderous clang.
Ryan looked once at Nikki, who nodded, her expression shifting from playful to determined.Then, with quiet composure, Ryan stepped forward, his calm footsteps vanishing into the trees as the wind stirred around him.
From the viewing stands, Keith Smith sat in silence — not cheering, not moving.He simply watched.
Deep down, he already knew.
That was Ray.