The morning sun painted the sky a soft gold as Taiyō Nozomi walked through the gates of Shinsei High. Cherry blossom petals floated lazily in the breeze, falling from the towering trees that lined the courtyard. In the center of it all stood the statue of four heroes—legends of the past, immortalized in bronze for their deeds two hundred years ago.
Takeshi Arata, the hero of unmatched strength, stood tall with clenched fists. Enjin Haruto, flames curling around him, seemed ready to leap from the statue itself. Uni Hayato's calm gaze reflected the flow of water in motion, and Shinra Tenma, mysterious as ever, held an aura of hidden power that no one could fully comprehend.
Two hundred years ago, they saved this country from the most powerful villain anyone had ever seen… Nozomi's eyes lingered on them. And here I am… with barely a gust of wind to call my own.
He adjusted his backpack and straightened his back. I'll become strong. I'll surpass everyone—even my brother, Ryusei. I'll prove myself.
The chatter of students filled the air, but Nozomi felt invisible. He wasn't ignored because of his personality. No, it was because of his connection to Ryusei, a third-year student and the strongest at Shinsei High. Dual manifestation: wind and Heart Bind, a Seika combination that immobilized opponents by controlling their heart rate and breathing. Everyone compared him to Ryusei, making Nozomi feel small in their shadow.
I'll get there. I'll show them. I'll be stronger than him someday.
The classroom door opened with a sharp click. A tall man with long blue hair and piercing eyes entered. Calm, commanding, and intimidating, he exuded authority.
"Everyone, take your seats," said Aoi Hasegawa, class teacher of 2nd-year B. His Seika allowed him to manipulate metal at will—a B-rank hero capable of bending steel with a flick of his wrist.
Nozomi sank into his seat, adjusting to the weight of another day at Shinsei High.
"Now," Aoi continued, scanning the room, "can anyone remind me what our power system is called?"
Hands shot up across the classroom. Aoi's gaze fell on Nozomi.
"It's called Seikas," Nozomi replied.
"Correct," Aoi nodded, satisfied. "Today, we're taking the practice outside. You'll test your powers, see where you've improved, and push your limits. Fifteen minutes to change—move!"
The classroom erupted into a flurry of motion. Nozomi muttered under his breath, A class on using powers… I'm going to fail… no chance I'll keep up.
The training field was vast and open, bordered by the school grounds and lined with cherry trees. Students paired up for races, combat drills, and obstacle courses. Nozomi scanned the lineup nervously.
"First pair: Taiyō Nozomi and Haru Sakamoto," Aoi announced.
Nozomi's stomach sank. Haru—ranked first in class, his Seika water. Smooth, fast, and elegant, he could glide over obstacles with ease.
"Don't worry," Haru said with a small smile. "Maybe you'll surprise me."
Kind… too kind. I can't let this distract me… Nozomi focused, summoning a gust of wind beneath his feet. Not much, but enough to give him hope.
"Get set… GO!" Aoi's whistle pierced the air.
Nozomi lunged forward, but Haru flowed effortlessly over the ground, overtaking him and crossing the finish line first.
"You almost had me. Keep practicing," Haru said, and Nozomi dropped to his knees, hands on the ground.
"Winner: Sakamoto," Aoi called.
"And I thought I could win."
The Competitors
Next up: Akira Fujimoto vs. Nao Kuroda.
Akira Fujimoto (16, 2nd strongest): Fire Seika, manipulates flames with precision, capable of creating explosive tricks.
Nao Kuroda (16, 6th strongest): Instinct Seika, separates consciousness from physical body to sense danger before it happens.
The whistle blew. Nao darted forward, weaving through imaginary threats as Akira launched fire blasts from his palms. A huge explosion of heat and smoke left Akira crossing the finish line first.
"Huh,what a looser.and here I thought you were good,ow please."
"I really hate that guy."Nao said
"Winner: Akira Fujimoto," Aoi announced.
Next: Ren Kobayashi vs. Daishi Suzuki.
Ren Kobayashi (15th, Lightning Seika): Can summon lightning to enhance speed. Second fastest in class.
Daishi Suzuki (13th, Superhuman Strength): Raw power, capable of immense physical feats.
Lightning struck the track as Ren sprinted ahead, leaving Daishi struggling behind. Another flashy victory.
What a show-off, Nozomi muttered, eyes narrowing.
"Huh, classic me,I won."Ren said
Mio Tanaka and Riku Motsuba were next—earth manipulators, siblings with tension running deep. Riku, stronger and more precise ranked as number 5 in there class, restrained his sister using earth itself. Mio couldn't break free for some reason,she is renked number 14 in there class but improves faster than the others.
"Brother wait."
"Don't call me your brother,your not my blood," Riku said coldly,as he walked away.
Family issues already?I hear Mio is adopted,is that the reason he is treating her that way,how mean.Nozomi thought. This school really is something else.
The races continued, each student showcasing their Seika:
Emi Shimizu: Flight Seika, graceful and fast in the air.ranked number 12.
Itsuki Hagashi: Cloning Seika, can create up to three copies to confuse opponents.ranked number 9.
Renji Augoma: Speed Seika, the fastest student in class.ranked number 8.
Hikaru Miyazaki: Animal transformation, shifts into a panther or any other transformation for combat agility.ranked number 3.
Kouta Inoue: Strength enhancer, temporarily boosts muscle power.number 20.
Sayaka Moriyama: Illusionist, creates visual mirages to mislead.rank number 16
Nozomi watched, absorbing their techniques and tactics. I'll be one of them someday. I have to be.
As the final race wrapped, Aoi's phone rang. "Taiyō Nozomi," he said into the device. "il send him immediately."he ends the call.
"Your being called by the principal."
Me? Nozomi's heart raced. Did I do something wrong?
"Stop asking questions and go."Aoi answers.
He walked briskly to the office. Inside, the principal, brown-haired with calm eyes, looked at him. His Seika allowed him to erase memories—a subtle but formidable power.his rank to the heros was a C rank,but never attended hero stuff that much because of the school.
But it wasn't the principal who froze Nozomi in place.
Long black hair, piercing eyes, the aura of dual manifestation. Wind Seika and Heart Bind. Calm, cold, commanding.
"Your here… brother," Ryusei said, voice steady, almost unfeeling.
Nozomi's chest tightened. He realized this day was only the beginning.
This… this is going to be different.