Villainy was the obvious choice. The lairs were cooler, and you didn't have to wear a badge with a cartoon animal on it. Ten-year-old Aris Holt was designing a freeze ray when a HRA ad interrupted.
"Become a Hero!" a jingle announced. "Tier 3s get access to the Super-Duper Component Vault!"
The screen showed a glittering Chroniton Crystal. The one thing that could fix him.
He stormed to the HRA office, only to be stopped by a rule.
"Sorry, kid," a clerk said, not looking up. "Minors can't test for Tier 3 without a Gold Badge hero sponsor. It's a liability thing."
Aris seethed. He needed a useless, high-ranking hero. A familiar, booming voice cut through his thoughts.
"You!" It was the samurai poser from the monster attack, pointing dramatically. "I have decided you shall be my sidekick!"
Aris looked him up and down. The gilded badge. The utter lack of self-awareness. He was perfect.
"Fine," Aris sighed. "But I'm not carrying your sword."