The Arcwell estate had never felt brighter.
When the Hero Department results were confirmed, the entire family gathered in celebration. Roland Arcwell clasped Raze's shoulder with rare intensity, Rose hugged him until he almost stopped breathing, and little Lily jumped around shouting:
"Big brother Raze is gonna be a hero! A HERO!"
But nothing meant more than Luna's reaction.
She stood before him quietly, searching his eyes.
"…If this is truly the path you want, Raze," she finally said, her voice softening,"then I will support you—completely."
From that morning onward, the siblings agreed to commute to Lionel Academy together.
◆ ◆ ◆
First Day of Hero Department — Homeroom 1-H
As students filled the new classroom, murmurs ran through the seats.
"That's him—the one who cut down the combat units…""He ranked first in theory too, right?""He's the Arcwell heir, but he has no Nexas… crazy."
This time, there were no sneers.
Just curiosity—and respect tinged with disbelief.
Raze walked calmly to an empty seat beside a composed girl with flowing blue hair and gentle water-like eyes.
Rain Lancelot.
She met his gaze with a warm, quiet nod.
"You may sit here if you'd like," she said softly.
"You don't mind?" Raze asked.
Rain shook her head."You fought without Nexas and still succeeded. That deserves respect."
Raze sat, offering a small smile of thanks.
Across the room, Roger waved both arms like a man trying to take flight.
Astra looked over for a moment—expression unreadable—then returned to her notes.
◆ ◆ ◆
Enter Professor Celeste Ardyn
The door slid open.
A silver-haired woman stepped in, aura calm yet commanding—like a winter storm wrapped in silk.
Celeste Ardyn.
Homeroom teacher for Hero Class 1-H.
From the moment she looked at them, the class fell silent.
"Welcome, Hero Candidates."
Her voice was gentle, but everyone straightened as if a general had entered.
"Before you learn how to protect others," Celeste said, raising a hand,"you must understand the world you are choosing to defend."
The lights dimmed.
A holographic sky materialized above them—split by a burning celestial object plunging toward Fraxen.
"Two hundred years ago, the world changed."
A massive asteroid struck Fraxen's surface, releasing unknown cosmic energy.
"This energy altered human DNA. Only a portion of humanity was affected… but those individuals awakened extraordinary abilities."
The word appeared across the hologram:
Nexas
"Nexas users became the foundation of our new era. Today, one in every four people is born with abilities."
The sky shifted again—revealing an enormous crater surrounded by towering containment walls and defense turrets.
"The impact site is called the Abyss Crater.The World Council sealed it centuries ago."
Her expression hardened slightly.
"No nation, no corporation, and no individual may access the asteroid's core.Total prohibition."
The hologram then changed to a dark, shimmering fragment—metallic and star-flecked.
"But during the impact, tiny pieces broke off and scattered across Fraxen. We call these fragments Abyss Alloy."
Students gasped.
"A real fallen-star metal…?""It still exists?""I thought that was myth!"
Celeste nodded.
"Abyss Alloy possesses density, hardness, and thermal resistance beyond all known materials. Because of its cosmic origin, it is nearly impossible to replicate or study."
The screen displayed a document stamped with the World Council seal.
"Fragments can be used legally… but only if licensed by the World Council.The cost of such a license—combined with the material itself—is astronomical.Most nations cannot afford more than a few grams."
Whispers surged.
"So civilians CAN buy it…?""Only the ultra-rich families could even dream of that…""Wait… the Arcwells are ultra-rich—"
Slowly, eyes drifted to Raze's twin blades resting at his side.
Dark. Polished. Star-flecked.
Rain's gaze lingered on them thoughtfully—but without judgment.
Celeste continued without acknowledging the looks.
"Most legal Abyss Alloy is locked away for research or national defense.Fragments in private hands are extremely rare—nearly nonexistent."
She dismissed the hologram.
"Remember this:The world changed because of power...but it was courage that saved humanity."
Raze felt the words strike deep within him.
He had no Nexas.
No power in a world built on it.
But courage?That—he had always carried.
As the class ended, one truth settled in his heart:
He would carve out his own destiny…even if he had to cut through the impossible to do it.