One week had passed since the horrifying incident at the Hero Headquarters.
The academy was quieter than usual—students spoke in hushed tones, teachers carried tension in their eyes, and the public still grieved the loss of five heroes.
But Lionel Academy could not afford to stop.
The world was watching.
Inside Class 1-H (Hero Department), Celeste Ardyn entered the room, her expression calm but resolute.
"Good morning, everyone."
The class replied in unison.
Celeste scanned the room before speaking, voice firm:
"To restore morale and prove that the next generation of heroes is strong, the academy will be holding a Combat Ranking Tournament. It will determine your official rankings and evaluate your progress."
Murmurs rippled across the classroom.
She continued:
"It will take place next week. All Hero Department students are required to participate. Additionally, the top-performing students from the Auxiliary Cadets—support-track fighters—will also compete."
Eyes widened.
Auxiliary Cadets rarely fought hero-class students.
Roger leaned closer to Raze.
"Man, those guys are starving for a chance. They'll do anything to move up."
Celeste raised her hand.
"The winner will receive a reward personally presented by the top hero of Vornis. It is an opportunity none of you should waste."
Gasps and excited whispers filled the air.
"The matchups will be chosen randomly. Injuries will be handled by Professor Hale, our healer. Withdrawals are allowed—however…" Her tone sharpened.
"…cowardice will damage your evaluation far more than defeat."
Raze felt his heartbeat steady.
Another challenge. Another chance to prove himself.
Celeste concluded:
"Now, head to the main hall to see the match brackets."
◆ ◆ ◆
Walking to the Hall
Students poured into the corridor, energy buzzing stronger than electricity.
Bam stretched with a smirk.
"Finally! Something real to punch!"
Zack cracked his knuckles.
"Just don't give me Roger again. That bastard ran circles around me last spar."
Roger put a hand dramatically on his chest.
"That's because I'm elegance incarnate. Momentum Shift supremacy, gentlemen."
Astra glanced at Raze, cool and curious.
"I want to see how you fight against a person, Arcwell. Robots don't feel fear."
Raze smiled calmly.
"Neither do I."
Rain offered a gentle nod.
"You'll do well. I believe in you."
Roger elbowed Raze with a wicked grin.
"Look at that—girls cheering you on already? I'm proud, man."
Raze sighed deeply.
"Roger… stop talking."
The class burst into laughter, the tension lifting—if only for a moment.
◆ ◆ ◆
Tournament Matchup Board
They reached the Main Hall, where a massive digital screen flickered to life.
Round 1 Matchups
Name after name scrolled slowly down the glowing surface.
Students leaned in, breaths held, anticipation building like a drumbeat.
Zack muttered,
"Come on… not Bam… not Bam…"
Bam grinned wider.
"Yes, please be me."
Roger crossed his fingers dramatically.
"Please give me someone slow. I enjoy bullying."
Astra folded her arms.
"…whoever it is, they will fall."
The list slowed—rows stopping one by one until finally…
There it was:
Raze Arcwell vs. —
SCREEN GLITCH
[DATA LOADING]
MATCHUP PENDING...
A stunned silence swept through the hall.
Roger blinked.
"The hell? Pending?"
Rain frowned.
"That's… not normal."
Bam's expression hardened.
"Whoever that is… they're strong."
Astra narrowed her eyes.
"This just became interesting."
Raze stared at the blank space beside his name—heart steady, gaze sharp.
Another unknown challenge.
And the tournament was only one week away.