(A month has passed)
The Hero Association's testing grounds buzzed with nervous energy as thirty young hopefuls talked amongst themselves.
Miles adjusted his purple-and-white hero suit, his shock baton strapped to his thigh, his white cape covering his entire body.
Mr. Perfect's warnings echoed in his mind:
"Avoid the lightning brat—Jackie James. Cocky bastard has connection, and his old man is quite a scumbag in the Association."
"Watch out for Scarlet."
"I heard that Empire Gold grandson might be entering. Loki, I wish I knew about him but Conquer Rage and the association kept it quit."
"And if you see Arthur? Run."
Miles swallowed, scanning the crowd—
—when fire erupted at the entrance.
A pillar of flames roared to life, parting like a curtain as two figures emerged:
Flamestar, radiant in her crimson-and-gold spandex, and Arthur, with a new look—white hair tied back in a short ponytail, two loose strands framing his face, and his right hero outfit was sleeveless.
Flamestar whispered something to him, kissed his forehead, then vanished in a swirl of embers.
The room fell silent as Arthur walked forward, his boots clicking against the polished floor. He leaned against a pillar, closed his eyes—
—and Jackie James strutted up.
"Look who it is," Jackie sneered, lightning dancing across his knuckles, "The ex-con. What, they let you out for good behavior?"
A few nervous laughs rippled through the crowd.
Arthur didn't open his eyes.
"You see, my dad told me a lot about you...hero kill—"
Then—
Jackie's voice died in his throat.
His body locked up, his eyes rolling back. He collapsed to his floor, trembling violently—his mouth open in a soundless scream.
Arthur's left eye pulsed, the iris shifting into an infinity symbol before fading back to normal.
Ten seconds passed.
Jackie gasped like a drowning man, scrambling backward before bolting from the room.
No one dared laugh now. Even the loudmouths stared at Arthur.
Then—
*SPLORTCH!*
A geyser of blood erupted in front of Arthur, reforming into Gwin Scarlet, her face flushed crimson, her mask clutched to her chest.
"M-Marry me!" she blurted.
Arthur blinked, "…What?"
"You're so cool and scary and pretty—"
"Sure," Arthur muttered. He guessed it was a joke… but decided to play along.
Gwin squealed, walking in circles, "I'll plan everything! We'll have black roses! And a cake! And—"
Arthur sighed, "I found a crazy one."
---
A chime echoed through the hall.
The five Elders of the Hero Association each appeared through different elemental portals—fire, frost, lightning, light, and plant.
Elder Maximilian, his voice like grinding stone, stepped forward.
"Welcome," he boomed, "The examination begins now. Two weeks. Five phases. Only fifteen worthy heroes will leave with there hero licence."
Elder Frost, points to the holographic board above.
"Your teams have been decided."
Miles looked up—
—and his stomach dropped.
TEAM 3:
- Arthur
- Gwin Blackwood
- Miles Thomas
Mr. Perfect's voice screamed in his head:
"RUN."