The Hero Association's observation room was where the hero association examiner held their meeting.
Sleek black monitors lined the walls, displaying footage from every angle of the testing grounds.
The air hummed with the quiet whir of surveillance drones and the occasional tap of fingers on holographic keyboards.
At the center of the room, the five examiners sat around a circular table.
Knowledge was the examiner of the written test and currently the oldest hero apart of the hero association and being the first complex user in history.
He cleared his throat, and the room fell silent, "The written examination served two purposes," he began.
"First, to assess their ability to gather information under pressure. Second, to determine whether they understand the Hero Association's code of conduct—not just the words, but the principles behind them. Since I had to accommodate to both celebrate and Keepers. Those who align with Keepers where cheating while celebrate tried their luck on their knowledge."
He swiped a hand through the table displaying a scoreboard.
"Of the ten teams, only three passed without cheating: Teams 1, 2, and 5. Scoring the highest was team 2 with 10 points, second was team 1 with 8 points, team 5 score 7 points."
A second list appeared.
"Teams 3, 6, and 9 had individuals who cheated while their teammates answered honestly. So I had to assess the team by how creatively their method were and how well they answered. Team 6 scored 7 points, team 3 scored 7 points and team 9 scored 6 points."
A third list.
"Team 4 cheated collectively. Passing with 6 points."
A fourth list appeared.
"Our failures are: team 7 with 4 points, team 8 with 3 points and team 10 with 0 points."
Glamourbabe, lounging back in her chair with one leg crossed over the other, "Oh, those idiots probably didn't even study. They didn't even try to hide it."
Knowledge's lips thinned, "That's why they will be given a ride awakening in two days time."
Flamestar, seated with her arms crossed, smirked, "I feel sorry for whoever mentor them. At least they can try again next year maybe."
Sonic burst sip his cup of coffee before mentioning, "Why are you smiling. Is it because your baby boy pass the next round."
Flamestare lightly giggle, "The whole of last month he has been training and studying to master his skills. Of course I would be happy of my little genius."
Knowledge with a deadpan look on his face, "You do realize he cheated—and rather poorly. If it wasn't for his teammates, he would have fail."
Flamestar was frozen solid with smirk on her face. The realization short-circuited her brain for a brief moment.
Knowledge folded his hands, "Remainder, in two days, we will announce who passes and who fails. Until then, we observe how they behave with another."
Glamourbabe twirled a lock of her pink hair around her finger, "Well, I already know who has the most potential."
She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming, "Violet. That poison manipulator is ruthless in combat and I'm biased since we was train by me. She's got the makings of a Top Ten."
Sonic Burst scoffed, "Please. Jackie James is the real prodigy here. Kid's got Aquajet's blood in him and a talented trigger user."
Eagle, a broad-shouldered man with a permanent scowl, grunted, "Joseph. Conquer's been hiding him for years. Won't even disclose his Trigger to the Association. That means he's got something dangerous."
All eyes turned to Flamestar.
She shrugged, "Arthur."
Silence.
Then—laughter.
Glamourbabe wiped a tear from her eye, "Oh, Vanessa. Still playing favorites with your little stray?"
Flamestar's smile didn't waver, but the temperature in the room rose by five degrees, "He's already beaten an S-rank villain. And has a powerful trigger that can wipe the floor with top ten villains in a manner of seconds."
Knowledge held up a hand before the argument could escalate, "Enough."
His gaze swept over them, "None of these candidates radiate the golden standard of heroism. Not yet. But I am… curious to see how this ends."
---
As the meeting adjourned, Flamestar lingered by the monitors, her eyes fixed on the feed showing Arthur's dorm the moment he was confronted by team 6.
Knowledge approached, his hands clasped behind his back, "You're risking a lot, vouching for him. You know once the public knows about this, your reputation will tank drastically."
Vanessa didn't look away, "I know."
"The Association hasn't forgotten what he did." Knowledge continued.
"Neither has he. But I know you don't want to take my word for since he did kill your student."
Knowledge studied her for a long moment. Then, quietly spoke, "Gold was golden standard I wanted the younger generation of today to inherit. Never concerned himself with money, fame or power. Only did what he believe what's right. He defied the split-role rules and protected everyone regardless of rank or cost."
He face turned to Arthur and Joseph, "I fear that his ideals split into multiple people. Igniting a false flame that he had inside and call it heroism."
Vanessa turned to him, her molten eyes frown before she spoke, "Heroes aren't born perfect." She got up from her seat, "Empire Gold was an amazing hero but he wasn't perfect because he was the only one we can rely on." She made her way to her door, "What make this generation of heroes different is the fact that they are creating the new golden standard." With that she left.
Knowledge sighed, "That's what I'm afraid of."