"Hey kids! To be a hero, you only need three things: love for the weak, a strong sense of justice, and the courage to fight. If you have those, anyone can be a hero!"
The bright, cheerful voice boomed from the television, echoing slightly through the quiet, dimly lit living room. The screen's light danced across the dark walls, flickering with the movement of cartoon explosions and costumed characters.
Right in front of the TV, sitting cross-legged on a frayed rug, was a boy named William. He was no older than eight, with messy hair and wide, fascinated eyes. He leaned in close, hanging on every word from the man on the screen. It was The Jury — his favorite hero of all time. Tall, strong, and always smiling, The Jury stood for justice and helped people who couldn't help themselves. William adored him.
A big, toothy grin spread across William's face as he repeated the line under his breath.
"Love, justice, and courage… that's what makes a hero," he whispered, his chest swelling with excitement.
"William!" a voice called out from the hallway. "Back up from the TV before you fry your eyes."
William blinked and turned his head. His mom stood by the door, already in her work clothes, holding her purse and looking stressed.
"But Mom…" he whined.
"No buts," she said firmly, though her tone wasn't harsh — just tired. "I've got to get to work, and I don't want to come back to you wearing glasses at age eight."
With a groan, William shuffled backward and flopped onto the worn-out couch.
His mom sighed and softened a little. "Emma's on her way to babysit. Please behave, okay? I don't want any phone calls while I'm gone."
"I'll be good," William replied, still a little sulky but obedient.
She walked over to the door, opened it, and paused. Looking back at her son, she smiled — tired, but loving.
"I love you, baby."
William smiled back, his frustration forgotten. "I love you too, Mom."
She blew him a kiss and slipped out, the door clicking shut behind her. The apartment was quiet again, except for the voice on the TV.
"And remember, kids — the Hero Federation is always here for you!"
William turned back to the screen, eyes shining. One day, he thought, I'll be part of the Hero Federation too. I'll help people just like The Jury.
PRESENT DAY
"Who ordered the black coffee?" a voice called out over the chatter and clinking of cups inside a bustling café.
"I did," William answered, raising a hand as he stepped forward in line.
The place was busier than usual. His favorite coffee shop — a small spot on the corner of Nova Street — was running a special on their premium drinks, but William still stuck with his regular order: plain black coffee, no sugar, no milk. Simple. Strong. Just how he liked it.
"Hi, William," the barista greeted with a smile.
"Hey, Rach. Thanks," he replied, giving a small smile of his own as he took the cup from the counter.
Outside, the cold hit him like a slap. Winter in New Ardent always came early and hard. The air felt sharp against his skin as he tightened his coat and tucked one hand into his pocket. The other hand held his steaming coffee, which he sipped without hesitation, barely reacting to the bitterness.
"Freezing," he muttered. "Should've worn the scarf."
He paused on the sidewalk, looking up at the sky. Drones zipped by overhead, each one displaying a different advertisement on its underbelly. Some sold clothes. Others showed teasers for upcoming movies. But most, these days, were related to heroes — recruitment ads, safety warnings, or news about recent rescues.
William smiled faintly. He remembered watching those commercials as a kid, thinking they were magic. Now, they just looked like ads. But deep down, the dream was still there.
He inhaled sharply—and regretted it immediately. The icy air bit into his lungs and he doubled over with a cough.
Beep! Beep!
His phone vibrated in his pocket. He fumbled to pull it out and checked the screen.
"Holy hell," he muttered. "I'm late."
Slamming the lid on his coffee, he scanned the street and spotted an idle hover-taxi. He waved it down with one hand. The compact, circular vehicle glided toward him and hissed as the door opened.
The interior was minimalist. One plush seat, surrounded by curved glass that gave a full view of the road.
"Where to, sir?" a calm robotic voice asked.
"The Hero Federation," William said, unable to keep the pride out of his voice.
The taxi lifted off the ground and merged into traffic with a soft hum. William leaned back in his seat, the warmth of the cabin seeping into his bones. He felt the tension ease from his shoulders as his mind began to wander.
His first day as a Field Supervisor.
That still didn't feel real. He had dreamed of working for the Federation his entire life. He'd studied hard, passed the entrance exams, trained endlessly. And now, after all those years, he wasn't just a kid watching heroes on TV anymore. He was part of it. Maybe not a hero himself—but close.
Maybe I'll get to work with some real heroes, he thought. Or maybe I'll be assigned to guide a rookie. Help them grow.
The idea made him smile.
The taxi began to slow. "We have arrived," the robotic voice announced. "That will be 10 Sparks."
A tube slid out from a panel in front of him, ending in a scanner.
William pulled his hand from his pocket and placed it under the light.
Beep.
"Payment successful. Have a nice day, sir."
William stepped out and into the cold once more. But this time, he barely noticed. His eyes were fixed on the enormous building in front of him — a towering H-shaped structure made of sleek black metal and bright energy-glass panels. A constant stream of people — agents, staff, and heroes in uniform — moved in and out of its doors. Some walked casually, others moved with purpose. A few hovered. One even landed from the sky, a small trail of blue energy fading from his boots.
William stood there for a moment, taking it all in. He'd seen it in pictures, of course. On screens, in textbooks. But standing here in person… it was something else entirely.
"Can I help you?"
The voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a woman standing beside him. She wore a sleek red suit that shimmered slightly as she moved, as if made of liquid metal.
His eyes widened. "Nano-suit?" he whispered, barely believing it.
"Excuse me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh—sorry," William said quickly. "I'm new. Just started today… Field Supervisor."
She looked him up and down, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, just as quickly, she smiled and extended a hand.
"Welcome to the Federation."
He shook her hand, her grip firm and warm.
"William," he said. "Nice to meet you."
"Hailey," she replied. "Nice to meet you too. Good luck today."
With that, she turned and walked toward the building.
William watched her go, still a bit stunned. Then he took a deep breath and climbed the steps.
He had made it.
This was the start of everything.