Chapter: Ignite's Recovery and the Trials of Awaken Academy
In the quiet of the brightly lit hospital room, Ignite—the Number 4 Hero—lay unconscious. Tubes ran from his nose, machines beeped softly, and nurses moved in hushed tones, tending to his deeply wounded body. But inside his mind, a storm was raging. Flashbacks bombarded him like a hailstorm. He saw again the cold white-suited man, the bodies of his teammates lying broken, and the haunting words: "I must find Eli Calamaki."
His eyes shot open.
"AGHHH!" Ignite screamed and jolted upright, ripping a monitor cord from his arm. The nurses rushed to his side.
"Please, Hero Ignite! Calm down! You're safe!" one nurse cried, gently holding him.
"They're all dead... He... I couldn't move... I couldn't fight him..."
He struggled violently until a commanding presence filled the room. The Number 1 Hero—Nice—stepped in. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a golden cape that shimmered slightly, Nice placed a gentle hand on Ignite's shoulder.
"Enough. Calm down, Ignite. Talk to me."
The words, spoken with such quiet power, cut through Ignite's fear like a knife. He stared at Nice, his breath heavy, chest rising and falling.
"The Threats... they're changing. They're evolving into something we've never seen before," he whispered. "And that man... whoever he was... he made me powerless. I've never felt anything like it."
Nice held his gaze for a moment, then nodded.
"Rest. You've done enough. We'll look into this."
---
Cut To: The Grand Hall, Awaken Academy
The massive marble hall was packed to capacity with hundreds of hopeful students from around the world. Excited whispers and curious eyes looked around at one another. Power flickered like sparks in the air as some students showed off, eager to impress or intimidate.
Suddenly, the massive double doors opened.
A tall woman in a flowing blue hero uniform with golden stars stitched into the sleeves entered. Her radiant presence caused the hall to erupt into cheers. It was Starlight—the Number 12 Pro Hero.
Every eye was on her as she waved and smiled.
"Greetings, future heroes!" Her voice was musical, powerful. "I am Hero Starlight, and I'm honored to welcome you to Awaken Academy. This is not just a school—it is a crucible. A place where you will either become something great... or crumble beneath the weight of your own limits."
The crowd hushed in awe.
"There are two tests. Only those who pass both will be allowed into our ranks.
Test One: Survival Course – You'll be dropped into a massive simulation area filled with realistic Threat-class beasts, rough terrain, limited visibility, and time pressure. Your objective: reach the 'Light Beacon' at the center. Your powers, brains, and teamwork will be tested.
Test Two: Combat Challenge – A direct one-on-one evaluation with powerful instructors. We will assess your fighting potential, creativity, reflexes, and strategy. Your strength is not enough. We want to see heart."
Eli stood in the back, eyes wide with anticipation. But then...
"Look at that guy," a student whispered behind him.
"Did he come straight from the slums?" another chuckled.
"And what's with that weird aura? Can he even use real power?"
Eli's eyes dropped. He tightened his fists. But before he could say anything, a familiar voice called out.
"Back off!"
Rebecca. The girl with short black hair and confident posture stood between Eli and the bullies.
"Mocking others doesn't make your power any better."
She turned to Eli.
"You okay?"
Eli nodded slowly. "Thanks."
"Why didn't you stand up for yourself?" she asked, tilting her head.
Eli just smiled gently. "Some fights aren't worth it."
Before she could respond, a loud speaker blared overhead.
"All students to the arena gates. Test One begins now."
---
Test One: Survival Course
Hundreds of students were transported to a simulated warzone that looked like a destroyed city combined with a dense jungle. Mechanical beasts resembling the real Threats roamed the map.
Cameras hidden in every corner broadcasted the challenge to the judging panels, where powerful heroes watched closely.
In one zone, a boy with lightning speed zipped through enemies, making the panel comment: "Excellent speed and environmental use."
A girl created protective shields and carried two wounded allies to safety. Another used vines to trap monsters from underground.
Eli, meanwhile, was struggling.
He ducked behind rubble, eyes scanning. He activated his mental pulse, a new technique the old man taught him—a mix of psychic mapping and intuition—but it drained his energy quickly.
"Look at that loser!" a nearby student laughed. "He's hiding!"
But Eli ignored it. He remembered his training—control emotions, focus, and conserve energy.
He conjured a burst of mind-push, shoving debris aside to reach the next checkpoint. A beast charged. Eli barely dodged, but before the monster struck again, Rebecca arrived.
"I got you!" She slammed it with a psychic force.
"Heal up," she said, placing her glowing hand on him. Energy surged into Eli. "Now run. Let's finish this."
They fought side by side. Eli used his focus to paralyze one beast briefly, Rebecca hurled them back with telekinesis. Bit by bit, Eli adapted.
When they finally reached the Light Beacon, the crowd of judges erupted into whispers.
"Who's that boy?"
"He struggled, but... the improvement was real."
Test One: Passed.
---
Test Two: Combat Challenge
A coliseum-like arena. The students were one by one summoned to battle top-tier instructors or advanced upperclassmen. The crowd watched from above.
Some students were instantly wiped out, their lack of control exposed.
Others managed to hold their own.
When it was Eli's turn, silence filled the air.
He stepped in slowly, facing off against Instructor Vane, a mid-ranked hero known for her elemental combat.
"Show me what you've got, boy."
The match began. Vane launched fireballs rapidly. Eli dodged, sliding across the ground. He used debris as cover and sent a shockwave to distract her.
"Clever," Vane smirked, "but not enough."
Lightning crackled from her fingers. Eli summoned a mind field, slowing the charge. Then he combined two techniques—pulse wave and mental mimic—to temporarily mirror her fire technique.
He launched a small blaze that staggered her.
Then he collapsed, breathing heavily.
Judges leaned forward.
"Risky... but impressive improvisation."
Vane smiled and stepped back.
"Enough. You pass."
Test Two: Passed.
---
Hero Assembly – The Threat Discussion
In a massive underground conference chamber, the top 15 heroes sat in a circle. Ignite appeared via hologram.
"I don't care what the reports say. That man... he killed half my unit alone. And he said he was looking for a student."
"Eli Calamaki..." murmured Starlight.
Nice stood.
"Prepare all departments. Increase security. And keep an eye on Eli. If someone that powerful is searching for him, we must protect him—and find out why."