Location: United States – Santa Cario
Marcus packed up the last of his things: mission logs, worn boots, and a single framed photo of his family. Kiya, his Orange fox familiar, hopped into his duffel bag, tail flicking in amusement.
He'd just been told the news.
> You've been selected as a founding member of the Hero Faction.
The message came with a PCA crest stamped in blue-gold wax. Alongside it, a sealed transfer letter: he was being moved to Santa Cario's University of Paranormal Sciences, the west coast's elite academy for supernatural operatives.
When he arrived at the gates of the Hero Faction Mansion, the sight took his breath away. The structure was massive, an old-world mansion combined with sleek futuristic design. Kiya let out a trill of approval.
Waiting for him at the grand entrance was a young woman clad in formal PCA black-and-silver robes. Her long silver hair shimmered in the California sunlight, and her aqua-blue eyes were calm and discerning.
"Welcome to your new home, Marcus Reynards," she said with a soft bow. "My name is Ewelina Hellsing. I'll be overseeing your training and integration into the Hero Faction."
Her voice was calm, composed, yet kind.
"Please follow me. I'll show you to your suite."
They moved through the vast halls—lined with paintings of exorcist legends, enchanted chandeliers, automated guardian constructs, and weapon racks sealed in spirit glass.
She opened a door and gestured inward.
Marcus stepped inside and blinked.
> A queen-sized bed. Flat-screen TV. Personal computer desk. Mini-fridge. Indoor bath with enchanted steam settings. Even a separate room for Kiya with its own cushion and cooling pad.
He turned to her, stunned. "This is mine?"
Ewelina smiled gently. "You've earned it. From now on, you're not just a trainee. You're one of the Hero Faction. You'll be trained, honed, and protected—but you'll also carry the burden of expectation. Your choices from now on… will echo beyond you."
Marcus nodded slowly. Kiya curled up by the bed.
This wasn't just a promotion.
It was the beginning of something far bigger.