[3 Days Later]
The screen flickered on in every corner of the Hero City — from cafés to dorms, from giant outdoor screens to small radios transmitting the broadcast.
Reporter (TV):"…And now, live from the National Hero Association headquarters, the draft order for this year's Rookie Selection!"
All eyes were glued to the screen.
A rotating digital board flashed in bold letters:
DRAFT ORDER – CONFIRMED
1st Pick – Phoenix Guild2nd Pick – Phoenix Guild3rd Pick – Phoenix Guild4th – Vortex Guild5th – Guild of a Thousand Lights6th- Leviathan Guild
...9th – Guild of a Thousand Lights15th – Guild of a Thousand Lights
The camera cut to a split-screen: Diana Flamesoul, leader of the Phoenix Guild, fist-pumping the air with a huge grin.
Meanwhile, Lorien Valtier, shining in his usual celestial white cloak, crossed his arms with an annoyed expression.
Diana (smirking):"Aww, poor Lorien. Fifth? Ninth? Fifteenth? That must hurt."
Lorien (deadpan):"You must have bribed Destiny herself. Three in a row? That's criminal."
Diana (laughing):"Don't hate the player, Lorien."
Lorien (dry):"You're lucky I'm not allowed to smite people on live broadcast."
The audience watching across the nation burst into laughter at their rivalry — an iconic and strange friendship between two titans.
A Few Days Later…
The great event had arrived.
A red carpet stretched across the majestic Hall of Ascension, where banners from every guild fluttered above.
The top calouros — now dressed in formal attire — gathered with anticipation in their hearts. Photographers flashed. Reporters swarmed. Families cried. The future was about to change.
Inavy Stormbreak wore a sharp black suit, white shirt, and a crimson tie. His Chaos Pendant was neatly tucked into his collar. His eyes — calm as ever.
Darius Valtier was in a navy-blue suit with a gold pin. Rose wore a sleek scarlet dress with a flame motif at the hem.
The crowd grew silent.
From the central platform, Ray Stormbreak stepped forward in a formal hero uniform, his voice steady and powerful.
Ray (microphone):"Welcome, heroes of tomorrow.Today, you're not just students anymore. You are candidates to become protectors of our world.Let us begin the draft."
He looked to the Phoenix Guild panel — where Diana Flamesoul sat proudly, arms crossed, eyes gleaming.
Ray:"With the first overall pick of the National Hero Draft…The Phoenix Guild selects…Inavy Stormbreak."
The crowd exploded.
Inavy blinked, momentarily stunned.
He stood up as applause rained over him. Ray stepped down to meet him halfway.
Ray (smiling warmly):"Welcome to our world, my son."
Inavy's eyes widened — a flicker of emotion, quickly hidden behind a smile.
He shook Ray's hand and turned to Diana, who extended her hand.
Diana (grinning):"Welcome to the Phoenix Guild, Inavy."
Inavy (nodding):"Glad to be here."
Ray (continuing):"With the second pick…The Phoenix Guild selects…Darius Valtier."
Darius (exploding):"YEEEEEEAHH BABY!!!"
He nearly knocked over his chair running down the stage, arms raised, grinning from ear to ear. He gave Inavy a hard slap on the back.
Darius:"We're really doing this, bro!"
Diana (laughing):"Welcome aboard, chaos and sunshine."
Darius:"You just picked the GOAT!"
Ray:"And with the third pick…The Phoenix Guild selects…Rose Eldara."
Rose walked up with confidence, a gentle smile on her lips.
Rose:"Thank you. Truly."
Diana hugged her briefly, whispering something that made Rose chuckle.
And just like that…
The Phoenix Guild had formed a trio that would be remembered for generations.
The crowd clapped until their hands hurt.
Other picks would follow — more talented heroes to come — but at that moment, the world knew…
The New Era had begun