The results were posted one week after the combat exams.
Students crowded around the academy's main bulletin board, whispering, pointing, and arguing as they waited for the list that would determine their futures.
Only 12 students were admitted to the Hero Department each year—
the path to becoming an officially recognized hero of Vornis.
Finally, the announcement appeared.
A hush fell.
Then, names were revealed in glowing text:
Lionel Academy — Hero Department (First Year Selection)
1st — Astra Noire
2nd — Gray Howitzer
3rd — Bam Relic
4th — Rain Lancelot
5th — Kaine Kaiser
6th — Zack Kreiger
7th — Selene Ward
8th — Alren Frost
9th — Mira Goldhart
10th — Felix Cinder
11th — Naomi Crest
12th — Roger Castellan
13th (Special Admission) — Raze Arcwell
Silence.
Then the courtyard exploded.
"A special admission!?"
"Why thirteen this year!?"
"They never take more than twelve!"
"Don't tell me they added a slot for him!"
Some students were furious.
"The Arcwells bought his way in!"
"Connections—what else!?"
"He has no power! Hero Department is for the gifted!"
Others disagreed.
"Did you even watch his combat trial?"
"He cut academy steel like cloth!"
"Power or not, that skill is real."
Roger ran straight to Raze, nearly tackling him.
"WE DID IT! Hero Department, baby!"
Raze smiled.
"You earned it, Roger. I'm just… grateful they gave me a chance."
A low voice interrupted:
"It wasn't a gift."
Principal Ricardo Leonel stepped forward, his coat drifting behind him like a banner of authority. Students instantly bowed their heads—no one dared disrespect the man who built Lionel Academy's reputation.
He addressed the crowd:
"I chose to admit Raze Arcwell."
Murmurs rippled through the students.
"Some of you believe the Hero Department exists solely for those born with power."
"I disagree."
His gaze swept over them, sharp as a blade.
"Heroes are not defined by ability alone. Courage, discipline, and intent are the foundation of a true protector."
He turned toward Raze.
"During the combat exam, this student fought without Nexas, without enhancements, and still defeated combat units designed to overpower most of you."
The students went quiet.
"Not because of privilege… but because of skill."
Astra Noire listened silently.
Gray Howitzer crossed his arms, unreadable.
Bam grinned with respect.
Zack clicked his tongue but didn't argue.
Roger looked like he might explode from pride.
Principal Leonel finished:
"This year, Lionel Academy will train thirteen hero candidates."
"Let the world witness what a powerless human can become."
The crowd erupted again, but this time with awe.
Astra stepped forward, meeting Raze's eyes.
"Arcwell. Don't disappoint."
Bam slapped Raze's back lightly.
"We're classmates now. Let's see who gets stronger faster."
Roger threw his arm around Raze's shoulder.
"You already know the answer to that—my money's on the dual-blade demon!"
Raze exhaled slowly, overwhelmed but steady.
He had done it.
The powerless boy had stepped onto the path of heroes.
Soon, he would enter his homeroom…
…and meet the woman who would change the course of their lives.
Professor Celeste Ardyn.