In the year 3015, the world suddenly witnessed the birth of the first human with true superpowers. Just as the world was marveling at this phenomenon, more humans with superpowers started to appear. However, alongside these empowered humans, monstrous beings with special abilities also descended upon the world.
Faced with the ferocious creatures named "demons," humans, still inexperienced in wielding their newfound powers, were no match. While humans could only emit sparks and snowballs, the towering demons could unleash flames and frost. Within a few short months, nearly one-fifth of human territory was destroyed.
Just as despair gripped the world, a hero... was born.
A being with speed surpassing light and limitless strength emerged, annihilating almost all the demons threatening humanity. No demon could withstand him, and no attack could harm him even slightly! With absolute power, he single-handedly reclaimed the lost territories. This unnamed hero was hailed by humanity as "Light" — The Light of the World, illuminating the world.
Wherever "Light" appeared, people felt safe. No enemy had ever defeated "Light," and no human had ever been beyond his protection!
"Light" was universally acknowledged as the strongest hero in the world.
Moreover, "Light" possessed a physique that drove both men and women into a frenzy—steel-like muscles, tall and perfect, along with a white mask that always smiled, symbolizing peace and light.
Regrettably, after three years of protecting humanity and inspiring countless others to become heroes, "Light" vanished without warning one day.
...
On a speeding train, an electronic device repeatedly played clips of the superhero "Light."
Even though everyone on board had likely seen these clips hundreds of times, they still watched with respect and admiration, showing no signs of boredom.
After introducing "Light''s" contributions, the screen displayed a woman with deep blue hair, blue eyelashes, and crystalline blue eyes.
The sight of this aloof woman caused a stir in the otherwise quiet carriage.
"Mom, mom! Look! It''s Superhero ''Winter Empress''!" A little girl with twin tails excitedly pointed at the screen, tugging at the young woman beside her.
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"Melon, good children should be polite, so we should call her ''Winter Empress'' sister," the young woman pinched the girl''s hand gently and said softly.
"Yes yes! ''Winter Empress'' sister is beautiful and powerful! Melon wants to become a beautiful and powerful superhero like her in the future! To protect mom, dad, and everyone!" The little girl clenched her fists tightly, staring at the screen with starry eyes full of anticipation.
This adorable behavior brought smiles to the faces of the surrounding passengers.
Although the small interlude on the train did not interrupt the live broadcast still playing on the screen, today’s broadcast seemed to have encountered a minor mishap.
The blue-haired woman on the screen had remained silent for nearly half a minute, leading some to wonder if the live feed had disconnected.
At this moment, a voice from off-screen broke the silence.
"Winter... Winter Empress, please say something... This is a live broadcast, or it will be awkward!"
Upon hearing this, the expression on the cool woman''s face changed slightly, her delicate eyebrows arching in apparent surprise, but she remained silent.
Another awkward dozen seconds passed before an arm reached into the frame from off-screen, placing a small note in front of her. After a few seconds of staring at the note, another awkward cough came from off-screen.
"Cough... Cough... Winter Empress, please read from that... Yes, just read it!"
Finally, the woman seemed to react, extending her slender fingers to unfold the note. Her azure eyes scanned the content.
"The Hero Academy is now widely recruiting new students with superpowers. Want to become as beautiful and strong as me? Then hurry up and call the hotline below to enroll... Ye." Her voice was as cold and emotionless as her image suggested... And at the end, she seemed to follow the note''s instruction by giving a lifeless peace sign and uttering a similarly emotionless "Ye."
Seeing this, everyone on the train, including the little girl named Melon, felt a chill akin to standing in the dead of winter.
"Good... Good reading... Winter Empress, can you at least show a little emotion?" An exasperated voice came from off-screen, but it quickly faded when confronted with the woman''s puzzled expression, which silently questioned, "Didn''t you tell me to read it?"
The live broadcast ended here, and the screen returned to its usual loop of introductions about various superheroes.
After a brief silence, chatter resumed among the passengers.
"Hahaha, Winter Empress is truly adorable, as naturally clumsy as ever."
"Exactly! Who would have thought the Hero Association would ask Winter Empress to do advertisements for them? I almost died laughing earlier."
"But speaking of which, are you planning to enroll in the Hero Association''s new Hero Academy? I remember you mentioning awakening your superpower recently? Lucky guy! What level is it?"
"Don''t mention it... I didn''t even dare to grade my power! Tell me, what''s the point of a superpower that lets me produce tissues from my palm!!!"
"Eh... This... isn''t bad either, buddy! Think about how much money you''ll save in your lifetime!"
As the passengers chatted amongst themselves, a sweet yet firm voice suddenly rang out in the carriage.
"If you dare to move your dirty hand forward even a millimeter... you''ll permanently part ways with your arm!"
All attention was drawn to the source of the voice—a girl dressed in extremely masculine attire, with cute shoulder-length hair and large, sparkling eyes. She frowned deeply.
Behind her stood a middle-aged man, sweating profusely, looking as if some secret had been exposed.