《The Super Duper》 Celestus Academy Water struck the tiled floor in a steady rhythm, like rainfall, but more intense. Steam curled in the air as the sound continued, then faded into silence with a metallic squeak. A few final droplets splashed against the floor before stopping altogether. A hand reached out, grasping a towel from a nearby hook. Moving it over his hair, then across his face and body, the man dried himself before wrapping the towel around his waist. He stepped toward the sink, wiping the mist-covered mirror with a smooth glide of his fingers. As the condensation cleared, a face emerged¡ªwet black hair, thick eyebrows, deep brown eyes, a high-bridged nose, and smooth, milky skin. He picked up a toothbrush, scrubbing methodically before flashing a grin at his reflection. His teeth gleamed. ¡°Handsome as always,¡± he muttered, winking at himself before walking out of the bathroom. His bedroom came into view¡ªa bed with black covers, bookshelves, a brown wooden table, a full-length mirror, and a clothing rack lined with neatly arranged black suits. As he passed the mirror, his toned physique was reflected, the towel hanging low on his waist, revealing his defined abs. Pushing aside the suits, he retrieved a particular outfit. A white uniform with a black lapel and an insignia stitched on the breast pocket: Celestus Academy. Alongside it, black slacks with white edges made from thick yet flexible fabric. He dressed swiftly, then grabbed a pair of polished black shoes from the nearby rack. Once ready, he stood before the mirror, nodding at his 180 cm frame with a satisfied smile. After a final check, he left his room, grabbing a sleek black bracelet from the table near the door. It resembled a watch but carried far more significance. As he fastened it around his wrist and stepped into the living room, his gaze swept across the modern decor¡ªdark leather couches, paintings, vases, and a grand piano. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the cityscape, a dense skyline shrouded in morning mist. The sun was still hidden beyond the horizon. A vibration on his wrist drew his attention. With a tap on the bracelet, a faint glow pulsed, followed by the emergence of a holographic screen. "The opening ceremony will begin in one hour. Make sure to arrive on time and do not lose your Aether Brace, as it is required for Student Identity Confirmation." The smooth, mechanical voice of an AI assistant echoed as the message displayed. He dismissed the screen and exited his suite, stepping into the waiting elevator. As the doors slid shut, a mounted screen flickered to life. ¡°Good morning, everyone!¡± A man in a sharp navy-blue suit grinned at the camera. ¡°I¡¯m your morning host, Turner, and with me is my lovely co-host, Suri.¡± ¡°Hello, everyone!¡± Suri, a middle-aged woman with a composed expression, greeted. ¡°Let¡¯s jump right into today¡¯s headlines.¡± Turner chuckled. ¡°With only an hour left before the Celestus Academy opening ceremony, the excitement is at an all-time high! And let me tell you, this year¡¯s new batch of students is something special.¡± ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Suri nodded, turning toward the camera. ¡°We have some truly outstanding talents this year, and their futures as Heroes seem all but certain.¡± ¡°There¡¯s Lyka the Lyrical, who can hypnotize opponents with just her words. Carlo the Ultra Potential, who possesses limitless physical growth. Michelle the Sword Piercer, whose attacks can cut through nearly anything.¡± Turner listed each name with enthusiasm before pausing for emphasis. ¡°And lastly, Dianne, the Soul Absorber¡ªdaughter of Sentinel City¡¯s mayor.¡± As their voices filled the enclosed space, the elevator descended. Metal beams rushed past the transparent side panels before giving way to a breathtaking view of Sentinel City''s towering skyline. Beyond the horizon, the first streaks of dawn stretched across the sky, bathing the buildings in a soft, golden glow. Echo Maxwell stepped closer to the glass, his gaze fixed downward. The streets were already alive with people moving along the sidewalks, entering and exiting buildings, while vehicles streamed along the roads. The elevator was soundproof, but he could easily imagine the city¡¯s bustling noise below. ¡°Dianne has been a standout ever since receiving her Superpower,¡± Suri continued. ¡°Many believe she could skip Superpower School entirely and go straight into Hero work.¡± ¡°As expected from the Princess,¡± Turner chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope none of them take a wrong turn and end up as Villains.¡± Suri¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Speaking of Villains, a new organization has surfaced recently. They call themselves¡ª¡± The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. Echo stepped into the grand hotel lobby, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh coffee filling the air. As he walked past, the attendants straightened their postures and offered respectful bows. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.¡± ¡°Good morning, Sir Echo.¡± He returned their greetings with a polite nod and an easy smile. Having resided in the top-floor suite for two years, he had become a well-recognized figure among the staff. Exiting through the automatic doors, he was immediately greeted by the symphony of the city¡ªhonking cars, hurried footsteps, and a thousand conversations blending into the morning air. In front of the hotel, a sleek black car waited. Standing beside it was a towering figure, over two meters tall, with muscles straining against his tailored suit. A bald head, thin eyebrows, small eyes, and slightly tanned skin completed his formidable appearance. The man bowed. ¡°Good morning, Sir Echo.¡± ¡°Morning, Gordo.¡± Echo¡¯s eyes flicked to the vehicle. ¡°Just a normal one today?¡± ¡°A very normal one, just as you requested.¡± Gordo tapped the hood, producing a solid metallic thud. ¡°Careful, or you¡¯ll dent it.¡± Echo smirked. ¡°Haha, my bad.¡± Gordo scratched the back of his head before opening the door. ¡°Please, step in.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Echo slid into the car, settling into the comfortable leather seat. ¡°To the Academy, sir?¡± Gordo asked as he climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Yes, to Celestus.¡± Echo gazed out the window as the car pulled away, the towering skyscrapers blurring past them. The city was alive, and the day had only just begun. ¡­ Celestus Academy was more than a school; it was an institution designed to nurture Heroes. Stepping out of the vehicle as Gordo held the door open, Echo Maxwell gazed at the building where he would be studying. Only one word came to mind to describe it: Fortress. The main building was a massive structure with sleek, aerodynamic lines that gave it a futuristic look. Shimmering glass and reinforced steel reflected the sunlight, casting brilliance on the ground. The polished stone pathways led to various parts of the campus, creating an organized and structured environment. Echo glanced at the towering spires surrounding the main building, their surfaces glowing intermittently. The academy was adorned with lush, carefully trimmed gardens filled with vibrant flora that radiated peace and calm. Encircling the campus was a light blue, transparent dome¡ªan energy-efficient barrier exuding a protective aura. Holographic displays floated in the air from time to time, showing news, motivational messages, and celebrating the school¡¯s Heroes and their achievements. The parking lot was filled with vehicles, ranging from the modest to the incredibly expensive. The people stepping out of them all moved in the same direction¡ªtoward the entrance of Celestus. Echo observed the students who had passed the Examination, all wearing the same uniform as him. His eyes scrutinized each one until a nudge on his shoulder made him turn toward the two-meter-tall, muscle-packed figure beside him. "What is it?" he asked. "That young woman is into you," Gordo said with a mischievous smile, nodding toward a woman in the distance who was looking in their direction. Echo followed his gaze and, sure enough, someone was staring intently at him. She had black twintails, glasses perched on her small nose, and sparkling eyes that seemed to pierce his soul. She wore the Celestus female uniform, clutching books in her arms. It was only the start of the school year, yet she was already hugging books¡ªa peculiar sight. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Ignore her," he said, sighing as he narrowed his eyes at the peculiar nerd. "I think a smart woman would suit you, Sir," Gordo remarked, watching as the young woman turned and walked toward the entrance. "That''s enough," Echo said with a faint smile. "I should get going now. Do whatever you want for the moment. I''ll call you when I need you." "Alright!" Gordo nodded. ¡­ Echo entered the main building of Celestus Academy alongside the other students who had passed the exam. The first thing that caught his eye was the colossal statue in the center of the hall. The statue stood at the heart of the main hall, sculpted from gold that shimmered in the sunlight. Its fists were clenched and raised above its head, as if celebrating victory. The eyes bore an expression of determination, radiating firmness and absolute might. Every intricate detail of the suit, from the ridges of the armor to the emblem of The Fist etched into the chest, was masterfully depicted. The cape, frozen mid-billow behind the statue¡¯s back, captured the dramatic flow of the wind. Around the statue, holographic screens floated, showcasing the feats of the living legend. He had punched a hole through a hundred-meter-tall Untamed that resembled a mythological dragon, razed a city of Undead with a single kick, and pushed back a falling meteor¡ªfeat after feat displayed for all to see. Passersby stopped in their tracks, marveling at the number one Hero. Their eyes shifted back and forth between the floating screens. Echo glanced at the base of the otherworldly statue, where a stone slab was raised. The slab held a simple inscription identifying the golden figure. "The World Breaker Herman," he muttered, a small, cold smile playing on his lips¡ªmocking. Following the crowd, he walked past the statue and into the stadium where the opening ceremony would be held. As Echo entered the venue, his Aether Brace vibrated, and a translucent screen hovered over it, words materializing before him. "Identity Confirmed. Echo Maxwell, Normal Hero. Please proceed to seat F-10." Echo glanced around, quickly spotting his seat in the back row among the hundreds of benches. Nothing surprising. He walked toward his seat and sat down. He was the first to arrive in his section, though other students were slowly filling the venue. Their voices echoed, giving the area a lively buzz. As he waited for the ceremony to begin, the crowd suddenly erupted in excitement. News spread quickly, reaching Echo''s ears. "They¡¯re here! That¡¯s Lyka the Lyrical! And Carlo the Ultra Potential! And Michelle the Sword Piercer¡­" Echo recognized a few familiar names. Glancing toward the entrance, he saw them: two women and one man. The women were deep in conversation, clearly ignoring the red-haired, thin young man who was trying to insert himself into their discussion. These were the so-called fated heroes, famous even before becoming Official Heroes due to their potential and abilities. While there were other fated ones, these three were the most well-known in Sentinel City. However, what truly captured everyone''s attention¡ªwhat truly captured his¡ªwas the next person who entered the stadium. "Dianne," Echo muttered. Her black hair, dark as the night sky, cascaded down to her waist. Her eyes resembled the universe itself, yet "Death" was the word that best described them. She wore the female Celestus Academy uniform, nearly identical to the men¡¯s, except with a blue lapel instead of black and blue edges on the slacks. The young men around him were awestruck by her beauty. Even Echo couldn¡¯t deny it. Dianne glanced at her Aether Brace, expressionless, before walking to her seat. She moved with the stillness of water, revealing no emotion. Echo followed her movements, not wanting to miss a second. Then, he felt a piercing gaze tugging at his heart. It was the same gaze he had felt in the parking lot, but this time, there was something else¡­ He turned toward the woman sitting beside Dianne, and their eyes met. Echo quickly looked away from the nerd. She was pouting, her knuckles white as she clutched her books tightly, her gaze still fixed on him even though he was now looking at the platform in the distance. Thankfully, someone soon sat beside him, and big enough for the gaze to vanish¡ªlikely because she could no longer see him. Echo smiled in relief. He didn¡¯t want to feel that suffocating sensation again. But he was going to make sure that she would taste her own medicine¡ªin a different way. Echo, along with the others, waited for all the chairs to be filled. Once the scheduled time arrived, the entrance doors shut tight. A person walked onto the stage, stopping in front of the podium where a floating orb hovered above. Seeing this, the passers sat up straight. "Welcome, new aspiring heroes." A man''s voice echoed through the stadium, causing the passers to sit up straight at his words. Echo Maxwell stared at the figure standing on stage, positioned in front of a podium with a hovering orb above it. Wearing a dark blue suit and tie, sleek black hair, and glasses perched on his nose, the speaker exuded a scholarly air as he continued his speech. "Year 2090. You have passed the examination to study at this academy¡ªCelestus Academy¡ªwhere most of the world''s prominent heroes have emerged. You stand here because you are the best of the best. Each of you has faced trials, pushed beyond your limits, and proven yourselves worthy just to step onto this sacred ground. Today, we celebrate not just your entry into this prestigious institution but the beginning of your journey toward greatness!" The speaker adjusted his glasses, his eyes sweeping over the passers, momentarily lingering on the Fated Heroes. Echo looked around as the speaker''s voice reverberated alongside the applause from the other passers. Besides the students, he noticed guards in black armored suits, pulse rifles in hand. Some stood straight, while others moved around¡ªwell-organized yet laid-back in their mannerisms. "But let me remind you," the speaker continued, "this is no ordinary school. Here, you will train your mind, body, and spirit. You will confront challenges far greater than any you have faced before. Villains, Untamed, Fragments of the World Rocks, and your own weaknesses¡ªthey are your enemies. Some of you may be blessed with extraordinary powers, while others wield nothing but sheer determination¡ª" He paused, his gaze shifting toward the back of the stadium. Echo felt the weight of countless stares land on him and the other passers seated in his section. Two rows at the very back of the hall had attracted attention for a few moments before the audience¡¯s focus returned to the stage. While others wield nothing but their great determination... Maxwell thought, glancing at his fellow non-powered passers. They listened intently, determination shining in their eyes. He must be referring to us¡ªthe Normal Heroes. "However, know this," the speaker declared, "your strength is not measured by the power in your hands but by the fire in your heart!" His words spurred a round of excited applause from the students. Echo clapped half-heartedly. There was nothing more boring to him than speeches, which only made him more eager for the other ''event'' to begin. He glanced at his Aether Brace, noting that the time for it was approaching. Out of curiosity, he leaned slightly to the right, peeking past the big guy beside him to steal a glance at the nerd. The moment his gaze landed on her, the nerd whipped her head around, glaring at him with wide eyes. Maxwell leaned back, pretending not to notice. Between the boring speeches and her suffocating stares, the handsome young man closed his eyes as the speaker droned on with his scripted orations. He wondered how many times these words had been repeated over the years. "...The road ahead is grueling. But the legacy of heroes who have passed through these halls¡ªWorld Breaker Herman, Dawnbringer Sylva, and so many others¡ªproves that it is possible. One day, your name could stand among them. So, I ask you today: Are you ready to become the hero the world needs? Are you ready to go beyond your limits and reach for something greater?" The speaker''s voice rose, his eyes scanning the passers with anticipation. "If so, then welcome to Celestus Academy. Welcome to the beginning of your legend." Another round of applause reverberated through the venue¡ªthis time more animated, strong, and filled with evident excitement for the future. The speaker stepped back with a proud expression. No matter how many times he delivered the speech, he couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied, seeing the new batch look at him with admiration. Another person took the stage, stepping in front of the podium. "I will now introduce your instructors according to your section. Take note, the non-powers will have two instructors to help ensure they don¡¯t fall behind the rest. Let''s start with the instructor for Section A¡ªInstructor¡­" The person on stage began introducing the instructor for Section A, where those who scored the highest on the exam were placed. This was also the section where the Fated Heroes were located. Echo opened his eyes, glancing at his Aether Brace before refocusing on the stage. His arms were crossed in front of him, fingers tapping the side of his left arm. Unlike before, he was now interested in the instructors being introduced. From Section A all the way to Section E, Echo listened intently as each instructor was introduced. They gave short speeches, introducing themselves and sharing their expectations for the students¡ªa very common practice. Echo focused on the instructors, each one a certified Hero with feats to back up their reputation. While not as famous as World Breaker Herman, they each had their own unique strengths and were well-known in Sentinel City. Finally, it was time for Section F. A man and a woman took the stage, both wearing the Academy¡¯s instructor uniform: black suits with gold trim, while the woman had silver lining on hers. Naturally, the boys stared at the woman, and Echo was no different. His eyes ignored all the other details, focusing solely on the two "mountains" that seemed ready to burst from her uniform. "Such monstrosities," the big fellow beside him muttered. "Yeah," Echo nodded in agreement. At the same time, jealousy and envy were directed toward them, though it was understandable. The men in Section F could barely focus on the speeches of their instructors, their minds preoccupied with the "mountains" in front of them. As the two instructors left the stage, the men shook their heads, trying to dispel their fantasies. "Now that you know who your instructors are, you may proceed to your dorms. All necessities are provided. All you need to do is your best to study and become the next Official Hero of our city!" The new students of Celestus Academy stood up from their seats, clapping enthusiastically. Echo clapped as well, a smile on his face as his eyes landed on the nerd in the distance. This time, the nerd wasn¡¯t paying attention to him. Instead, she was focused intently on the person beside her¡ªthe Fated Hero, Dianne the Soul Absorber. Maxwell glanced at his Aether Brace, his smile widening. "It¡¯s time." Suddenly, a powerful explosion shook the venue! Screams and sirens echoed as smoke poured into the stadium. Echo looked toward Section A, and sure enough, the nerd was already gone¡ªalong with the Sentinel City princess. The other students quickly noticed and began calling for the instructors, but they were already preoccupied, facing off against a group of people dressed in black outfits commonly seen in circuses and talent shows¡ªmagician attire that covered their entire bodies. "That''s the Magician Hats!" someone recognized, and the news spread quickly. The Attack The ceiling flared red as the LED lights flashed intermittently. Sirens blared while smoke seeped into the stadium through every opening. Moments ago, the students were clapping for their future with excitement on their faces. Now, after seeing the newcomers, fear erased any trace of joy. Villains¡ªpeople gifted with powers but who chose to misuse them rather than help the world. They were among the greatest threats alongside the Untamed. And now, an organization of villains was surrounding the students. There were at least ten of them: some in a standoff with the instructors, while others were herding the students like cattle. The guards had already collapsed, their pulse rifles lying beside their limp bodies, weakened by the specialized smoke. Echo Maxwell glanced at the students frozen in place, their faces white with fear. He couldn''t help but shake his head in disappointment. They had passed the exams to study at this renowned academy, training to become official heroes after graduation, but at the mere sight of villains, some were already trembling. How could they hope to fight villains in the future if they lost their nerve this easily? Only a few students from each section managed to remain calm, most of them in Section A. The Fated Heroes had even moved to stand beside the instructors, ready for battle. Echo''s eyes flicked to the balcony in the distance, where one of the villains stood, arms outstretched, smoke billowing from them. That person was responsible for the smoke choking the area. One breath could knock out an ordinary person instantly, and though it would take longer for those with powers to fall, they too were weakening. Echo glanced behind him and saw the smoke creeping closer. "The Magician Hats¡ªthey''re new, but they''ve already made waves in the city," the big fellow beside Maxwell said, his eyes gleaming with interest as he watched the villains. "Hehe, I wonder if they''re strong." "Why don''t you go find out?" Echo suggested with a chuckle, glancing at his right. The man was two meters tall with an undercut, small eyes, and a flat nose. His uniform strained against his muscle¡ªor rather, fat¡ªmaking the armrests press uncomfortably against his sides, though he didn''t complain. "I''d love to, but I don''t have my gear with me," the man replied, shrugging. "I''m Eugene the Warhammer. That''s what I like to call myself." "Echo Maxwell," Echo introduced himself with a nod. "Engineer?" "Weapons engineer. I mainly focus on heavy weapons," Eugene said, his gaze fixed on the magicians in the distance. "I''m an engineer too. Guns are my specialty," Echo replied. "Let me guess¡ªyour weapon of choice is a hammer?" "Oh my god, how''d you figure that out?" Eugene asked, mock shock in his voice. "Because I''m very smart," Echo said with a confident smile. They locked eyes and burst out laughing. Even with villains surrounding them, they remained carefree, causing the other students to glance at them in confusion. "I think we''re going to be good friends," Echo said. "I agree," Eugene nodded before asking, "Why aren''t they moving?" Echo turned to see the villains standing still while the instructors questioned them. "Probably stalling for time," he speculated. "That makes sense," Eugene agreed. Then they heard a shout from one of the instructors: "Those who can escape, escape now!" Many students were already on edge, and the moment they heard this, they hastily used their powers to flee through the entrance. Echo watched as some students flew, some blurred with speed, some sprouted wings, and others transformed into different forms to escape the stadium. "They''re such cowards," Eugene muttered, shaking his head in disappointment. "We should''ve teamed up and beaten these circus villains to a pulp." Hearing this, Echo''s face twitched. "These are just students with no combat experience. They''d only hurt each other¡ªfriendly fire would make things worse. It''s better to let the instructors handle it." "You sound like you''ve been through something like this before," Eugene noted, before shaking his head. He pulled a black cube from his pocket, tapped it a few times, and it transformed into a black breathing mask with a mechanical whirr. He put it on and glanced at his new friend. "Let''s get out of here. I''ve only got this mask, but I bet you can handle yourself, right?" "Haha, of course," Echo chuckled, noticing the other non-powered students preparing their own equipment to fend off the smoke. One woman swallowed a pill and casually walked through the smoke unharmed. A Chemist, interesting. At the same time, they heard a roar echo through the stadium. Turning toward the sound, Echo saw Carlo the Ultra Potential, now a three-meter-tall, muscle-bound giant, fighting one of the Magician Hats'' villains. The other Fated Heroes activated their powers alongside the instructors, and soon, a full-blown battle erupted between the villain organization and the academy''s heroes and students. Echo''s eyes gleamed as he observed the magicians. He walked into the smoke without pulling out any equipment and even took a deep breath of it before casually blowing it out. As he stepped outside the stadium, men in sleek black guard armor entered, pulse rifles in hand, ready to fire. Each guard wore a breathing mask. Echo jogged toward the gathering of students, where someone was already assisting them. "Just move slowly, take your time! The other heroes are on their way!" the assistant called. "Will Herman be here?" one of the students asked excitedly. "He''s just outside the city, so there''s a chance," the assistant replied, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. "Can we stay and watch?" "No, you''ll just get yourselves killed," the assistant said firmly. Echo passed the group, and when he heard the news, his face grew serious. World Breaker Herman, the number one hero in the world, is coming here... A smile crept onto his face as he followed the crowd, though he veered off when they turned back to the main hall. "Hey, where are you going?" Eugene called, noticing his fellow engineer. "Got business to take care of!" Echo shouted back, waving without turning as he headed down another hallway. "I see. Well, make it quick! And don''t bother using toilet paper to save time!" Eugene laughed, but his humor was cut short when a body slid across the floor to his right. "F*ck! That''s disgusting!" One of the Celestus Guards lay dead, a gaping hole in his chest, causing screams from the female students nearby. More guards were sent flying from the stadium entrance, either cut in half or with gaping holes in their bodies. The horrific sight made the remaining students flee even faster. ... "This should be it," Echo muttered as he walked down a hallway. This part of the academy had bookshelves along the walls and circular tables with chairs scattered around. Looking up, he saw the open second floor with similar bookshelves, simple chairs, and tables. The place was lit by natural sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling. Unlike the sleek, aerodynamic buildings in the center of the academy, this area emphasized simplicity and aesthetics. There was even an open courtyard where students could relax. However, despite the calming setting, the atmosphere inside was anything but peaceful. Two women stood facing each other¡ªone in the Celestus Academy uniform, the other in a Magician Hats outfit. Echo found a corner to hide in. Peeking out, he saw Dianne surrounded by dark grey smoke. Howls of souls echoed from the smoke, their origins unclear¡ªwhether they were human or from other creatures. Regardless, the sound sent chills down most spines. But to Echo, it was nothing more than unpleasant noise. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. His eyes shifted to her opponent¡ªthe nerd, now dressed in a black magician''s outfit and top hat, her long black hair flowing smoothly. Her glasses were gone, replaced by seductive eyes and a smile full of confidence as she gazed at the Soul Absorber with interest. The two beauties facing off was a sight to behold, even if the tension of battle filled the air. Suddenly, the nerd flickered in a flash of light, instantly appearing in front of Dianne. The Soul Absorber responded with a punch, the air splitting from its force, and with a loud bang, shockwaves erupted from the impact! Tables and chairs slammed against the walls, bookshelves toppled, and the entire building shook. The second floor creaked, and cracks formed in the ceiling. But such a powerful attack was only the beginning. Maxwell watched as the magician nerd reappeared behind Dianne, landing a kick that shattered her smoke defense. The ground cracked under the impact, forcing the Soul Absorber to take a few steps back. Just from this exchange, it was clear that the nerd had the upper hand. Echo studied them for a moment before glancing at the surveillance cameras. There were at least five, carefully capturing every corner, including his hiding spot. He tapped his Aether Brace, and a holographic screen appeared, asking for input. Echo quickly typed his password, and the screen shifted from light blue to a black hologram filled with words and numbers. "Good," Echo smiled, raising his other hand and pulling at the top of his Aether Brace. It let out a mechanical sound, transforming piece by piece until it completely detached from his left wrist and turned into a sleek black revolver. The design was smooth, minimalist, and futuristic, with an intimidating simplicity. Holding it in his right hand, Echo flicked his wrist to check the number of bullets in the cylinder. The bullets were as black as the void, almost blending in with the gun itself. Transforming the Aether Brace into a gun had taken him almost a week of sleepless nights. Not only did he have to handle the backend and security aspects of the device, but he also had to ensure that the gun would be powerful enough to take down most mid-range Untamed. If the academy found out about this, they could expel him. But Echo didn''t care about the consequences as long as he achieved his goal. The sound of fighting echoed, and the whole building shook with each attack''s aftermath. Turning back to the battle, Echo saw that Dianne was struggling against the magician. Even so, he didn''t jump in yet, waiting for the right moment. Another of Dianne''s smoke barriers, filled with crying souls, shattered into mist. Her black eyes remained emotionless, and even as a fist struck her chest, she barely reacted. Blood spurted from her mouth as her body slammed into the wall, leaving deep cracks. The magician nerd smiled coldly, reappearing in front of the Soul Absorber in a flash of white light. "You''re dead," the nerd''s smile vanished, killing intent radiating from her as she raised her hand, aiming for Dianne''s chest. "Tell¡­ me¡­ your name¡­" Dianne breathed heavily between her words, her black eyes fixed on the magician, unblinking, as if she didn''t care whether she lived or died. "Magician Hat''s right-hand assistant, Vexra. Remember the name of your killer," Vexra replied, her brown eyes glinting dangerously. "Vexra¡­" Dianne repeated. "It''s¡­ a good¡­ name¡­" "Thanks for the compliment, but that won''t save you!" Vexra drew her hand back, preparing to strike the Sentinel princess''s chest. Dianne closed her eyes in acceptance. In the end, it was her own weakness that failed her, but she had already expected this outcome. However, a sharp whistling sound suddenly pierced the air, causing their ears to tingle. Vexra vanished from her spot, reappearing on the second-floor railing. Dianne opened her eyes, noticing the magician was gone. Her attention shifted to the sharp shockwave trail in the air. Following the distorted line, she saw that one of the surveillance cameras had been destroyed, leaving a hole in the wall where it had been mounted. "Hey! Are you okay?" Echo called out with ''worry'' in his voice as he stood beside the Soul Absorber. Dianne turned to the unfamiliar voice, looking up. "Yes," she answered, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she vomited blood. "Your body says otherwise," Echo remarked. He bent down and gently propped her up against the cracked wall. "Rest here, and I''ll protect you. Help will arrive soon, so I just need to stall for time." "What''s¡­ your power?" Dianne asked weakly. "I''m just a Normal Hero," Echo said with a confident smile, raising his gun and aiming it at the magician on the railing. "But I''m a genius." "Are you two done?" Vexra glared at them, her burning eyes fixed on Maxwell, as if trying to kill him with a mere stare. "Yes. Who are you?!" Echo asked, his finger ready on the trigger. "You already know," Vexra''s body was engulfed in light, and she reappeared a few meters away from them. A bullet flew through her previous spot, taking out another surveillance camera. "You can''t¡­ defeat her¡­" Dianne coughed, blood spilling from her lips as her vision blurred. "I''m not here to defeat her," Echo smirked. "Like I said, I''m just stalling for time." Vexra let out a mocking laugh. "Then show me how you''ll do that!" Echo narrowed his eyes, his revolver letting out a mechanical sound as the cylinder began to spin. Instead of teleporting, Vexra sprinted toward him, her speed so fast that she was instantly just a few feet in front of him! With a bang, the black bullet shot from the muzzle in a flash! The moment Echo pulled the trigger, Dianne''s body went limp, passing out from the intense pain. Vexra didn''t dodge the bullet. She crossed her arms in front of her, but even so, she couldn''t completely block the attack. Her body was pushed back, her boots screeching against the floor as she skidded to a stop. The bullet ricocheted off her hand, crashing into a distant corner of the building. Glancing at her reddened arm, Vexra stared at the gun her opponent was holding. "That''s a good toy." "Of course!" Echo replied with a smirk. "I spent nights trying to perfect this." "That must''ve been hard," Vexra said, before charging at the young man. "But you pissed me off!" Echo''s body tensed at the cold tone in her voice. He quickly raised his weapon and fired again. The black bullet appeared instantly before her, forcing her to block it with crossed arms. She possessed the strength of a low-to-mid-range Untamed, but it wasn''t enough to keep her grounded. Each shot lifted her off the floor with the sheer force of impact. And worse, the bullet was fast¡ªmatching or even surpassing her own speed. Echo watched the bullet bounce off her, shattering another surveillance camera as she staggered back. He smiled in satisfaction, proud of his handiwork. "That really hurts!" Vexra shouted angrily, her eyes blazing as she glared at Echo like he''d wronged her. "How much more of this do I have to take?!" Echo was about to pull the trigger again when he paused. His expression turned serious as he glanced around, then squinted. "I don''t understand what you''re saying! And I should be the one asking questions! Why did you attack Celestus and try to kidnap the Mayor''s daughter?!" Vexra scoffed, her gaze drifting to the unconscious Soul Absorber. "What''s so special about her?" "Stop dodging my question!" Echo snapped. "How dare you attack this academy¡ªthe place I''ve dreamed of since I was a kid! Now that I''m officially a student, I''ll protect it with everything I''ve got!" The room fell silent, the distant sounds of fighting still echoing from the stadium. The battle raged on, but the intensity suggested it was nearing its climax. A stifled laugh broke the silence. Vexra covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to burst into full laughter as she looked at Echo. I fucking hate this. Why did I agree to say such cringe lines? Echo kept his face serious, even though he was dying inside. "Die!" Echo shouted. "This is for my Academy!" He fired repeatedly, the revolver''s cylinder spinning faster as bullets flew. The empty clip hit the ground with a clunk. Vexra was caught off guard but managed to cross her arms just in time. Each bullet lifted her off the ground, and she gritted her teeth, enduring the attack. At the last moment, she was flung against the wall. Flipping in mid-air, she kicked off the wall and landed squarely on her feet. Her arms were red and shaking from the pain, but she couldn''t bother with it as fury engulfed her. Eyes wide, her body became covered in light, and in an instant, she appeared in front of her opponent. "It''s done! It''s done!" Echo hurriedly shouted, raising both hands in surrender. A fist stopped inches from his face. The air exploded, blowing his hair back and distorting his facial muscles. Some of his saliva even flew out of his mouth. The gusts continued behind him, causing the broken furniture to crash into the wall, shattering them further. If that punch had landed, he wouldn''t be surprised if he were headless by now. Echo Maxwell gulped nervously. "Vexra, my beautiful Vexra, I''m just following our plan. Don''t take it personally, okay?" Vexra stared at him silently. "Come on, you know me. I''d never hurt you," Echo said, raising a hand to touch the magician''s chin. "Tell me what you want, and I''ll make it up to you." "Fuck me. Fuck me hard until I can''t move anymore," Vexra''s voice turned soft, her face burning red. "Sure, sure, I''ll fuck your brains out, okay?" Echo smiled. "Hehe," Vexra''s expression suddenly shifted from cold and killer-like to sheepish and bashful. She giggled as she threw herself into his arms. Echo let her for a moment before gently pushing her away. "Fifty seconds. That''s all the time we have before ''he'' will arrive." "What about her?" Vexra glanced at the Mayor''s daughter, still leaning against the cracked wall. "I''ll move her away," Echo said, glancing at the surveillance cameras. After making sure all of them had been destroyed by his bullets, he nodded at his companion. "My suit. I wouldn''t let you guys have all the fun." "Here!" Vexra took off her top hat and offered it, bowing her head. Echo didn''t take it. Instead, he reached into the hat and, with a tug, pulled out a black cloth like robe. Then, he covered himself with the black cloth, waving it across his body from front before attaching it to his back. The moment he let go, his outfit had completely changed from the Celestus Academy uniform to the Magician Hats attire. A black top hat, suit and tie, slacks, and sleek, pointy shoes¡ªan all-black magician''s attire with robes cascading down to the ground. A black-and-white mask adorned the top part of his face, revealing only his warm brown eyes and smile, while a cane mysteriously appeared in his hands. Vexra placed her hat back on her head. "You''re really handsome!" "We don''t have time for that," Echo said, lifting his robe to block Vexra''s view of the Sentinel''s Princess. "I have a magic trick to show you." "Show me your magic, Prestige!" Vexra watched with wide, sparkling eyes. "Tada!" Prestige lowered his hand holding the robe, and Dianne, the Soul Absorber, was gone from her spot¡ªdisappeared as if she''d never been there at all. "Wow! You''re really great!" Vexra clapped enthusiastically. "Haha, thanks!" Prestige bowed, bringing his hand in front of him. "Do it again! Do it again!" Like a kid watching a magic trick for the first time, she eagerly asked for another. "Hahaha, later. I''ll show you another one!" The Magician Hat''s leader laughed before turning serious. "Call the others first. We need to proceed with our next performance." "Alright!" Vexra touched her inner ear and started commanding the other members. "You can stop playing around and come here now!" "By the way, how many teleports have you done?" Prestige asked while waiting. "Six so far, three more and I''ll be able to match a high-tier Untamed!" Vexra said proudly. Every time she teleported, her strength increased. After the first three, her might equaled a low-tier Untamed; from the fourth to the sixth, she gained the strength of a mid-tier Untamed. Once she reached her limit of ten teleports, she could even rival the high-end tier Untamed. With that kind of strength, she could shatter a mountain. Beyond that, she might even withstand a full-strength punch from the strongest hero, though it''s far-fetched to think she could defeat ''him'' after ten teleports. But currently, she could barely handle seven uses of her power. Even now, she was likely struggling to contain her strength, or else the power would explode, harming herself and those around her. Herman and Declaration The sound of the juggernaut? It''s like a huge, successive blow to the ground, sending dirt flying into the air and triggering an earthquake with every step. The building Echo was in began to shake again. "They''re here!" Vexra said. Maxwell nodded, turning to his right. They could hear their tank closing in¡ªthe only reason for the loud banging sound outside. Moments later, the wall to their right exploded in a pile of rocks! The entire building shook violently, as if struck by a missile. The glass ceiling shattered, pieces falling to the ground like snow, while parts of the second floor crumbled, raining down stone and wood. At the same time, men in full black armor were flung across the building. Some crashed into the opposite wall, others smashed through windows, and a few landed in the courtyard. Their bodies lay twisted and unrecognizable, blood pooling around them. Like fireworks announcing their entrance, a huge, eight- or nine-meter-tall man appeared. His loose Magician Hats outfit couldn''t conceal his massive muscles. The giant stood slightly hunched, his chest heaving as he tried to draw in as much oxygen as possible. He was barefoot, his weight sinking his feet inches into the ground. A monstrosity. A mask made of rusty brown chains covered his entire face, revealing only his deep red eyes under shoulder-length black hair. He scanned the area like a predator, and when his gaze locked onto the two magicians¡ªespecially the one with a cane¡ªhe let out a roar that shook the second-floor balcony. The juggernaut charged toward the two magicians, causing yet another earthquake. Seeing this, Vexra''s face grew serious. She clenched her fists, readying herself to use her power. Right now, she wouldn''t be able to stop this beast unless she teleported again, which was at her current limit. Echo, however, remained calm, even smiling at the newcomer. Just as they were about to be crushed by the ten-meter, muscle-packed magician, a voice shouted. "Stop!" The juggernaut immediately halted a meter away from crashing into Echo and Vexra. They exchanged glances before the monstrosity moved aside, though not without roaring at the magician with the cane first. Echo closed his eyes as the wind from the roar whipped his hair and made his clothes flap. "Learn how to control your brother, bitch!" Vexra shouted angrily at the person approaching. The newcomer had brown hair and umber eyes, standing almost as tall as the Magician Hat''s leader. Like the others, she wore the magician''s outfit. Hearing Vexra''s angry words, she only smirked, not bothering to argue with the teleporter. The woman walked past Vexra, frustrating her even more. "Bitch," Vexra muttered in annoyance. Then she felt a gaze filled with killing intent land on her. Turning to the source, she saw the ten-meter monster staring at her as if he was ready to devour her alive. "What are you looking at?!" "Dr. Vale," Echo greeted with a smile, glancing behind her. The other members had arrived, each one looking at him with admiration in their eyes, though he didn''t have time to greet them¡ªthey had to proceed with the plan. "Prestige," Dr. Seraphine Vale bowed her head in greeting. "You guys have done a good job," Prestige complimented, looking deeply into her eyes. "Thank you, Sir," Seraphine replied, her milky white skin turning rosy, though the blush faded as quickly as it appeared. "Ten seconds," Echo smiled at her before he glanced at the other members of Magician Hats. "Scatter and make sure to look intimidating!" Hearing the order, the Magician Hats chuckled. "I''ll stay by your side!" Vexra said, throwing herself to Prestige''s left. Seraphine, on the other hand, slowly moved to the leader''s right, while her brother, Ragnar, stood behind them, acting as their guardian. Meanwhile, Echo''s other members found their own spots¡ªsome perched on the second-floor railing, some standing in each corner, and others simply positioned in random spots they found strategic. Good enough, Prestige thought, seeing them pose as intimidatingly as they could. Suddenly, individuals wearing Celestus instructor uniforms stormed into the building. Upon arrival, they didn''t immediately jump into action; instead, they observed the situation. In total, they were facing twelve members of the Magician Hats. Some of the instructors bore injuries, their uniforms stained red, but they couldn''t concern themselves with their wounds. Apprehending this new villain organization was their top priority as Official Heroes. The scene was silent and tense¡ªa standoff where one wrong move could ignite another fight. Echo''s gaze drifted to one of his instructors, primarily her, well, assets. She was breathing heavily, which made the scene even more interesting. "Pervert," Vexra muttered while staring coldly at the heroes. Prestige ignored her remark as he noticed the Fated Heroes entering the building. A roar sounded from behind as Ragnar glared at one of the newcomers. Carlo the Ultra Potential was missing one of his hands, and when he heard the roar, he locked eyes with the monster he had fought back in the stadium moments ago, fury burning within him. Standing at three meters tall, Carlo was already imposing, but compared to the chain-masked giant who had taken his hand, he seemed small, like a child. "It seems like everyone''s here," Prestige said, stepping forward and finally drawing the attention of the heroes. They eyed him, sizing him up from head to toe, but he only looked at them briefly before raising his gaze to the sky. Squinting, he smiled at the figure floating hundreds of meters above. "Hey! You good just watching from up there? It''s hot! Why not come down and stay in the shade, Mr. Number One Hero?!" Prestige''s voice wasn''t loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear. Heroes and villains alike turned their attention to the sky. The Celestus Academy instructors and the three students'' faces lit up as they spotted the figure hovering above. The villains, on the other hand, exchanged subtle glances, clearly nervous, but their belief in their leader remained unwavering. Regaining confidence, they turned their unwavering gaze to the Number One Hero. Ragnar roared, pounding his chest in frustration. He was agitated, ready to leap at the intimidating presence in the air. "Calm down," Dr. Vale said, easing her brother''s tension. Still, the giant''s muscles spasmed as if he could barely contain himself. The figure floating in the sky was partially hidden by the sun''s brilliance, casting his form in a mysterious light. His cape flowed with the wind behind him, hands on his hips as he looked down at the villains. Echo''s gaze fell on the symbol on the man''s chest¡ªa clenched golden fist. There was only one person in the world with that symbol: Herman the World Breaker. "Surrender, villains!" The booming voice from the man reverberated through the building, shaking it with sheer intensity. Prestige''s ears rang for a moment. Shaking his head to clear the tinnitus, he shouted back, "Hell fucking no!" ... Hearing the utter disrespect toward the number one hero, Herman, the heroes on the scene frowned. But what could they expect from villains? To them, these were the scum of society who should be eradicated alongside the Untamed. Echo stared at the man in the sky, who was still shrouded by the brilliance of the sun, concealing his form. "Usually, villains tremble in fear when they see me. They run at the sight of my presence and surrender at the sound of my voice," Herman''s voice echoed, calm yet forceful. He wasn''t shouting like before, but everyone inside the building heard him clearly. "You are the first." He was hundreds of meters up in the air, yet it felt as if he were right beside them. He''s vibrating his vocal cords to amplify his voice. Such perfect control over his body¡ªhe''s truly terrifying, Echo thought, though he wasn''t scared in the slightest. Rather, he was amazed at the abilities of the number one hero. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "I''ll also be the first to beat your ass!" Prestige shouted, raising his hand and flipping Herman the middle finger. "See this? Remember it! This symbol will signify your defeat!" Prestige''s voice echoed through the building, causing the heroes to stare at him with wide eyes. This was the first time any of them had seen someone act so boldly in front of the strongest hero in the world, a figure with strength akin to a god. Herman the World Breaker was silent for a moment before a chuckle reverberated through the air. "Interesting. But I won''t repeat myself: surrender now. You don''t want to feel my fist, Magician Hats leader," the hero said. "Surrender? We didn''t come here for that!" Echo slammed his cane to the floor, the sharp sound reverberating across the glossy ground. The cane was black as a void, with a skull on top, drawing the attention of the heroes. "Then why did you attack the academy and attempt to kidnap the mayor''s daughter?" Herman asked, genuine curiosity evident in his voice. "Finally, you ask the right question!" Prestige laughed aloud, placing both hands on top of the skull. "We''re here to perform the greatest magic trick you''ll ever see! The greatest war you''ll ever face! And the greatest truth the world will know!" Prestige spun around a few times, his grin stretching nearly ear to ear. Meanwhile, the heroes frowned upon hearing the villain leader''s words. The Magician Hats'' founder stopped, bringing his feet together and stomping his cane once more, causing the heroes to eye the object warily. "So, a small, new villain organization is declaring war on the world?" Herman asked, still shrouded by the sun''s burning brilliance. "No, no! I love the fucking world! I love fucking the world!" Echo shouted in a crazed voice. "You! I''m declaring war on you, Mr. Number One Hero! Or should I say, Dominath¡ª" Suddenly, a powerful whistling sound filled the air, like a missile about to hit. The next instant, the number one hero appeared in front of them, causing the entire building to quake from the impact. The ground was upturned, causing several people to stumble, while the ceiling and wall of the building collapsed around them. Echo''s suit flapped as a dust cloud rose. Once the wind settled, he looked around and saw his members had gathered behind him. And there, about four meters in front of him, "he" stood, floating a few feet above the shattered floor. If "he" hadn''t stopped himself at the last second, the entire building would have been razed to the ground, causing destruction across the academy. Prestige whistled, observing the number one hero in front of him. Standing two meters tall with a muscular, chiseled physique, Herman''s form-fitting, streamlined black-and-gold suit showcased each muscle, defining every fiber. The fist symbol etched on his chest protruded slightly, radiating strength and authority, as if ready to deliver a blow. His face, stern and angular with piercing blue eyes, resembled a model''s, while sleek, short black hair adorned his head. Herman''s black-and-gold cape flowed nearly to the ground, almost brushing it. "What? Did I trigger something in you?" Echo smirked. "Or do you want to see my magic trick up close?" "Say it again," Herman''s cold voice echoed as he began floating toward the Magician Hats. Ragnar, standing behind his sister, roared, the wind passing through his chain mask and blowing the hero''s cape into disarray. But Herman''s body continued advancing. "Dominath¨C" Echo couldn''t finish his words. In the next second, the hero became a blur, and before Echo knew it, they were face to face, with Herman''s hand clutching his collar and lifting him up. Glancing at Herman''s blue eyes, Echo gave a mocking smile as he whispered, "You should let me finish my words." "I accept your invitation," Herman said, "but I''ll end the war right here and right now." "Oh, are you sure you''ll do that? What if I told you we''ve planted Tier Four plasma bombs around Celestus?" Prestige''s voice dropped, cold and calculated. "Is your hypersonic speed enough to defuse them all?" The Magician Hats leader had purposely spoken loud enough for the other heroes to hear, and dread filled their faces. Students and regular personnel were still evacuating. If a Tier Four plasma bomb exploded, innocent lives would be in grave danger. Herman glanced at the heroes behind him before focusing on the villain in his grasp. "What do you want?" "A war that ends with your life gone, not mine¡­ and I want you to witness a magic trick," Prestige said, laughing. "Don''t try anything funny. You''re still in my hand," Herman growled, tightening his grip on the Magician Hats leader''s collar, signaling that he held the villain''s life in his hand. "It''s a magic trick, not a comedy show," Prestige chuckled. "Okay, here we go!" The instructors and the three Fated Heroes on the scene took deep breaths, fists clenched. They were readying themselves for another fight against the Magician Hats. Echo raised the side of his robe, covering Herman''s line of sight to all his members who had gathered behind him. Even the giant Ragnar disappeared from the hero''s view. "Do you think we''ll be able to get out of here?" Prestige asked. "No," Herman replied, smiling confidently. "No one has ever escaped my grasp." "Oh, good, because if you expected the unexpected, it wouldn''t be a magic trick but a mere act of foolishness," Echo''s voice lowered. "And you''re the fool here, Mr. Number One Hero." "Try me," Herman challenged. "Tada!" Without wasting another second, Echo brought down his hand, lowering the robe. The Magician Hats members had disappeared! "They disappeared!" Carlo the Ultra Potential shouted from behind, clearly in shock. The other heroes rubbed their eyes in disbelief. They blinked, and in the instant that Prestige''s words echoed, the magicians were already gone¡ªas if they''d never been there at all! Herman stared at the spot where the Magician Hats members had been, his eyes wide, before focusing on the leader in his grip. "You helped them escape but left yourself here? Sacrificing yourself for them? How ironic for a villain leader." "Who said I''m still here?" Prestige replied. But something was different about him. The monotone, robotic voice caught Herman off guard, and his eyes flickered as he realized the figure in his hand had completely changed from human to a humanoid doll! The face of the Magician Hats leader was cracking, revealing wires and electric sparks underneath. When did this happen? Herman couldn''t fathom when the switch had occurred. Just moments ago, the villain had been real. But when Herman got distracted by the disappearance of the other Magician Hats, the person in his hand had somehow turned into a complete robot. Could he have been a robot all along? A robot so lifelike that even Herman''s enhanced senses couldn''t tell? But that couldn''t be right. Herman''s ability to detect temperature and human physiology had never failed him. "Surprise?" the robot taunted. "Did my magic trick fool you? Hahaha! I told you¡ªyou''re the fool here. Fool, fool, fool, fool, fool¡­" The robot continued, repeating "fool" over and over until Herman had had enough. His eyes flared bright red, and with a sizzling sound, the robot''s head melted into scrap, sparks flying as Herman dropped the remnants to the ground. "This is getting annoying," he muttered, eyeing the robot on the floor. Just as he prepared to take flight and search for any real bombs, he noticed a slip of paper falling from the robot''s pocket. Herman picked it up and unfolded it. A large "FOOL" was scrawled across it, next to a crude drawing of a mushroom cloud. Glaring, Herman turned to the heroes behind him. "Save the innoce¨C" But he couldn''t finish. In the next instant, the entire Celestus Academy erupted in a series of explosions, shaking the school to its core! ¡­ Echo, dressed in a Celestus uniform, slipped the red button back into his pocket. The academy, spanning thousands of acres, shook with intensity as students screamed and fled toward safety zones. "Well, that was quite the performance," he muttered with satisfaction, watching as the ten plasma bombs exploded. Then, he turned and joined the fleeing crowd, with fire and smoke billowing behind him. This marked the welcoming ceremony for the new class at Celestus Academy¡ªand the official declaration of war against the world''s strongest and number one hero.