Morning came faster than expected.
Lacky Iman woke up with a strange feeling—excitement.
It surprised him.
He still had no intention of becoming a hero. That hadn't changed. But the thought of training, of understanding what was happening inside his body, felt… interesting. For the first time since the incident, curiosity outweighed fear.
After a quick routine, he headed out.
---
The Universal Academy of Heroes stood silent and imposing in the morning light. No noise. No crowd. Only order.
Lacky activated Alia Bhardwaj's access card at the gate. The security field parted instantly, allowing him inside.
His first destination wasn't the training hall.
It was the medical lab.
---
Machines hummed softly as Mr. L, the academy doctor, studied the data projected in front of him. Lacky stood inside the NORD-measurement chamber, calm but alert.
The scan ended.
Numbers stabilized.
"Current classification," Mr. L said, adjusting the display. "D-rank suitability. Borderline C."
Lacky didn't react.
Inside, however, the doctor frowned.
Then how did this kid defeat a B-rank threat…?
His physical parameters were average. NORD stability was improving, but nothing about the readings suggested overwhelming power.
Mr. L finalized the report and handed Lacky his clearance.
"You're cleared for control training," he said. "Training room, section three."
Lacky nodded and left.
---
On the way, a large digital display caught his eye.
A portrait.
Sharp eyes. Composed expression.
Alia Bhardwaj — S-Rank Hero.
Lacky stopped for a second.
S-rank…
Before he could think further, a voice interrupted him.
"Hey! Are you new here?"
He turned to see a boy around his age, energetic and smiling.
"Uh—yeah," Lacky replied awkwardly.
The boy laughed. "Relax. I'm Yash Garu. I'm joining training too. Come on, I'll show you the way."
Lacky nodded, relieved he didn't have to walk alone.
---
The training hall was wide and minimal. Several trainees stood waiting as Mr. Rahil Mandal entered, his presence immediately silencing the room.
He checked each report one by one.
When he reached Lacky's file, his eyes paused.
"…Interesting," Rahil muttered.
He looked up. "You're the one from the university incident."
Lacky stiffened.
"Your report says D-rank," Rahil continued. "Yet you defeated a B-rank threat. Alone."
Before Lacky could answer, another presence entered the hall.
The air itself felt heavier.
The CEO of the Academy stepped in.
Rahil turned. "Sir."
The CEO glanced at Lacky briefly, then at the report.
"How did someone like this survive a B-rank escalation?" Rahil asked.
The CEO replied calmly, "For a moment, the human body can surpass its limits. Especially when protecting someone important."
Rahil's eyes narrowed. "So… someone he cared about was in danger."
The CEO nodded slightly.
Rahil hesitated, then added, "There's another issue. Most NORD users control one element. Two if they're gifted. Five at the extreme."
He looked at Lacky. "This one can interact with all elements—though none perfectly."
The CEO was silent for a second.
"Early awakening," he said. "We saw the CCTV footage of his street fight. His NORD hasn't specialized yet."
Then, turning away, he added, "If he works hard, he may reach B or C rank someday. If not, he'll stay D-rank."
He paused at the door.
"Remember—rank doesn't define heroism."
Then he left.
---
Training began immediately.
No combat.
Only endurance drills, balance control, focus exercises, and mental resistance tests.
Lacky did… average.
Not bad. Not impressive.
By the end, Rahil reviewed the results.
"You have potential," he said neutrally. "You could become a good hero."
Lacky shook his head.
"I'm not here to become a hero," he replied.
Rahil studied him for a long moment.
"Training duration is usually one week," he said. "If you improve fast, you can leave early. It's your choice."
---
After training, Lacky and Yash walked out together, talking lightly.
Near his apartment, Lacky saw her again.
His heart sped up.
Not again… not again.
Why does my heart run so fast every time I see her?
He looked away quickly and walked home.
Training was only the beginning.
And things were already getting complicated.