For several seconds, nobody inside the conference room said anything.
Director Marcus Halden stared at Vincent Crowe as though he had just heard the most ridiculous statement imaginable. The head of personnel stopped reviewing her documents, while the senior administrator beside her slowly raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
Even Derek Blackthorne appeared momentarily speechless.
None of them had expected Vincent to resign.
After all, the young man had spent years enduring humiliation simply to maintain his position at the agency. Management had naturally assumed that threatening him with disciplinary punishment would be enough to force him into submission.
Yet here he was, standing before them and announcing his resignation without the slightest hesitation.
"Did I hear you correctly?" Halden finally questioned, leaning forward with a deep frown. "Vincent, are you seriously telling me that you intend to resign because of a disciplinary decision?"
Vincent met the director’s gaze calmly. "That’s exactly what I’m saying, Director Halden. I’ve spent enough time working somewhere that considers protecting its reputation more important than treating its employees fairly."
Halden’s expression darkened immediately. He clearly hadn’t expected such a response from someone who had always appeared obedient and unwilling to cause trouble.
"You should reconsider your words," the director warned, his fingers tapping impatiently against the conference table. "Employment at this agency is an opportunity many people would gladly accept. Walking away because you’re dissatisfied with one decision would be extremely foolish."
Vincent almost laughed.
An opportunity?
He had spent years cleaning equipment, delivering refreshments, and enduring insults from people who considered themselves superior simply because they possessed Hero Licenses.
If that was what Halden considered an opportunity, Vincent wanted nothing more to do with it.
"I appreciate the employment you’ve provided over the years," Vincent replied, keeping his tone respectful despite his growing irritation. "But I’ve already made my decision. I’d like to complete whatever formalities are necessary and leave."
Before Halden could respond, Derek burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! This is unbelievable!" Derek exclaimed, leaning backward in his chair while shaking his head mockingly. "You actually think you can survive outside this agency? Vincent, have you forgotten what kind of pathetic Superhuman you are?"
Vincent glanced toward him but said nothing.
Derek interpreted his silence as embarrassment and continued with an increasingly arrogant smile.
"You’re barely Rank 1, your Energy Signature is practically nonexistent, and your only useful talent is carrying equipment around. Without this agency, who the hell would even hire someone like you?" Derek demanded, spreading his hands as though the answer should have been obvious.
Vincent studied the blond Hero for a moment.
Yesterday, those words might have angered him enough to provoke another confrontation. Now, however, they sounded strangely insignificant.
He had already defeated Derek once.
More importantly, he possessed something Derek couldn’t possibly imagine.
There was simply no reason to waste another moment arguing with him.
"You’re entitled to your opinion, Derek," Vincent answered indifferently, turning his attention back toward the executives. "Director Halden, I’d appreciate it if we could proceed with my resignation."
Derek’s smile stiffened.
Being ignored by someone he considered beneath him was almost more insulting than being punched.
"You arrogant little bastard!" Derek snapped, abruptly rising from his chair. "Don’t think yesterday’s lucky punch makes you better than me! If we fought again, I’d crush you before you could even react!"
Vincent didn’t bother turning around.
Halden raised his hand, signaling Derek to sit down before addressing Vincent with a stern expression.
"Very well. If you’re determined to resign, management won’t prevent you," the director declared coldly. "However, understand that once your employment is terminated, you will no longer enjoy any privileges associated with this agency. We will not provide recommendations, professional endorsements, or assistance with future Hero Association applications."
Vincent nodded without hesitation. "Understood. I wasn’t planning to ask for any."
The director’s jaw tightened.
He had clearly intended the warning to frighten Vincent into reconsidering, but the young man’s indifference only made the situation more irritating.
"Then submit your resignation through the personnel department," Halden instructed, closing the document before him. "Your outstanding salary and employment records will be processed according to company policy. You’re dismissed."
Vincent gave a brief nod before turning toward the conference room door.
As he reached the entrance, Derek’s mocking voice followed him.
"Enjoy being unemployed, Vincent! When you’re crawling back here begging for another chance, don’t expect me to show you any mercy!"
Vincent paused momentarily, his hand resting on the door handle.
Then he glanced over his shoulder.
"Don’t worry, Derek," Vincent replied with a faint smile. "I won’t be coming back."
With those words, he opened the door and walked out.
Completing the resignation formalities took considerably longer than Vincent expected.
The personnel department required him to sign several documents, return his employee identification card, and surrender the access credentials associated with his position.
Fortunately, his employment contract allowed voluntary resignation without an extended notice period, provided he accepted the forfeiture of certain employee benefits.
Vincent signed the necessary paperwork without complaint.
When the final document was processed, the personnel officer handed him a confirmation slip and examined him with an expression of genuine curiosity.
"Are you absolutely certain about this, Vincent?" she asked, adjusting her glasses as she glanced at the completed paperwork. "You’ve worked here for several years. Most employees would hesitate before throwing away that kind of stability."
Vincent accepted the slip and placed it inside his pocket.
"I’ve thought about it carefully," he answered, offering her a small smile. "Sometimes staying somewhere simply because you’re afraid to leave is worse than taking a chance on something different."
The woman regarded him thoughtfully before nodding.
"Well, I suppose that’s true," she admitted, returning to her computer. "Your resignation has been approved. I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do next."
"Thank you," Vincent replied sincerely before leaving the office.
His next destination was the employee locker room.
Inside, he found his old locker tucked between several rows of identical metal compartments. The faded identification label bearing his name had begun peeling away from years of use.
Vincent opened it and examined the few belongings he had accumulated.
A spare shirt, an inexpensive pair of gloves, a water bottle, and several personal items were all that remained.
He packed everything into his bag before removing the small photograph attached to the inside of the locker door.
It showed him standing outside the agency on his first day of employment, smiling proudly while wearing his newly issued uniform.
Vincent stared at the photograph for several seconds.
He remembered that day clearly.
Back then, he had believed that working inside a prestigious Hero Agency would eventually bring him closer to his dream of becoming a licensed Hero.
He had imagined learning from experienced Superhumans, improving his abilities, and perhaps even receiving guidance from someone willing to recognize his determination.
Instead, he had spent years waiting for opportunities that never arrived.
A bitter smile crossed his face as he slipped the photograph into his bag.
"What a waste of time," Vincent murmured, shaking his head before closing the locker for the final time.
When he stepped into the main lobby, several employees recognized him immediately.
Some whispered among themselves, while others watched him with expressions of surprise.
News of his resignation had apparently spread almost as quickly as yesterday’s fight.
Vincent ignored the attention and continued toward the entrance.
However, just before he reached the revolving doors, someone called out to him.
"Vincent! Wait a moment!"
He turned and recognized the female employee who had warned him about Derek before the confrontation.
She hurried toward him, looking between his bag and the identification card that was no longer attached to his uniform.
"Is it true?" she asked, her expression filled with concern. "I heard you resigned after meeting with management."
Vincent nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag.
"Yeah. I figured it was finally time to leave."
The woman sighed, clearly disappointed by the news. "I can’t say I blame you after everything that’s happened. Still, I hope you have somewhere else to go. Finding decent work isn’t easy these days."
Vincent smiled reassuringly.
"I’ll figure something out. Besides, I’ve spent enough time worrying about what might happen if I leave. Maybe I should start thinking about what could happen if I actually try."
She studied him for a moment before returning his smile.
"Well, whatever you decide, I hope things work out for you," she replied warmly. "And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you finally stood up to Derek."
Vincent chuckled softly.
"Thanks. Take care of yourself."
After exchanging farewells, he stepped through the revolving doors and emerged onto the busy street outside.
The afternoon sunlight illuminated the towering buildings surrounding the agency, while enormous electronic billboards displayed advertisements featuring famous Heroes.
Vincent stopped near the entrance and looked back at the building where he had spent several years of his life.
For so long, he had convinced himself that remaining there was his only chance of becoming a Hero.
But that had never been true.
The Hero Association allowed eligible Superhumans to apply directly for professional licensing. Although applicants were required to undergo rigorous assessments before receiving their Hero Licenses, employment at an agency wasn’t a prerequisite.
Vincent had always known that.
He simply hadn’t possessed enough confidence in his abilities to attempt the examination.
Until now.
He lowered his gaze toward his right hand, remembering the crimson glow that had surrounded his fist the previous evening.
Physical Reinforcement.
Impact Amplification.
Two supernatural abilities.
Something that should have been impossible for an ordinary Superhuman had become his reality.
His Energy Signature was still weak, and his Superhuman Rank hadn’t changed, but those limitations no longer seemed as overwhelming as they once had.
The Villain Assimilation System had given him a genuine opportunity to grow stronger.
And Vincent had no intention of wasting it.
He retrieved his phone and searched for the nearest Hero Association headquarters. After examining the location, he discovered that the main registration office was situated in the city’s central district.
Without hesitation, Vincent selected the destination and began walking toward the nearest transportation station.
Nearly an hour later, Vincent stood before an enormous skyscraper bearing the official emblem of the Hero Association.
The building towered above the surrounding structures, its polished exterior reflecting the afternoon sunlight. Licensed Heroes and aspiring applicants moved through the spacious entrance, while security personnel monitored the steady flow of visitors.
Vincent adjusted the strap of his bag and gazed up at the imposing headquarters.
Unlike the agency he had just abandoned, this place represented something entirely different.
An opportunity he intended to seize through his own efforts.
Taking a deep breath, Vincent straightened his shoulders and approached the entrance.
Today, he would register for his Hero License.