Vincent had seen the Hero Association headquarters countless times on television, but standing before its entrance was an entirely different experience.
The skyscraper rose above the surrounding buildings, its glass exterior reflecting the afternoon sunlight. An enormous emblem was suspended above the entrance, while streams of visitors passed through the security gates beneath it.
Some wore expensive combat uniforms, others carried weapon cases, and a few looked just as nervous as Vincent felt.
He adjusted the strap of his bag and joined the crowd. Yesterday, he had still been an employee who spent most of his time carrying equipment for other Heroes. Today, he was here to apply for the license he had wanted for years.
The glass doors opened automatically, and Vincent stopped almost immediately.
The lobby was gigantic.
Its ceiling rose through several floors, supported by gleaming pillars that surrounded a vast open space.
Holographic screens floated above information counters, changing between announcements, maps, and portraits of licensed Heroes. At the center of the lobby, a magnificent globe of the world rotated slowly in midair. Its oceans glowed blue, while tiny points of light flickered across the continents.
Vincent watched as several of those points expanded into miniature holographic windows. He couldn’t read the details from where he stood, but the display was impressive enough to hold his attention until someone behind him cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, are you going inside?" a man carrying a black equipment case asked, raising his eyebrows at Vincent’s motionless figure.
"Sorry," Vincent replied, stepping aside with an embarrassed smile. "It’s my first time here. I wasn’t expecting the lobby to look like this."
The man glanced toward the floating globe and chuckled. "You get used to it. Just don’t stand in front of the entrance while you admire it," he advised before continuing toward the elevators.
Vincent moved farther inside, still looking around with interest. Groups of licensed Heroes walked between counters, while Association employees guided visitors toward different departments.
Despite the crowd, the building seemed remarkably organized. Colored holographic arrows appeared above the walkways, directing people without obstructing their path.
He noticed a pair of Heroes emerging from an elevator with damaged armor and tired expressions.
One was laughing about something while the other complained about needing a shower. A few steps away, a young woman in a training jacket was nervously rehearsing something under her breath.
Vincent found himself smiling. Whatever their abilities or achievements, everyone here had somewhere to be. For once, he wanted to be among them rather than standing on the sidelines carrying their belongings.
A nearby holographic sign displayed the words HERO REGISTRATION, followed by an arrow pointing toward the eastern side of the lobby. Vincent followed it until he reached a reception desk staffed by two Association employees.
"Good afternoon," he greeted the woman behind the counter, placing his identification card on the desk. "I’d like to apply for a Hero License. Could you tell me where I need to go?"
The receptionist glanced at his identification before offering a polite smile.
"Of course, Mr. Crowe. First-time applicants can register here. Have you previously undergone an official Superhuman evaluation?" she asked, bringing up a translucent screen above her desk.
"Yes, although it’s been a while," Vincent answered, watching her fingers move across the holographic keyboard. "Will I need to undergo another evaluation before applying?" This story is hosted at g.com.
"That depends on your records," the receptionist explained, selecting his profile. "We’ll check whether your existing evaluation is valid and whether you meet the minimum requirements. If everything is in order, we’ll send you to an application officer."
Vincent nodded, but the familiar uneasiness in his stomach returned. His records had never impressed anyone. He doubted they would suddenly look better simply because he had entered a more prestigious building.
The receptionist’s expression changed slightly as his file appeared. She studied the screen for another moment before looking up at him.
"Your registration is valid, Mr. Crowe," she confirmed, sounding more careful than before. "Please take this visitor pass and proceed to Counter Twelve. The officer there will review your application."
Vincent accepted the pass and thanked her. He had noticed the hesitation, but at least she hadn’t tried to turn him away. That was already a better beginning than he had feared.
Counter Twelve was situated beneath a row of suspended holographic panels. A handful of applicants waited on comfortable benches nearby, some scrolling through their phones while others spoke quietly with companions. Vincent took a seat and watched the numbers changing above the counter.
He wondered how many of the people around him had been preparing for this day since awakening their abilities. Some probably had private instructors, expensive equipment, and families capable of supporting years of training. His own preparation had consisted largely of practicing alone after exhausting shifts at the agency.
Yet he wasn’t entirely the same person who had walked into that agency years ago.
Vincent glanced down at his right hand. The memory of crimson energy surrounding his fist remained vivid. Impact Amplification had worked exactly as the mysterious System promised, although he had barely begun learning how to control it. He couldn’t afford to reveal everything about his new ability without understanding the consequences.
"Applicant C-047, please proceed to Counter Twelve," a pleasant automated voice announced, interrupting his thoughts.
Vincent stood and approached the counter. Behind it sat a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, dressed in the Association’s navy uniform. A small nameplate identified her as Evelyn Mercer.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Crowe. I’m Evelyn Mercer, and I’ll be handling your application," she introduced herself, gesturing toward the chair opposite her. "Please make yourself comfortable while I review your records."
"Thank you, Miss Mercer," Vincent replied, sitting down and placing his visitor pass on the desk. "I’ve never applied before, so please let me know if there’s anything else you need."
Evelyn smiled reassuringly as she opened his file.
"That’s perfectly fine. We receive first-time applicants every day. I’ll explain the steps as we go," she promised, then began reading the evaluation displayed on her screen.
Her smile gradually faded.
Vincent recognized that expression immediately. He had seen it on the faces of instructors, recruiters, and nearly everyone who had examined his Energy Signature.
"Mr. Crowe, your file lists you as a Rank 1 Superhuman with Physical Reinforcement as your innate ability," Evelyn observed, looking between him and the screen. "Your recorded Flux Energy capacity is also exceptionally low. Have you undergone any significant changes since this evaluation?" This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Vincent considered his answer before shaking his head slightly.
"My Energy Signature hasn’t improved, but I’ve gained practical combat experience," he explained. "I understand that my evaluation isn’t impressive. I’d still like to attempt the examination."
Evelyn folded her hands on the desk, her expression thoughtful rather than dismissive. "I don’t want to discourage you, Mr. Crowe, but the examination isn’t designed to reward determination alone. Applicants can be injured, and even those with stronger abilities sometimes fail. Are you certain you want to proceed?"
Vincent appreciated that she was speaking to him like an adult rather than treating his weakness as a joke. "I’m certain," he replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "I’ve spent years being told what I can’t do. I’d rather take the examination and find out for myself."
For a moment, Evelyn studied him in silence. Then she nodded and returned to her screen.
"Very well. Your records satisfy the minimum application requirements, so I can register you for the practical assessment," she informed him. "You’ll need to confirm your identity, acknowledge the examination risks, and provide an emergency contact before we finalize your application."
Vincent followed her instructions carefully. He confirmed his details, reviewed the electronic consent form, and signed where indicated. As he completed the paperwork, the tension in his shoulders slowly eased.
Nobody had demanded a recommendation from his former agency. Nobody had asked whether Derek Blackthorne approved of his ambitions.
He was applying on his own merits.
A soft chime sounded from Evelyn’s terminal, and a new document appeared on the screen.
"Your application has been accepted for assessment," Evelyn announced, offering him a small smile. "The next step is the practical examination. An Association examiner will supervise you, and your performance will determine whether you’re eligible to receive your first Hero License."
Vincent leaned forward, suddenly more alert. "What sort of examination will it be? A sparring match against an instructor, or something involving training equipment?" he asked, hoping to learn what he should prepare for.
Evelyn shook her head and opened the examination assignment. "Neither, Mr. Crowe. The Association uses actual threats to evaluate whether applicants can perform the duties expected of professional Heroes. Your assessment will take place under controlled supervision, but the danger itself is real."
Vincent felt his heartbeat quicken as he watched the details appear on the screen. Evelyn turned the display slightly so he could read the assignment himself.
"Your practical examination," she explained, pointing to the highlighted requirement, "will involve defeating an actual Villain officially assigned by the Hero Association."
Vincent stared at the words. He had come here expecting a difficult test, but he hadn’t imagined his first step toward becoming a licensed Hero would involve fighting a genuine criminal Superhuman.
Then he remembered the notification that had appeared after Derek collapsed.
[You have defeated a Villain.]
Vincent slowly tightened his fingers around the edge of his chair. If the System had awakened after one qualifying victory, what would happen when he defeated another Villain?
For the first time since entering the building, his nervousness gave way to anticipation.