Inside the training facility on Jeju Island, Zion stood on the upper floor, surrounded by sleek, white walls and rows of advanced training equipment. The room hummed softly with the sound of machinery at work, a testament to Japan's cutting-edge technology.
Zion's fists slammed into the reinforced punching bag, each strike laced with shimmering Aetheris, the raw energy coursing through his veins. Every punch, every kick sent small ripples of force into the air around him.
"It's crazy… my body's overflowing with Aetheris." Zion thought, sweat dripping down his forehead. "If I push too hard, this stuff could tear me apart."
Despite the danger, he kept going. His fists blurred as they struck faster and faster. "Good thing this facility's equipment can handle it." A small smirk tugged at his lips. "Japan really is on another level… no wonder they call it the Land of the Future."
His thoughts wandered as his body moved on instinct. "They even have the Hero of Machines… Japan's pride." Zion's strikes slowed for a moment.
"Germany only ever had one hero the Hero of Blades but he died twenty years ago." That fact lingered in his mind. "If I remember right, the portals choose who becomes a hero and sends them to that other world."
He inhaled sharply and threw another barrage of punches, the impacts echoing in the empty room. His breaths came heavy, chest rising and falling as he finally paused.
"Let's check the score." Zion glanced at the nearby screen.
[Calculating score…]
[400 Points!]
He stared at the number, unimpressed. "Huh. Is that good? There aren't even any high scores listed on these machines."
Shrugging it off, Zion wiped the sweat from his brow. "The guide said the restrooms were down the hall, near where we came in."
He made his way through the corridor, the smooth floor reflecting the overhead lights. After a few minutes, he reached the restroom doors.
[Male]
[Female]
"Guess this is it." He grabbed the handle and stepped inside.
The mirror stretched across the wall, and Zion caught his reflection as he peeled off his shirt. His scarred, muscular body stood proudly under the fluorescent light lean, battle-hardened, and defined.
"Damn… I look good." Zion smirked at himself.
He ran a hand over his torso, fingers tracing old scars. "Two years of learning Aetheris, yet my body's already holding the equivalent of five years' worth."
His gaze hardened. "That's the price of shortcuts."
After a quick shower, Zion dried off and headed straight to his bed.
"Looks like they're already asleep." He thought as he settled in, sinking into the mattress. His eyes drifted shut, and soon, the fatigue from training pulled him into a deep slumber.
The next morning, a loud alarm jolted the students awake.
"Tu tut."
"Tu tut."
Groans filled the room.
"Ugh, it's way too early…"
"Guess things are different here in Korea."
"Man, gotta wake up early for this?"
Zion sat up in his bunk, rubbing his eyes. A neatly folded purple uniform lay at the foot of his bed — a simple purple t-shirt and matching pants. As he grabbed the outfit, a voice crackled through the room's speaker system.
"Yo yo! Good morning, everyone! This is your boy, Monkey Mic!"
Zion's brow twitched at the overly energetic greeting.
"You might be wondering why everyone's got the same drip. That's 'cause you're all gonna be repping your team in the Kitler Sports Tournament! That purple fit? That's your team color, baby! So, pick your team leader and I'll swing back later to break it all down. Peace out, yo!"
Zion leaned back, processing. "Monkey Mic… an S-Class Hero from China? Huh. I thought only Korea and America were helping Germany out with this whole project." His thoughts drifted. "I guess the 'United Nations' part wasn't just for show."
A familiar voice cut through his thoughts it was Karina.
"Put your uniforms on. I'm submitting my name as team leader." She spoke with her usual no-nonsense tone before heading out the door.
"You can change now, Sera," Karina added, glancing back. "Me and Yin won't peek."
Sera gave a small nod, and Yin turned his back, as did Zion.
As Zion pulled on the purple shirt, Yin spoke up. "Hey, Zion what do you think about Karina as our team leader?"
Zion shrugged, barely interested. "She seems smart. I don't really care." His expression stayed flat, still half-asleep.
"I see…" Yin muttered before brightening. "Do you think there's gonna be a reward for winning the tournament?"
"Probably," Zion replied lazily. "Events like this usually have some kind of perk for the winning team."
"Alright! Let's do our best then!" Yin grinned, his energy a stark contrast to Zion's calm indifference.
"Winning at an Æ Sports Festival comes with some serious perks," Zion said with a grin. "Especially if you're aiming to become a pro hero. You'll have top agencies lining up to recruit you — even the high-class hero teams. Makes climbing the ranks a whole lot easier."
Zion's grin faded slightly as a memory popped into his mind. "Although… I remember reading a site that listed all the past winners. Master was one of them, but no agency wanted him because of all the chaos he caused. Crazy to think he became Germany's first-ever SSS-ranked hero despite all that."
The corner of Zion's mouth tugged upward. "Guy's a walking disaster, but you can't deny his talent."
"Ah, I'm done," Sera said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zion and Yin turned around, giving her a quick nod before they both started changing into their purple uniforms.
"Fits pretty well," Zion thought as he adjusted the shirt.
A few minutes later, Karina returned, her usual serious expression in place. "I submitted my name as team leader. We've got 30 minutes until the first challenge starts. After that, we'll have breakfast."
Zion, Yin, and Sera all gave small nods.
"And now get out. I'm changing," Karina added bluntly, pushing the trio out of the room.
Zion raised a brow as they stood outside. "She could've just used the girls' restroom to change."
"Maybe she's just shy?" Yin guessed.
Zion shook his head. "Doesn't seem like the type."
Sera's voice trembled slightly as she spoke up. "M-my sister… she has s-scars all over her body… s-she's really self-conscious about them."
Yin and Zion exchanged glances before giving her a small nod. They didn't press any further.
"Scars, huh? I swear she was wearing a regular shirt yesterday." Zion thought to himself.
After a short wait, the entire purple team was ready. That's when a familiar voice blasted over the speakers again.
"Yo yo! It's ya boy Monkey Mic back at it! Hope y'all ready if your whole team's geared up, head outside the facility and face what's waiting for you! Break it down, yo!"
Excitement and nervous energy filled the air as students rushed toward the exit. The massive doors slowly slid open, letting in a flood of sunlight.
Zion squinted at the bright light, his heartbeat quickening slightly. "No idea what's waiting out there... but here we go."