Worn Boots, Heavy Steps

Tson's fingers twitched, the suit shifting subtly around him. The energy beneath his skin pulsed in steady waves, syncing with his breath. The mayor's words settled in his mind like a challenge.

Register. Follow the rules. Get in line.

Kevin crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "And what if we don't?"

Luthan's gaze sharpened. "Then next time, I won't let you walk away. I respect what you've done, but the law doesn't bend just because you saved a few lives."

Grayson let out a low whistle. "So, we play by the rules or get hunted down? That about right?"

Luthan didn't blink. "Exactly."

Tson exhaled slowly, the circuitry in his veins dimming. He knew he'd gotten lucky—being given a chance to earn his hero license without a fight. He had no reason to object, but one question lingered in his mind.

How did Maximillian Luthan know who they were?

The mayor could have done so much more, yet here he was, standing before them, acting like this was just another routine conversation. Luthan's gaze flicked downward, studying Tson's feet.

The metal plating on his boots was battered—dented and scratched from countless impacts, deep gouges running along the surface from skidding across asphalt and slamming into obstacles at impossible speeds. The edges were warped, one toe cap partially crushed, the damage sending lingering shocks up his legs. Scorch marks lined the soles where friction had heated the metal to near-melting, filling the air with a faint acrid scent. Bits of concrete, glass, and twisted metal clung to the joints, rattling softly with each movement. Every step left a metallic clang in his wake, a reminder that sheer velocity had turned his boots into weapons of their own.

Tson clenched his jaw, shaking off the thought. Whatever Luthan's angle was, he wasn't about to stick around to figure it out.

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

After everything, it had been a long day. But then, the memory hit him—losing control of his speed, the sheer force of it rattling through his body.

Tson let out a tired breath, glancing toward Grayson. "Mind giving me a ride?"

Grayson smirked. "Sure."

There were more pressing matters to focus on. They were in the final days of school, which meant the Superhero Academy trial was fast approaching. He needed to prepare for that—not waste time worrying about how some mayor had figured out his identity.

The air felt heavier as they left the meeting behind, the weight of Luthan's warning pressing down on Tson's thoughts.

Grayson didn't say anything as he placed a hand on Tson's shoulder, the air around them warping for a split second before the city disappeared in a blur. The teleportation was instant, but Tson still felt the phantom sensation of movement—his body always a step ahead of his mind, his speed throwing off his balance in ways he wasn't used to.

They touched down just outside their usual hideout—a worn-down rooftop overlooking the academy's training district. Grayson's teleportation had become more precise, allowing him to pick locations with ease. It wasn't much, but this place was theirs. Up here, they weren't students, vigilantes, or whatever the world decided to call them. Here, they were just… themselves.

Kevin landed a second later, rolling his shoulders. "Well, that was fun. Think we made a new friend?"

Grayson stretched, letting out a dry chuckle. "Oh yeah. Best buds. Can't wait for our next friendly chat where he threatens to arrest us again."

Tson barely listened. His fingers twitched as the energy beneath his skin pulsed in steady waves. The suit had gone quiet, dormant for now, but he could tell—it was still adapting. It wasn't just metal anymore. It was learning.

Much like him.

Kevin flopped onto a nearby ledge, exhaling. "Alright, serious talk. Trial's coming up fast. If we don't ace this, all of this? It was for nothing."

Grayson scoffed. "Speak for yourself. Some of us already got our licenses."

Kevin shot him a glare. "Yeah, yeah, hacker privileges. Good for you. The rest of us still have to pass the damn thing."

Grayson smirked, leaning against a vent. "I told you guys, I could've forged one for you. But good old Tson here wanted to attend the academy—said he was gonna break every record. And now it looks like you're tagging along too."

Kevin shrugged. "Someone's gotta keep him from running himself into the ground."

Grayson spread his arms. "Meanwhile, I'm set. Got my license. Got my own agency. No stress."

"You think they'll actually let us into the academy?"

Tson sat down, resting his arms on his knees. "We won't give them a choice. We pass. No mistakes."

Kevin smirked. "No pressure, huh?"

Tson met his gaze, the blue circuitry in his veins flickering back to life. "None."

For the first time in a long while, he wasn't just wondering if becoming a cape was possible—he was chasing it. And his odds had never looked better.

The boys—Kevin and Tson—stood at the edge, gazing down at the academy, while Grayson lingered in the back, leaning against the wall. He was still catching his breath from the last jump, likely conserving his energy for the next.

Kevin let out a low whistle, eyes fixed on the academy's sprawling training grounds. "Hard to believe we'll be down there soon, running drills instead of running from patrols."

Tson stayed quiet, his gaze distant. The academy was a chance—one he refused to waste.

Grayson exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. "You two better be ready. This trial isn't just some test—it's their way of weeding people out. They don't want mistakes."

Kevin smirked, nudging Tson. "Good thing we don't make those, right?"

Tson's fingers twitched, his suit subtly shifting in response. "Right. No mistakes."

Grayson pushed off the wall, shaking off the fatigue. "Well, if you guys are serious about this, we should train. Hard. Because once we step into that trial, the only way out is passing—or getting thrown out."

Kevin cracked his knuckles. "Then let's get to work."

Tson stood, the circuitry in his veins pulsing with renewed determination. "Alright, let's do this."

He and Kevin stepped toward Grayson, who cracked his neck before raising a hand. With each teleport, the academy grew more distant, the cityscape shifting around them in rapid flashes. Jump after jump, the towering buildings and training grounds faded into the background.

Finally, with one last surge of energy, they landed back at the lab.