Enough Time Has Passed...

The air was thick with the scent of upturned earth and shattered wood. The once-dense forest now lay in ruins trees uprooted, soil cracked, the remnants of relentless training carved into the land itself.

A lone figure stood amidst the destruction, his breath heavy yet steady. His body was a map of scars, each one a testament to the battles fought, the pain endured. His muscles, once lean, were now carved with raw strength, hardened through years of unyielding discipline.

Zion exhaled slowly, his piercing gaze fixed ahead. His dark hair clung to his sweat-drenched skin, and for a moment, he closed his eyes, feeling the weight of time pressing down on him.

"Has it really been two years?" he thought, tilting his head toward the sky. "It feels like an eternity."

But there was no doubt. Every second had been a war against himself a trial of blood, sweat, and shattered bones.

He turned back, eyes blazing with unwavering resolve. "I'm ready... Master." His voice was calm, unwavering.

Zero stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said simply, nodding in approval.

Zion clenched his fists, feeling the immense power coursing through him. His body had been broken and rebuilt countless times, but he had never stopped. Every day, he fought. Every day, he pushed himself past his limits.

He had faced monsters of every kind, creatures that tore at his flesh and tested his will. He had mastered martial arts, hardened his body to withstand forces that would crush ordinary men. He had awakened Aetheris, his essence now honed into something far beyond human.

But amidst the agony and struggle, he never lost sight of their goal.

For two years, he and his master had gathered intelligence every detail on the Five S-Ranked warriors, their movements, their alliances, their weaknesses. No stone was left unturned.

Now, the time for preparation had ended.

The hunt was about to begin.

"Let's go. You'll be late for the academy ceremony." Zero said calmly.

Zion nodded as a swirling portal appeared before them. Without hesitation, they stepped through, emerging inside Zion's grand mansion.

A maid, standing at the entrance, bowed respectfully. "Welcome back, young master. Your academy uniform is prepared and waiting in your room."

"Thank you, Ms. Celine." Zion responded in his usual calm tone before heading upstairs.

Inside his room, he stripped off his training-worn clothes and stepped into the shower. As the warm water ran down his scarred body, he exhaled. Two years... It felt like a lifetime.

But the ever-present gaze of Zero reminded him of his situation. "It's still so weird..." Zion muttered.

"I'm not looking." Zero replied, his tone serious.

After finishing, Zion dried off and changed into his uniform. It was sleek, black with a distinct emblem—an "H" and "A" intertwined. He adjusted his bow tie and took one final glance in the mirror.

"Let's go."

Exiting the mansion, Zion stepped into his sleek black car. The driver, already waiting, nodded.

"Mr. Driver, we may start." Zion instructed, his voice steady.

The car set off, gliding smoothly through the city streets. An hour later, they arrived.

Before him stood a massive academy gate, its intricate metalwork glinting in the sunlight. Beyond it, countless students gathered, each radiating different abilities and energies.

Zero, standing beside him, let out a nostalgic chuckle. "This reminds me of my days."

Zion scanned the crowd, his gaze sharp. "None of them seem dangerous."

"Don't underestimate anyone." Zero warned.

Zion grinned. "Whatever you say, Master."

As the gates creaked open, a breathtaking view unfolded two towering buildings connected at the center, a long pathway leading up to the grand staircase, and a sprawling garden on either side.

His eyes landed on the academy's emblem. He smirked.

"The first hunt begins here."

Zero nodded. Both of them grinned.

As Zion stepped inside the academy building, the first target revealed himself—the principal.

A familiar system window popped up in his vision, displaying the information they had gathered.

[Soul System: Target Identified]

Name: Raizel Varek

Race: Pure Human

Age: 38

Job: Heroes Academy Principal

Abilities: S-Ranked Elemental Mystic Arts User

Family: None

Traits: Cocky and Short-Tempered

Weakness: A Dirty Secret

Zion's smirk widened as he watched Raizel step onto the stage, grabbing the microphone.

With a calm yet authoritative tone, the principal spoke, "Hello, everyone. My name is Raizel Varek. I was once an S-Rank hero, but now, I stand before you as the 30th principal of this academy training the next generation of heroes… all of you."

A pure, confident smile spread across his face as he continued.

"Before you officially enroll, you will undergo a test. It's simple."

A massive screen appeared behind him, lighting up like a television, displaying the exam details.

"The rules are straightforward," Raizel explained. "You will earn points based on your performance. Destroying enemies robots, monsters, and high-level threats will grant you points based on their danger level. Additionally, you will receive extra points for successfully saving civilians. However…"

His expression darkened slightly.

"If you cause harm to civilians or damage the academy's surroundings, points will be deducted accordingly."

The students around Zion murmured in excitement, whispering about the test.

"That's easy."

"I just need to crush some robots?"

"This is my chance to show off!"

Zion crossed his arms, his smirk never fading. "Simple enough."

Zero, floating beside him, scoffed. "Too bad your abilities aren't really suited for a hero. You're more of a sidekick, honestly."

Zion's vein twitched at the remark. "Shut up."

Raizel's voice echoed once more. "Now, all male students, head to the left locker rooms and change into the provided training uniforms. Female students, the right side. Prepare yourselves."

Zion exhaled, making his way toward the changing room.

The uniform was a sleek blue jumpsuit, designed for maximum mobility. As he zipped it up, he smirked at his reflection in the mirror.

As the students finished changing into their uniforms, a portal shimmered into existence within the locker room. Without hesitation, they stepped through, emerging into a vast holographic city designed to mimic a real urban battlefield. Towering buildings stretched into the sky, while scattered debris and simulated civilians created a chaotic yet immersive environment.

A glowing announcement panel materialized before them:

[You may start the test.]

[Time limit: 2 hours.]

Zion cracked his knuckles, a confident smirk forming on his lips. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he scanned the battlefield ahead.

"I'll be the top student, Master. Watch me!"

Zero chuckled, his tone filled with amusement. "Don't get ahead of yourself, kid. Just don't embarrass me."

Zion rolled his shoulders, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Tch, as if."

The moment the announcement ended, chaos erupted. Mechanical drones, towering combat bots, and holographic civilians filled the simulated city. Some students rushed in blindly, attacking anything that moved, while others hesitated, trying to strategize.

Zion, however, walked forward at a leisurely pace, scanning the battlefield. "Weak… weak… slightly less weak." He smirked, unimpressed.

A towering three-meter combat bot locked onto him, its glowing red eyes flashing as it lunged with mechanical precision.

Zion's grin widened. "Finally, something worth my time."

In an instant, he disappeared from sight. A deafening boom echoed through the air as the bot's chest caved in, its massive frame crashing into the pavement. Zion stood behind it, fist still extended, not even looking back.

Zero's voice echoed in his mind. "Remember, you're here to hunt, not just play around."

Zion licked his lips, his aura flaring slightly. "Relax, Master… I'm just getting started."