The Glass Tower

The morning air was crisp as Nathan and Lucas stepped through the glass doors of the Hero Association HQ. The building's climate control hit them immediately, replacing the autumn chill with perfectly regulated warmth. The lobby smelled of polish and professionalism, everything pristine and purpose-built. 

It was like something from their childhood dreams.

Nathan swallowed hard, his nerves tightened with every step. This is it, he thought, feeling the weight of his dreams and fears. There's no turning back.

Lucas, on the other hand, walked around as if he owned the place. "Man, would you look at this place?" his voice was filled with awe as he looked around. "We're finally here."

The lobby stretched high, with massive digital screens broadcasting live hero updates. The largest display showcased the current Hero Rankings, a gleaming pyramid of power that every candidate dreamed of climbing. 

At the pinnacle stood the S-Class heroes, legends whose names were known in every household. Below them, the A-Class elites handled major threats, while B-Class and C-Class heroes managed everyday emergencies. 

The rankings constantly shifted as heroes proved their worth through successful missions and public approval ratings.

Nathan found himself staring, wondering if he'd ever see his name among those titans.

These were real heroes. The kind they'd looked up to since they were kids. And now, they were in the same building.

All around them, candidates were arriving, some chatting excitedly, others showing off their abilities in small, controlled bursts. A boy in the corner created floating rings of fire between his fingers, while another girl levitated a clipboard just by staring at it.

Nathan watched the casual displays of power around him, his own ability feeling smaller by the second. These people were born to be heroes.

Lucas put a hand on his shoulder. "Stop overthinking it. We signed up for this. Now let's make it official."

They approached the registration desk, a receptionist handed them each a tablet. "Fill these out. Once submitted, you'll receive your candidate IDs and hero registrations."

Nathan stared at the screen. Hero Name Selection.

Lucas started typing.

Vanguard.

Nathan hesitated. His fingers hovered over the keys. Then, with a deep breath, he entered:

Echo.

The tablet beeped, confirming his submission. A moment later, the printer whirred to life, and their newly printed IDs slid onto the counter.

"Welcome to the entrance exam," the receptionist said before gesturing them to step aside for the next candidates.

As they turned to leave, a voice spoke up beside them.

"You two are fast. Most people spend forever picking their names."

Nathan turned around to find a girl studying them with sharp green eyes, her silver-white hair pulled into a practical ponytail. Unlike the flashy candidates strutting around them, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that made her stand out more than any power display could.

"Astra," she introduced herself, offering a hand.

Lucas grinned and shook it first. "Vanguard."

"Echo," he said, taking her hand. Her grip was firm but not showy. Just like everything else about her, it was precisely what it needed to be, nothing more.

She tilted her head. "Echo, huh? What's your ability?"

Nathan stiffened, already expecting a negative reaction. "I can rewind short moments of time, adapt, and repeat."

To his surprise, Astra's expression turned thoughtful. "That's… interesting. I bet that could be powerful if used right."

Lucas smirked. "That's what I keep telling him."

Before Nathan could respond, a sudden BOOM echoed through the hall. A burst of light flared as a candidate blasted energy from his palms, drawing attention. Another candidate responded by lifting a row of chairs effortlessly with telekinesis.

Astra sighed. "Show-offs."

Nathan could only nod. The competition was already proving to be overwhelming.

And the real test hadn't even started yet.

Nathan anxiously sat in the waiting area, surrounded by other hero candidates. He could feel the weight of the competition pressing down on him.

A loud crashing sound made everyone in the room quiet.

Everyone turned their heads to see a gigantic man, easily over six feet tall, with the biggest muscles in the room, slammed his fist into a metal bench. 

His fist made a deep dent. He smiled, rolling his shoulders.

"The name's Titan," he declared. "Try not to slow me down."

Next to him, another candidate stood with his arms crossed. Unlike Titan's raw power, he seemed to radiate an intense confidence. His suit was immaculate and his posture straight. A soft, shimmering energy shield flickered around his body before it disappeared.

"Aegis," he said, as his eyes scanned the room like he was measuring his competition.

Nathan studied Titan's display of raw power, then Aegis's perfect control. The gap between their abilities and his Echo felt like a canyon. I definitely don't belong here.

Lucas, leaning back in his seat, poked him. "Relax, man. They're just showing off."

Nathan rubbed the back of his neck. "It's working."

Before Lucas could say anything, a chime sounded from the speakers.

"Attention, candidates. The entrance exams are beginning shortly. They will consist of three stages: A Written Evaluation, Physical Assessment, and Simulation Combat. Follow the posted schedules and prepare accordingly."

Nathan's stomach twisted. This is actually happening.

Lucas grinned. "Well, at least you're good at tests, right?"

Whispers rippled through the room. Nathan clenched his fists. This was it. No more doubts.

The test was about to begin.

"All candidates for written evaluation, proceed to Hall A," the announcement echoed through the waiting area. 

Nathan's legs felt heavy as he followed the crowd through reinforced doors. The examination room stretched out before them, row after row of desks extending so far back they seemed to blur together. Each desk equipped with a tablet, each tablet waiting to judge if they were worthy.

The screen showed a countdown timer: 90 minutes.

"Everyone take a seat," an exam proctor instructed. "Once everyone is seated the test will begin."

Nathan sat beside Lucas, who stretched his arms behind his head, looking completely at ease. As usual.

The first section was straightforward. Hero regulations, law enforcement protocols, emergency classifications. Nathan's fingers flew over the screen, answering with precision and ease. This was the part Nathan was good at. Cold, hard facts.

Then came the second section. The scenarios.

A supervillain has taken hostages in a burning building. Your allies are injured. What is your priority?

athan's hands froze over the screen. The scenario seemed designed to expose every weakness of his power. He could rewind time, yes, but only by seconds. Would that be enough to save anyone? Or would attempting a rescue just add another casualty to the list? 

Right beside him, Lucas was answering without hesitation. Nathan exhaled deeply and made his best guess.

He glanced around the room. Titan was powering through questions like they were nothing. Aegis analyzed each scenario with military precision. And Astra... Astra had already finished, her tablet dark and forgotten.

Nathan forced his attention back to his screen. No more comparisons. No more doubts. Just answer the question.

"Time's up. Submit your exams." the proctor called.

Nathan let out a deep breath, fingers stiff from tension. Lucas smirked. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Nathan groaned. "Maybe not for you."

Lucas shrugged. "To be honest, I didn't expect to do that well. Guess I paid more attention in class than I thought."

Nathan crossed his arms as he stared at the floor. The written exam was over. Now came the worst part, waiting.

Quiet conversation filled the room as candidates speculated on their test results. Some, like Titan, looked completely unbothered. Others fidgeted nervously, tapping their fingers against their chairs.

Lucas, as always, was relaxed, stretching his legs out in front of him.

"Ease up, man," Lucas nudged Nathan's arm. "It's just a test."

Nathan let out a sigh. "Sure, just the test that decides if we have a shot at making it through today."

Before Lucas could reply, the speakers crackled to life.

"Attention candidates. The written exam is now complete. Your scores will be processed, and results will be posted shortly. Next, all candidates will proceed to the training grounds for the physical assessment. Be ready."

This was the part that had haunted Nathan's nightmares.

Lucas filled with excitement, punching his palm. "Finally. Time to do what we came here for."

Nathan sighed but managed a small nervous smile. "Yeah, finally."

As they stood, Astra passed by them, giving Nathan an acknowledging glance. "I look forward to seeing you in the simulation, Echo."

Nathan clenched teeth. Ready or not, the real test was about to begin.