Invitation Token

"Celestial Judgment... Interesting name you've chosen, young man. I won't comment on it—I'll let the world judge its worth."

The middle-aged man smiled and reached into his pocket, pulling something out. He extended his hand toward Nox.

"This is the invitation token to Valorcrest Academy. The new semester will start soon, and many like you, gifted with infinite potential, will come crashing through the doors. But only a few chosen ones can join with a token, so keep it safe."

He grabbed Nox's hand and placed the token in his palm, firm but deliberate.

This kid could at least show some kind of reaction. Night Fury sighed silently to himself. I can't tell if he's so happy that he turned into an idiot or if he just doesn't care anymore… or maybe he had his sights on another academy? I can't read him at all.

And he wasn't wrong.

Nox was so excited, in fact, that he had no idea how to respond. His dream, something he never thought possible, was suddenly real. His heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.

With a trembling voice, he barely managed to force out a low, cold, "Thank you," before shoving the token into his pocket as quickly as he could, afraid that if he hesitated even for a second, Night Fury might change his mind.

The middle-aged man gave up on trying to understand Nox. He didn't know why he liked the boy so much—after all, he never smiled. What kind of superhero never smiles? But there was something about him, something special. His power was undeniable, and despite his unreadable expression, Night Fury could sense the fire within him.

Stepping closer, he reached out and ruffled Nox's hair, giving him a firm pat.

"Listen, you're a good kid, and I hope to see you again soon. I know you'll make a great superhero, so make sure to arrive at the academy on time. It starts in five days."

Nox instinctively leaned into the touch, even if just slightly. He had always respected Night Fury. Unlike other heroes, the man had been different during his service. His presence was intimidating, almost monstrous, yet his unwavering devotion to saving people, combined with his bright, reassuring smile, had made him one of the city's most beloved superheroes.

"Also, don't forget, the academy is in the southern part of the city, in the New Dawn District. It's hard to miss the massive building."

With that, Night Fury took a step back. Then, with a snap of his fingers, the darkness crashed down on Nox.

The next second, everything was normal again.

The man was gone.

Nox stood frozen in shock. He hadn't even seen him move. One moment he was there, and the next… nothing. Vanished without a trace.

But after the initial surprise wore off, Nox wasn't too shocked. After all, to be considered a superhero, one had to be more than just strong.

"I want to be like him as well. No, even stronger," Nox said firmly, his words finally carrying a powerful emotion that had been absent before. "I want to make sure no villain ever dares to hurt another soul in this town… or even in the world beyond civilization."

What he didn't know was that Night Fury was still there, hidden in the shadows, listening.

And those words—so resolute, so unwavering—only cemented the veteran hero's judgment. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and for the first time in a long while, he felt relieved.

"I found a great gem," he muttered under his breath.

Then, without another sound, he was truly gone.

But before leaving, he had made sure to drop off an official letter to the officers in charge of Nox's case. A simple, direct order: Release Tadas before the academy season begins.

When the officer in charge read the letter, he was initially stunned. He hadn't even noticed Night Fury had been there. His first instinct was suspicion—was this a forged letter? Did that emotionless kid somehow fake this?

But the moment he checked the special insignia heroes used for official documents and confirmed it was real…

The man almost flipped out of his chair.

"Just who the hell is that kid to receive a special invitation?" The chief muttered, equal parts amazed and terrified. "Even the top ten ranked rookies barely qualify for an invitation after finishing school, and the dean himself never hands them out personally..."

His stomach twisted. I have to treat that kid well… I'll just release him now. I don't want to risk anything.

Without wasting another second, he rushed down the hall, his keys jangling as he hurried to Nox's cell.

He swung the door open and cleared his throat.

"Tadas Sva—Sva—Svajūnas? Sorry, your surname is too hard to pronounce. Anyway, you're free to go. The charges have been dropped, and we've determined that you only wanted to help."

He expected some kind of reaction—relief, gratitude, maybe even disbelief. Instead, the reply he got was something he never expected to hear from someone locked in a jail cell.

"Thank you, sir, but I wish to repent longer. I only ask to be released on the day the academy semester begins."

The chief stared at him, dumbfounded. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

What kind of kid asks to stay in jail longer?

But a request was a request. With a resigned sigh, he shook his head and turned on his heel.

"Suit yourself, kid," he muttered before walking off.

And just like that, Nox remained in his cell—for five more days, by his own choice.

During his stay, Nox was surprised to receive the best treatment imaginable.

Not only did the guards bring him a comfortable bed, one that no other inmate had, but his meals were far from the usual bland prison food. Instead, he was served dishes that were both delicious and highly nutritious, the kind of meals that felt more suited for an athlete or a high-ranking officer than someone sitting in a jail cell.

Of course, this didn't come cheap. The police chief had to dig deep into his own pocket to cover the costs, but he didn't mind.

If this kid really becomes a famous superhero one day… he thought, then I'll be able to brag to everyone that I once met the legend.