The World of Heroes

The world didn't care about nobodies.

This was a lesson Adam Vance had learned a long time ago.

Forty years ago, superpowers suddenly started popping up. Scientists were still researching the strange phenomenon, calling it the Awakening Event.

And with powers becoming common, heroism—once a mere fantasy—became an actual profession.

It was the largest growing industry, with its total revenue reaching 4,000 billion dollars.

Heroes were everywhere, walking around the city in their flashy costumes, using their incredible abilities to save lives—and, of course, securing sponsorship deals.

But not all heroes were superstars. Some were just background extras.

And Adam was one of them.

"Hey, punching bag, go grab me a coffee."

A heavy slap almost made Adam fall forward. He turned to see Adheso, his mentor—a D-Class hero with the ability to stick two things together.

Adam clenched his fists, laughing to suppress his anger. "It's Endure, actually."

Adheso grinned. "Yeah, yeah, now move it, sidekick."

Adam resisted the urge to punch Adheso's face straight into the concrete. Not that he could actually do that—he was just a mere sidekick.

With a sigh, he turned and walked away.

This was his life. Running errands for a guy who barely counted as a hero himself.

Adam ran towards the coffee shop, his mind filled with thoughts of the future.

Maybe someday, I'll be a C-Class hero—where people actually know your name. Or even B-Class—where you get sponsorship deals. Or maybe even S-Class—where people worship you like a god...

Adam let out a chuckle for even thinking something so absurd.

Who am I kidding? I'm just a Meat Shield 3000.

Adam finally reached Sunbucks.

Why does he always ask me to get coffee? It's expensive. Can't he at least give me money?

Adam bought the coffee, returned, and handed it to Adheso.

"Good job, sidekick. That's it for today. Go home." Adheso said happily, drinking his coffee.

Another day of no real work for me. He doesn't even take me on missions. How will I ever come into the public eye? How will I ever rank up? He's just made me a damn chore boy...

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Adam made his way home.

Then he sighed again when he realized—

My pockets are completely torn.

This tracksuit is giving out. It lasted longer than I thought. I might have to buy a new one... Not like I can afford a designer hero costume anyway.

After a short 20-minute walk, Adam finally reached his apartment.

Adam's apartment was modest. As in, one light earthquake away from collapsing.

He kicked the door closed behind him and collapsed onto the couch—his one and only true friend in life.

His phone buzzed. A notification from the bank.

[Bank Alert] Deposit Received

From: Hero Association Payroll

Amount: $32.45

Available Balance: $47.32

"Ah, yes, the riches of heroism," he muttered.

Not that he was surprised.

Being the sidekick of a D-Class hero paid less than working in a fast-food joint.

Adheso himself was struggling—but his condition was still much better than Adam's.

Adam groaned and turned on his old TV.

A commercial for an S-Class hero played.

Adam looked at it with jealousy.

Gods among men. Untouchable icons. Only if I had a better ability…

He stared at the screen.

The dream of achieving S-Class status was what motivated Adam to become a hero in the first place.

He still hadn't given up on it.

Even though it looked impossible.

If I keep believing… maybe it'll manifest.

"That's enough dreaming for today. Let's see what's on the other news channels."

Adam reached for the remote to change the channel—

And then the news cut in, catching his attention.

Breaking News

"A dangerous villain is rampaging in the city! No heroes have arrived yet!"

Adam's eyes widened.

That was unusual.

Normally, even B-Ranks would show up for something like this.

He sat up as the screen showed a pink rubbery, muscular monster tearing through buildings, civilians running in terror.

The police were overwhelmed.

"No A-Class? No B-Class?" He raised an eyebrow. "Hell, I'd even take a C-Class at this point."

…But no one was there.

He scanned the screen.

That place is pretty close to me but... What could I even do? It's not like I can stop a villain that strong.

"Yeah, it's not my problem. I'll let the real heroes handle this," Adam thought, leaning back on the couch.

And then he heard a scream.

The news anchor continued. "A child is trapped under rubble! Every rescue attempt has failed!"

Heroes will save them, Adam. No need to worry. They always save the day. You just need to sit quietly...

Adam lightly tapped his face to calm himself down.

He swallowed, gripping the remote even tighter. His mind told him to look away.

But his heart resisted.

"What am I thinking, I am a hero!"

"Heroes don't give up. They don't look away from people in need."

Before he even realized it, he was already running out of his apartment, not even wasting time to lock the door.

When Adam arrived at the site, media helicopters were recording the footage from above while police officers engaged the villain, trying to get him to move away from the trapped child so the rescue team could work.

The police fired multiple shots.

They bounced off his skin like if they were hitting rubber.

"Where are the heroes?! Why aren't they here yet?! We informed the Hero Association 12 minutes ago!" a police officer shouted in anger.

That's weird. It shouldn't take that long… Adam thought.

As he stood in deep thought, a police officer shook him up.

"What are you doing here?! It's not safe! Go home, kid!"

Ouch. This is why a hero costume is a must…

Adam felt a bit offended that the officer didn't recognize him as a hero.

But he couldn't blame him. He looked just like an average kid—with a few muscles.

Adam placed his hand on the officer's shoulder. "Don't worry, sir. I'm a hero. I know how to handle myself."

The officer's face lit up hearing that.

He was so relieved that he hugged Adam.

"Thank God you came! It was getting hard for us to hold him back!"

Adam smiled lightly.

This was the feeling he wanted.

The feeling of trust, but it didn't last long.

"What Class are you?" another officer asked, approaching him.

Adam rubbed his neck in embarrassment. "Ohhh… I'm E-Class. A sidekick."

The officer who had just hugged him immediately pulled back.

His face shifted—from relief to disgust.

"This has been marked as a B-Class mission. What the hell is a poser like you doing here?"

Adam stood there.

This reaction?

He was used to it.

He just quietly kept walking, getting ready to intercept the villain.

"Where do you think you're going?! You'll get killed in seconds!" the officer shouted, trying to grab Adam's arm.

But Adam shrugged him off. "You don't have a choice. We have to save that kid. It looks like the villain hasn't noticed them yet—we don't have time to waste."

The officer looked into Adam's eyes before turning his gaze away. "You're right… I'm sorry for how I acted."

"Cease fire! Hold your shots until I give the order!"

The officers stopped shooting, their eyes fixed on Adam.

For the first time in his life—

All eyes were on him.

But as Adam stood in front of that 7-foot monster, his hands trembled.

His throat dried up.

"I have to try."

The villain grinned, raising his arm to crush Adam like an insect.

Taking a deep breath, Adam stepped aside—but the villain swung again, hitting him straight in the stomach, launching him several feet away.

Adam quickly got up, groaning. He stretched his arms.

"Okay. No bones broken."

Then, he did something no one expected. He charged.

The officers gasped, the cameras zoomed in, and the civilians watching from their screens jumped out of their seats.

Adam didn't know it back then, but this charge was about to change his life completely.