The Trail Begins

"Tommy, come take out the garbage, dear," calls a woman in her thirties.

"Right, Mom, coming," Tom replies lazily.

He grabs the garbage bag and takes it outside. There aren't many kids his age in the neighborhood, but he has a few older friends.

Dropping the bag, he quickly darts back to his room.

Meanwhile, his mother steps outside to check the mail and notices a strange letter—completely blank, except for one phrase: "One who knows may open it."

Curious, she tries to pry it open, but it doesn't budge. Frowning, she heads back inside and calls out, "Tommy, look at this weird letter!"

"Come on, I just took out the trash," Tom grumbles but obeys nonetheless.

"What is it, Mom?" he asks, dragging his feet.

His mother holds out the letter. "Look at this—what do you make of it?"

Tom's eyes widen as excitement builds in him. The moment he touches the envelope, the letters shift and change before his eyes.

"Reister Academy of Heroes."

"Mom, look! I got accepted into the Academy of Heroes!" Tom exclaims, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Academy of Heroes?" His mother looks completely bewildered.

In this world, every person is born with a unique ability known as a Gift. Some Gifts enhance physical strength, while others heighten intelligence. However, only a rare few are born with Gifts powerful enough to stand out—these individuals are called Heroes.

Heroes are humanity's last defense against Riftens—vicious monsters that emerge from mysterious rifts. A great tragedy once struck the world when countless rifts opened simultaneously, unleashing these monstrous figures upon the land. Thousands perished in the chaos.

But their reign of terror was not absolute. A handful of gifted individuals rose up, wielding extraordinary powers. They turned the tide of battle, bringing hope back to humanity.

Now, these powers manifest in many, though not everyone is fortunate enough to receive them. Those who are strong enough can apply for a place at the prestigious Reister Academy of Heroes.

The train gives off a loud horn, jolting Tom from his thoughts.

He blinks and looks out the window. Below him, a vast lake shimmers with an unusual green hue, reflecting the morning sun.

A sudden knock on the compartment door makes him turn.

"May I come in?" A tall boy with black hair stands at the entrance. "The other seats are full."

Tom nods readily, allowing him to step inside. The two sit in an uneasy silence.

"So… you're here for the exam too?" the tall boy finally asks. "To be honest, I'm really nervous."

"Yeah," Tom replies. "Anyway, I'm Tom—Tom Hastel." He extends his hand.

"Fred. You can call me Freddie," the boy replies, shaking his hand. "Fred Litsren."

Another bout of silence follows as they both stare out the window, lost in thought.

After a while, the train slows to a stop.

"Looks like we're here," Fred says, standing up. "See you at the exams?"

"Yeah, sure," Tom replies, rising from his seat.

Both exit their compartment, stepping off the train—

And then, suddenly, everything turns white.

"Fred? Freddie?" Tom calls out, his voice echoing endlessly.

He tries to move, but his footsteps create only more echoes in the vast emptiness.

"Hello?" he tries again, his voice swallowed by the void.

Then, in an instant, he finds himself inside a grand room filled with students.

"The hell?" he mutters, looking around in confusion.

Before he can process what's happening, a massive man—easily over six feet tall, around 6'8—locks eyes with him.

Tom glances around, only to realize he's back in the empty white void. Yet, the towering man remains, staring at him. Tom notices that he is now seated at a desk.

"Do not fear, child," the man says.

With each step forward, his form shifts—a short woman now stands in his place.

"This is your exam," she states.

Then, another step—she transforms into a bearded man. He gazes straight at Tom.

"You must find a way to escape this endless void."

With a snap of his fingers, Tom is suddenly back in a vast classroom, filled with students.

His heart pounds, but he forces himself to stay calm.

Then, every student in the room turns to stare at him.

His vision blurs.

And before he knows it—he passes out.