Chapter 6: A Challenge

Two days later...

Jonathan stood outside the office of the Senior Assessor, summoned for a private meeting. Inside, the Director sat behind a wide desk, waiting for him. Jonathan entered, a mix of anticipation and excitement building in his chest.

The Director gestured for him to sit. His expression was calm, thoughtful—even slightly impressed.

"I wanted to have a word with you," the Director began, his tone serious but not unkind.

Jonathan nodded, leaning forward, eager to hear the verdict.

"First, let me congratulate you," the Director said. "You've passed all assessment tests with flying colors. More than that, you've shown exceptional character, something even our assessors have noted in their reports. You have the heart—and the potential—of a true hero."

Jonathan's eyes lit up, a rare smile creeping onto his face.

"But," the Director continued, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a familiar document, "there's something we need to address."

He held up the probationary contract Jonathan had signed during his first visit—and tore it in half right before his eyes.

Jonathan blinked, stunned. "What...?"

The Director gave a small, knowing smile. "Everything—from our first encounter, to the signing of that contract—was part of your evaluation."

"What do you mean?" Jonathan asked, confused.

"We were testing your judgment. If you had accepted the offer to skip the assessments and fast-track your progression, you would've failed. But instead, you chose to face the challenges head-on. Even agreeing to the three-month probation—it showed humility, even if it was a bit naïve."

Jonathan sat back, absorbing the words.

"You see, hero work is full of deception—contracts, deals, promises that aren't always what they seem. We needed to see how you'd react under pressure, with incomplete information."

Jonathan gave a sheepish nod. "I understand. I guess I didn't think it would go that deep."

The Director smiled. "That's the kind of reflection we look for. You passed—not just in skill, but in attitude."

"So… what happens now?" Jonathan asked.

"You're among the few who completed the assessments without a single retake. That alone is impressive," the Director said. "Because of this, we're recommending you for the Hero Licensing Test."

Jonathan sat up straighter. "What's that going to involve?"

"First, you'll continue your training here at the academy for the next six months. If you continue to excel and the assessors approve your progress, you'll be selected to participate in the Hero Candidate Ranking Test."

Jonathan's brow furrowed. "What's that?"

"It's a competitive evaluation among all top-performing candidates," the Director explained. "Only the top fifteen are sent to the Main Branch—where the real Hero Licensing Test takes place. Think of it as your final trial before earning your title."

Jonathan nodded slowly. "I see."

"Don't let it intimidate you. From what I've seen, it shouldn't be a problem for someone like you."

Jonathan smiled. "Thank you, Director. I won't waste the opportunity."

Exiting the Senior Assessor's office, Jonathan bumped into Carl, who was walking down the hallway.

"Hey!" Carl called out with a grin. "I heard you aced everything during the last assessment. Man, I'm jealous."

Jonathan scratched the back of his head. "It was nothing… honestly, I barely made it through. Thought I was gonna die a couple times."

Carl chuckled. "No need to be so humble. I wouldn't be surprised if you're one of the fifteen sent to the Main Branch."

Jonathan nodded. "The Director mentioned that… but I'm not counting my wins just yet. I'll prove myself first."

As the two continued down the hallway, they stopped abruptly when they spotted Gina and her group ahead. She stood with her usual clique—two sharply dressed girls, one in a flowing white outfit, the other in sleek black. A tall guy with a biker jacket and tight leather pants leaned smugly against the wall beside them.

"Well, well," Gina said mockingly as they approached. "If it isn't the cheater and his enabler."

Jonathan and Carl stopped in their tracks.

"It's obvious you two won't make the top fifteen," she added, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Carl clenched his fists, biting back a retort—but then burst out, "Maybe I won't, but my friend here? He'll take the number one spot!"

Gina and her crew fell silent—only to break out into laughter a second later. "You can try," she said, sneering at Jonathan. "It's cute that you think you have a chance."

"It's not worth it, Carl," Jonathan muttered.

"She started it!" Carl snapped, glaring at Gina.

Jonathan stepped forward calmly. "Gina, was it?" he said, locking eyes with her. "I may not look like much now, but I'll make it into the top fifteen. No—we will. And there's nothing you can do to stop that."

Carl looked at him, startled.

Jonathan continued, "There are only fifteen slots. Six months from now, don't come crying when you're not on that list."

"Oh?" Gina raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you… challenging me?"

"So what if I am?" Jonathan said evenly.

Gina chuckled, clearly entertained. "Then I'll count on it." She turned her gaze to Carl. "Try not to drag him down. It would be tragic if he failed because of you."

With that, Gina and her group strutted past them.

Carl, still stunned, turned to Jonathan. "Okay, what was that about?"

"What do you mean?" Jonathan asked innocently.

"That whole bit about me making the top fifteen?" Carl frowned. "Where did that come from?"

Jonathan smiled. "Oh, that. It means you've got six months to prove yourself. I believe in you."

Carl groaned. "Believe all you want, but I'm a low C-rank, remember?"

"And ranks can change," Jonathan replied. "We've got time. We'll train harder. We'll get stronger. We'll earn it—together."

Carl was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed. "Alright, but I swear—if you're feeding me empty hope, I'm not the forgiving type."

"You won't have to be," Jonathan said, grinning. "Come on, let's grab something to eat. You're buying."