The city of Paradise stood brighter than it had in years.
Located in the heart of Valhalla, Paradise was more than just a city. It was the political center of humanity's strongest nation and home to the Hero's Association itself. Towering white buildings stretched into the sky while crowds filled the streets below, all eyes focused on the massive public platform erected before the House — one of the highest branches of the human government.
Reporters, civilians, and officials stood shoulder to shoulder.
Today's announcement had spread across all of Valhalla.
A man in a black formal suit walked onto the stage.
The crowd immediately quieted.
President Franklin Dimer adjusted the microphone slightly before looking out over the sea of citizens. His face carried exhaustion, but his posture remained firm.
"I am President Franklin Dimer."
His voice echoed clearly across the square.
"I won't give you excuses."
The people listened silently.
Franklin lowered his head slightly.
"I have failed my citizens."
A brief pause followed.
"And I would wholeheartedly like to apologize to all of Valhalla."
The crowd instantly erupted with responses.
"President, we stand with you! Don't worry!"
"We believe in you, Sir Dimer!"
"You're still our president!"
Franklin looked genuinely surprised for a moment before smiling faintly.
Then his expression became serious again.
"I know we do not have the right to ask the heroes to defend only Valhalla."
"Because heroes are not meant for one nation."
"They exist for all of humanity."
He turned toward the side of the stage.
Standing there were Kaelen, Jess, Kimotsu, Denma, Faith, and Gene — though Gene looked half asleep even while standing.
Franklin continued firmly.
"So today, I officially declare that the heroes—"
"Kaelen Veystrum."
"Jessica Brimok."
"Denma Pinoc."
"Kimotsu Oshima."
"Faith Deprovich."
"And Gene Galant."
"—are permitted to fully conduct their operations anywhere within Valhalla whenever they see fit."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"They are authorized to take the actions they deem necessary for the betterment of humanity."
For a second there was silence.
Then—
Thunderous applause exploded across Paradise.
People cheered loudly.
Some cried.
Others shouted the heroes' names.
Franklin stepped down from the podium and shook each of their hands personally.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Kaelen nodded.
"We'll do our best."
Jess smiled politely.
Denma grinned casually.
Kimotsu gave a respectful nod.
Faith thanked him softly.
Gene shook Franklin's hand while half asleep.
A few minutes later, the heroes returned to the association headquarters.
The atmosphere inside the Hero's Association was calmer now.
Not peaceful.
But stable.
Jess sat near the long table in the meeting room and crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"Kaelen, I'm sure Hades and June aren't in Valhalla right now."
Denma leaned back in his chair.
"Yeah. No way they'd stay here knowing we're around."
Kaelen nodded slowly.
"I know."
He looked out the window for a moment before continuing.
"But the problem is…"
"They clearly betrayed each other."
That immediately drew everyone's attention.
"And both of them know how to create artificial circuits now."
Faith frowned slightly.
"So you're saying…"
"They won't work together anymore?"
Kimotsu answered before Kaelen could.
"Yeah."
"They'll do their own thing now."
He rested a hand on his sword.
"But the real question is…"
"How long before they attack again?"
Kaelen finally turned back toward them.
"That's exactly the issue."
He walked slowly around the room while speaking.
"But after how they lost…"
"They won't return anytime soon."
Denma raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Kaelen stopped walking.
"Because of what I did to Hades."
"He relies heavily on his Modeling Circuit."
"He simulates."
"Analyzes."
"Creates counters."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So after what happened, he'll take his time developing what he thinks is the perfect answer to me."
He then looked toward the others.
"And June…"
A faint smile appeared on Kaelen's face.
"Kaelven overwhelmed him physically."
"He even shattered June's illusions by force alone."
"Without that teleportation technique…"
"He would've died."
Denma whistled softly.
"So both of them are going back into hiding."
"Exactly," Kaelen replied.
"They'll plan carefully before making another move."
Kimotsu nodded slowly.
"I see…"
Faith looked thoughtful now.
"But who exactly is Kaelven?"
"He was ridiculously strong."
"Why isn't he a hero?"
Kaelen smiled faintly.
"He said he's not fit for it."
"And honestly…"
"That path was never his to walk."
The room quieted slightly as Kaelen continued.
"He's also not from this universe."
Everyone looked at him.
"He's from another dimension called Zerathis."
Denma immediately grinned.
"That explains why his power felt so strange."
"I've never seen anything like it."
Jess rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully.
"So…"
"What do we do with the time we have?"
Kaelen looked at all of them one by one.
Then he answered calmly.
"We train."
The room became silent.
"We grow stronger."
"So when they finally attack again…"
"…we won't be what they prepared for."
His voice sharpened slightly.
"We'll become something better."
"A true team of heroes."
Denma smiled immediately.
"Now that sounds fun."
Then he blinked.
"…wait."
"Where exactly are we training?"
Kaelen sighed.
"I'm taking all of you to Arkion."
That caught everyone off guard.
"We'll train with someone far above our level."
Kimotsu narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Someone stronger than you?"
Kaelen immediately answered.
"Yes."
Faith looked curious now.
"Who is this person?"
Kaelen rubbed the back of his neck.
"He owns a restaurant."
Everyone stared at him silently.
Then Kaelen's expression became completely serious.
"But I'm begging all of you…"
"For your own sake…"
"Don't piss him off."