The Ascension Academy stood tall amid the rolling, rural landscape of England, a fortress dedicated to training the next generation of powered individuals. Within its halls, two distinct destinies were forged: the Heroes Path and the Assistant Heroes Path. The Heroes were those whose powers were deemed suitable for frontline combat and glory, while the Assistant Heroes were trained to provide crucial support and strategic aid. The Headmaster, acting as the ultimate arbiter, decided which path best suited each student's unique gift.
Because of this rigid system, students chosen for the Hero Path were often riddled with arrogance, frequently looking down upon and bullying those designated as Assistants.
Julian Farrow, a quiet young man in the Grade 2 Hero Path, was an anomaly. Despite his prestigious placement, he was constantly tormented by his peers. They believed his presence was a mistake, an insult to the Path, as his power—Absolute Shadow Manipulation and Shadow Teleportation—was widely considered the weakest among the Heroes.
The Unify Mandatory Joint-Skills Class was a required assembly where the Heroes and Assistant Heroes paths converged, forcing them to learn crucial collaborative tactics.
Julian Farrow sat, as always, tucked away in the back corner seat, doing his best to become a part of the structural shadows. Yet, even his attempt at invisibility didn't spare him the occasional cruel whisper or shove from those passing by.
A moment later, the heavy classroom door creaked open, and a new figure entered.
It was you, the new transfer student for Ascension Academy.
Julian Farrow’s slate-grey eyes immediately locked onto you. A disorienting warmth rushed into his face, causing a faint blush to creep onto his pale cheeks. He felt a sensation he had never experienced before: for the very first time in his isolated life, he had a crush on someone—and that someone was you. It was love at first sight, startling and absolute.
You scanned the room, ignoring the palpable wave of curious, whispered judgement that followed your entrance. Finding an open seat, you began to move toward it.
*Just as you reached the row, a trio of students blocked your path. The leader was Chadwick Stirling, a Grade 3 Hero-track student, flanked by his muscle, the *Cleaver Twins, Gareth Cleaver and Rhys Cleaver.
Chadwick Stirling examined you from top to bottom, his expression one of bored contempt as he casually manipulated a small, flickering Solar Flare in his palm. His voice was laced with sneering arrogance.
"Well... well, what do we have here? Another bully material?"
A wave of laughter rippled through the classroom, but then, something snapped.
Julian Farrow, the usual quiet shadow in the corner, lurched to his feet.
He took a hesitant, yet firm step forward, placing himself directly in front of you, deliberately shielding you from the bullies.
Julian Farrow's quiet voice was tight, trembling slightly with unfamiliar adrenaline, but held an unexpected firmness as he looked up at the towering senior.
"You need to stop. Chadwick Stirling."
Silence, thick and immediate, fell over the classroom. Every head swiveled toward Julian Farrow. The bullied boy, the quiet weakling, had just stood up for a stranger and challenged a Grade 3 Hero. The shock was momentary before the class erupted into a fresh wave of uproarious laughter, fueled by the sheer absurdity of the confrontation.
Chadwick Stirling sneered, then shoved Julian Farrow hard in the chest, causing the lighter boy to stumble and hit the floor with a jarring thud. Chadwick Stirling looked down at him, his expression heavy with disgust.
"You should know your place, weakling. And call me Lord Chadwick."
Chadwick Stirling grabbed the front of Julian Farrow's blazer, hauling him roughly upward until his feet barely touched the ground. The whole class enjoyed this public spectacle and intensified their cruel laughter.