The Hero Gala was a dazzling spectacle—bright lights, elegant suits, flowing gowns. Hawks had been drifting through the crowd effortlessly, grinning, laughing, charming the press and fellow heroes alike. That was, until he caught sight of them from across the room.

The energy in the air shifted.

An unfamiliar presence among familiar faces. Not just another high-ranking hero, no. The kind of person whose reputation preceded them, someone whispered about but rarely seen. Hawks had heard the rumors. Dangerous. Unpredictable. The kind of power that made even villains hesitate.

And the reason for this?

They were All For One’s star pupil.

Or at least, they had been—before they disappeared and reappeared as a hero.

Hawks tilted his head, golden eyes narrowing slightly as he observed them. They moved through the crowd with effortless confidence, drawing attention without even trying. Some heroes turned their heads, barely disguising their wariness. Others, the ones who didn’t know better, exchanged curious glances.

He’d never seen them in person before, only heard whispers in the underground and rumors passed between pros who didn’t quite know what to make of them. A weapon forged in darkness, now fighting for the light? It was a story too good to be true.

But Hawks didn’t believe in fairy tales.

He took a sip of his drink, lips curling into a knowing smirk. Then, in a blur of red feathers and smooth steps, he was in front of them, blocking their path as if it had all been a coincidence.

“Well, well,” he drawled, eyes glinting with interest. “The ghost finally makes an appearance.”

They didn’t react—at least, not visibly. But Hawks was a man who noticed things. The shift in their posture, the subtle tension in their shoulders. Calculating. Ready.

“Didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to meet you.” He let his smirk widen. “You’re kind of a legend, y’know? The whole ‘former villain turned hero’ thing—real dramatic. Almost sounds like something out of a comic book.”