Aurora watched as Director Vincent stepped up to the podium in the academy’s assembly hall as all the students watched him.
On the same podium were the students who were filling the tournament slots.
“We have reached the day when the bouts have ended and the positions have been revealed!” announced Director Vincent, looking at those present and pointing to the young men standing next to him, he revealed. “These young students will be those who will represent the Hero Academy in this international tournament.”
From the B-rank, the top five who made it out of the tournament.
Jordan, Nicole, Frank, Alexey and Cristian.
Then those who took their places by force or kept it like Dalia, Marc, Leslie, and Érica.
Lastly, a young man who got the position by going unnoticed until he reached his goal, Lucas Chabert.
Those were the ten students needed for the B-Rank section of the international tournament.
In Rank A, there were the first four of the tournament who were Alice, Clémentine, Gregorio, Rachael, and lastly Niels, who took the last spot by force.
It was a fairly balanced group with a mage and a psionic, along with two swordsmen and Alice who could take various roles.
The B-Ranks also had a more or at least slightly balanced group, having students of various professions among them.
There were students focused on melee, mages, and those at a distance, showing in a way that there was no predominant profession in the academy.
All of them were led by the academy’s only S-Rank student, Edward.
No, now that Oliver was there, he was no longer the only one, but he was still the strongest and the one who had taken the leadership role.
No one counted Cithrel and Venali, as they were exchange students and did not join the tournament.
They were a strong team and if Aurora was honest, she would trust them for an important mission.
“This team will represent us in the international tournament in the combat section, but there are other sections as well and we should thank those who have stepped forward to represent us,” Revealed Director Vincent and pointing to the students from other sections, he added. “They show us that combat is not the only profession.”
Vanessa, Taqiyya, and Andrés were part of different sections that also had their own competition, along with another student.
Aurora guessed that it was complicated to hold a tournament that showed the strength of the non-combatant professions and believed that was why there weren’t as many students.
Though she was curious to see what the organizers of the international tournament had in store for them.
“Hero Academy will support all the students by giving them the best equipment so they can show their full potential without being limited,” Director Vincent said, and looking at those present with a smile, he added. “That will be your reward for participating in the tournament.”
That was the best decision he could make to support the students.
Among this large group of students were some who were not very wealthy and were present here because of scholarships.
That meant they could not get equipment of the highest class commensurate with their abilities and could not cover their shortcomings or show their full strength.
That Director Vincent supported them gave all the students a chance to be on an equal footing and be able to face their enemies, only thinking about their abilities and not their equipment and weaponry.
The report of the international tournament and the rules of the tournament had not yet been reported.
However, that they got the support of Director Vincent, who was probably involved in the tournament, showed that there was a possibility that there would be no limits on equipment or they would not be forced to use training weapons.
Several students who could not afford equipment commensurate with their needs gave smiles and thanked the Director, who waved his hand as if this was not too much.
Someone strong would earn money faster the more powerful they were, and it was normal to invest in equipment.
However, even A-rank or S-rank students like Edward could not afford everything they wanted.
And more so when they were heroes who worked on charity missions or helped out for free, and even if they performed beneficial missions, they had other expenses.
So there was no doubt that the students were glad of Director Vincent’s benefit, no matter what year or how strong they were.
“As for the other students. They can always watch the fights through the official media or, if they wish, they can always approach the academy administration to get the travel plan that will suit everyone,” added Director Vincent, receiving applause from the most excited students.
There was a ‘travel plan’ in which the academy would provide the means to travel and be present during important fights.
It was not free, as the students would then have to work according to their profession to remunerate the academy through work that they would provide.
Basically, it was to give them fun, and then send them to work in areas where they could develop and use their skills.
The Hero Academy received many students and gave scholarships to many others, but in general, there were always excellent students.
That meant that despite being heroes, they would not starve to death if they pursued this profession.
“To the participants and support groups, remember the date of the trip and be prepared. I will personally accompany you for this tournament, so I hope you will make sure you are in the best shape possible,” Director Vincent said, and after leaving Edward in charge, he took his leave and disappeared like a gentle breeze.
The students began to murmur amongst themselves and get excited about the tournament.
The arrival of November meant the first international tournament that the hero academy would participate in.
Representing the entire hero academy, the eyes of the world would be on them.
It was exciting to either watch or participate.
Aurora couldn’t help but watch the group approaching towards her with a smile.
“Nervous? You have a duty to uphold the reputation of the entire hero academy,” Aurora said, and giving an evil grin, she pointed out. “Not only of the students present, but of heroes all over the world.”
The world had an incredible number of heroes and while a portion received those titles for their actions, the other portion came out of this academy.
The graduates would watch the tournament intently, waiting for the outcome of their future colleagues.
“If you say that... I get more nervous,” Dalia murmured, who was accompanying the group.
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh, as she was the only one who was nervous about that matter.
“I’m hoping for good opponents,” Nicole said, giving a sincere smile while opening and closing her fists.
The shy young student from the beginning of the academy had transformed into someone who was becoming a real fighter.
That enthusiasm and devotion of a fighter who was embracing her way of fighting were splendid.
Aurora smiled even more, amused at the sight of her.
“I just want to renegotiate my reward,” Alice muttered and when everyone looked at them, she shrugged and commented. “That’s the only reason I’m here.”
That comment got her strange looks and in response, Aurora’s smile grew.
She knew her gluttonous friend, so she knew she was also participating out of simple boredom.
It was a strange way to have fun and since no one could stop her, Aurora let her be, too.
“The only thing I’m worried about is being allowed to take time off from my work,” Andrés said, letting out a sigh and, when they looked at him curiously, he detailed. “Working part-time is always heavy.”
Andrés talked little about his work, but some of them had more or less a general idea of what he worked on.
So they didn’t know how to respond to his way of looking at his work.
He was the only one who had a job and was doing what he liked, so no one could recommend anything to him.
From what Aurora had heard from Liam, Andrés was being well ‘cultivated’ by his boss, who was trying to support him to progress quickly.
“All I can wish you is luck,” Aurora said without understanding the difficulties of Andrés’ job.
Andrés’ expression trembled as he saw how they took his comment, still, he muttered. “Thank you...”
******
Sipping a drink in the entertainment room in his work building, Andrés sighed exhaustedly.
He had left the academy and had headed to his job to finish his assignments for this week and get a little ahead of next week.
With each passing week, he was being given heavier and increasingly questionable assignments.
It wasn’t as if he was being used to infiltrate any network or security system, but he was being tasked with organizing or testing his own security system.
For now, he was learning the legal means to do his job and was slowly falling into the line of illegal.
It was normal. An information network was not only in charge of searching for people, but it was also in charge of infiltrating information networks, breaking security systems to steal information, or even installing listening systems, among dozens of other tasks.
His jobs were varied, and as a rookie, Andrés was on the surface of his work.
Technically, working in an information network was not illegal... Of course, the limit came when they crossed the line.
That was why most of the networks were underground and hidden behind legal means.
This information network worked clandestinely while on a superficial level, it was a security company.
If he had to answer what he worked in, he always mentioned that he had a position in a security company.
Except for the academy group, who knew a little more about his job.
It was a good way to cover himself, especially when Andrés knew that illegal jobs would be the norm.
Even though he had to lie to his acquaintances, Andrés liked this job.
Not only for getting away from the battle, but in this place, he could show his full potential.
“Oh, Andrés, you’re still here.”
A voice echoed from behind him and when he turned around, he found his co-worker and superior, Fausto.
“Yes, is something wrong?” Andrés asked like a responsible worker.
“No, no, I just thought it was surprising. I thought you would be in South America by now because of your tournament and the job,” Fausto replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Andrés frowned and asked. “Work?”
He had reported that he would be participating in the international tournament, so he wasn’t surprised that he knew about it.
Still, he knew nothing related to work.
“You haven’t talked to the boss?” Fausto asked and when Andrés shook his head, he sighed and added. “I recommend you go talk to her. I don’t understand how she can play for so long and still be so bad.”
“Who’s bad?”
From the opening elevator, Serena stepped out with a serious expression looking at Fausto, whose expression was shaky.
“I... Boss,” Fausto replied stuttering and when he looked at Andrés, he had already turned his back on both of them as if he had never had a conversation with him.
“Get back to work,” Serena ordered, giving a serious expression, and Fausto quickly fled.
Andrés’ expression trembled, trying to hold in his laughter, while Fausto, at Serena’s back, made a sign to cut his throat, leaving in evidence that he would suffer later.
Was his betrayal cruel? Perhaps, but he was sure that any member of the network would also do the same.
In front of his boss, there was no such simple thing as collegial loyalty.
“I stayed too long playing games and almost forgot about your job,” Serena muttered with a frown.
Andrés, like the good worker he was, pretended not to hear the muttering and his naïve expression, got a chuckle out of Serena.
“I understand you’ll be traveling to South America, so don’t worry about that. I’ve got you a job there,” Serena informed and not caring about Andrés’ surprised look, she explained. “An information network in South America has asked us for help. Their headquarters is in the city where the international tournament is being held, so there won’t be a problem in that regard.”
“I’ll be the support?” Andrés asked, catching on to what was important.
“Yes. Well, actually you’ll just be part of the group, extra support,” Serena replied and without giving it too much thought, revealed. “I’ll pass you the contact of who will be your superior. You don’t need to neglect your duties with the academy, just lend your help in relevant moments. As for the mission... It will be explained to you when you get there.”
“I understand, boss,” Andrés replied without questioning too much.
He knew that some information networks supported each other while extending their areas of influence thanks to their allies.
One example was Liam, who was very well connected with Serena, who was an information network from Atlantis City.
This was his first mission outside of his office, so he understood that even though he was a supporting member, he could prove his usefulness.
What’s more, he hoped so.
“Okay, now let’s play. I want to show Fausto. I’m excellent at playing,” Serena announced, interrupting Andrés’ thoughts.
That clear tone full of confidence distracted Andrés for a moment, but then he just followed her with his best smile.
In any job, you always had to please the boss... Or also known as ‘boot licking’.
Aurora watched as Director Vincent stepped up to the podium in the academy’s assembly hall as all the students watched him.
On the same podium were the students who were filling the tournament slots.
“We have reached the day when the bouts have ended and the positions have been revealed!” announced Director Vincent, looking at those present and pointing to the young men standing next to him, he revealed. “These young students will be those who will represent the Hero Academy in this international tournament.”
From the B-rank, the top five who made it out of the tournament.
Jordan, Nicole, Frank, Alexey and Cristian.
Then those who took their places by force or kept it like Dalia, Marc, Leslie, and Érica.
Lastly, a young man who got the position by going unnoticed until he reached his goal, Lucas Chabert.
Those were the ten students needed for the B-Rank section of the international tournament.
In Rank A, there were the first four of the tournament who were Alice, Clémentine, Gregorio, Rachael, and lastly Niels, who took the last spot by force.
It was a fairly balanced group with a mage and a psionic, along with two swordsmen and Alice who could take various roles.
The B-Ranks also had a more or at least slightly balanced group, having students of various professions among them.
There were students focused on melee, mages, and those at a distance, showing in a way that there was no predominant profession in the academy.
All of them were led by the academy’s only S-Rank student, Edward.
No, now that Oliver was there, he was no longer the only one, but he was still the strongest and the one who had taken the leadership role.
No one counted Cithrel and Venali, as they were exchange students and did not join the tournament.
They were a strong team and if Aurora was honest, she would trust them for an important mission.
“This team will represent us in the international tournament in the combat section, but there are other sections as well and we should thank those who have stepped forward to represent us,” Revealed Director Vincent and pointing to the students from other sections, he added. “They show us that combat is not the only profession.”
Vanessa, Taqiyya, and Andrés were part of different sections that also had their own competition, along with another student.
Aurora guessed that it was complicated to hold a tournament that showed the strength of the non-combatant professions and believed that was why there weren’t as many students.
Though she was curious to see what the organizers of the international tournament had in store for them.
“Hero Academy will support all the students by giving them the best equipment so they can show their full potential without being limited,” Director Vincent said, and looking at those present with a smile, he added. “That will be your reward for participating in the tournament.”
That was the best decision he could make to support the students.
Among this large group of students were some who were not very wealthy and were present here because of scholarships.
That meant they could not get equipment of the highest class commensurate with their abilities and could not cover their shortcomings or show their full strength.
That Director Vincent supported them gave all the students a chance to be on an equal footing and be able to face their enemies, only thinking about their abilities and not their equipment and weaponry.
The report of the international tournament and the rules of the tournament had not yet been reported.
However, that they got the support of Director Vincent, who was probably involved in the tournament, showed that there was a possibility that there would be no limits on equipment or they would not be forced to use training weapons.
Several students who could not afford equipment commensurate with their needs gave smiles and thanked the Director, who waved his hand as if this was not too much.
Someone strong would earn money faster the more powerful they were, and it was normal to invest in equipment.
However, even A-rank or S-rank students like Edward could not afford everything they wanted.
And more so when they were heroes who worked on charity missions or helped out for free, and even if they performed beneficial missions, they had other expenses.
So there was no doubt that the students were glad of Director Vincent’s benefit, no matter what year or how strong they were.
“As for the other students. They can always watch the fights through the official media or, if they wish, they can always approach the academy administration to get the travel plan that will suit everyone,” added Director Vincent, receiving applause from the most excited students.
There was a ‘travel plan’ in which the academy would provide the means to travel and be present during important fights.
It was not free, as the students would then have to work according to their profession to remunerate the academy through work that they would provide.
Basically, it was to give them fun, and then send them to work in areas where they could develop and use their skills.
The Hero Academy received many students and gave scholarships to many others, but in general, there were always excellent students.
That meant that despite being heroes, they would not starve to death if they pursued this profession.
“To the participants and support groups, remember the date of the trip and be prepared. I will personally accompany you for this tournament, so I hope you will make sure you are in the best shape possible,” Director Vincent said, and after leaving Edward in charge, he took his leave and disappeared like a gentle breeze.
The students began to murmur amongst themselves and get excited about the tournament.
The arrival of November meant the first international tournament that the hero academy would participate in.
Representing the entire hero academy, the eyes of the world would be on them.
It was exciting to either watch or participate.
Aurora couldn’t help but watch the group approaching towards her with a smile.
“Nervous? You have a duty to uphold the reputation of the entire hero academy,” Aurora said, and giving an evil grin, she pointed out. “Not only of the students present, but of heroes all over the world.”
The world had an incredible number of heroes and while a portion received those titles for their actions, the other portion came out of this academy.
The graduates would watch the tournament intently, waiting for the outcome of their future colleagues.
“If you say that... I get more nervous,” Dalia murmured, who was accompanying the group.
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh, as she was the only one who was nervous about that matter.
“I’m hoping for good opponents,” Nicole said, giving a sincere smile while opening and closing her fists.
The shy young student from the beginning of the academy had transformed into someone who was becoming a real fighter.
That enthusiasm and devotion of a fighter who was embracing her way of fighting were splendid.
Aurora smiled even more, amused at the sight of her.
“I just want to renegotiate my reward,” Alice muttered and when everyone looked at them, she shrugged and commented. “That’s the only reason I’m here.”
That comment got her strange looks and in response, Aurora’s smile grew.
She knew her gluttonous friend, so she knew she was also participating out of simple boredom.
It was a strange way to have fun and since no one could stop her, Aurora let her be, too.
“The only thing I’m worried about is being allowed to take time off from my work,” Andrés said, letting out a sigh and, when they looked at him curiously, he detailed. “Working part-time is always heavy.”
Andrés talked little about his work, but some of them had more or less a general idea of what he worked on.
So they didn’t know how to respond to his way of looking at his work.
He was the only one who had a job and was doing what he liked, so no one could recommend anything to him.
From what Aurora had heard from Liam, Andrés was being well ‘cultivated’ by his boss, who was trying to support him to progress quickly.
“All I can wish you is luck,” Aurora said without understanding the difficulties of Andrés’ job.
Andrés’ expression trembled as he saw how they took his comment, still, he muttered. “Thank you...”
******
Sipping a drink in the entertainment room in his work building, Andrés sighed exhaustedly.
He had left the academy and had headed to his job to finish his assignments for this week and get a little ahead of next week.
With each passing week, he was being given heavier and increasingly questionable assignments.
It wasn’t as if he was being used to infiltrate any network or security system, but he was being tasked with organizing or testing his own security system.
For now, he was learning the legal means to do his job and was slowly falling into the line of illegal.
It was normal. An information network was not only in charge of searching for people, but it was also in charge of infiltrating information networks, breaking security systems to steal information, or even installing listening systems, among dozens of other tasks.
His jobs were varied, and as a rookie, Andrés was on the surface of his work.
Technically, working in an information network was not illegal... Of course, the limit came when they crossed the line.
That was why most of the networks were underground and hidden behind legal means.
This information network worked clandestinely while on a superficial level, it was a security company.
If he had to answer what he worked in, he always mentioned that he had a position in a security company.
Except for the academy group, who knew a little more about his job.
It was a good way to cover himself, especially when Andrés knew that illegal jobs would be the norm.
Even though he had to lie to his acquaintances, Andrés liked this job.
Not only for getting away from the battle, but in this place, he could show his full potential.
“Oh, Andrés, you’re still here.”
A voice echoed from behind him and when he turned around, he found his co-worker and superior, Fausto.
“Yes, is something wrong?” Andrés asked like a responsible worker.
“No, no, I just thought it was surprising. I thought you would be in South America by now because of your tournament and the job,” Fausto replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Andrés frowned and asked. “Work?”
He had reported that he would be participating in the international tournament, so he wasn’t surprised that he knew about it.
Still, he knew nothing related to work.
“You haven’t talked to the boss?” Fausto asked and when Andrés shook his head, he sighed and added. “I recommend you go talk to her. I don’t understand how she can play for so long and still be so bad.”
“Who’s bad?”
From the opening elevator, Serena stepped out with a serious expression looking at Fausto, whose expression was shaky.
“I... Boss,” Fausto replied stuttering and when he looked at Andrés, he had already turned his back on both of them as if he had never had a conversation with him.
“Get back to work,” Serena ordered, giving a serious expression, and Fausto quickly fled.
Andrés’ expression trembled, trying to hold in his laughter, while Fausto, at Serena’s back, made a sign to cut his throat, leaving in evidence that he would suffer later.
Was his betrayal cruel? Perhaps, but he was sure that any member of the network would also do the same.
In front of his boss, there was no such simple thing as collegial loyalty.
“I stayed too long playing games and almost forgot about your job,” Serena muttered with a frown.
Andrés, like the good worker he was, pretended not to hear the muttering and his naïve expression, got a chuckle out of Serena.
“I understand you’ll be traveling to South America, so don’t worry about that. I’ve got you a job there,” Serena informed and not caring about Andrés’ surprised look, she explained. “An information network in South America has asked us for help. Their headquarters is in the city where the international tournament is being held, so there won’t be a problem in that regard.”
“I’ll be the support?” Andrés asked, catching on to what was important.
“Yes. Well, actually you’ll just be part of the group, extra support,” Serena replied and without giving it too much thought, revealed. “I’ll pass you the contact of who will be your superior. You don’t need to neglect your duties with the academy, just lend your help in relevant moments. As for the mission... It will be explained to you when you get there.”
“I understand, boss,” Andrés replied without questioning too much.
He knew that some information networks supported each other while extending their areas of influence thanks to their allies.
One example was Liam, who was very well connected with Serena, who was an information network from Atlantis City.
This was his first mission outside of his office, so he understood that even though he was a supporting member, he could prove his usefulness.
What’s more, he hoped so.
“Okay, now let’s play. I want to show Fausto. I’m excellent at playing,” Serena announced, interrupting Andrés’ thoughts.
That clear tone full of confidence distracted Andrés for a moment, but then he just followed her with his best smile.
In any job, you always had to please the boss... Or also known as ‘boot licking’.
