Chapter 2: Class 1-C! Introductions!

The Shimizu household was unusually quiet, the only sound coming from the low murmur of the television in the living room. Rin’s family had been glued to the news for the past thirty minutes, their faces lit by the flickering screen. Upstairs, Rin groaned as she rolled off her bed, hitting the floor with a loud thud that echoed through the house. “Ugh… that hurt,” she muttered, rubbing her side before forcing herself up. With a sigh, she began pulling on her clothes, trying to shake off the dull ache. Rin made her way downstairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The moment she reached the bottom step, she froze—her entire family sat rigid on the couch, eyes wide, faces pale as they stared at the glowing TV screen. Her father stood off to the side, his hands trembling as he buckled the straps of his old hero gear, the dust of retirement still clinging to it. The sight alone made Rin’s heart skip. “Dad…? What’s going on?” she asked cautiously, her voice breaking the heavy silence. Only then did she turn to the television—and her breath caught. The reporter’s frantic voice echoed through the room: A massive assault has begun at Tartarus Prison. A coalition of villains has broken through the defenses and is freeing countless high-level inmates. Every available pro hero is being mobilized to stop them… The footage on-screen showed chaos—walls crumbling, flames and shadows tearing through steel, and villains flooding out into the night. Rin’s father clenched his fists, the weight of duty dragging him back to the battlefield. “It’s happening again,” her father muttered grimly, tightening the last strap of his gear. His expression hardened, the weight of old battles flickering in his eyes. “This time… it’s all hands-on deck.” He glanced over at Rin, forcing his voice to steady. “Don’t worry about it, kiddo. Just focus on your first day of school. This won’t reach us—the prisons in Antarctica. You’ll be safe.” Rin’s eyes widened. “But… what if—” Her father’s voice snapped like a whip, cutting her off. “No ifs. No ands. No buts. You’re going to school, Rin. That’s final.” Rin flinched at his tone, her mouth snapping shut. She lowered her head, clutching her bag tightly before giving a small, reluctant nod. “…Yes, Father.” “You don’t have to go to that prison, honey… it’s all the way in Antarctica,” Yuri said, her eyes filled with worry. “I know,” he replied, fastening the last piece of his gear. “But you also know I’m one of the few in this country with two cores. I can regenerate and heal faster than most—and my Lightning Core makes me stronger than almost anyone out there.” He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his voice firm but reassuring. “No matter what happens, I’ll be fine, darling.” Yuri’s lips trembled, her hands clenching the fabric of his sleeve. “You always say that… but every time you come back, you’re scarred a little more. What if one day you don’t—” He cut her off gently, lifting her chin so her eyes met his. “I will come back. I must. For you… for the Kids... That’s the only promise I refuse to break.” Her gaze softened, though the worry never left. “You’re too stubborn for your own good,” she whispered. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “And that’s why I always win.” He gave her hand one last squeeze before turning toward the door, his figure radiating the weight of duty. “Now, Rin! Get going to school! And don’t forget—use your Lightning Core to form wings. You’ll get there faster!” Rin blinked, staring at the empty doorway where her father had just disappeared. Her heart thudded in her chest, a mix of worry and determination bubbling up. She took a deep breath, focused her energy, and sparks of lightning began to crackle along her arms. Slowly, shimmering wings of pure electricity unfurled from her back, humming with power. With a leap and a flash, she propelled herself into the sky, soaring toward school faster than she ever had before. After a while, Rin finally arrived at school, landing gracefully as her Lightning wings fizzled out and vanished. She brushed a few stray sparks from her hair when a teacher approached her. “You’re Rin Shimizu, correct?” the teacher asked. “Yes, that’s me,” Rin replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart. “Good,” the teacher said, handing her a neatly folded schedule. “Here’s your class plan. You’ll be taking a single class for the full eight hours. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, so don’t worry. Your instructor is Mr. Arashi—he’s strict but fair, and he expects focus from all his students. His class is in 1-C have fun and good luck!” Rin’s eyes sharpened with determination as she grabbed the schedule and started navigating the halls, searching for her classroom. Minutes later, she finally found it and stepped inside—only to be met with a stern voice. “You’re late by an hour and twenty-two minutes, Rin Shimizu!” Rin froze, her eyes widening in shock. “I… I… uh, sorry,” she stammered, nervously chuckling while rubbing the back of her neck. “I woke up late… and my dad was heading off to that prison in Antarctica—” The instructor’s gaze didn’t soften. “Still not acceptable, Rin. Find a seat and prepare to introduce yourself to the class. Everyone else will do the same.” Rin swallowed hard and made her way to a desk near the front, her heart pounding with nerves and determination. As she passed the other students, she noticed their heads subtly turning, whispers spreading like wildfire. “That’s her… the girl who scored 2232 on the strength test,” one student murmured, eyes wide. “No way… that’s insane!” another whispered, stealing a glance at her. Rin kept her gaze forward, trying to ignore the attention, but she could feel it—every pair of eyes on her, measuring her, judging her. She clenched her fists under the desk, reminding herself to stay focused. This was her first day, and she wasn’t about to let anyone intimidate her. The instructor’s voice cut through the murmurs. “Rin Shimizu, start us off. Introduce yourself.” She stands up, “I’m Rin Shimizu, but just call me Rin,” she began, her voice steady as she met the class’s curious eyes. “I have extreme control over my strength, my core, and my mental state. My core is Lightning—electricity is my element, and I can manipulate it in a variety of ways. I usually work alone. I don’t like relying on others—it slows me down, and then I have to worry about their mistakes. That’s just how I operate. That’s me. If you want to know more, feel free to ask.” Rin sat back down, The next student stepped forward, her short blue-black hair framing a sharp, confident face. She wore a crisp white collared shirt, her posture straight and composed. “I’m Yumi,” she said clearly, her voice ringing with calm authority. “My core is Abstract, which means I can manipulate sound. I can unleash devastating sonic blasts, create deafening silence, or even mimic voices perfectly. I prefer precision over chaos, so don’t expect me to rush in without thinking. That’s all there is to know—for now.” The next student adjusted his glasses, blond hair catching the light, and stepped forward wearing a sleek black shirt. “I’m Kaito,” he said, voice calm and deliberate. “My core is Construct. I can generate and control intricate crystalline structures—shards for offense, shields for defense, even networks of crystal platforms to move across any area. The crystals can be sharp and brittle or smooth and durable, depending on my intent. That’s the basics—ask me if you want to see it in action.” A tall figure at the back right of the classroom finally spoke up. His long hair fell over his shoulders, and he was dressed entirely in black, giving him a quiet but intimidating presence. “I’m Corazon,” he said, his voice low and measured. “My core is Elemental—I manipulate ice. I can launch sharp ice shards for long-range attacks, form dense crystalline shields for defense, or freeze anything I touch solid. I can also drop the temperature around me to create localized blizzards or a frozen mist to obscure vision. That’s all you need to know… for now.” A tall, long-haired blond student stepped forward at the front right of the classroom, his presence radiating quiet confidence. “I’m Leo,” he said smoothly. “My core is Beast. I can manifest the claws, speed, and heightened senses of a predator—like a tiger or a wolf. It makes me fast, precise, and hard to catch.” He gave a small, knowing smirk, letting the class sense just how naturally in control he was of his abilities. A petite girl with short, fiery red hair stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination. “I’m Hana,” she said, her voice ringing with confidence. “My core is Elemental—I control fire. I don’t just use it for attacks; I can create swirling walls of flame to protect myself or others. Precision and control are everything—I don’t like wasting energy on chaos.” She paused, letting her gaze sweep over the class, a small smirk forming. “I train hard, I move fast, and I don’t back down from a challenge. So, if you think you can keep up… go ahead and try.” The faint crackle of energy seemed to surround her, subtle but unmistakable, and a few students instinctively leaned back, sensing the intensity she carried even in her calm stance. A blonde girl with neat bangs stepped forward, her calm expression giving nothing away. “I’m Chloe,” she said clearly. “My core is Elemental—I control a rare element: plasma. I can generate powerful energy bolts or create magnetic fields for defense. Precision is key with my abilities, so I focus on control and strategy rather than brute force.” She gave a small, confident nod toward the class. “That’s me. Don’t mistake my calm for weakness—I can handle myself just fine.” A girl with long, flowing black hair stepped forward, her calm presence immediately drawing the attention of the room. “I’m Akane,” she began, her voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable authority. “My core is Abstract—I manipulate gravity. I can create localized gravitational fields to crush objects, pin opponents down, or make things float in midair. Control is everything; I don’t rely on brute force, only precision and strategy.” Her eyes scanned the class, lingering on Rin for a moment, sharp and assessing. “I move carefully and deliberately. If you underestimate me, it won’t just be a mistake—it could be your downfall.” A faint, almost imperceptible pull seemed to ripple through the floor around her, subtle enough that most students didn’t notice but enough to make them instinctively shift their weight, unsettled by her quiet power. Even Rin felt a spark of apprehension, realizing that gravity could be a far more dangerous weapon than brute strength or flashy displays. tall, imposing figure stepped forward, his spiky white hair cutting sharply against his dark clothing. Every movement was deliberate, exuding quiet authority. His pale, piercing eyes swept across the classroom—and when they landed on Rin, a flicker of interest passed through them. “I’m Shadow,” he said, voice low and controlled, carrying a quiet menace. “My core is Abstract—I manipulate darkness, shadows, and the void itself. I can form solid tendrils to bind or slice, shroud areas in darkness, or create pockets of space for teleportation or defense. Precision and control define my abilities. Underestimate me, and you’ll regret it.” As his gaze lingered on Rin, hers met his. A spark of tension ignited in the air, subtle but undeniable—a silent challenge passing between them. Rin felt her pulse quicken. She could sense the strength and calm danger radiating from him, and for the first time today, she felt a thrill of competition rise within her. Shadow’s faint smirk suggested he had noticed her as well. The classroom seemed to hold its breath as the two locked eyes, the unspoken understanding clear: they were destined to push each other to the limit. Before she could turn her attention elsewhere, she felt a shadow fall across her desk. Shadow had moved silently to stand beside her. His pale eyes met hers, unreadable yet intense. Leaning close, his voice was barely above a whisper. “There’s something… unusual about your core,” he murmured, his words threading through the air like a secret. “Something different… almost like another core hidden deep within your soul. Watch it.” Before Rin could respond, he straightened and slipped back into the shadows near the front of the room, leaving her stunned and unnerved. Her heart raced, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension flooding through her. Settle down, class. We’re going to move on.” He straightened, pacing slightly in front of the room. “I want each of you to come up with your hero names. Think carefully—this is the name you’ll carry into the field, the name that represents you and your abilities.” The students exchanged glances, some scribbling notes immediately, others deep in thought. Rin clenched her fists slightly, her mind already racing with possibilities, while Shadow’s calm, unreadable gaze lingered on her from across the room. She Decided not to worry about it and began thinking of her Hero name. Thirty minutes later. The classroom buzzed with whispers as students fidgeted in their seats. Mr. Arashi finally leaned back in his chair, letting out a low yawn. “Alright, everyone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. “I’ve given you plenty of time to think of your hero names. Now, please come up here and give them. I’ll be resting in my chair, so don’t get too rough.” With that, the first student rose. Rin’s eyes sharpened with determination as she stood and stepped forward. “I’m AstraVolt,” she announced clearly. “A hero who controls the storm, striking with precision and speed.” Next, Yumi moved gracefully to the front. “I’m Resonance. I manipulate sound to strike, protect, and control the battlefield.” Kaito adjusted his glasses and spoke with measured authority. “Oblivion Shard. I forge crystalline constructs with precision—offense, defense, and everything in between.” Corazon followed, his icy gaze calm but intimidating. “Cryovain. Ice is my element—cold, precise, and unyielding.” Leo’s long hair swayed as he stepped up, claws flexing slightly. “Fenrir. Fast, lethal, and relentless. Like a predator, I strike when least expected.” Hana, her red hair glinting in the light, stepped confidently. “Infernia. Flames are my ally—both destructive and protective, controlled and unstoppable.” Chloe, calm and composed, announced her name. “Aetheris. Plasma flows through me, precise and powerful, striking with speed and strategy.” Akane, moving with quiet grace, spoke next. “Eventide. I bend gravity, shift the battlefield, and control the weight of every encounter.” Finally, Shadow’s pale eyes swept the room before he stepped forward. His voice was calm, cold, and deliberate. “Nyxshade. Darkness and the void are my allies—silent, precise, and inescapable.” The room fell silent, the weight of each name lingering in the air. Mr. Arashi stirred in his chair, nodding once. “Very good,” he said, stretching lazily. “Remember, these names aren’t just titles—they’re your legacy. Carry them wisely.” As Shadow stepped back into his seat, Rin’s gaze lingered on him longer than necessary. There was something in his calm, piercing eyes—a quiet challenge, a spark that made her pulse quicken. She clenched her fists under her desk, feeling a mix of irritation and intrigue. Around the room, whispers spread like wildfire. Some students exchanged impressed looks. Others eyed Rin with newfound respect. Being AstraVolt wasn’t just a name—it was a statement, and everyone knew she wasn’t someone to underestimate. Rin’s mind raced, remembering Shadow’s earlier words—the cryptic warning about her hidden core. She wanted to demand answers, but Mr. Arashi’s sharp gaze reminded her that now wasn’t the time. The teacher stretched lazily in his chair, then spoke, voice calm but carrying authority. “Now that everyone has their hero names, I want you to reflect on why you chose them. Each of you needs to understand not just the power behind your core, but the meaning of your identity as a hero. A name carries responsibility. It carries expectation. It carries intent.” He leaned back, tapping the armrest with his fingers. “You’re all here because you have potential, and each of you will be tested. Not just in power, but in judgment, teamwork, and control. Some of you will clash. Some of you will surprise yourself. But every hero in this room starts with a choice: who they are, and who they want to become.” Rin shifted in her seat, determination settling over her like a shield. She knew one thing for sure—she wouldn’t let Shadow or anyone else intimidate her. If he thought his cryptic words would shake her, he was wrong. Across the room, Shadow’s pale eyes found hers once more. For a heartbeat, the classroom seemed to hold its breath. A silent understanding passed between them: neither would yield easily. A rivalry had already begun, though unspoken. Mr. Arashi’s voice cut through the tension. “Class dismissed… for now. But tomorrow, you’ll put these names—and your cores—to the test.” The students shuffled out, the air buzzing with anticipation. Rin lingered for a moment, glancing back at Shadow, her jaw set. Tomorrow, I’ll see exactly what he’s capable of… and I’ll make sure I’m ready. The students filed out of the classroom, the energy of the day still buzzing in the air. Mr. Arashi’s instructions echoed behind them: “Remember, each class has its own dormitory. You’ll live with your classmates, train with them, and learn to work together—even if you don’t always want to.” Rin adjusted her bag as she followed the others down the wide, polished hallways. The dormitory was a large, modern building with multiple floors, each room shared between two students. The common area was spacious, filled with training equipment, couches, and tables where students could study or strategize together. As they entered, the room buzzed with excitement and chatter. Fenrir (Leo) stretched his long limbs, eyeing the sparring equipment, while Hana’s faint sparks of fire danced around her fingertips, seemingly itching for some practice. Rin scanned the room, spotting Shadow sitting in a quiet corner, his white hair catching the sunlight from the window. He didn’t move as the others made themselves comfortable, but his gaze briefly met hers, sharp and calculating. She felt a shiver of both anticipation and challenge. Yumi leaned against a wall, humming softly, while Chloe quietly began taking inventory of the training gear, her analytical mind already mapping out possibilities. Kaito was inspecting the crystal structures used for practice, fingers brushing over one as if he could sense its potential. Corazon and Akane gravitated toward the far side of the dorm, their abilities subtly interacting—ice forming faintly on the floor while Akane’s gravity seemed to slightly pull it back. Even in a shared space, they exuded calm power. Mr. Arashi clapped once. “Alright, everyone. Make yourselves at home. This is your space, your temporary base. You’ll sleep, eat, train, and strategize here. Tomorrow, we begin practical exercises, so get to know your classmates—and your strengths—while you can.” Rin found her assigned bed and set her things down. Her eyes drifted back toward Shadow. He remained in his corner, quiet, unreadable. A small, competitive spark lit in Rin’s chest. Looks like living together just made things… more interesting. Leo stretched across one of the couches, a confident grin on his face. “Alright, let’s make this simple. Talk strategy, share some tips, or just… get to know each other. Don’t be shy.” Hana bounced lightly on her heels, her flames flickering in excitement. “I call dibs on sparring first! I wanna see what everyone can do.” Yumi rolled her shoulders, keeping her calm demeanor. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A little planning first won’t hurt. Knowing each other’s strengths could prevent accidents… or worse, clashes.” Chloe moved toward the training mats laid out on the floor, examining them carefully. “Efficiency matters. If we’re going to be living together, we should know each other’s limits. That way, training—and living—doesn’t become chaotic.” Corazon’s voice was low, almost a growl. “I don’t care about chaos. Just don’t break anything important, and we’ll be fine.” Akane leaned back against the wall, letting her gravity subtly shift a few objects closer to her. “We should also discuss boundaries. Everyone has space they can control—or shouldn’t. Makes living together less… dangerous.” Rin quietly settled onto a nearby sofa, eyes still flicking to Shadow. He remained in his corner, serene and unreadable, yet somehow emanating a presence that made her pulse tighten. The brief nod he’d given earlier had sparked something in her—a competitive edge, a feeling that he’d challenge her sooner or later. Leo clapped his hands again, breaking the tension. “Well, looks like we’re all on the same page… mostly. Who wants to go first in showing off a little of their abilities? Friendly demonstration, nothing too crazy.” Hana’s eyes lit up, and sparks of fire danced along her fingertips. “I volunteer! I’ll go first.” As she stepped forward, flames swirling gently around her, Rin’s gaze shifted to Shadow. He still hadn’t moved, but his pale eyes locked onto hers, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Rin clenched her fists, feeling that familiar spark of rivalry ignite. Alright, Shadow… let’s see who’s really stronger. The room hummed with energy, a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and unspoken competition. Living together wasn’t going to be simple—but for Rin, the challenge was already more thrilling than she expected. Rin stood, stretching slightly, and walked toward the small kitchenette in the living room to grab some water. She didn’t notice Shadow quietly moving from his corner, adjusting his position. Both of them, lost in thought, collided in the middle of the room with a loud crash. “Ugh—watch where you’re going!” Rin exclaimed, staggering back, nearly spilling her water. Shadow’s pale eyes met hers, a faint smirk forming despite the accident. “You should pay more attention,” he said quietly, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. Rin’s heart raced, a mixture of irritation and a spark of excitement flaring inside her. “Maybe you should learn to move without staring at everyone like you’re bored,” she shot back. Neither noticed the tension building further until, just a few minutes later, Shadow’s hand flicked subtly, and Rin was suddenly sent hurtling backward through the large living room window with a shattering crash. The glass splintered, and sunlight poured in as she tumbled onto the lawn outside, wings flaring instinctively as she regained control midair. “Rin!” Hana shouted, flames flickering with alarm. Leo leapt forward, claws ready, while Yumi’s eyes widened. Even Corazon’s icy composure cracked slightly. Shadow remained in the living room, calm as ever, his smirk growing faintly. “Seems like you need a little more… practice controlling your reactions,” he said. Rin hovered outside, wings spread wide, glaring at him. Her hair lifted slightly in the breeze, electricity sparking faintly along her arms. “Practice? You just sent me flying through a window! You’re asking for a fight, aren’t you?” Shadow’s pale eyes narrowed, his tone almost teasing. “Maybe I am. Maybe you’ll finally show me what AstraVolt is really capable of.” A hush fell over the rest of the students as the living room erupted into a stunned silence. Then Leo, leaning on the couch, muttered, “Well… that escalated fast.” Hana’s flames flared instinctively. “Is this… a sparring match or a fight?!” Rin clenched her fists, electricity crackling faintly across her body. “You’re going to find out.” The small sparring match had begun, right in front of everyone’s eyes, leaving the rest of the class both impressed and shocked by the sheer energy and tension between Rin and Shadow. Shadow shot upward, launching himself onto the dorm roof with a swift, fluid motion. The other students watched from below, frozen in stunned silence as the shadows around him rippled ominously. Rin’s eyes narrowed, wings spreading wide as electricity danced along her arms. Without hesitation, she surged upward, meeting him on the rooftop in a burst of speed. For a heartbeat, they hovered there, eyes locked, the air around them charged with raw energy and tension. Then, as if drawn by some unspoken challenge, both launched themselves at each other—Rin with a bolt of blinding electricity, Shadow with tendrils of living darkness—hurtling straight toward one another.