The Spark of Self-Respect

The next morning arrived faster than I expected. I stood in front of my mirror, fully dressed, adjusting my high-tech spectacles—my favourite gadget. They could scan anything, detect weaknesses, analyse energies, and even highlight hidden dangers. Honestly, they made me feel super cool.

I powered up my armour suit.
Buddhist: “Alright… suit ready. Let’s go to college. It’s already 8 AM.”

With a burst of blue electricity, I shot into the sky like lightning. Within seconds, I reached the college entrance.

As I landed, someone shouted loudly,
Sumit: “BRO! You’re too late!”

I blinked.
Buddhist: “Bro… it’s 8:05 AM. Our class starts at 9 AM.”

Sumit scratched the back of his head.
Sumit: “Still late… somehow. Anyway, come on!”

I shook my head and walked with him—but something caught my eye. On the right wall was the notice board, and a big new announcement was posted there.

Buddhist: “Sumit! Look at this!”

He leaned forward and read it loudly.

Sumit: “Here to inform all students—the competition for the next Master of Heroes will begin tomorrow. Winner receives a title and a trophy. All heroes must register today!”

He gasped.
Sumit: “Tomorrow?! Bro, we have no time. Come on, let’s register right now!”

We ran to the counter and registered our names. But the area was strangely silent—no crowd, no noise, nothing.

Suddenly a voice echoed behind us.

Digangto: “Bro… today only you registered. I registered five days ago. This notice was given earlier. Everyone knew about it, so they all went to the training ground to practice.”

Sumit slapped his forehead.
Sumit: “Bro, we’re late. Come on, let’s go to the training ground!”

Digangto: “Wait for me— I’m coming too!”

We headed toward the training field. As we landed, I saw everyone there—Dharshan, Alir, Serdihun, Serdihun 2, Bijoy, and many others. The area was buzzing with energy as people trained hard.

But before I could greet anyone—
BANG!

A gunshot hit the ground near my foot.

Sumit: “WHO FIRED?!”

A sarcastic laugh followed.

Sengkan: “Hehe… I did.”

Sengkan Tisso. Not my friend. My enemy. Always jealous, always insulting, always trying to show off. His power allowed him to create multiple clones that fought for him.

And standing beside him… another troublemaker.

Jirsong: “Buddhist is still weak.”

Jirsong Terang—another rival. He had super strength and an even bigger ego.

They walked up to me while I dusted my armour.

Digangto (angry): “Why did you attack him?!”

Sengkan: “Because he is weak. No real powers.”

Jirsong: “And he’s a cry-baby hero. Hahaha! A loser who only uses weapons and gadgets.”

Irfan: “Honestly, he shouldn't participate at all. Go home and rest.”

Irfan Ali joined in with a smirk. His power was plasma manipulation—deadly and flashy.

I tried to get up, but my armour sparked and shut down.

Buddhist (thinking): What?! I can’t move… my armour isn’t responding!

Sengkan pointed at the gun.

Sengkan: “This bullet destroys technology and armour. You can’t even stand.”

Everyone laughed loudly—except Alir, Serdihun, Serdihun 2, Dharshan, Bijoy, and a few others. They looked at me with sadness and concern.

Digangto rushed forward.

Digangto: “Rakash! Come here. Help him.”

Rakash, who could transform into a rock-man, picked me up gently.

Rakash: “Don’t worry. In the competition, you will defeat them.”

He dropped me home safely.

Meanwhile…

Digangto: “You people will pay for this.”

Sumit: “Yeah. Wait for the competition.”

Sengkan laughed.
Sengkan: “See you there… losers.”

Jirsong: “Don’t cry later!”

I returned to the training ground alone. The entire area was silent—the wind blowing, the sky darkening, and rain beginning to fall.

I activated my sword.

SHHHHNK!

With every strike, I cut through stone statues in frustration.

Buddhist (thinking): They insulted me… humiliated me… In the competition, they will pay for this!

Rain soaked my armour, but I didn’t stop. My anger fueled every movement.

Behind a wall, three figures secretly watched—Alir, Serdihun, and Serdihun 2.

Their eyes widened.

Alir: “I never saw him like this…”

Serdihun: “Me neither…”

Serdihun 2: “He always looks calm… but this? This anger is new.”

Suddenly another voice whispered behind them.

Sumit: “His self-respect matters the most to him.”

All three girls turned.
Alir, Serdihun, Serdihun 2: “Self-respect…?”

Sumit nodded.

Sumit: “You don’t know his painful story. Someday… I’ll tell you.”

He left quietly, leaving the girls standing in silence, watching me.

The rain grew heavier. I raised my sword high.

Buddhist (shouting): “LIGHTNING SWORD… FIRE!!”

Electric flames burst from the blade, lighting up the whole ground.

The impact tore the training dummy into pieces.

Panting, exhausted, I fell to my knees.

Then I looked at my sword and whispered:

Buddhist: “Finally… I did it.”

The Lightning Sword Fire was one of the most advanced weapon modes I had ever attempted. Unlocking it meant I had grown stronger—much stronger.

But inside me, something else was growing too.

Determination.

And the promise of revenge.