Darrin was busy rummaging through the cupboard when suddenly, he sensed an immense, unseen energy entering the room. Intrigued, he turned to find the image of a 18-years-old boy appearing before him. Despite the closed door, he had arrived out of nowhere, catching Darrin off guard. The boy possessed cropped dark brown hair and deep, captivating emerald green eyes, their brilliance leaving a lasting impression.

"So you've got a little grasp on teleportation," remarked Darrin.

"Nah. Last time, I ended up in America," Zac chuckled, unzipping his bag. He was still learning teleportation and occasionally made mistakes, ending up in places other than his intended destination.

The summer break had concluded, ushering the return of students to the dormitory. This generously sized room, much like the others in the dormitory, was furnished with two beds and a desk accompanied by a chair neatly tucked into the corner. A soft glow from a table lamp illuminated a stack of books, while a window welcomed in the fresh air, creating a shared sanctuary for the both of them.

Zac took the book out of his bag and handed it to Darrin. It was "The Journey" by Simon Damen. Curiously, Darrin flipped through the pages.

"A handwritten format?" he questioned, casting a quizzical glance at Zac.

"It's a journal detailing Simon Damen's personal experiences, observations, feelings, and techniques," Zac explained.

Darrin squinted at the page, utterly perplexed. "Seriously? I can only see jumbled words," he muttered, frustration lining his voice. "Wait, none of these words make any sense. See the word olev," he pointed out.

Confused, Zac glanced at the book and then back at Darrin. "What are you talking about? It's not olev, it's love," Zac corrected him.
Darrin furrowed his brow and gestured towards another word that appeared as osn to him.
"It's son," Zac clarified, catching on to the discrepancy.

Darrin rubbed his chin, trying to make sense of the situation, while Zac effortlessly deciphered the words."I think it's some kind of spell," Darrin proposed.

"A spell?" Zac looked intrigued.

"Yeah, perhaps someone enchanted the book to prevent others from reading it."

"But then why bother writing it?" Zac questioned.

"Maybe the spell's designed for specific people, like metahumans." Darrin suggested.

"So, only people with superpowers can read it," Zac deduced.

Darrin nodded, seeking more information. "So, where did you get it from?" he asked Zac, wondering about the book's origin and why Zac might be able to read it.

"My mom handed me this book," Zac recalled, a glint of nostalgia illuminating his eyes, foreshadowing a journey into the past.

In their snug home, bathed in a soft amber glow that fostered a cozy ambiance, Zac's mother approached him, radiating a sense of purpose. Carrying the weathered tome, she regarded Zac with a blend of affection and gravity.

"Zac, I think it's time," Tokou remarked, offering him the book.

"What is it, Mom?"

In her gentle demeanor, Tokou cradled the aged book tenderly, as if it held cherished memories within its weathered pages. With a soft smile gracing her lips, she delicately traced the title. "This book belonged to Simon Damen. You've always held him in high regard, haven't you?" Her voice resonated with warmth.

Zac held the book, a relic from another era, carrying the mark of ownership by Simon Damen-a testament to the past. "I see. But where did it come from?" he inquired.

"Your grandfather wanted me to give it to you," Tokou responded.

Zac's face lit up. His grandfather, Akira Daiki, was acquainted with Simon Damen. He opened the book. "For my beloved grandson, Advin," he read aloud. "But it's addressed to Advin," he pointed out, looking at his mother.

"Indeed, Simon intended it for his grandson. However, Advin passed away long ago. Satori Ryuchi, an adversary of Simon Damen, annihilated the entire family," Tokou explained, her gaze drifting away. Zac's expression turned somber at the revelation.

"Remember, there's something truly special about this book. You'll understand its significance in due time. Read it repeatedly, absorb his life experiences, and let it guide you to follow in the footsteps of your idol," Tokou advised, her words echoing with earnestness and hope.

The memory faded away, leaving Zac with a lingering sense of purpose and a book that held promises of guidance and inspiration.

"Consider it a gift from your idol," Darrin remarked after the flashback ended.

"Hmm," Zac nodded, enveloped in silence.

"What's on your mind?" Darrin broke the quietude.

"I wonder where that Satori guy is now. He ruthlessly shattered Simon Damen's hopes," Zac expressed, his disdain evident.

"He's dead. Someone killed him a few years ago," Darrin informed.

"Seriously? That's a relief," Zac's satisfaction was palpable.

"Yeah," Darrin managed a smile.

"Hey, Darrin?"

"Yeah?"

"The entrance exam is this week," Zac mentioned, referring to the Sentinels test.

"So?"

"I wanted to apply for it, but the submission deadline has already passed." Zac rested his chin on his hand, seemingly contemplating.

"Great." Darrin remarked.

Zac raised a brow. "What's positive about it?"

"First, tell me this. Did your mom permit you to take the test?" Darrin inquired.

"No. But I'm still keen on it," Zac shrugged.

"Such a disobedient son you are. It's really great that the time of submission is over. Perfect."

"Tch, what kind of friend says such things?" Zac pouted.

"The best kind," Darrin smiled.

"Whatever." Zac stood up and walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

Zac turned his head to look at Darrin, then said. "To the Aurora Sentinels HQ. I won't give up easily, you know."

"Zac, please." Fear crossed Darrin's face. "You shouldn't go there."

"Why shouldn't I go there? Nobody ever answered this question." Zac blurted out. "Do you have an answer, Darrin?"

Darrin remained silent. Zac let out a deep sigh. "Anyways, don't worry. I'll do something about my appearance." Zac said and went out of the room.

"I'm telling you they won't accept the late application form," Darrin said loudly, then mumbled "I hope they won't."
Regret etched into Darrin's expression as Zac departed, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Darrin sank into a chair, a troubled air enveloping him.
"I hope he doesn't get into trouble," he murmured to himself, gazing at the door through which Zac had just left. Deep concern lingered in his eyes, his thoughts consumed by worry for his friend's well-being.

☆☆☆

In the heart of the Aurora Sentinels headquarters, Sayuri stood engrossed in a phone conversation, her voice carrying the weight of authority. As her words flowed, a sharp knock echoed through the door, disrupting the room's serene atmosphere. Sayuri glanced up, her eyes meeting the door before she subtly beckoned the visitor inside.

The door creaked open, revealing a youthful face-just eighteen years old-peering tentatively into the room. Following Sayuri's silent invitation, he stepped in, shutting the door behind him with a soft click.

The room exuded a professional air, a compact space dominated by a centralized desk and chair, the subtle hum of an air conditioning unit providing a backdrop to the room's purposeful tranquility. As the boy ventured further into the space, his gaze swept across the room, taking in its utilitarian elegance. Yet, his attention was swiftly drawn to Sayuri, her youthful countenance belying her evident competence. Her rich brown hair was neatly tied back in a poised ponytail, framing her focused brown eyes that seemed to harbor an ocean of determination.

Time seemed to pass in the steady rhythm of Sayuri's conversation until finally, after a span of ten minutes, she concluded her call, fixing her attentive gaze upon the young visitor. "Yes?" Her inquiry held a blend of curiosity and expectation.

Placing the application form on her desk, the boy urged, "Please submit it."

Glancing at the form briefly, Sayuri realized it was for the entrance exam. "You're past the deadline," she remarked, returning the application form to him.

"Please, waiting another year is unbearable," he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. Each year, the Aurora Sentinels' entrance exam persisted in its unchanging nature. Despite this recurring pattern, there was always the possibility for him to return and sit for the test the following year.

"I wish I could help," Sayuri replied, her tone resolute.

"Please, big sister, consider it as a request," he urged.

But her stance remained unwavering. "No."

"Please."

"You're incredibly persistent," the girl remarked with a frown. "No means no." Despite his heartfelt plea, the rigid structure of the exam schedule stood resolute, impervious to his appeals.

He locked eyes with her, seeking a response.

"You're free to leave," she said, avoiding eye contact, a difficult task while he lingered. His silent stare remained fixed on her.

"Sayuri, Frau needs to talk," another young woman emerged, boasting long wheat-hued hair and matching eyes. Her braided hair adorned the crown of her head, signaling her about 20 years of age.

"Hayami, you're a lifesaver," Sayuri exclaimed, rising abruptly. "Handle the situation with the boy." With those words, she vanished in a swift blink.

Hayami glanced at the boy. His dark brown hair was neatly cropped and parted down the middle, complementing his hazel eyes. Black-framed glasses adorned his face, paired with a casual ensemble of a red T-shirt and blue jeans.

"What's going on?" she inquired gently.

"I'm here to apply for the entrance exam. Here's my form," he explained, handing her the application.

Hayami swiftly scanned the form, her attention snagged by his name, Zero.

"Is Zero your actual name?" she inquired, meeting his gaze. He nodded affirmatively.

"Zero usually means nothing. "Who gave you that name?" Her tone held a friendly curiosity.

"Zero signifies the starting point," the boy replied, offering a smile.

"I never considered that interpretation," she remarked with surprise.

""Please submit it," he urged, pointing at the form.

"It goes against the rules," she maintained a soft tone.

Disappointed, the boy cast a sorrowful glance and turned to leave.

"Wait," she called out. He pivoted back to face her. "It's against the rules, but let's bend them for your sake. Best of luck," she smiled.

His face lit up at her words. "I'm thankful for this."

"It's my pleasure, applicant no. 44," she handed him the card.

"Thank you once again," he dashed off.

"You've taught me something new," leaning against the chair's back, she smiled, reflecting on the unexpected encounter that had just unfolded within the room.

☆☆☆

"Where did the 44th applicant come from?" Frau inquired, eyeing Hayami.
At 22 years old, Frau possessed blonde hair and deep blue eyes.

"Bangkok," Hayami replied with a tentative smile, but Frau's eyes rolled in response.

"I counted the forms yesterday; there were only 43. Care to explain?" he pressed.

"I wouldn't know," Hayami shrugged, attempting to evade the query.

"You handled the boy who arrived this afternoon, didn't you?" Frau detected her deception.

Frau wasn't superior to her; they were both S-Rankers. Hayami was familiar with Frau's personality. His stubborn and rebellious nature meant he never shied away from trading insults or initiating confrontations and fights.

"He appeared reliable and determined to me. Let's grant him a chance," she suggested.

"No. He's lacking punctuality," he countered.

"You're not the examiner. Stick to your role," she reminded him.

"Beneficial for the candidates. If I were the examiner..."

"Then no one would pass, and on and on," Hayami interrupted.

""Here, you've spared my words," he chuckled, savoring the situation.

"Let him sit for the exam, Frau," she persisted.

"No."

"Frau!"

"No."

Just then, Shinya entered the room. At 22, he was a young man with medium-length white hair, featuring bangs, and vibrant blue eyes. Like them, he was also an S-Ranker.

"You're impossible to reason with," Hayami said, exiting the scene.

Frau handed Shinya a form. "She wants me to process the application of a latecomer. I find the boy intriguing," he explained.

Glancing at the form, Shinya smiled broadly. "Zero Zero from Bangkok," he read aloud.

"Let's assess his abilities tomorrow," Frau suggested.

"Sure," Shinya grinned. "I wonder when Advin will gather the courage to join the organization," he changed the topic.

"He'd better stay away," Frau responded sternly, and Shinya nodded, taking a seat.

The room settled into a comfortable silence, anticipation for the next day's evaluation lingering in the air.

☆☆☆

"Darrin, hey, lost soul!"

The abrupt voice jolted Darrin from his thoughts. He discovered Zac perched on the desk chair, munching on an apple.

"When did you get back?" Darrin inquired.

"About 5 minutes ago," Zac replied, reclining in the chair. "You're a bit off today, Everything alright?"

"Yeah, fine. What happened with the application form?"

"Submitted," Zac confirmed between bites.

"Zac... just reconsider it once more," Darrin's voice slightly slurred.

"Hmm?"

"The hazel eyes and spectacles do give you a different appearance but.." Darrin mused, glancing away.

"Is there something else bothering you about it, Derrin? I'm using a pseudonym, Zero. That should be sufficient to mask my identity," Zac replied confidently.

""If your mom found out, she'd be upset," Darrin cautioned.

"Who's going to tell her?" Zac shrugged.

"Zac, think about it. Any good parent wants their child to steer clear of trouble. Your mom forbids you from joining Aurora Sentinels because she cares about you," Darrin reasoned.

""Aurora Sentinels recruit metahumans to fight villains and safeguard lives. I doubt they'd pose any harm to me," Zac asserted.

"But has she ever forbidden you to fight? No. If she's keeping you away from AS, there must be a valid reason," Darrin countered. Convincing Zac wasn't easy; once he set his mind on something, he remained steadfast.

"She never gave me a reason. Why do I need to hide my identity? I'm not a criminal. Even in my fights, I'm told to wear a mask. Why?" Zac expressed his frustration. "I want the world to know Zac Damen."

Darrin struggled to find the right words.

"Anyway," Zac sighed, "I'll follow her advice."

Darrin looked at him, seeking clarification. "You mean..."

Zac nodded. "I won't join the organization, but I'll take the exam. I want to test my abilities."

Darrin exhaled in relief. "Zac, sometimes it's better not to know the reason. The truth can be painful," Derrin reflected, acknowledging the weight of the unspoken truth between them.

☆☆☆

Sea-green eyes observed as the monumental Aurora Sentinels headquarters stood prominently in the distance. This esteemed organization not only protected civilians but also acted as a sanctuary, welcoming and nurturing metahumans, guiding them to discover and fulfill their potential.

With magenta-purple hair tucked neatly behind her ear, she ventured inside, intent on passing the crucial entrance test for enrollment. As she strode through the hallway, she encountered a group of boys encircling a girl. Their intimidating stance signaled trouble.
The girl they targeted had shoulder-length black hair, asymmetrically cut, and sported orange-framed glasses that couldn't hide the fear in her violet eyes. A furrow formed between the observer's brows, witnessing the distressing scene unfold.
She exclaimed in a clear, resonant voice, "Who do you think you guys are?"

The boys stared wide-eyed as the girl with orange glasses quickly fled and sought shelter behind her.

"One more fragile lady," one of the boys remarked.

Rage distorted her face. She sighed heavily, attempting to release her anger, before speaking again. "Watch your mouth. This fragile lady could break all your bones," she cautioned, but their reaction was a collective burst of laughter.

"You talk big, lady. Wanna fight?" One of them stepped forward challenging her.

"I have no interest in wasting my time on you. Let the test results determine the best among us," she calmly responded, walking past them. The other girl followed in her footsteps. After a few steps, she halted, pivoted toward them, and remarked, "I can assure you one thing, none of you would pass." With that said, she walked away.

"Thank you," the other girl murmured softly, walking in step with her. "Your courage was truly inspiring. I struggled with those entitled rascals."

"Your kind words mean a lot. I'm Ayumi. Ayumi Avens," she introduced herself gracefully.

"I'm Alice Kudo," she replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips, touched by Ayumi's strength and grace in handling the arrogant troublemakers.

☆☆☆