The city of Seoul shimmered under the late afternoon sun. Towering billboards displayed shining figures of Heroes in their iconic suits symbols of strength, hope, and order. But beneath the glossy posters and smiling faces, tension lingered.
Once, those without powers were mocked, beaten, and treated as lesser beings. That changed when the Equal Rights Act was passed, granting Non-Ability Users the same standing as heroes in law. Yet equality on paper didn't mean equality in life.
[Perspective: Hero Academy Student]
'Look at them" Han Soo-jin leaned lazily against the railing of the Hero Academy's training ground, eyes narrowing at the school across the hill. A sprawling campus, less extravagant than theirs but still proud the Non-Hero Academy.
"They walk around like they belong," he scoffed. "But no matter what laws say, powerless trash is still trash."
His friend chuckled, "Careful, Soo-jin. Some of them bite back. You've heard of that terror group, right? Non-Ability radicals who even Heroes can't track."
Soo-jin smirked. "They're just shadows. If any of those cowards stepped into this academy, I'd crush them with one punch."
[Perspective: Non-Hero Academy Student]
Meanwhile, in the gymnasium of the Non-Hero Academy, sweat dripped onto the polished floor. Jin Park, dressed in a simple training uniform, tightened his fists as he stood in the center of the mat.
His opponent charged forward, throwing a sloppy punch. With calm precision, Jin stepped aside and delivered a sharp roundhouse kick that stopped just inches from the boy's jaw.
"Focus on your stance," Jin said quietly, lowering his leg. "If you overextend, you're finished before the fight even begins."
The others watching ordinary students without powers clapped in admiration. To them, Jin was different. Not because of some flashy ability, but because he carried himself like a warrior. A taekwondo prodigy who had trained since childhood.
Some whispered that Jin could take down even low-ranked Heroes with his martial arts alone.
[Perspective: News Broadcast]
That evening, every screen in Seoul blared breaking news.
> "The terror group Phantom Fist has struck again. Authorities confirm another raid on a Hero Association branch. Despite intervention from elite Heroes, the criminals vanished without a trace. Their leader remains unknown."
Citizens murmured anxiously. If even Heroes couldn't stop them, what chance did the powerless have?
Jin watched silently from the corner of a convenience store, his reflection on the glass looking almost distant. He clenched his fist.
The next day, students from both academies gathered at the city plaza for a joint event meant to show "unity" between Heroes and Non-Heroes.
It didn't take long before tensions flared.
"Step aside, non-ability trash."
Han Soo-jin, the cocky Hero Academy student, shoved one of Jin's classmates. The crowd gasped.
Jin's eyes narrowed. He stepped forward, placing a hand on his classmate's shoulder and moving him back.
"You've made your point," Jin said evenly. His voice was calm, but his stance radiated discipline.
Soo-jin sneered. "And who are you supposed to be?"
"Just someone who doesn't like Your Ugly Face"
Laughter erupted from the Hero students. Soo-jin cracked his knuckles and walked closer, towering over Jin.
"Then show me, powerless boy. Let's see if your fists can stand against a Hero."
The crowd parted. Non-Hero students watched nervously, Hero students smirked with anticipation.
Jin slowly slipped into a taekwondo stance, his eyes sharp and unwavering.
The tension thickened. Every breath, every heartbeat seemed to hang in the air.
The clash between Hero arrogance and Non-Hero discipline was about to begin.
To Be Continued....