The new Hero Headquarters stood tall against the sky, its massive structure shining under the afternoon light. Compared to the old building, this one felt almost like a fortress—thicker walls, reinforced gates, advanced technology embedded into every corner, and dozens of elite heroes stationed around it.
A-class heroes patrolled the area in organized formations, their presence sharp and alert. Among them stood a few S-class heroes, their auras alone enough to make ordinary people feel safe. The headquarters was no longer just a base—it was a symbol of power, hope, and fear.
Adrian stood in front of the building silently, his hands in his pockets as he stared up at it.
"So this is the new headquarters…" he murmured.
The wind brushed past him, carrying faint echoes of voices, footsteps, and distant training sounds. For a moment, memories of the old headquarters flashed through his mind—the battles, the chaos, the people he had lost. His expression hardened slightly before he took a step forward.
Without hesitation, Adrian walked inside.
The interior was even more impressive. Long hallways stretched endlessly, walls glowing with holographic displays, heroes moving in every direction, some injured, some training, some laughing as if nothing had ever happened.
Adrian ignored most of it.
He had only one person in mind.
Kenji.
"He should be in the medical area," Adrian thought.
He walked through multiple corridors, occasionally asking staff for directions. With each step, his anticipation grew. It had been a long time since he had last seen Kenji properly—not as a warrior on the battlefield, but as his teacher.
After a while, Adrian finally reached the medical wing.
The scent of medicine filled the air, machines beeped quietly, and injured heroes lay on beds, recovering from wounds that would have killed normal humans instantly. Adrian walked slowly through the rows of beds, scanning each face.
Then he saw him.
Kenji was lying on a hospital bed, his body wrapped in bandages. His arms and torso bore traces of battle scars, and his breathing was calm but heavy. Despite his injuries, his presence still felt strong—like a sword that had not yet been fully sheathed.
Adrian stopped in front of him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Kenji slowly opened his eyes, noticing Adrian's presence. A faint half-smile appeared on his face.
"So… we finally meet again, Adrian," he said softly.
Adrian smiled back, his expression warm and respectful.
"Yes, we have, teacher," he replied. "Are you recovering properly?"
Kenji let out a quiet breath.
"I'll be fine in a few days," he said calmly. "My body recovers unusually fast."
Adrian nodded, relieved.
For a brief moment, silence filled the room. But then Kenji's expression changed slightly. His gaze sharpened, as if he had sensed something unusual.
"Give me your hand," Kenji said suddenly.
Adrian blinked in confusion.
"Eh?" he muttered, surprised. "Why?"
"I need to check something," Kenji replied, his tone serious.
Although confused, Adrian didn't refuse. He stepped closer and slowly extended his hand toward Kenji.
Kenji reached out and grasped Adrian's hand firmly.
For a few seconds, nothing happened.
Then Kenji's eyes widened slightly.
His expression shifted—from calm… to shock.
Then to something else.
Pride.
"My…," Kenji murmured under his breath.
Adrian frowned, feeling nervous.
"W-What?" he asked quickly. "Is something wrong?"
Kenji released Adrian's hand slowly, still staring at him with a strange look.
"My," he repeated, this time with a faint smile. "Not only have you grown stronger since the last time I met you… but I sense an ability within you."
Adrian froze.
"…Ability?" he repeated.
At first, fear flashed across his mind. For a moment, he thought something was wrong with his body.
Then he realized Kenji was smiling.
Adrian let out a relieved laugh.
"Ha! You scared me!" he said. "But… what do you mean? An ability?"
Kenji leaned back slightly against the bed.
"Are you aware of Chronos's time stop?" he asked.
Adrian nodded instantly.
"And Jake's devil powers?" Kenji continued.
Adrian nodded again.
"Those are abilities," Kenji explained calmly. "They are different from skills. Skills can be obtained by completing certain conditions, training, or external factors. But abilities…" He paused for a moment. "…are something that is born within you. They are extremely rare."
Adrian's eyes widened.
"So…" he whispered slowly, "…I have an ability?"
Kenji nodded once.
Adrian felt a strange mix of emotions rise inside him—shock, excitement, and a burning desire to become stronger.
"How do I use it?" Adrian asked immediately.
His eyes glowed with determination.
He wasn't asking out of curiosity.
He was asking because he wanted power.
Power to protect his friends.
Power to never lose again.
Kenji watched him quietly for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"I don't know," he said.
Adrian blinked.
"That's for you to figure out," Kenji added.
Adrian stared at him in disbelief for a second… then laughed.
"Alright then!" he said confidently. "I'll figure out how to use my ability at home!"
Kenji chuckled quietly.
Adrian stepped back slightly.
"Anyway, I'll leave you to rest," he said. "Don't die on me, okay?"
Kenji smirked.
"Try not to surpass me too quickly," he replied.
Adrian smiled once more before turning around and walking out of the medical room.
As the door closed behind him, Kenji stared at his own hand for a moment.
"…An ability, huh," he murmured quietly.
For the first time in a long while, he felt something close to excitement.
Meanwhile…
The night sky covered the city in darkness, neon lights reflecting off wet streets and towering buildings.
Inside a luxurious club, music blasted through massive speakers, shaking the walls. People danced wildly, laughter and voices blending into a chaotic rhythm. To most people, it was just another night of fun.
But for Cosmic, it was nothing more than noise.
He stepped inside the club, his expression cold and indifferent.
He wasn't here to enjoy himself.
He walked past the crowd without hesitation, ignoring the attention he attracted. His gaze was fixed forward as he headed toward the VIP section.
Guards recognized him instantly and stepped aside.
As soon as Cosmic entered the VIP room, his eyes landed on Anthony.
Anthony was sitting comfortably on a luxurious couch, his posture relaxed, as if he had no worries in the world. Three beautiful women surrounded him, laughing softly. One sat beside him, leaning close to his shoulder, while the other two stood nearby. They took turns leaning in, brushing their lips against his cheek and whispering into his ear, clearly enjoying his attention.
Anthony looked completely satisfied, his confidence obvious.
"Yo! You need something?" he said, glancing at Cosmic with a proud grin.
Cosmic stared at the scene in front of him, his expression filled with disgust and disbelief.
"The council head has ordered you, me, and a few other people to come to the Hero Headquarters," Cosmic said coldly. "It's for a mission."
Anthony's smile disappeared instantly.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Seriously?" he said, leaning forward. "I just recovered, man. Can't I enjoy my life for once?"
Cosmic crossed his arms.
"If you want to complain, do it to the council head," he replied. "Anyway, get up. It's a late-night mission. Unless…" He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "…you want me to drag you there myself."
Anthony stared at him for a few seconds.
Then he sighed deeply.
"Fine, fine," he muttered, standing up slowly. "You're annoying, you know that?"
Cosmic turned around without responding.
As Anthony followed him toward the exit, his expression gradually changed.
The playful attitude disappeared.
Something serious replaced it.