The sky above Hero City looked more vibrant that day.
The giant screens of the Elite Academy broadcast the most anticipated moment of the year:The official start of the National Draft, the tournament that would choose the next Pillars of Humanity.
The packed stands trembled with the roar of the crowd. Names of the participants were announced one by one, as drones hovered above the field, streaming everything live to the entire world.
Then, a voice echoed through the stadium's sound system:
✦ "ATTENTION, EVERYONE!"— Welcome to the 43rd National Hero Draft!
📘 WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DRAFT?
The Draft is the biggest tournament for young aspiring heroes.Each year, the best students with Primordial Aura compete in trials that test body, mind, and soul.
But this isn't just another tournament.This is the event that decides who will stand at the front lines of humanity in the years to come.This is where legends are born—And where forgotten failures begin.
The Draft consists of four main trials, each worth up to 80 points:
Physical Strength Trial (no Aura allowed)
Speed Trial
Battle IQ Trial
1v1 Combat Tournament using Primordial Aura (elimination style)
But this year, there's a twist...
🥇 The winner of the final combat round will face last year's Rookie of the Year —Kelvin Nox, vice-captain of the Guild of a Thousand Lights, also known as "The Shadow of Tyrus."
If the champion defeats Kelvin, they'll be promoted to SS Rank, earning 200 total points and the title of Guilds' No. 1 Pick.
The three top scorers will be known as:
Pick 1
Pick 2
Pick 3
The leaders of the major guilds will personally select their new members.
✦ SCENE: THE PROTAGONISTS PREPARE
In the preparation zone, Darius stands with his uniform half open, eating a protein snack and laughing.
— "Alright, showtime! Let's make history!"
Inavy stands beside him, taking a deep breath.
— "I just need... to stay focused."
His emerald-green eyes look up at the sky, as if searching for answers.
Rose Eldara, more focused, scans the other competitors.
— "Kelvin is up there, on the tower... watching everyone. He'll face the champion. That means... we need to be flawless."
Kelvin Nox, the vice-captain, silently watches from atop a platform, katana on his back and eyes hidden under shadow.He won't compete—He will be the final challenge.
✦ FIRST TRIAL: PHYSICAL STRENGTH
— "Participants, proceed to the strength arena."
The robotic voice guides the competitors toward the massive concrete blocks.
Simple rule: push the block to the end line—without using Aura.
Darius smiles, stretches his arms and says:
— "This one's easy. All about charm and biceps."
Inavy stares at the block like it's a worthy opponent.
— "I've never trained with these weights... but I can't fail."
Rose, calm and focused, breathes deep and aligns her posture.
Trial Results:
🥇 Darius – 1st place: 80 pts (wins with charisma and flawless technique)🥈 Leon – 2nd place: 70 pts (pure brute force)🔟 Inavy – 10th place: 45 pts (surprisingly consistent)🔟7 Rose – 17th place: 30 pts (displays solid control and breathing)🥉 Kai (already mentioned) – 3rd place: 65 pts
✦ ON THE WAY TO THE NEXT TRIAL
Darius, full of energy, stretches his arms and boasts:
— "You see that? That was all me!"
Inavy chuckles lightly.
— "Let's see how you do in the speed trial."
Rose:
— "I've already analyzed the track. It's more about rhythm than raw burst. If you go all in at the start, you'll burn out halfway."
Up on the platform, Kelvin watches and mutters:
— "Hmph... still green."
The camera cuts to the Guild Leaders watching from the observation room.
Ray Stormbreak looks at the screen and smiles.
— "The boy is making his way."
Lorien, behind him, arms crossed:
— "Let's see if he's got the legs to reach the top."