Looking at the ultra-modern skyscraper before him, Lin Jie couldn't help but mutter, "They're really rolling in cash."
"Of course," Xiao Zhan said, leading him into the hall. "The Hero Association gathers the world's strongest heroes and cutting-edge science. This new order was built by veteran Super Heroes."
Xiao Zhan pointed to the central statue.
The foremost figure was shrouded head-to-toe in a black robe.
"I know the leader is Zero," Lin Jie asked, gesturing at the others, "but who are these behind him?"
"What have you been doing shut in all these years?" Xiao Zhan sighed. "They're Super Heroes who fought alongside Zero. Their efforts created the Hero Association we have today."
"Is that so?" Lin Jie thought silently. "Why don't I remember fighting with any of them?"
"Listen up," Xiao Zhan rambled on, detailing the statues' origins. "These are all SS Rank Super Heroes—the World Federation's ultimate guardians of order."
"I always thought this came from the Super Hero Registration Act five years ago," Lin Jie remarked.
"Don't bring that up," Xiao Zhan's tone darkened. "That act cost the World Government many heroes."
At the mention of the act, Xiao Zhan's expression shifted.
Unbeknownst to Lin Jie, while he'd been secluded at home, anti-act heroes had clashed violently with pro-act forces. The World Government-backed side won. The state controlled media narratives tightly, and the military joined the fray.
The opposition was crushed. Many active Super Heroes were branded criminals—some imprisoned.
"Let's drop it," Xiao Zhan said firmly. "We're here for your Super Hero certification exam. We don't handle extras."
Soon, they reached the registration office. After paying a fee, Lin Jie was ushered into a room.
A bald, burly man waited inside.
"Name?"
"Lin Jie."
"Your Super Hero alias."
"Whatever."
To Lin Jie's surprise, the man wrote "Casual Warrior" on the form.
"What ability type? We need to test you properly," the man said.
"Cutting people."
"Are you joking? Almost every superpower cuts. Be specific: superpower or physical skill?"
"Well..." Lin Jie fumbled. "It's like grabbing it and swinging hard to chop." He mimed a chopping motion.
"Strength-based? You brought gear?"
"Yes."
"Follow me." The man led Lin Jie to a training room. "Enough talk. Show your weapon. Last three minutes under me, and you pass with 60 points. Survive over three hours? Full marks."
"What if I knock you down?" Lin Jie asked curiously.
"Hahaha!" The man boomed. "Eighty percent of rookies ask that. Impossible! Think weaklings get to examine here? I'm B Rank Hero 'War Tank Atan'!"
"Oh. If you're that strong, I'm relieved," Lin Jie said.
"See those one-way mirrors up high?" Atan pointed. "Perform well. A senior hero might scout you for a team. High-ranks pass through often."
"I already have a teammate," Lin Jie replied.
"Kid, no more chatter. Three minutes, and you pass."
Atan's body gleamed metallically. His hands morphed into Giant Swords; sparks flew from his legs. "Heads-up: I blend speed, offense, and defense. Don't blame me if you get hurt."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine." Lin Jie pulled a Spike Mace from his coat.
"Begin."
Atan's legs exploded with power, trailing fire as he shot toward Lin Jie. Lin Jie had just raised his mace.
"Tch. This level? Won't last five seconds," Atan thought scornfully, swinging his sword.
Suddenly, Lin Jie's speed spiked. The Spike Mace plummeted toward Atan's head.
"Think that works on me?" Atan sneered, one hand transforming into a giant alloy shield.
The mace slammed into the shield. A deafening shockwave shook the room.
...
Coldness washed over Atan's face. He slowly opened his eyes.
"Where...?" He blinked around. "Training room? Right—I was testing a newbie."
"Remember now?" A silver-haired girl stood beside him.
"Miss Dong? What happened?" Atan tried standing but failed repeatedly. His whole body trembled.
"Noticed?"
"Was I... defeated? By that kid? I only recall us starting... then... blank. What happened?" Atan stared at her. "You were there?"
Miss Dong nodded. "I saw it."
"After our clash—what next? Why can't I remember?"
"Nothing happened next. One strike from him, and you fell."
"You mean... I got one-shot by a rookie?" Atan gasped.
She nodded again. "He's strong. Minimum A Rank."
"Where is he?"
"Two hours ago, since we couldn't wake you, someone else took him for the written exam."
"Two hours unconscious? Never met someone that strong. I was a clown back then." Atan sat dejectedly. "You didn't come just to watch me get humiliated, did you?"
"No."
...
In the exam hall, Lin Jie stared at the questions.
*Why do you want to be a Super Hero?*
"To avoid my sister beating me up."
*What is a Super Hero's primary duty?*
"Hmm... cut people, cut monsters."
*What image should you show the public?*
"Whatever. This is annoying."
*How to handle hostage situations?*
"Cut them down fastest."
*Best method against monsters?*
"Cut them."
*When encountering otherworldly beings...*
"Cut them."
*When facing aliens...*
"Cut them."
*When...*
"Cut them."
*...*
"Cut them."
...
Lin Jie scanned his paper covered in "Cut them," then turned to the last question.
*Describe your hero philosophy.*
After a pause, he wrote: "A hero? I stopped wanting that long ago. Because I don't know—is what I do truly just? Can it even be called heroic?"
...
After submitting his paper, Lin Jie received his scores.
"How'd you do?" Xiao Zhan approached.
"Practical: full marks. Written: 13 points. Total 113—barely passed."
"Lack of smarts is scary," Xiao Zhan chuckled. "Pass the written, and you'd jump straight to C Rank. I vouch for your strength. But this is fine—if my assistant outranks me, I'd lose face."
"...
"By the way, let's catch a lecture. A B Rank Super Hero's speaking today."
"Oh? I should go. My mindset feels out of sync with modern heroes."
"Let's go. How strong was your examiner?"
"He's decent. Gave useful tips. Even went easy on me during the fight."
...
If Atan heard this, he'd weep. He hadn't held back—he'd been one-shot before unleashing his full power.
...
"Miss Dong, here's the exam paper you requested." A butler handed documents to the silver-haired girl.
Miss Dong studied the paper, then murmured, "Lin Jie? He'll be useful."
