Laura woke at 7 a.m., bursting with energy. After her morning routine, she styled her long, golden blonde hair and gazed into the silver-framed mirror, mesmerized by her flaming red eyes.
Her jacket proudly displayed _YOUNG HEROES TRAINING SOCIETY_. Laura aspired to emulate her older brother, Blue Flame, and tirelessly pursued that dream.
Downstairs, a sigh escaped her lips. "I was hoping he'd be here." She rationalized, "Being a hero, risking your life daily, is a monumental task. No wonder he's absent."
With her enhanced speed, Laura swiftly prepared breakfast and retrieved the admission button.
"I'll finally protect the powerless, innocent ones, just like big bro," Laura thought.
Pressing the button, a purple swirling portal materialized. Taking a deep breath, Laura stepped in.
Disoriented, Laura found herself in a dark tunnel. Doubts crept in: "Was this a mistake? Did I really pass?"
Recalling her brother's words, "Use your eyes alone and you'll miss the right road," Laura explored the tunnel, pressing her palms against the walls. A hidden scanner revealed itself.
The device scanned her, displaying her picture and details: "Laura Morningstar, 17 yrs old, Role: Student."
Relieved, Laura exclaimed, "I passed!"
A door swung open, inviting her to proceed. With curiosity, Laura stepped forward.
Laura's eyes widened in awe, disbelieving her surroundings. The city teemed with Gifted individuals, their powers on full display. People soared through the air, their laughter echoing. Cutting-edge technology, unimaginable in the outside world, seamlessly integrated into daily life. Spotless streets and vibrant sidewalks pulsed with activity, robots mingling with humans.
Feeling out of place, Laura struggled to find her bearings. Just as uncertainty began to overwhelm her, a spherical robot materialized, offering assistance. "Do you know where the Young Heroes Training School is?" Laura asked.
"Follow me, please," the robot replied, leading her on a 25-minute journey to a majestic, marble-blue building. Dismissing the robot's further aid, Laura stepped inside, envisioning new friendships.
Her reverie ended abruptly as she collided with a towering figure. Strong hands grasped her shoulders, inquiring, "Are you alright?" Laura's gaze met piercing blue eyes, their sparkle reminiscent of lightning. Transfixed, she couldn't respond.
The captivating stranger's voice blended warmth with an undertone of authority, sending shivers down Laura's spine. "Is everything alright?" he repeated, his dark skin contrasting with stunning white hair, chiseled features, and an athletic build.
Laura regained her composure, gently extricating herself from his grasp. "Sorry, I'm new here," she said, striving to conceal her nervousness. "Do you happen to know where the principal's office is
The stranger's piercing gaze lingered, his hand thoughtfully on his chin, as if assessing her. Silence hung in the air for a few seconds before he spoke.
"A new student," he stated, his tone neutral.
Laura nodded, relief washing over her. "Well, I happen to be a student here as well," the stranger said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Then you can show me around," Laura exclaimed, gratitude coloring her voice.
"Follow me," he said, leading the way.
As Laura trailed behind him, a sudden noise caught her attention. She spun around, eyes widening as a pink energy spear hurtled toward her.
Time seemed to warp, slowing to a crawl. Laura's reflexes kicked in, her hand instinctively reaching out. She grasped the spear, her palm glowing vibrant red as she absorbed its energy. The spear dissipated, leaving no trace.
Laura's eyes blazed with anger, her gaze snapping toward the attacker. A pink-haired girl stood poised, clad in jean shorts and white high-heeled boots, the school jacket draped casually over her shoulder. Pink, catlike eyes sparkled with mischief, a sly smirk curling her lips.
"You must be the new student the principal was talking about," the girl said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Laura's stance remained tense, her glowing hand still radiating heat. "I not gonna ask again, who are you?" she demanded, her tone firm.
The pink-haired girl chuckled, unfazed and amused. "I'm Maria a senior here. And you, Laura Mantors, are quite the legend already."
Laura's gaze locked onto Maria, anger and curiosity blazing in her eyes. "What do you—"
But before she could finish, the white-haired stranger intervened, stepping between them with an air of calm authority. "Already stirring up trouble for the new student, Maria?"
Maria's smirk twisted into a scowl. "Mind your own business, Aurelio. Stop playing hero for once."
Aurelio's smirk matched hers. "We're in a hero training school. Heroism is our business. And honestly, I'd classify you as a villain."
Maria's eyes flashed pink, her palm glowing with an intense, rosy light. A sleek pink sword materialized in her hand, its presence filling the hallway with it's light.
Aurelio continued, his voice calm but laced with a subtle warning. "You know the rules, Maria. No fighting outside combat class. Besides, I don't think you're eager to get hurt... do you?"
As he spoke, Aurelio's eyes flashed with an icy blue light. The air around him began to crackle with electricity, and a halo of blue lightning enveloped his body. The energy was palpable, making the air vibrate with tension.
Laura felt the piercing power emanating from both Maria and Aurelio, but Aurelio's energy was unmistakably stronger. It was as if the very atmosphere was charged with anticipation, waiting for the spark that would ignite a fierce battle.
Maria's grip on her pink sword tightened, her knuckles white with rage. "You think you're superior just because of your precious Element?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.
Aurelio's smile was a thin, confident line. "Not superior, Maria. Just prepared."
Laura swiftly stepped between the two, her eyes locked on Aurelio's. "There's no point fighting if the person you're protecting doesn't need it," she said, her voice calm and resolute.
Aurelio's expression shifted, pain and sadness etched on his face. The blue lightning surrounding him dissipated, leaving an unsettling silence.
Laura's gaze softened, and she grasped Aurelio's hand. "Besides, I thought you were going to show me around?" She smiled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.
Aurelio's face relaxed, a faint smile forming. Together, they turned away from Maria, leaving her seething.
Maria shouted, her voice echoing down the hallway, "You're just going to walk away like that?"
Laura glanced back, her eyes flashing with a deadly glare. The brief moment was enough to make Maria take a step back, her pink sword still clutched in her hand.
Laura turned away, her grip on Aurelio's hand tightening. "Let's leave her alone," she whispered, as they walked away from the confrontation.
The hallway fell silent, the gathered students watching the scene unfold with bated breath. Maria's anger was palpable, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
Maria's pink sword faded away, but her fists remained clenched, anger still simmering. Stella and Ami approached, their faces etched with concern and indignation.
"Who does he think he is, talking to you like that?" Ami asked, her scowl deepening.
Stella nodded in agreement. "And that new girl needs to be put in her place too. She thinks she's so special, intervening like that."
Maria's smile spread, a cold, calculated glint in her eye. "Don't worry, I always take care of people like them." Her voice dripped with malice.
Stella and Ami exchanged a knowing glance, their faces reflecting excitement and anticipation.
"We're with you, Maria," Stella said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whatever you plan, we've got your back."
Ami nodded vigorously. "Yeah, show them what you're made of."
Maria's smile grew wider, her eyes flashing with malevolent intent. The air around her seemed to darken, as if the very atmosphere was infected by her malevolence.
Fifteen minutes after their encounter with Maria, Laura and Aurelio arrived at the principal's office, concluding their tour of the school.
Aurelio bowed humorously, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "It was my pleasure, milady. May the rest of your day be as enchanting as your company."
As he turned to leave, Laura grasped his hand, her touch sending a jolt through him. He spun back, surprise etched on his face.
"Thanks for showing me around," Laura said, her voice softened. "I really enjoyed walking with you."
Her flirtatious smile caught Aurelio off guard, and his confident facade crumbled. His cheeks flushed crimson as he struggled to hide his face.
"N-no problem," he stuttered, his shy side unexpectedly exposed.
Aurelio walked away, but his mind betrayed him. A forgotten memory resurfaced, and he was transported to a painful past.
A raven-haired girl's words echoed in his mind: "You're not worthy of love." The memory stabbed his heart, and sorrow washed over him.
Laura's smiling face suddenly replaced the painful vision. Aurelio's expression faltered, and he forced a smile, uneasy.
Meanwhile, Laura entered the principal's office, taken aback by its grandeur. Lavish furniture adorned the spacious room.
Her gaze shifted to the principal, slumped in his chair, glasses askew. Paperwork clung to his pale face, and his peaceful expression belied the truth.
Laura focused her X-ray vision. The principal's heart remained still, his veins empty. No blood flowed through his lifeless body.
Her mind racing, Laura classified him as a vampire.
Laura examined the principal's neck, confirming her suspicions. The bite marks were unmistakable – he was infected.
She snapped her fingers, and the principal jolted awake, startled.
"Good afternoon, Principal," Laura said, her tone respectful.
The principal's eyes locked onto hers, recognition sparking. "Welcome, Laura. Your brother informed us of your expected late arrival."
Laura's brow furrowed, trying to recall any previous school experiences. But her memory remained blank.
The principal handed her a key and a schedule. "Your dorm key and class timetable. Familiarize yourself with the school's layout."
Laura thanked him and turned to leave, but the principal's words halted her.
"Be cautious, Laura. This school is more treacherous than you think, even for someone of your... caliber."
Laura's smirk hinted at her confidence. "I like danger," she said calmly, her eyes glinting with anticipation.
Laura stepped out of the office, concentrating on trying to understand her timetable. Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. She pulled it from her pocket and smiled at the caller ID.
"Hey, Michael!" she exclaimed, answering the call.
"You weren't in today," Laura said, concern creeping into her voice.
Michael's response was laced with a faint cough. "Oof, yeah... Got a call from H.A.O. A mystic-ranked demon emerged from a portal. They said I was the most powerful hero available to take it down."
Laura's eyes widened in astonishment. "Mystic-ranked? They must have been desperate to call you."
Michael's tone turned serious. "This demon's different, Laura. Its power signature is off the charts. I'll be gone for a while."
Laura's grip on her phone tightened. "Be careful, Michael. You know I can handle myself, but..."
"I know, little sis," Michael interrupted. "Just keep an eye on things at school. Something feels off.
"What do you mean?" Laura asked, her curiosity tinged with unease.
"It looks human," Michael replied, his tone measured.
Laura's response was swift. "They're demons with human characteristics – vampires, necromancers, or spell users."
Michael's pause was palpable before he spoke. "This one's different, Laura. It's... unpredictable."
His words sparked a mix of emotions in Laura.
Michael's tone softened. "I know you're anxious and hot-headed, sis. You're incredibly powerful, but there are still those who can hurt you – even me."
Laura remained silent, Michael's words sinking in.
"I know," she said finally. "I'll stay out of trouble, promise."
Michael's gentle smile was almost audible. "Alright, sis. I need to go. Talk to you later, okay?"
The call is ended leaving Laura lost in thought.
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