Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Whiplash stood there, waiting for Keagan's answer. He could see the wrinkles on his face behind his half mask as he pondered, but he didn't interrupt his thought process. 

"I'll give you a definitive answer after the task you're going to assign me. Right now, I can't make such a heavy decision on the spot. I need some time to think," Keagan finally responded. Whiplash felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had been testing Keagan, seeing if he was the type to act fast and think later. As a teacher of many, he couldn't seem to turn off his role, always seeking to turn situations into teaching moments or tests for his students. Keagan passed his little test, but Whiplash knew it wasn't the right time to press him for an answer. Deep down, however, he felt a sense of pride for Keagan's thoughtful approach.

"Okay, I understand. I'll give you the time you need to think it over. But for now, you must focus on your task. Consider yourself a B-ranked hero from this moment on. Your task difficulty has significantly increased, and you'll have to be at your best and utilize every skill you have to accomplish it and earn daily points," Whiplash explained. "Your B-rank task for today is police reinforcement. You will act as a police reinforcement, responding to distress calls involving violent activities or hostile situations. You will be called upon to assist in handling aggressors or criminals and perform your duty diligently, just like any other law enforcement officer. Accompanying you is another B-ranked hero named Blitz. You will learn more about him during the debriefing. I have sent you the details of the meetup location. Unfortunately, I can't go with you at the moment, as I need to stay and train the others. But remember what I've told you, Spectral Guardian. You have an incredible opportunity to build a successful career in this. Don't let it go to waste," he added, patting Keagan on the shoulder.

Keagan nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Whiplash's words. 

"And has anyone ever told you to change your alias? It's long and confusing," Whiplash remarked jokingly. Keagan grinned cheekily and replied, "I'll think about it on my way out."

They bid each other farewell and Whiplash seemed to melt into the shadows as he maneuvered his way across buildings, following his other students. Keagan was left to marvel at how such an old man had that much mobility left in him, it was otherworldly.

The system's voice suddenly appeared, breaking the silence. "Hello, Spectral Guardian. I can pin the map of the destination point on your display if you'd like," it offered.

"Hello, system. It's been a while. I almost forgot about you," Keagan joked.

"I am at your disposal, you know. If there is anything you'd like me to help you with, please don't hesitate to mention it," the voice replied.

"Okay, then. What can you tell me about this Blitz guy?" Keagan inquired.

"Blitz... Here is the latest hero report I found about Blitz in the Hero Central Hub..."

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Introducing Adonis Cruz, also known by his heroic alias Blitz! Adonis is a remarkable individual with an impressive array of powers and characteristics that make him a force to be reckoned with in the realm of heroes.

Adonis's primary power lies in his superhuman speed, which allows him to move with an extraordinary swiftness that surpasses that of ordinary individuals. His lightning-fast reflexes and agility make him a formidable opponent, enabling him to evade attacks effortlessly and navigate through any environment with remarkable ease. This, coupled with his ability to manipulate and control energy, adds an electrifying touch to his heroic endeavors.

It is worth noting that Adonis's charisma and quick wit are undeniable. He often exhibits a witty and sharp sense of humor, making him a captivating presence both in and out of battle. However, his demeanor and cockiness, fueled by his unshakable confidence in his speed, have often proven problematic in social settings. Unfortunately, this has led many to perceive him as a jerk or a douche. Nevertheless, beneath the layers of arrogance lies a hero with a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to protecting the innocent.

Adonis's leadership skills are evident as he effortlessly assumes the role of a team leader, guiding and inspiring his allies with his strategic thinking and unwavering determination. His ability to think quickly on his feet, analyze situations rapidly, and make split-second decisions sets him apart as a valuable asset in any crisis.

As the poster boy for an energy drink company, Adonis's costume reflects his speed and energy-based powers. It may feature a sleek and streamlined design, adorned with vibrant colors that exude his electrifying energy. Symbolically, lightning motifs may be incorporated, representing his quickness and powerful strikes.

While Adonis's charm and confidence are undeniable, he understands the need to temper his brash demeanor and work on building better relationships with others. Behind the cocky exterior, he carries a genuine desire to protect and make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Adonis Cruz, alias Blitz, is a hero with incredible speed, agility, and energy manipulation abilities. Though his persona can be polarizing, his quick thinking, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to justice make him a formidable force against evil. As he continues to evolve, Adonis strives to overcome his social challenges and prove that, beneath his cocky exterior, he is a true hero with a heart of gold.

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"This guy seems like a piece of work. What's his rank?" Keagan inquired.

"Blitz is currently ranked 2344 in the latest hero ranking, placing him among the top percentile of B-ranked heroes," the system responded.

Keagan found it amusing, briefly fantasizing about being ranked himself. But then he remembered what Whiplash had mentioned earlier about his unranked status and the database malfunction that prevented his rankings from being reflected in the Hero Central Hub. He turned to the system, thirsting for knowledge on the matter.

"Hey, system. Whiplash mentioned something about me not being ranked in the Hero Central Hub despite my capabilities reaching that of a B-ranked hero. How did that happen?" Keagan asked.

"In your case, Spectral Guardian, you have leveled up quickly, surpassing the system's current progressive scale, which caused it to be unable to assign your current rank. It will take some time for the central hub algorithm to correct itself. For now, your status is irregular in the database. If you level up quickly again, it might even cause the database to crash," the system explained.

"So, taking things slow is the way to go?" Keagan questioned, surprised by the news.

"Yes, I offered you that one chance to level up because your life was in danger, and one of my primary roles is to keep you alive and protect you at all times. From now on, you will have to rely on your strength and resources to power up realistically," the system inferred.

"Okay, pin the meetup location point on the map. I don't want to be the one late to this task," Keagan said eagerly. The display expanded, filling the corners of his vision. With a swift swipe up and a wave of his hand, he accessed the map option, and a red flashing dot materialized. Keagan could feel the excitement building within him, fueled by his newfound powers. He sensed the increased speed coursing through his veins and relished in every surge of energy as he leaped across buildings with powerful strides. It was an exhilarating rush, an experience he had never felt before but one he intended to savor in every moment.

He looked down below and there were digital banners splattered all over the sides of buildings, some advertising an altered version of a common soft drink in his world- coca cola. Next to te flashing banner was another poster depicting the mount rushmore of the hero. The three strongest heroes in existence currently

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Hero Name: Apex

Characteristics: Wise, strategic, and charismatic leader.

Physical Features: Tall and imposing stature, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.

Ranking: S-Rank

Attributes: Exceptional strength, unmatched combat skills, and the ability to manipulate energy.

Hero Name: Seraphina

Characteristics: Compassionate, empathetic, and skilled healer.

Physical Features: Graceful and elegant, with long flowing golden hair and gentle blue eyes.

Ranking: S-Rank

Attributes: Proficient in healing and support abilities, possesses angelic wings granting flight and protective barriers.

Hero Name: Lancer

Characteristics: Quick-witted, agile, and highly skilled in close-quarters combat.

Physical Features: Athletic build, with short dark hair and piercing green eyes.

Ranking: A-Rank

Attributes: Lightning-fast reflexes, enhanced speed, and the ability to generate electrical discharges.

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"Hey system," Keagan called out.

"How can I be of assistance?" the system responded.

"How come I'm seeing an A-ranked hero among the top 3? Isn't the top reserved only for S-ranked heroes?" Keagan inquired.

"Typically, yes. However, in this era, there have only been four known heroes to achieve the S-rank, and currently, only two of them remain active. Therefore, the first-ranked A-ranked hero holds the third position by default, as there are no other active S-ranked heroes apart from the two," the system explained.

Keagan marveled at the rarity of S-ranked heroes. It dawned on him that his journey to the top would be a challenging one. He couldn't rely on shortcuts or quick fixes to reach the pinnacle without drawing attention. As he soared through the streets, his determination solidified, fueled by his burning desire to rise to the top. Nothing would deter him from his relentless ascent.