12 Chapter 12: The Mentorship Draw

Earlier in the day, David found himself in the company of Enryu. They were situated in the expansive training fields, their forms illuminated by the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Between the two of them, only the sound of their rhythmic breathing filled the otherwise quiet air.

Enryu was explaining the intricacies of power awakening, his words laced with the wisdom of experience. "Awakening an ability isn't an easy task for everyone," he started, his tone steady. "Some people are naturals, like a fish to water. But others... They need a push, a trigger."

David, listening attentively, absorbed each word. As the author of 'Redo of a Hero', he knew these rules well, yet he decided to play the part of an attentive student, allowing Enryu to continue.

"In rare instances," Enryu continued, "An individual may need extreme psychological trauma to awaken their ability. Those cases are usually the most potent ones, so powerful that Omega 6 feels the need to... control them."

David asked about Enryu's awakening, curiously observing his reaction. "I... I was a natural," he lied, a slight pause in his voice. However, the truth was that in his original timeline, awakening his ability took years, and only after his regression could he control it at will. Yet, he kept this information to himself, not willing to expose his true past just yet.

"And now," Enryu added, turning to face David, "your focus should be on awakening your own power. Let's see if you can..."

His words were interrupted by a loud, booming announcement that echoed across the academy grounds, "All students are to report to the auditorium immediately."

The auditorium was a magnificent marvel of modern architecture. Designed like a colossal amphitheater, it was built to accommodate all the students of the academy. With a high domed ceiling and sleek, futuristic design, it was a testament to the advanced technology and aesthetic of the academy. As David and Enryu made their way towards it, the anticipation hung heavy in the air, a prelude to the changes that were about to unfold.

Beneath the bright fluorescent lights of Elite Future Academy, murmurs of excitement and anticipation filled the air as a large display board was wheeled onto the stage in the auditorium. This was no ordinary school assembly – today, the students were to be assigned their heroes for the Hero Mentor Program. The murmurs died down, replaced with an almost palpable sense of excitement.

"Students, it's time," a voice announced, echoing in the vastness of the auditorium. Standing at the podium was the principal, Ijax, a man of commanding presence.

David cast a sideways glance at him. In the original timeline, Ijax met a grim fate at the hands of Shadow, a deadly assassin known for his teleportation ability and his lethal Arcanian metal sword. Few heroes had the skin that could repel an Arcanian blade, and those who did could be counted on one hand.

"Remember," Ijax continued, his voice resounding in the silent auditorium, "Omega 6 boasts thousands of heroes. Some are retired, while others are still active, safeguarding citizens and upholding justice in the field. The mentor you're assigned today will impart their valuable experiences and wisdom onto you. Let's hope you all learn something beneficial from them."

As Ijax's words echoed in the auditorium, the students held their breath, anticipation mounting as they awaited the announcement of their assigned heroes.

David sat in the crowd, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. His mind raced with the possibilities. He had heard stories about the mentors – some were retired heroes who now lived a life of seclusion, others were still active and doing their part to ensure the safety of citizens. However, there were also rumors about slacker heroes who forced their mentees to perform meaningless tasks, while some were outright psychos. He fervently hoped he wouldn't be stuck with one of the latter.

But as an author, he knew all too well the toll this life could take on a person. Heroes, just like the characters in his book, were not immune to life's tragedies. They too grappled with their demons, some resorting to alcohol or spiraling into insanity after enduring countless traumatizing missions.

David took a deep breath, preparing himself for the path that lay ahead. Whoever his mentor was, whatever their quirks or trials they've been through, he was ready. After all, his goal wasn't just to look strong, but to truly become strong. And this was a step in that direction

Anticipation hung thick in the air of the Elite Future Academy's auditorium, a palpable wave of excitement that ebbed and flowed with each passing second. As the sleek, holographic display board at the front of the room began to glow, the hum of chatter began to die down, each student keenly focused on the impending reveal.

"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen!" a booming voice echoed throughout the grand hall, emanating from one of the teachers on the stage. "Omega 6 has an array of heroes at its disposal. Whether in active duty or enjoying a well-earned retirement, each possesses unique skills and experiences ready to be shared. Brace yourselves for a journey of learning."

In the sea of anxious faces, David sat, a storm of emotions brewing within him. The specter of disappointment hung heavy in the air – not all heroes were known for their commitment to teaching. Some were notorious slackers, relegating their mentees to menial chores, while others battled inner demons, their mentorship marred by bouts of alcoholism and questionable stability.

Yet, these were the stories David had written, peering into the darkest recesses of these heroes' psyches, exposing their human flaws and vulnerabilities. He understood their struggles, their triumphs, and their failures more intimately than anyone else.

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as names began to flash across the display board. Amidst the flurry of conversations, one name sparked awe and admiration above all others - Ares, the male Arcanian.

Ares was no ordinary hero in David's creation. He was a demigod, blessed by the Arcanian goddess Trimodia herself. Despite being thrown into the unforgiving Valkyrie territory, the dreaded middle ground of the Arcanian homeworld, as was customary for males of his species, Ares had risen to become an emblem of power and resilience.

As names continued to flash, students whispered excitedly, "I hope I get Pacer!" one student blurted out. "Can you imagine? Training with the fastest man alive?!"

"Yeah, but imagine getting Ezra," another chimed in, "Ares's son! That'd be a fast-track to making a name for yourself."

Yet, amidst these legendary figures, David's reality seemed rather ordinary. He was David Jupiter, the young man who had only demonstrated his brother Lux's Lightning Manipulation power, something only he knew was a result of power mantling. His own true ability remained unawakened, a secret he not yet unveiled himself.

As the screen began to display the pairings, a hush descended over the auditorium. The anticipation was almost suffocating, each student nervously awaiting their fate.

"I got..." a student's voice echoed through the silent room, followed by a holler of joy or a sigh of disappointment.

Locked onto the screen, David's heartbeat quickened. This was a defining moment, a pivotal step in his journey. No matter the hero he was paired with, he would be ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. After all, he wasn't striving to appear strong, but to become strong. And this was the path to that strength.

He wasn't here just to blend in, to become another extra in the crowd. He wasn't here to strive for appearances of strength. No, he sought the real thing. He was here to carve out his own path, to become genuinely strong. And he was ready to face whatever challenges this path would present to him.