The Beginning

On the sofa, a man was watching the news on TV, which covered the story of a hero successfully stopping a bank robbery without any casualties.

"It's good that they were apprehended before anyone got hurt," he muttered to himself, though his bitterness over failing the hero aptitude test lingered.

Growing up, he had been regaled with tales of his ancestors who fought alongside the First Hero. He had taken the test with aspirations of becoming a formidable hero like his grandfather, rumored to be almost as mighty as the first hero. However, his dreams were shattered by the test's outcome: "No powers detected," they had informed him.

During his younger years, he had heard stories of his ancestors standing shoulder to shoulder with the First Hero in the fight against evil. This made him question why he lacked the same power, considering he had heard his grandfather was remarkably strong. After all, he harbored a potent demon within him, even more potent than the first hero might have encountered had it gone berserk.

Inwardly sighing, he reflected, "I seem to be cursed with bad luck, yet lucky enough to have married the No. 4 Strongest hero, my wife Jessica Stone, known as 'The Copycat.' As the name implies, she can replicate anyone's abilities but only for a 5-minute interval. Although this limitation might suggest her weakness, she not only mimics abilities but amplifies them within those 5 minutes, even stacking other abilities within that timeframe. While this might seem 'overpowered,' she can extend it to 10 minutes at great strain, resulting in severe side effects like blood from her nose and eyes, causing numbness and bloodlust. This compelled her to avoid exceeding her safe limit."

The man also had two children, a boy and a girl. His son, Sean Stones, aged 12, shared his mother's abilities, although they lasted merely 3-4 minutes due to his youth and latent abilities. His sister, Jane Stones, also a hero like her mother, could sustain her powers for 10 minutes. Additionally, she possessed a diluted version of her grandfather's demon abilities, making her an extraordinary hybrid hero.

"Apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Jackson Stone," he chuckled, realizing his omission.

Minutes later, his wife and daughter hurried out in their hero costumes. Jackson queried, "Is something amiss that you both dashed out in your costumes?" Jessica responded, "Headquarters summoned us for an emergency. All heroes in the vicinity must report immediately."

Kissing her husband's forehead, Jessica advised him to read Sean a bedtime story if he woke up. With a chuckle, she left, and Jackson continued watching the news.

A little later, Sean rubbed his eyes as he entered the living room, spotting his dad laughing while watching TV. He struggled to see due to his height, so he tugged at his dad's trousers to get his attention. He inquired, "Where's Mom? I can't see her anywhere."

"Your mom is out saving the day," Jackson assured his son, lifting him onto the couch, and they began watching TV together.

An hour elapsed before the doorbell rang. Leaving Sean on the couch, Jackson went to answer it, only to find the No. 10 hero, Laser-man, who explained his mission to search for unusual activities due to recent criminal events.

"Is there an issue, Laser-man? What brings you here?" Jackson asked.

Laser-man disclosed his assignment to search each house for potential offenders. "You're just doing your job, Laser-man," Jackson acknowledged, opening the door for him.

As Laser-man commenced his search and later declared there was nothing suspicious, he unexpectedly fired a laser that struck Jackson's chest. Shocked and bewildered, Jackson confronted Laser-man, "Why are you doing this? You claimed you found nothing here."

With a chuckle, Laser-man admitted, "I was sent to eliminate you and your son. You're considered obstacles to the Number One hero's master plan and weaknesses to Copycat."

Groaning, I struggled on the floor while Sean woke up, alarmed by the blood flowing from my chest. He pleaded with Laser-man for help, reminding him that heroes should aid those in need.

Instead, Laser-man cruelly kicked Sean in the stomach, asserting, "Why would I care for humans like you? You're meant to serve me."

As Laser-man targeted Sean, I shielded him and implored for his safety. Laser-man argued that sparing Sean would only lead to a life of vengeance and misery. Helpless and heartbroken, I wept, dreading my child's bleak future driven solely by revenge.

Just as Laser-man prepared to strike, a group of shadows swooped in, confronting Laser-man with swift punches. This caused Laser-man's laser to veer off, damaging the building's ceiling and structure.

Laser-man raged at their interference, but one of the shadow figures, a female voice with anime-like characteristics, declared themselves as villains. Taunting Laser-man's notion of the heroes arriving, the confrontation escalated.

Amidst the chaos, as Laser-man unleashed a barrage of lasers, the shadows, now revealed as villains, dodged skillfully. Two of the shadows advanced towards him, while another stealthily moved to rescue me and my child. As Laser-man took notice, he launched a massive laser beam, hitting me directly in the heart. I collapsed, desperately summoning strength to talk to my son.

With my dying breaths, I shared my love for him and urged him to care for his mother and sister. Weak and fading, I couldn't lift my hand or open my eyes, yet I could hear Sean screaming my name, and I wished I could respond.

Just as I felt my life slipping away, I saw that Sean had been taken to safety by the shadows. I sensed an unusual coldness enveloping me as blood loss drained my skin of color. As my last breath approached, I exhaled my final moments, yearning to protect my son in his journey through life, despite its challenges.

A mysterious presence within me responded, promising to grant my wish, albeit with the condition of hiding my true self. Unconcerned about the implications, I simply desired to shield my son.

In response, the ethereal voices assured me, "Your wish has been granted." And so, taking my last breath, I passed on...