Paladin's Academy

Act I, Chapter 7: The First Steps

Interview Day, 1 PM, Paladin's Main Campus.

The two heroes have finally returned to Paladin's Academy. In the afternoon following the first batch of interviews, applicants run rampant across the station. Some seem depressed because of their negative interviews, while others jump for joy. Nevertheless, the station is brimming with life.

Streetwise has changed back into his super-suit, while Quinn still sports a casual look. The duo leave the station and head towards the entrance to the main building. Before they can get in, they are stopped by one of the robot guards.

"Identification required."

"Streetwise."

"Access Denied."

"Paladin's Prodigy?"

"Access Denied."

"The honored one?"

"Access Denied."

"Strongest Paladin."

"Access Denied."

"Strongest Paladin."

"Access Denied."

Another voice butts in.

"Strongest Paladin."

"Access Granted, Welcome Strongest Paladin."

The two turn around and see a woman with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail. She's wearing goggles that rest on her head and an open red jacket with blue jogging pants. This appears to be,

"Sparkplug, you son of a bitch!"

Streetwise hugs Sparkplug as hard as he can, but all he can do is make Sparkplug laugh.

"Streetwise! It's been too long. How are things?"

"Things have been great. Met lots of new people, fought a bunch of bad guys, even went to another dimension."

"Wow, that's amazing! I met lots of new people too, both good and bad."

"At least you kept busy." Streetwise laughs.

"So, what are you doing on campus? Getting your Superhero Masteral?"

"Actually, I was gonna get this guy to his interview." Streetwise points to Quinn, "He's my sidekick."

"Hello there, I am Dreadnought, Streetwise's sidekick." He says as he extends his hand out.

"Hi! I'm Sparkplug, a teacher here at Paladin's Academy."

"Are you doing the interviews?" Streetwise asks.

"No, I'm not qualified. Something about being too trusting."

"Sounds about right." Streetwise laughs. Sparkplug punches his arm.

"Ow!" He exclaims. "Anyways, Dreadnought, why don't you head to the interview room? If you need me, I'll be catching up with an old friend. The room should just be on the third floor to your left."

"Very well. I will see you later, Streetwise."

Streetwise and Sparkplug wave goodbye as they go elsewhere, talking and laughing. Dreadnought enters the building and is in awe with what he sees. The main hall is filled to the brim with people, both in and out of costume, just walking around. There are robot guards patroling and observing. Dreadnought notices that there seems to be a line right across from him, with people lining up to submit their applications. On his right, he spots the hallway leading to the elevator.

As he makes his way to the elevator, Dreadnought, with a lot on his mind, accidentally bumps into someone, causing their documents to fall.

"Oh! I am so sorry." Dreadnought says as he helps collect the papers.