Shira: Rise of the Lost Hero

Chapter 3: The Agency's Offer

The training facility was unlike anything Shira had ever seen.

Kazuto led her into a massive underground complex, hidden beneath the heart of the city. As they entered, the walls seemed to hum with energy, pulsing with a strange, futuristic rhythm. Heroes in training moved through the space, sparring with holographic opponents, manipulating their powers, or testing their limits in various obstacle courses.

"This is where new heroes learn to control their quirks," Kazuto explained as they walked through the facility. "It's also a place for freelancers like you to get some practice in without the risk of getting hurt out in the field."

Shira was impressed despite herself. The place was huge, and the technology far more advanced than anything she could've imagined. Screens displayed data on various powers and combat techniques, while drones hovered overhead, monitoring the progress of each hero in training.

"Think of this as neutral ground," Kazuto said, guiding her toward one of the training rooms. "The Agency keeps an eye on things, but they don't interfere. It's a place for growth, not politics."

Shira stepped into the training room, feeling the buzz of energy in the air. It was a large, open space, with adjustable platforms and holographic targets scattered around. Her fingers tingled with anticipation as she stood in the center of the room.

"This is it," Kazuto said. "Your chance to see what you're really made of."

Shira took a deep breath and nodded. She had used her powers in combat before, but it had been instinctive, driven by adrenaline and fear. Now, she had the chance to test them in a controlled environment—and figure out exactly what she was capable of.

The room shifted as the training system activated, projecting a series of holographic enemies around her. They were humanoid in shape, but translucent, their forms flickering with artificial energy. There were five of them, each positioned in a different corner of the room.

"Ready when you are," Kazuto said, leaning against the wall, watching her with interest.

Shira focused, feeling the familiar hum of power within her. She moved first, her speed kicking in as she dashed toward the nearest hologram. The world blurred around her as she launched a punch, her fist crackling with energy. The hologram shattered on impact, dissolving into sparks.

Without hesitating, she pivoted toward the second enemy, firing a concentrated blast of energy from her palm. The beam tore through the air, striking the hologram in the chest and disintegrating it instantly. Her reflexes kicked in as the remaining three holograms advanced on her, their movements slow and predictable in her heightened perception.

Shira ducked under a swipe from one of the enemies, then retaliated with a burst of energy that sent it flying across the room. The last two opponents rushed her from opposite sides, but Shira's speed carried her out of their reach. She flipped into the air, landing behind them, and unleashed a final surge of power, knocking them both out of existence.

It was over in seconds.

Breathing heavily, Shira stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the remnants of the holograms. Her heart raced, but she felt a strange exhilaration. The raw power coursing through her was intoxicating, like nothing she had ever felt before.

Kazuto clapped slowly from the sidelines. "Impressive," he said. "You've got a lot of potential. But you're still holding back."

Shira frowned, wiping sweat from her brow. "What do you mean?"

"You're relying too much on your speed and energy blasts," Kazuto said, stepping into the room. "Those are powerful, sure, but there's more to your abilities than just brute force. You need to learn control. Precision."

He paused, then added, "And you need to understand the cost."

Shira glanced at him, confused. "The cost?"

Kazuto's expression darkened slightly. "Every quirk—every power—has a limit. Push too far, and it'll push back. You felt it during the fight with that monster, didn't you? That exhaustion afterward?"

Shira nodded slowly. She had felt it—an overwhelming fatigue that had nearly knocked her unconscious after the battle.

"Your power isn't infinite," Kazuto continued. "It's tied to your body, your stamina. The stronger the attack, the more energy it drains from you. And if you overuse it, you'll burn out."

Shira swallowed hard, the reality of his words sinking in. She hadn't considered that her powers came with such a steep price. In the heat of battle, it was easy to forget that her body had limits.

"Then how do I get stronger?" she asked.

Kazuto smiled slightly. "Training, practice, and discipline. You've got the raw talent, but now you need to refine it. The Hero Agency can help with that. They've got resources, mentors, everything you need to grow."

Shira hesitated, the weight of his offer hanging in the air. Joining the Agency would give her access to training and protection, but it would also mean becoming part of the system—a system she still didn't fully trust.

"Think about it," Kazuto said, sensing her uncertainty. "No pressure. But if you want to survive in this world, you'll need allies. And the Agency could be a powerful one."

Shira nodded, her mind swirling with possibilities. She wasn't sure what her next step would be, but one thing was clear: she couldn't afford to face this world alone.

As Kazuto led her out of the training room, Shira couldn't shake the feeling that her time to make a choice was running out. The shadows in this world were growing darker, and soon, she would have to decide where she stood