Battle Of Gods

Chapter 29 : We are heroes!!!

The streets of Bellostria were quieter than usual, a somber stillness blanketing the nation. The death of Falcon, coupled with the revelations about Carson Ingram, had left a deep scar on the collective psyche of its citizens. Trust in leadership and institutions had been shaken to the core. People now double-checked their doors at night, and parents held their children a little closer.

While the GHA and the police worked tirelessly to rebuild confidence, the fear was palpable. Gradually, news trickled in about the Ashes gang's complete dismantling. With its leader gone and its network obliterated, the threat had been neutralized, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the lingering darkness.

Meanwhile, Leonard and Allen had made up their minds. The events of the past weeks had solidified their resolve to join the GHA and serve their country. The decision brought them to the formidable headquarters of the Global Hero Association, an imposing structure that stood as a symbol of hope and resilience.

"This is it," Allen said, staring up at the building with a mix of awe and nervous energy. "Finally, our turn to become heroes."

Leonard smiled. "It's not going to be a walk in the park, you know. There are physical tests, endurance challenges, and a written exam."

Allen groaned audibly, throwing his hands up in mock despair. "A written exam? Come on, Leo! We have powers. Why do we need to know the square root of anything?"

Leonard chuckled. "Because being a hero is about more than just strength. It's about strategy, decision-making, and knowing when to act. You'll thank me later."

The recruitment process took place every May, and the GHA headquarters buzzed with energy as aspiring heroes gathered to prove their mettle. The first day began with the basic endurance tests. Participants were required to run an obstacle course, scale walls, and complete a timed sprint—all under conditions designed to simulate real-world crises. Leonard and Allen breezed through these initial challenges, their powers making the tasks seem almost trivial.

"Too easy," Allen said, leaning against a wall as they waited for the next phase. "I could do this in my sleep."

Leonard raised an eyebrow. "Don't get cocky. We're still in the basic rounds. It only gets harder from here."

As the tests progressed, the tasks grew increasingly demanding. By the time they reached the B-class tests, participants were expected to display not just physical prowess but also tactical awareness. One test required navigating a simulated collapsing building to rescue dummies representing civilians. Another involved defusing mock explosive devices while under time pressure.

The boys passed each challenge with determination and skill, earning nods of approval from the GHA evaluators. By the end of the day, they were among the few who had advanced to the coveted A-class trials.

The A-class test was unlike anything they had faced before. The participants were led into a massive training chamber outfitted with advanced technology. The challenge was simple in concept but brutal in execution: a series of endurance tasks—running, lifting, and climbing—had to be completed while the gravity levels increased every five minutes.

"Gravity test?" Allen muttered as they entered the chamber. "I don't like the sound of that."

Leonard patted his friend on the shoulder. "Just keep moving. Don't think about it."

The test began with a brisk run across a track lined with hurdles. At first, the gravity increase was barely noticeable, but as the minutes passed, it became a relentless weight pressing down on them. Each jump felt like lifting an anchor, and every step required twice the effort.

Next came the weightlifting section, where they had to hoist progressively heavier bars over their heads. By the fourth round, some participants began dropping out, their legs buckling under the strain. Leonard and Allen gritted their teeth, their powers giving them an edge but not making them invincible.