A Hero's Tale

Chapter Six: The First Exam

Shane spent the rest of the week before the exams as Robyn had suggested. He began to test out the limits of his Trait, and perhaps start to extend those limits. The training worked, albeit in a small manner, as the length of time he was able to copy any trait increased by around ten seconds. That wasn't a lot, but to Shane it was better than nothing.

He also found that in addition to the length of time he could keep a Trait, the more he used a Trait, the stronger he became with using it. With Blake's Trait, he had increased the overall voltage he was able to emit to the point of being able to create small bolts of lighting around his arms and upper body. When he used Robyn's trait, he was both able to lift more, and he suffered less backlash from using her Trait as his body adjusted to the strenuous practice. And if Shane used Sarah's trait, he was now able to fully harden the exterior of both his arms and his legs.

I still don't know what I'm gonna do if I can't manage to copy someone, though, he thought as he stared up at the main gates of the Hero's University. The day of the Entrance Examinations had arrived, and everyone began to gather outside of the gates in anticipation. Reporters flocked to the front and were around scattered here and there, and bystanders were all trying to get a good spot to see the Entrants walking inside. Shane sighed before he shook his head. No point in worrying about it. You're here now. Let's do this! Shane thought with a confident grin as he held up a fist. He started to walk towards where Entrants were supposed to sign in, but he bumped into someone as he went, and the force from the other person knocked Shane to the ground.

"Hey, watch it!" he heard the person say. He looked up to find the boy he recognized as Sam Willows brushing off his outfit.

"Um, sorry," Shane said, unsure of how to respond.

"You better be. My name's Sam, but soon you'll know me better as the big time hero Ace. People better watch where they walk around me. I'm gonna be the top dog of this school, so you'd best know your place." With his piece said, Sam turned and walked to the sign in area. Shane sighed as he shook his head.

I don't even see what his problem was, I' m the one that got knocked over.

"Need a hand?" Shane looked up to find a boy in a large Stetson hat with his hand held out in an offer of help. He accepted it, and after he bounced up he brushed himself off.

"Thanks for that," Shane said. The boy shrugged.

"Not a big deal, mate, just helping a friend. Name's Wayne, Wayne Harris," Wayne said and put out his hand. Shane shook it with a nod.

"Shane Scott." He turned back to the sign in area. "You here for the Entrance Exams?" Shane asked. Wayne chuckled.

"You know it, buddy. Though I hope I don't come off as pompous as that guy," he said as he gestured to Sam, who was making a big show of entering into the University.

"I know what you mean. I'm just here to be a hero, not some sort of star," Shane said. Wayne nodded.

"Well, shall we get going, or were you waiting for someone?" he asked. Shane shook his head.

"No, just working up the courage to actually go through with this. I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to get through these exams," he admitted. Wanye chuckled and clapped Shane on the back.

"That right there, my friend, is why you are able to do this. Humility is one trait every hero should have, lest they end up with a big head and a bigger ego. I'm sure we'll both do fine. Come on, let's go," Wayne said. Shane hesitantly nodded, and the two walked up to the desk out front.

"Here to sign in?" the guy behind the desk asked. Both Shane and Wayne nodded. "Alright then, I just need your names.

"Wayne Harris," Wayne said. The man nodded and typed in Wayne's name, then nodded again. Then he turned to Shane.