On the planet Zarion, a person's worth is measured by their rank and accomplishments. Both men and women are trained from a young age to become heroes who take on missions across other worlds. These missions can range from basic tasks to saving entire planets, depending on the difficulty and the rank of the assigned hero.
With every mission, you can improve your skills and, in turn, ascend in rank. It's not easy, but it's possible.
When young people reach the required age—sixteen—they are sent on their first mission that very same day. That is the case for Kairo, who has just turned sixteen… and can't help feeling nervous about receiving his Chronocore.
The Chronocore is a wristwatch-like device that tracks your progress in various abilities: strength, speed, intelligence… and most importantly, it determines your Rank.
Kairo stepped into the main hall of the Assignment Center. The room was filled with holographic screens displaying planetary maps and the statistics of other heroes. At the front, a stern-faced man with a piercing gaze awaited him behind a metallic desk.
"Kairo," the officer said without standing up. "Happy birthday. Today marks the beginning of your true test."
Kairo swallowed hard and approached. The man slid a small black case across the desk and opened it, revealing a gleaming device: the Chronocore.
"This will be your inseparable companion from now on," he explained. "It will measure your strength, speed, intelligence, and all your abilities. But most importantly, it will record your rank. From this day forward, your life will be defined by missions and achievements."
Kairo nodded, trying to hide his nervousness.
"On Zarion, a person's value lies in their rank and the missions they've completed. After each mission, you'll receive a detailed report. If you're successful, your Chronocore will reflect that progress."
"And what will my first mission be?" Kairo asked, a mix of anxiety and hope in his voice.
"That depends on your rank," the officer replied. "Put on the Chronocore, and we'll see your level."
Kairo took the device with trembling hands and fastened it to his wrist. The Chronocore emitted a soft blue glow as it scanned his data.
"Rank F," the officer announced, looking at the holographic screen that appeared before them. "It's the lowest rank there is, and very few have started with it. You could count them on one hand. But don't let that discourage you, Kairo. Today is still a big day for you, and with effort and long-term dedication, you can rise to a higher level."
A pop-up window appeared over Kairo's Chronocore, displaying his starting stats:
Rank: FHealth (HP): 100/100Energy (EP): 50/50Strength: 8Agility: 9Vitality: 8Intelligence: 10Defense: 7Speed: 9
The officer added:
"During your missions, you'll be able to consult your Chronocore at any time to check your health, energy, and other stats. It will be your most valuable tool to survive and grow stronger."
The officer paused and looked at Kairo with a mix of seriousness and expectation.
"As you know, Zarion is not only your home, but the cradle of heroes. Our civilization's survival depends on the strength and courage of its people. We live and fight to protect our world... and to make a living."
"The ranking system measures each hero's value and abilities. It goes from the lowest rank, F —which very few have ever had, like you now— to the highest: SSS. Currently, there are only seven heroes who hold that rank. They are the most powerful individuals in existence and the highest authority on our planet."
The officer pointed to a hologram that displayed the rank scale, complete with colors and symbols.
"Your goal now is to rise through that scale, improve your abilities, and forge your own path. It won't be easy, but effort and perseverance will be your greatest weapons."
"As for your first mission, it will be something appropriate for your F rank: reconnaissance and support tasks that will help you understand the world beyond Zarion and prepare you for greater challenges."
Kairo nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility but also the thrill of a new beginning.
"I'll do everything I can to rise in rank. I'm really excited to start—even if it's just a reconnaissance and support mission, I'm eager to begin," Kairo said.
Kairo followed the officer through corridors illuminated by soft blue lights until they reached a large hall where a massive glowing platform dominated the center. Around it, holograms displayed various planets and constantly updating data.
"This is the dispatch platform," the officer explained. "From here, heroes are teleported to their missions on other worlds. Today will be your first time."
A hologram projected a detailed image of the planet Virelia, filled with vast jungles and scattered cities.
"Your mission will take you to Virelia," the officer continued. "There, a dangerous creature has been reported by the locals. It's a towering bipedal being, approximately two meters tall, with long, thin legs, a hardened exoskeleton, and sharp claws at the end of its limbs. Its movements are fast and precise, and its head—small compared to the rest of its body—ends in a powerful jaw capable of tearing through flesh with ease. This creature is a mutation of a local species, but it has evolved into something extremely aggressive. It has killed several Virelians—the planet's inhabitants—as well as many animals. It kills for pleasure, and its very presence spreads fear and chaos."
"Your task will be to support Robert, a Rank D hero who is already on the planet gathering information about the damage caused and preparing a plan to locate the area where the creature resides. Your mission is to assist him with reconnaissance and, if necessary, in combat to eliminate the threat."
The officer pulled several items from a shelf and handed them to Kairo one by one.
"Here is your basic equipment," he said as he handed over a fitted, aerodynamic uniform made from a flexible and resistant fabric that seemed to merge advanced technology with comfort. The suit was a dark tone with electric blue details running along the seams, accentuating the wearer's silhouette. Light armor protected key areas like the shoulders, forearms, and legs without limiting mobility. On the chest, a small glowing emblem displayed the official symbol of Zarion's heroes.
"You'll also receive a communicator to stay in contact with Robert and with us here on Zarion. And of course, a special weapon," the officer added, pulling out a compact energy pistol with a sleek futuristic design, softly glowing blue.
"This pistol is Rank F, appropriate for your current level. We cannot issue you a more powerful weapon until your abilities improve. It's calibrated to minimize collateral damage but is still strong enough to incapacitate the creature without draining too much of your energy. Use it precisely—and only when necessary."
Kairo took the weapon carefully, feeling the weight of responsibility in his hands.
"Is there anything else I should know before I leave?" he asked, looking at the officer with determination.
"Trust in your training and in your Chronocore. Most of all, stay alert. This mission requires your full attention and caution. Follow Robert's instructions at all times—his experience will be essential to ensure the mission goes well. Now get ready. The platform is waiting."