The schoolyard was packed with students.
Every third-year was gathered, a sea of heads filling the field. There were easily hundreds of them. With so many people, the noise naturally followed. The whole place buzzed with chatter.
Each student wore a mix of emotions on their face excitement, anxiety, anticipation.
Because what was about to happen would decide their future.
"Quiet!"
A sharp voice suddenly rang out, echoing in everyone's ears like it was spoken right beside them. It reverberated through their heads, making them momentarily dizzy.
The noise died instantly. Startled, the students turned to look at the platform.
A middle-aged man was already standing there, though no one had noticed when he appeared.
"Damn, the principal's Lion's Roar has gotten even stronger."
"I wonder if I'll pass the first round. If I do, I'm going for the martial artist route."
"If that's the case, you'd better try to resonate with Silver Fang or Atomic Samurai."
"Oh please. Don't try to bait me. S-Class heroes are way out of reach. I'm going for A-Class, one of Atomic Samurai's disciples…"
Ethan overheard the low murmurs of two students next to him.
The principal's voice rang out from the stage again.
"Students, today is the day of your college entrance exams. Whether you soar like a dragon or crawl like a worm, it all depends on your performance now. Faculty from top universities have already gathered inside the Heroic Sanctuary, including War God Academy. They've brought their elite admission slots with them. As long as you perform well, you have a shot at a prestigious school. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Hundreds of students shouted in unison, creating a powerful and passionate scene.
Many of them lit up with excitement at the mention of War God Academy.
After all, that was the best university in the nation.
"Good!"
The principal nodded with satisfaction, then pointed to the rows of buses waiting by the school gate.
"All students, follow your class advisors and board your assigned buses. We are heading to the Heroic Sanctuary!"
…
Every city had a branch of the One Punch Man forbidden zone.
Twenty minutes later, the buses stopped in front of a massive structure in the outskirts.
"Alright, we've arrived. Everyone, line up and follow me. Don't wander off," their homeroom teacher instructed.
Ethan Fang joined his classmates in neat rows as they got off the bus.
The parking lot was already filled with students and teachers from various schools. It was a lively scene.
Clearly, the entire city's third-year students had gathered here for the exam.
But Ethan Fang wasn't focused on the crowd. His attention was locked on the giant building in front of them.
It was around twenty meters tall, shaped like a massive pyramid. Each of its four sides had an entrance. The footprint of the building was enormous.
This was the Heroic Sanctuary.
Almost every student gazed at it with awe and longing.
Their homeroom teacher made sure no one was missing and then shouted, "Follow me! Stay in formation!"
They entered a large hall inside the pyramid. It was already full of students lining up.
In the center of the hall stood a glowing portal. One by one, students stepped forward under the guidance of teachers, walked into the light, and came back out minutes later.
Some emerged smiling those were the ones who had succeeded.
But most came out with disappointed faces. Failed.
…
"Purple light? That's an A-Class hero!"
"Someone actually bonded with an A-Class hero!"
Suddenly, a wave of surprise rippled through the hall. Even the teachers looked stirred.
Ethan Fang turned his eyes to the portal. Sure enough, it was now shining with a brilliant purple hue.
A cold and graceful girl stepped out of it.
Immediately, a group of teachers rushed over, surrounding her and bombarding her with questions.
So that's what A-Class resonance looked like.
If purple meant A-Class, then green probably meant B-Class. He'd also heard that S-Class resonance would trigger a red light.
But what color would appear for C-Class?
As he pondered this, he glanced around and saw many students staring enviously at the girl who had just walked out.
…
About half an hour passed.
Finally, it was Ethan Fang's class's turn.
In that time, several more purple lights had appeared more students from other schools had bonded with A-Class heroes.
None from their school.
The faculty were starting to feel the pressure.
"Don't be nervous, everyone. Just focus on your ideal hero. I believe in you. Vincent Tan, you're first."
Vincent Tan, the class president, had always been steady and responsible. The teacher clearly hoped he'd set a good example.
Vincent stepped forward and entered the light.
But hero resonance wasn't just about determination. Sometimes, it came down to luck.
Moments later, Vincent came out with a downcast face.
The portal gave no response.
He had failed.
The teacher's face darkened. His plan to rally morale had failed.
"Faye Zhao, you're next."
The bright and composed Faye Zhao stepped forward. But she too returned empty-handed.
Two back-to-back failures crushed the class's morale even further. The teacher was clearly disheartened.
"…Alright. Everyone, line up and go in one by one."
Student after student entered the portal. One after another, they failed.
Soon, it was Ethan Fang's turn.
…