The crowd of people talked among themselves. The idea that they would show off their ability made sense and was to be expected of the hero exam, so everyone was fine with it. However, this did not mean that they wouldn’t be nervous performing their ability on such a grand stage for other people to judge it.

“If you have a destructive ability, please shoot it at the walls of this room. This place was designed for this purpose, after all.”

“Okay… Then, the first on the list is listed as Lava Man.”

“Lava Man!”

“Look! It’s really him!”

A man dressed in orange and red walked onto the stage. He had some kind of metal glove contraption on his hands. He reached the center of the stage and faced the wall. After a few moments, his voice echoed throughout the room.

“Burst Lava Flame Flicker Flower Petal!”

Red hot lava shot out of his hands in a stream. While the amount was relatively small, it was genuine lava coming from his hands. Or, at least it appeared to be.

Jarret, after laughing at the ridiculous long name, realized why Lava Man was so highly regarded. Night Attack called out words of praise.

“Wow! That is an excellent ability. You have great potential!”

The three other judges continued to write without speaking. This continued for tens of other contestants as they went onto stage and used their ability. Somehow, Night Attack managed to offer genuine words of praise to even the least impressive abilities. Flash Snow, other than the occasional insulting of a participant’s ability, seemed disinterested. Storm wrote diligently but remained silent. Sting Ray wrote at a slow pace and remained silent. If he were not writing, people would have mistaken him for dead.

“… Then, the next up is Jarret Flemmingway.”

Jarret gulped. His anxiety had been growing with every name call. Once it was actually his turn, he barely managed to walk up to the stage. People down below heckled at the sight of a four-eyed wimp. Eventually, he managed to speak. He spoke toward the executive in a nervous voice.

“My ability is Super Deduction. I am able to calmly analyze my opponent’s weaknesses and form a strategy at a glance.”

The crowd below looked at each other in silence. They all erupted into laughter at the same time. Jarret looked toward the executive for his response. However, the voice that called out to him was the cold voice of Snow Flash. Her silver hair shifted as she spoke.

“Are you stupid? That’s not even an ability. Everyone can strategize- it’s part of the job!”

The crowd continued their laughter as the beautiful woman berated him publicly. Jarret’s gaze turned surprisingly firm. He could deal with the heckling- they were nothing but small fry who mistakenly think themselves strong. However, he could not forgive what she said. These words, to Jarret, were the worst possible insult. He had dreamed of becoming a hero ever since he was a child… There was no way he would be stopped here!

“You’re wrong, Snow Flash.”

“Oh?”

Snow Flash leaned forward to listen.

“You question if my ability is useful. Well, why don’t I pitch a scenario to you, Snow Flash? Let’s say, just for argument’s sake, that we were enemies. In this instance, I am on a team with two other C rank heroes. With our strength eclipsed, what hopes do we have of beating you?”

Snow flash snickered with a taunting face.

“That’s a good question. What would you do?”

“Well, the three of us are weak. So we would lose to your overwhelming advantage of being strong, right?”

“Correct.”

“Then, I would simply attack your glaring weakness, right?”

Snow flash dropped her smile as soon as Jarret said these words. For the first time since entering the stage, he smiled as he pushed his glasses with his finger.

“Snow Flash. A rank hero that has risen through the ranks and continues to do so at an astonishing speed. You are a favorite of the Association as a possible future S class hero. All of your recorded fights have ended within a minute of fighting. This is common knowledge to the public, as you have many fan clubs. However…”

Jarret looked at the silent Snow Flash before finishing his sentence.

“While some might think that you finishing your fights in a minute is a feat of strength, it reflects a possible weakness. That weakness being your stamina.”

Snow Flash smiled slightly upon hearing these words.

“I would direct my teammates in a pattern in which they would easily avoid your ice attacks while focusing their full attention on defense. After you start to fatigue, I would arrange a combined attack on your exhausted self.”

Snow Flash exploded into a laugh. The crowd of people had surprised looks on their faces. She crossed her legs before responding.

“You believe that because you can formulate a strategy you are worthy of being a hero? Fine. You could potentially be a strategist for low ranking heroes, and I will grade you as such.”

The crowd remained silent at the appraisal. The judges finished their writing as Jarret left the stage. He was not sure if he would pass or not, but despite this, his mind was focused elsewhere.

‘I can’t believe I just mouthed off to Snow Flash! Ahhh! The way I spoke even surprised myself!’ Reality was falling on Jarret that he had spoken to an A rank hero. While he wanted to be a hero, he was a fan at heart. The names kept being called as people walked on and off the stage. As they were nearing the end, the executive called out another name.

“Hypno Girl. Will the person listed as Hypno Girl please come onto stage?”

On the stage walked a busty girl with a purple leather outfit. Underneath her leather straps and belt was a black and purple skin suit. The guys in the crowd, who were dressed in equally or exceedingly extravagant outfits, went wild.

“Oh man! Look at her!”

“That’s Hypno Girl, idiot. Don’t look too long! Apparently, while she was killing a monster last week, a thug checked her out. She ended up sending him to the hospital on life support!”

“Sheesh!”

The previously excited and bright-eyed crowd turned into a frightened and seemingly disinterested group. Seemingly. Jarret had finally stopped thinking about his display and payed attention to the famous participant.

“For my display, I need someone to use my ability on.”

“Understood.”

The executive clapped his hands and another man in a black suit ran onto the stage from the corner of the room. ‘Had these guys always been there?’ thought Jarret.

“Then, I will begin.”

Hypno Girl locked eyes with the man as her body glowed purple. After a couple moments, the man fell onto the ground fast asleep. His snoring signified it being a deep sleep.

“It should be noted that I can use Hypnosis on monsters as well.”

The four judges wrote onto their paper. The crowd of people were impressed by the strength of her ability, but were still more focused on her appealing appearance. She walked off of the stage and back into the crowd.

“Then, the next person on the list is Forrest.”