The Twelve Heroes sat around a long white table with the golden words “Ultimate League” emblazoned on it. This meeting room was at the top of a skyscraper and had large windows on both sides from which one could see the entire city stretched out below.

At the head of the table sat One, a middle-aged hero with a beard and enormous muscles. Along the sides of the table, the other eleven heroes sat quietly in white uniforms. At the end of the room, in the shadow, Thirteen leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

“You may have guessed the reason for this meeting,” One said, “Due to recent events, a new twelfth hero had to be recruited and we believe we’ve found a promising candidate. Candidate for Twelve, please introduce yourself.”

A young man with white streaks in his hair stood up, “My hero name is Hoarfrost. I hope I can serve as the new Twelve.” He hesitated for a second, then he closed his mouth and sat back down.

“Does anyone have any objections to the nominee?” One said.

Three, a short-haired woman with a masquerade mask, raised her hand, “Even if he has more than enough power to qualify, based on his record, he still seems a bit inexperienced to become one of the twelve top heroes of the world. Would it not be better to put him through some training before rushing him into the trial to become a full League member?”

One looked at Hoarfrost, “What do you say to that?”

“I know the power I’ve been given is incredible,” Hoarfrost said, “That’s why I want to get started for real as soon as possible and not let my power go to waste. I don’t want to leave Twelve’s role empty for even a second if it means people are going to suffer for it.”

Three nodded, “Even though it may not be the most logical course of action, I won’t pretend I don’t understand how you feel. Your reason is sufficient for me.”

Hoarfrost looked relieved.

“Anyone else?” One said.

No one said anything. One looked at Thirteen in the back and raised his eyebrow.

“He seems fine to me,” The man in the back said.

“If that is the case, then the trial mission can begin shortly. We have one prepared already,” One said, still looking at Thirteen.

“If I may, what’s the trial mission?” Hoarfrost asked, looking between One and Thirteen.

“You are to carry out an S+ ranked mission. Your performance will be evaluated to see if you are fit to be a League member.”

Hoarfrost gaped, “Sir… an S+ ranked mission you said? Isn’t that the most difficult category, where even the most experienced of the Twelve would have difficulty?”

“Not just difficulty, but most likely death. S+ ranked missions normally call for as many of the Twelve as possible to take on at once.” One corrected.

“Then… how…” Hoarfrost stammered.

“You’re going with Thirteen,” One said, “That’s all there is to it.”

Hoarfrost looked at Thirteen in the shadows, who still looked nonplussed, “Him? But… isn’t he not really part of the Twelve? Wouldn’t it be better if you came with me, One?”

The heroes stirred in their seats.

One held up a hand to quiet them, “Calm down you all. Hoarfrost’s attitude is only natural, in fact, it is even tame, as you all very well know the rumors about Thirteen are extremely negative.”

One looked at the shocked young man and said calmly.

“The truth is that Thirteen is not an unhinged mass murderer nor are his powers fake in the slightest. Thirteen is the only surviving member of the original League, and though we might not all agree with his method of heroism, we all respect his power and judgment. His trial and evaluation is by far the most effective means of sifting out the worthy from the weak.”

Hoarfrost looked at Thirteen with wide eyes. There was still ample distrust in his gaze. Thirteen’s face remained expressionless.

“Are you saying he’s stronger than you are, One?” Hoarfrost asked.

“If you’re asking who would kill the other, then he’s stronger than all of us combined,” One said.