Chapter 1: The World of Indomitable

"The Citadel. A central hub, located in the middle of a sprawling metropolis. It's wide enough to be its own city, pierces high above the clouds, and is outfitted with the latest technology. It is, for all intents and purposes, an impenetrable fortress. Erected after the first major battle between supers. Two opposing ideologies: heroes and villains."

The book snapped shut with a sharp crack. The lecturer paced the stage. His boots, cleaned and polished, thudded heavily against the linoleum. "This is where it begins. Your journey. Not with a step, not with a fall. But with a dive. Deep into the maws of justice—wrangling with its tongue, and chewed up by its teeth."

He stopped in his tracks. Center stage, exactly where everyone could see and hear him clearly. He turned towards the students, and with an expression that only the strong-willed could bear, said, "You are heroes. Paragons of righteousness, paladins of might. Act like it."

DING

The students packed up their bags at the signal. Cheery murmurings filled the hall where silence hung. They left in groups, arm-in-arm alongside friends and future colleagues.

But one stayed behind and marched right up to the podium.

"Jackson Leburr Jr. Son of Steel Wall, Jackson Leburr Sr." The young man held out a large, calloused hand towards his teacher. "It's an honor, Commander Valiant."

The teacher only glanced over, but the impression was clear—thick neck, broad shoulders, hard muscle—the kid was built like a brick house. A strength-type. Built to take hits and dole out even more.

"No need to be so formal with me, Leburr. Retired heroes don't use their personas anymore." He eyed the outstretched hand for a moment before shaking it, unable to resist years of muscle memory. "Call me Quinn."

Jackson's grip was tight, and it would've been uncomfortable if it were someone other than Quinn.

"I remember watching your fight with Dismal. It's one of my inspirations, especially where the building collapses on top of you."

That point was when Quinn let go. "Twenty-eight civilians died in there."

Jackson only took Quinn's deadpan tone like it was just a humblebrag. "And you saved thousands. People call it the Rescue of Hearthsmouth."

Quinn's breath was heavy, a long exhale through his nose. "What do you want Leburr?"

Jackson hardened. This was the specific question he prepared for. Hours spent in his mind rehearsing. He knew his exact answer. "Calamity Ranch. I'm looking to intern there. Like the top heroes. Like my father, Steel Wall. Like you, Commander Valiant."

Quinn's eyebrow raised. "Calamity Ranch?" he asked. He definitely heard that correctly, but the way Jackson spoke about it made him doubt his sharp senses for a moment.

The silence stretched longer than it had to, but it only cemented Quinn's thoughts.

"Go ahead." Quinn shrugged. He pulled out a token from his briefcase, the emblem he wore when he was still active. "Take this and stop asking questions."

Jackson's brow furrowed as he held the token in his hand. Not much was known about Calamity Ranch. His father spoke nothing about his time there, so he expected it to be exclusive, secretive. But he wasn't one to pass up an opportunity like this.

He straightened up, clicked his heels, and saluted. "Thank you, Commander!" And as quick as that, he turned to exit the hall, without giving Quinn a chance to respond.

"Jesus, these kids..." Quinn shook his head and packed up his briefcase.