Chapter 192 Superhero License Exam— Commencement

The competitive air lingered around the stadium where the Superhero License Exams would be held. Superheroes of all ages and sizes were there, doing all they could to focus and get rid of the unnecessary baggage of nervousness they had within. Each individual had their own way of coming to terms with their anxiousness. One of them banged his head against the wall, another muttered a soft prayer while holding beads in his hands, and there were others who started writing the character for man in Japanese. As minutes passed, the air became heavier, more intense. There was even a hint of bloodthirst in the air, coming out of individuals who are in it to rise to the top no matter what.

"Wow, talk about intense," Midori said to himself, swiveling his head around, taking in the scenery in front of him. Compared to the Inter-High Tournament, the Superhero License Exam had an even more competitive vibe. He felt himself choking up.

"Of course, we're not the only ones trying to become superheroes here. There are more individuals here who've taken this test multiple times now, and I won't blame them if they get desperate during the exams." Hiroshi pursed his lips, he also couldn't get used to the thick air around him. "That said, I don't see the rest of our classmates here, are they going to apply for a license? Now's a good time."

No.

"This is the first Superhero License Exam, right? Then now's probably the worst time." Satoshi responded. He could still remember every replay of the Superhero License Exam he watched in the past. And back then, the first exam is always the most competitive since everyone is fighting for that license.

There are a couple of reasons why the first exam was always saturated with participants. Some probably did it out of desperation, since they've already failed a couple of times in the past years. Some are probably trying to find a better job since they are in dire need of money. And some probably wanted to make a name for themselves since the people who passed the first exam tend to be more popular.

"That's right. We may not have a television at home but I've done my research." Midori answered, agreeing with Satoshi's statement. "The first Superhero License Exam is always the most saturated. Only the best of the best pass it and depending on the Exam, there may even be limited spots for the exam itself."

Superhero License Exam usually consists of two rounds. One is a free-for-all fight where either the last number of people are left standing, or there are limited spots and a number of people need to pass it. Either way, the numbers are usually fixed— one hundred to two hundred participants depending on the exam. Throughout the years, a lot of guides have been released for the Superhero License Exam, but none had predicted what the next exam will be, not even once. That's how random the exams were. It seems like the head of the SAO just doesn't run out of ideas when it comes to testing soon-to-be superheroes.

"Oh, you're here." A guy's voice called out to them from behind.

It was none other than Oversight of the Flowing Wave Academy (also the son of Gerik Axor, or Splatoon, ranked seven in SAO rankings). Beside him stood Saturn, the one who gave Satoshi a hard time back at the Inter-High Tournament finals. He was one of the most powerful high schoolers who got an augment-type superpower and he was even the leader of the representatives of the Flowing Wave Academy back then.

"Oversight and um, Saturn, right? I'm sorry I don't know your names and all." Satoshi scratched his head. "You're Pietro though, right? I heard from your dad." Satoshi pointed at Oversight.

It was true, they only ever announced their superhero made-up names during the Inter-High Tournament.

"I'm Taniguchi Kyou, nice to meet you again, Satoshi." Saturn extended his hand as Satoshi obliged to shake it. "I look forward to seeing you again in action."

"Did you hear what Plunder told us earlier? Yeah, I'm pretty hyped up as well." Oversight said. Of course, everyone knew that Satoshi was Plunder's son.

In fact, everyone was actually giving him the stares now. This was one of the drawbacks of becoming famous before one gets his superhero license. Not only is everyone observing you, but they're also targeting you.

Colors drained from Satoshi's face as he realized what was going on. Right now, he knew that he'd be put in the spotlight as soon as the Superhero License Exam commences.

"I see, everyone's early as usual," A voice reverberated in the halls as a towering figure appeared, approaching the group. He didn't wear any microphone, but his voice sure was loud.

The first thing everyone noticed was how bald the person was. But despite the baldness, he didn't seem that lame at all. His hairless head actually added to his dignified persona, not to mention the eye patch he wore on his left eye.

"The name's Fury, and I'll be your supervisor for this year's Superhero License Exam." He walked towards the center of the group before he continued speaking. "You're all probably aware of the dungeon that recently spawned in the Sea of Japan, right? That's just one of the reasons why we need superheroes— to take care of otherworldly threats and at the same time, uphold peace in the streets. Right now, you all are here to get your license, which will enable you to become a full-fledged superhero. But that's just the start of the journey."

"I'm not going to give you more words of encouragement here, the top hero already gave that a moment ago. Instead, let me remind you one thing... let this be a learning experience for all of you, whether you pass or fail, you only have yourself to blame," Fury turned around as the doors leading deeper into the stadium opened.

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