Reiji stood in the middle of Endeavor's training facility, his breath steady as he focused on the flickering Hellfire dancing around his fingertips. His control had improved over the past week, but it still wasn't perfect.
Precision.
Efficiency.
No wasted movement.
That was what Endeavor drilled into him day after day.
But now, it was time to test how much he had truly learned.
Endeavor stood at the far side of the training hall, his arms crossed, eyes piercing through Reiji like fire itself.
"You've made progress," he admitted. "But progress means nothing without application."
Reiji cracked his neck. "Then let's stop talking and get to the part where I prove it."
Endeavor's eyes narrowed slightly at his arrogance, but he didn't reprimand him. Instead, he simply gestured to the side.
The massive reinforced doors slid open, revealing the next phase of training.
It wasn't a sparring match this time.
It was a battle simulation.
The Trial: Real Combat Simulation
The room ahead was a city replica, complete with artificial buildings and alleyways. But this wasn't just an environment for movement.
Because waiting inside were ten high-level training droids, each one capable of fighting at Pro Hero level.
"These droids are designed to simulate real villain combat," Endeavor explained. "If you truly want to be a hero, you'll need to prove you can handle them."
Reiji grinned. "Ten versus one? Sounds like a warm-up."
Endeavor didn't respond. He simply pressed a button.
The droids activated.
Their metallic eyes glowed red, locking onto Reiji. Their bodies were built for speed and durability, with reinforced armor and high-powered weaponry designed to mimic real Quirk-based attacks.
Then, in an instant—
They attacked.
The first droid lunged forward, its arm transforming into a massive steel blade as it slashed toward Reiji's chest.
Reiji vanished in a burst of Hellfire, reappearing behind it.
FWOOOM!
His foot ignited as he spun, landing a flaming roundhouse kick that sent the droid crashing into a nearby building.
But he had no time to celebrate.
Two more droids rushed him from both sides, one launching a high-voltage shockwave, the other firing compressed air bullets.
Reiji gritted his teeth, raising his hands.
Hellfire surged outward, forming a barrier of searing flames that absorbed the electricity and melted the air bullets before they could reach him.
But the droids didn't stop.
Two more came from above, dropping down at high speed, aiming to pin him.
Reiji didn't dodge this time.
Instead—
He smirked.
A chain of black-gold Hellfire erupted from his hand, wrapping around one droid's leg.
[Blazing Chain.]
With a single violent pull, he yanked the droid downward, using its weight to smash into the second one mid-air.
BOOM!
The impact shattered the concrete beneath them.
"Four down," he muttered. "Six to go."
Endeavor watched from the control room, arms crossed.
"He's using his flames more effectively now," a sidekick commented. "He's not just throwing fire around—he's thinking."
Endeavor nodded slightly, but his eyes remained locked on Reiji.
[His Hellfire… it's growing stronger.]
But something was off.
The way Reiji moved—the speed at which he was adapting—it was almost unnatural.
[Is it purely talent? Or is there something else?]
For now, Endeavor kept his thoughts to himself.
Back in the simulation, the final six droids had regrouped, switching tactics.
[They're getting smarter.]
Reiji exhaled slowly, letting his flames coil around his arms.
Then—
They all attacked at once.
One droid fired a stream of water at high pressure, while another sent out a freezing mist, trying to counter his flames.
At the same time, two others came in with bladed weapons, attempting to corner him in close combat.
Reiji smirked.
[Too predictable.]
Instead of retreating—he advanced.
He twisted his body, dodging the freezing mist, then threw a Hellfire-coated punch straight into the water blast.
BOOM!
The sudden temperature clash created a massive burst of steam, blocking visibility for a split second.
And that was all he needed.
He vanished.
One of the droids tried to track him through the smoke—
But then—
"GET OVER HERE!"
A blazing chain shot out from the mist, wrapping around the droid's neck.
Reiji yanked hard, dragging the droid straight into his flaming fist.
CRASH!
The impact shattered its core, shutting it down instantly.
The remaining droids tried to recalibrate, but by then, it was already over.
Reiji moved like a predator among prey.
His Hellfire warped between precision strikes and devastating blows, overwhelming them one by one.
And in less than a minute, the battlefield fell silent.
The droids lay in smoldering wrecks, flames flickering from their broken bodies.
Reiji exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders.
[Done.]
The control room was silent.
Then one of the sidekicks let out a low whistle.
"He actually wiped them all out…"
Another sidekick shook his head. "That's not normal for a student."
Even Endeavor remained quiet for a moment before finally speaking.
"Training's over for today."
His gaze remained on Reiji, his expression unreadable.
But inside, a thought lingered.
[He's not just strong. He's something else entirely.]
And that realization left a burning question in Endeavor's mind.
[What kind of hero will he become?]
That night, Reiji stood on the rooftop of his apartment, staring out over the city.
The wind was cool against his skin, but his body still radiated heat from the intense training.
He clenched his fists, letting small embers of Hellfire flicker in his palms.
[It's getting stronger.]
The system notification appeared in his mind.
[System Update: New Skill Unlocked]
[Skill: Infernal Overdrive (Temporary Power Boost)]
[Description: A short-term power surge that amplifies Hellfire abilities but burns stamina quickly.]
Reiji smirked.
[Good.]
Because soon enough…
He was going to need it.
End of Chapter 22.
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️