I WAS The Rank–1 Hero

After spending 10 years with Karton, I got to know that this world has more to offer than it already did.

Till now, humanity thinks that an individual can only utilize one Elemental by birth, but in reality, it's not the truth.

Because Elemental Limitation is not a rule, it's a habit.

Humanity believed that at birth, a human's nervous system forms a primary sync pathway that naturally aligns with only one Elemental frequency.

And this one path becomes dominant. Just like how we humans form dominant hand use or language preferences.

If you ask me, I can state that it's all because of psychology.

Once a child starts showing results with one Elementa, social and institutional forces them to focus only on that one, creating a feedback loop, the more they use that Elemental, the more the brain 'rejects' the others as unnecessary.

"Hello, my dear students." Standing on the ship's front deck podium, Prof. Monica addressed the students.

Her eyes still look dead from all the overwork.

"I hope you enjoyed your breakfast, since it will be the last decent meal you'll get for a while. At least, if you have experience."

Upon hearing this, several students reacted, a few with excitement and puzzlement, while many simply stared blankly at her, taking note of each of her words.

Looking around, I saw 50 groups in total, evenly split with 4 team members each.

I was with my group.

All of them wore the same uniforms.

A matte black polished suite. From my shoulders to my feet, I was covered in gear and tech, which was new even to me.

A black glove with a tiny communicator attached, a boot that can be worn on any harsh roads, and a dimension pocket on the black matte jeans.

Girls were the same, but in place of jeans, they had skirts. And their armour was built to cover the whole portion of their front, starting from their shoulder down to their waist, leaving their legs down to their knees completely exposed.

I don't know what type of genius designed these, but… weren't girls too needed to protect their legs?

I mean, just look at them—how the hell would they defend if any attack suddenly landed below their knees?

"Hey, Anna," I poked Anna, who was standing to my right.

"What?"

"Don't you think you guys need full body armor too?"

To my comment, she looked down at her knees.

"I don't think so." She said, jumping on her spot to show off, "These are super comfy, and also it's easier to move around with."

If that's what she said, then it must be fine. Who am I to worry?

"What you were given was testing equipment developed by Start Inc." Prof. Monica pulled out a double-edged sword. It was the same type we all were given.

The Water Elemental was dense at the core of that blade.

Everyone's gaze landed on her hand.

"Till now, the biggest drawback humanity had was the suppression of their elementals while travelling to another kingdom. But starting today…"

Focusing her Essence on the blade, she concentrated a tiny amount of Essence.

The edge of the blade pulsed with faint blue light, and a thin layer of water accumulated at the tip of the blade. Pointing it upward, she blasted up into the sky.

'I was right.'

"Wha—!"

"That's a water elemental?! But isn't she a Wind Elemental?"

"That's insane!"

"Settle down, children," Prof. Monica continued. "What you witnessed just now was the revolution, which will change the world and the power balance starting today. And you were the first to try these things out. Your weapons and the suit were developed by the same technology."

Everyone, including Anna, Rika, and Emily, took their weapon out and admired it with utmost interest in their eyes.

"Sure enough, it would be unfair to train in an environment that was rich in Water Elemental for those who were dominant in other Elementals. However, this technology will enable you to compete on an equal basis."

Silence.

Her eyes traced each of us.

"Any questions?" She asked.

Emily raised her hand. "Professor Monica, do we have to fight each other, or—"

"About that," Professor Monica interrupted, "each team of 4 members will have to face numerous challenges on the island we are about to land, your main task will be hunting for the monster's core."

"Monster core? What's that?" Someone asked.

I have the same question.

It was my first time hearing this term.

Prof. Monica answered.

"A biologically engineered monster, from shade-1, deep black, to shade-9, glowing white. The lighter the shade, the rarer and more dangerous the beast, and the more points it's worth."

So, we have to hunt those artificially crafted monsters and collect the core, and whichever team gets more points will be the winner.

I understood most of it. If I remember, I had done the same type of training when I was in the Hero Association, but they used real monsters there.

"There were only three shade-9 beasts, but fear not…"

Tapping on her wristband, she projected a holographic 3D image of an island with several red dots on it.

"We have more than fifty trained three-digit heroes assigned all over the island, so if by any chance you find yourself in a tough spot, they will come running."

Of course, Nova needs to maintain their safety.

With the explanation coming to an end, all of the students were dismissed.

There were still about 20 more minutes until we reached our destination, so after that, I parted ways with the three girls and made my way towards the lounge at the top of the cruise.

'I am craving something sweet.' Sera spoke in my mind.

"Sure, sure…" I sighed, "I, too, need something to eat before I reach the island."

Who knows if I'll eat delicious food anytime soon?

"Mue wants some honey pie!" She raised her voice a little too loudly.

It attracted the attention of passersby.

"What was that sound?"

"It sounds like a kid's voice…"

"It came from that guy." Someone from the group pointed in my direction.

I halted abruptly and, trying to act cool, began playing with my wristband.

"My damn sister, she always changes my ringtone!" I muttered and walked past.

'Sera, keep her control!' I scolded.

'Y-Yeah, sorry, I got a bit distracted.'

"~Mue apologized," whispered Mue.

I still pity myself that I have to spend the rest of my time with the two of them.