Chapter 19: Class K - The Unlikely Bonds

  The day started like any other at USCT school, but for Krishna and his classmates in Class K, it was an especially tense one. The school had a reputation for training the best of the best, and Class K was no exception. It was the class where the most promising students with powerful Catalysts were sorted, and today, the students were gearing up for a new round of training, testing, and perhaps even some life-changing challenges.

  As Krishna entered the room, he was greeted by the familiar faces of his classmates—Yelena, Aliyah, Renford, Malachi, Darius, and Raiden. Each of them had their own unique abilities, and Krishna couldn't help but feel the weight of their powers bearing down on him. It was a constant reminder of the one thing he lacked: a Catalyst.

  Yelena, with her fierce presence and unshakable confidence, was already preparing herself for the day's lessons. Aliyah, always the intellectual, had a notebook open, scribbling away furiously as she muttered calculations under her breath. Renford, on the other hand, was in the corner, furiously stretching and warming up his body, his fire-based abilities ready to burst at any moment.

  Darius and Raiden stood off to the side, exchanging words about the upcoming exercises. Raiden was the quiet type, but his storm-based powers could turn the room into a battlefield in an instant. Darius, though quieter than usual, exuded a sense of calm leadership, always ready to guide his classmates through their training. malachi was testing his lighting catalyst

  As they all took their seats, the door swung open, and their instructor for the day walked in.

  "Good morning, Class K," the instructor announced, a strict but knowledgeable look on his face. "Today, we'll be focusing on mastering the balance between offense and defense. It's not just about how powerful your Catalyst is, but how you use it effectively in combat scenarios. Everyone is going to get a chance to demonstrate their abilities and face off against one another."

  Krishna's heart skipped a beat. The idea of facing off against his classmates was terrifying, but he knew this was a necessary part of his training. There was no avoiding it.

  First, they were introduced to the new students who had joined their class for the day.

  "Kuri," the instructor said, pointing to a young man with an easy smile. "Water manipulation Catalyst. Kuri can control water in all its forms, shaping it into devastating attacks or using it to defend. He’s an adaptable fighter with the ability to control vast quantities of water."

  Krishna felt a sense of respect for Kuri. Water manipulation was versatile, capable of both defensive and offensive tactics. Kuri seemed like a valuable addition to the class, but Krishna couldn’t help but wonder if he would be able to keep up.

  "Houyan," the instructor continued, pointing to a stocky young man with a steely gaze. "Steel control Catalyst. He can manipulate and shape steel at will, turning it into weapons, barriers, or even offensive projectiles. He has incredible strength and durability, making him a formidable opponent."

  Houyan's presence seemed to fill the room. He had an air of quiet confidence, the kind that only someone with power could possess. Krishna couldn't help but feel a little intimidated.

  "Anna," the instructor went on, pointing to a fiery redhead with a dangerous gleam in her eye. "Lava Catalyst. Anna can control and manipulate lava, shaping it into blasts of fire or molten attacks that can devastate the terrain. She's not afraid to get up close and personal in a fight."

  Anna had a look in her eyes that said she was ready to scorch anyone who got in her way. Her Catalyst was powerful, but Krishna knew that such raw power could also come with a lack of control.

  "Mina," the instructor finished, turning to a young woman with a calm demeanor. "Wood Catalyst. Mina can control and manipulate plant life, using vines and roots to restrain, attack, or defend. She has an unusual connection to the environment, giving her a unique advantage in nature-based combat scenarios."

  Mina’s presence was almost ethereal. She wasn’t as outwardly powerful as some of the others, but there was a certain tranquility about her. She was deeply in tune with her surroundings, something Krishna found both fascinating and calming.

  The class began with a series of drills. The students were split into pairs, and each pair was tasked with demonstrating their skills. Krishna was paired with Yelena, a fighter who was known for her precise and calculated movements.

  Yelena’s Catalyst, Gravity, gave her the ability to manipulate gravitational forces around her. She could increase or decrease the gravity in a particular area, allowing her to either incapacitate her enemies or make herself nearly invincible. It was a terrifying ability, one that Krishna knew he could never match with just his wits alone.

  The battle began, and immediately Krishna could feel the pressure. Yelena was fast, moving with a fluid grace as she altered the gravity around her. Every time Krishna tried to move in for an attack, the gravity would shift, pulling him down or making it impossible to land a blow. Despite his speed and agility, he was no match for her control over the very force of nature itself.

  Krishna couldn’t rely on his physical strength or any overwhelming power. He was just a regular person in a room full of individuals who could manipulate the elements with ease. But he had something they didn’t—a mind that could think several steps ahead.

  He started to predict her movements, analyzing the patterns in the gravity shifts. Slowly, he began to find gaps in her defense. After a few more exchanges, Krishna managed to land a small strike, causing Yelena to stumble slightly. He could see the surprise in her eyes, and for a moment, Krishna felt a spark of hope.

  “Well done, Krishna,” Yelena said, nodding in approval. “You’re more than just your lack of Catalyst.”

  It was a small victory, but it felt monumental to Krishna. For the first time, he realized that he didn’t need a Catalyst to hold his own. It wasn’t about the power that one possessed—it was about how one used what they had. Strategy, adaptability, and wit could be just as powerful as any Catalyst.

  The lesson wasn’t just about fighting—it was about understanding the true meaning of power. Krishna realized that while he may not have a Catalyst of his own, he could still make an impact. His mind, his intellect, and his ability to adapt were just as valuable as any physical ability.

  As the class continued, Krishna couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. Despite his lack of a Catalyst, he was learning that he had something even more important: a unique perspective that could make him a hero in his own way.

  When the class ended, Darius pulled Krishna aside.

  “You did well today,” Darius said, a hint of pride in his voice. “I’ve seen a lot of potential in you. You might not have a Catalyst, but you’re using your mind in ways the others can’t.”

  Krishna smiled. It was the first time he had heard someone say that he could be a hero without needing to be superhuman. Maybe, just maybe, he could make a difference in a world full of Catalysts.

  As Krishna continued his thoughts, his mind was suddenly drawn back to the classroom as the instructor introduced more new faces to Class K. These were students who, despite not yet gaining as much fame or recognition as the likes of Kuri, Houyan, Anna, and the others, held their own with abilities that were just as dangerous and unique. They each added another layer of complexity to the mix, highlighting the sheer diversity of talents in Class K.

  The first new student to be introduced was a tall, silent figure whose presence seemed to make the air around him grow heavier. The instructor stepped forward, casting a brief, almost wary glance at the student before speaking.

  “This is Toki," he began. "His Catalyst is Shadow Manipulation. He can shape and control shadows in a variety of ways—turning them into weapons, teleporting through them, creating dark shadow clones, and even manipulating the very darkness around him to consume and destroy objects or living things."

  The room seemed to grow darker as Toki stepped forward. He wore a hood that obscured his face, but the shadows around him seemed to pulse with an eerie, almost sentient energy. Krishna could feel a chill running down his spine as he watched Toki’s power in action. With a simple wave of his hand, Toki summoned black smoke that swirled around his fingers like liquid darkness.

  The shadows coiled into deadly forms, as if alive, and then disappeared into thin air, only to reappear elsewhere, lashing out like whips of pure shadow. It was clear that Toki was a master of darkness itself—his abilities were deadly and versatile, with the power to suffocate his opponents or overwhelm them with sheer malice.

  “There’s no escaping my shadows,” Toki’s voice was low and quiet, almost drowned out by the growing pulse of dark smoke that surrounded him.

  Krishna’s heart raced. The thought of facing someone who could manipulate darkness itself was terrifying. Toki’s power was the perfect counter to any physical attack, and it seemed impossible to defend against unless you had the right skill set. It was the kind of ability that could leave you disoriented, trapped in a world of darkness where nothing was what it seemed. How could someone without a Catalyst even begin to defend against that kind of power?

  Next came Yuki, a quiet girl with pale skin and an almost ethereal aura. Her eyes were sharp, and she exuded a cold, calculating energy. She didn’t speak much, but her presence alone was enough to make everyone in the room aware of the lethal nature of her Catalyst.

  “This is Yuki,” the instructor introduced. “Her Catalyst is Poisonous Plant Manipulation. She can control a variety of toxic and deadly plants, manipulating them into weapons or traps that can poison, suffocate, or incapacitate her enemies. Her knowledge of flora and toxins makes her an expert in battlefield control and surprise attacks.”

  Yuki raised her hand, and from her fingers, vines began to sprout—twisting and curling into shapes that resembled serpents. The vines glistened with a subtle, unnatural sheen, and the air in the room seemed to grow thick with an oppressive, dangerous energy.

  The vines shifted, becoming sharp and thorned, dripping with a faint but unmistakable poison. Yuki’s control over these plants was precise—she made them grow and retract at will, shaping them into whips, traps, and lethal tendrils.

  “The plants don’t just entangle—they kill,” she said, her voice cold and emotionless. “One touch, and you’ll feel the toxins spread.”

  Krishna instinctively took a step back. The idea of being caught by one of those plants was a nightmare. Yuki’s ability didn’t just allow her to trap her enemies—she could kill with a single vine, and that made her incredibly dangerous. The room’s temperature seemed to drop slightly as Yuki exuded a quiet, unsettling calmness. There was no rush in her movements. She didn’t need to hurry—she was already in control.

  Then, there was Hajun, a student whose very presence seemed to shift the earth beneath his feet. His heavy footsteps reverberated through the room, and as he moved, the floor seemed to tremble, as if reacting to his power. Unlike some of the others, Hajun wasn’t interested in demonstrating his abilities for the crowd. He simply stood tall, an aura of quiet authority emanating from him.

  “This is Hajun,” the instructor continued. “His Catalyst is Earth Manipulation. He can manipulate the very ground beneath him—raising walls of stone, shaping the earth into weapons, or even causing the ground to tremble and crack. His powers are grounded in sheer force and control over the physical world.”

  With a simple motion, Hajun slammed his fist into the floor, and the ground seemed to respond immediately, cracking open and rising to form a series of jagged stone spikes. The air seemed to grow heavy with the force of his power. Hajun’s earth manipulation wasn’t about finesse or agility—it was about raw strength and overwhelming control.

  “Don’t try to outmatch the earth,” Hajun said with a smirk. “It has a way of breaking you.”

  Krishna couldn’t help but feel small in the face of Hajun’s power. Earth manipulation was one of the most fundamental and unyielding abilities—a force that couldn’t be easily countered. Hajun wasn’t concerned with speed or stealth; he simply crushed anything that stood in his way.

  With the introduction of these new classmates—Toki, Yuki, and Hajun—the dynamics in Class K grew even more complex. Krishna couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, as the overwhelming strength of his peers became more apparent with each new demonstration. Each of them had abilities that seemed insurmountable. Shadow manipulation, poisonous plants, and earth control—these were powers that could reshape the battlefield in ways Krishna couldn’t begin to imagine.

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  Yet, Krishna also realized something: even though their powers were overwhelming, each of these students had their own struggles and complexities. They were more than just their Catalysts.

  Toki, for instance, was a master of darkness, but there was a distinct loneliness in his eyes. He didn’t speak much, and when he did, his words were often cryptic. It was as if his power had isolated him from others, keeping him in a perpetual state of shadow. Krishna wondered whether Toki’s reliance on darkness was a way of hiding from the world, or perhaps even from himself. The shadows he manipulated weren’t just physical—they seemed to symbolize the parts of him he kept buried deep inside.

  Yuki’s quiet demeanor hinted at something darker. Her control over poisonous plants was a reflection of her cold and calculating nature, but there was something unsettling about her detachment. She didn’t show any emotion, and yet, Krishna could sense a quiet anger simmering just beneath the surface. Perhaps her Catalyst had shaped her into someone who saw others as tools to be manipulated or eliminated if necessary. It made Krishna wonder whether her power was a reflection of her inability to trust others—after all, what could be more isolating than controlling things that could poison and kill?

  Hajun, on the other hand, was a towering figure of strength. He had the power to command the earth itself, but there was something in his stoic expression that made Krishna wonder about the weight of his power. Earth manipulation was an unstoppable force, but at what cost? Was Hajun burdened by the constant pressure of being the strongest in the room? Or perhaps his stoic nature came from an internal struggle—he was a force of nature, but could he ever truly control the earth inside himself?

  Each of these students had their own burdens, and their powers weren’t just tools—they were reflections of the internal battles they fought every day.

  As Krishna looked around the room at his classmates—at the monsters they could become with a mere thought—he felt a strange sense of unity. They were all different, each carrying their own burdens, but they were bound together by the same goal: to become heroes. And for Krishna, that meant finding his place in a world full of those who could reshape the very fabric of reality.

  He might not have a Catalyst, but he had something they didn’t: the ability to observe, adapt, and learn. It was a slow and steady path, but Krishna was ready to walk it. His journey in Class K had only just begun.

  As if the intimidating presence of his classmates wasn’t enough, Krishna’s heart skipped a beat when the classroom door opened, and the man who entered was nothing short of a legend. The atmosphere in the room shifted as soon as he stepped inside. His mere presence seemed to command respect, and Krishna couldn’t help but feel a surge of anxiety. This man was no ordinary teacher—he was Chained Hero, the #5 ranked hero in all of America.

  Darius, who had been standing near the front, straightened up immediately and gestured for the class to quiet down. “Class, this is your new teacher—Chained Hero.”

  Krishna’s eyes widened as he studied the man. Chained Hero was imposing, tall and muscular, with dark, brooding eyes that seemed to pierce through you. He wore a tight, black suit that outlined his powerful frame, and the iconic chains that hung from his waist made a sharp clinking sound as he moved. His chains were not just accessories—they were weapons of destruction, made from a molten metal that glowed red-hot with a temperature of over 1500°C.

  The room fell into an eerie silence as Chained Hero took his place at the front. His gaze swept across the students, and it felt as if he could see right through them. He didn’t speak at first—he didn’t need to. His presence alone demanded attention.

  Krishna swallowed hard. He knew of Chained Hero—everyone did. Chained Hero was renowned for his unparalleled control over chains, his ability to manipulate molten chains capable of burning through nearly anything. But what truly set him apart from the other heroes was his ability to disable Catalysts. A power like that made him one of the most feared and respected heroes in the world.

  Chained Hero finally broke the silence, his voice low and commanding. “I’m not here to coddle you. I’m not here to be your friend. I’m here to make you into the best version of yourselves. If you think you’ll be coddled or given special treatment just because you're in Class K, you’re mistaken.”

  Krishna felt the weight of Chained Hero’s words sink in. There would be no shortcuts here. No special privileges. They would have to earn everything.

  Chained Hero stepped forward, his molten chains dragging behind him. With a simple gesture, they began to twist and coil in mid-air, each chain vibrating with raw energy. The heat in the room immediately increased, and Krishna could feel the sweat starting to bead on his forehead.

  “I’m sure you’ve all heard of my Catalyst,” Chained Hero said, his eyes scanning the students. “I can manipulate chains—chains that burn hotter than any fire you’ve ever felt. These chains are my lifeblood. I can use them for offense, defense, and most importantly, I can disable other Catalysts. When I bind someone with my chains, their powers are neutralized. They become helpless.”

  Krishna could hardly process the magnitude of Chained Hero’s words. To disable a Catalyst? That was a terrifying thought. The very core of a hero’s abilities could be stripped away in an instant by Chained Hero’s power. In a way, Chained Hero wasn’t just a hero—he was a living countermeasure to the very thing that made people powerful.

  Darius, standing next to Krishna, seemed equally tense. “Remember,” Darius muttered under his breath, “Chained Hero doesn’t just teach technique—he teaches discipline. His methods are harsh, but they make you stronger. You’ll understand soon enough.”

  Krishna’s mind raced. He had seen the heroes with their Catalysts—Kuri’s water manipulation, Houyan’s steel control, and the others. Each of them was a powerhouse in their own right. And now, here was a man who could take away that power with the flick of his wrist.

  What chance did someone like Krishna, who didn’t even have a Catalyst, stand against that?

  But Krishna couldn’t afford to doubt himself now. He had made a decision. He was going to rise above the circumstances, even if it meant facing his biggest fears head-on. He had no choice but to push forward, even in the face of a teacher who could reduce him to nothing with a single chain.

  Chained Hero continued, his chains now vibrating with a low hum that echoed throughout the room. “You think you’ll learn by just sitting in a classroom, listening to lectures? Think again. I’ll be putting you to the test right here, right now.”

  The room seemed to shrink as Chained Hero’s power surged, and the heat intensified. Krishna’s heart raced as Chained Hero began moving his chains with a speed that seemed almost impossible. They snapped through the air, leaving trails of molten fire in their wake.

  “I will test each of you individually,” Chained Hero said, his voice steady and unwavering. “I’ll test your abilities, your control, and most importantly, your will to fight. If you can’t handle it, you’ll be left behind.”

  Toki, Yuki, and Hajun exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Even they, with their immense powers, couldn’t hide their apprehension. But they knew this was part of the training. This was their reality now—this was Class K.

  Krishna stepped forward, trying to keep his composure. His body was tense, and he could feel the weight of Chained Hero’s gaze on him. He had no Catalyst to rely on, no raw power like the others. But he had something they didn’t: a determination that burned within him like a flame, refusing to be extinguished.

  Chained Hero’s eyes locked onto Krishna, and for a brief moment, there was a flash of something—curiosity, maybe even amusement. “You’re the one without a Catalyst, aren’t you?” Chained Hero said, his voice devoid of malice but full of interest.

  Krishna nodded, trying to hide his unease. “Yes, sir.”

  Chained Hero’s lips twitched into something resembling a smile, but it was gone in an instant. “I see. I’ll make sure you learn how to fight without relying on something you don’t have. Don’t think for a second that you’re at a disadvantage. Your greatest weapon might just be your mind.”

  Krishna was taken aback by the words. Chained Hero didn’t seem to view the lack of a Catalyst as a weakness—but as a challenge. And in that moment, Krishna felt a spark of something within himself—a flicker of hope.

  Chained Hero turned to the rest of the class. “Each of you will face a trial, and I’ll be watching. If you want to survive in this world, you need to learn how to be unpredictable. Power isn’t everything. I’ve seen countless heroes fall because they relied too heavily on their abilities and neglected their minds. We’ll fix that here.”

  With that, Chained Hero extended his hand, and the chains around him snapped into action, swirling and shifting like living creatures. He wasn’t just teaching them how to fight—he was teaching them how to think, to adapt, to overcome.

  Krishna’s resolve solidified. He didn’t have a Catalyst, but he had his mind. And with Chained Hero as his teacher, maybe that was all he needed.

  The rest of the class began their trials, one by one. Each student was put through a grueling test that challenged their abilities and forced them to think outside the box. Chained Hero wasn’t there to play favorites. He was there to make them stronger, to break them down and rebuild them from the ground up.

  Krishna watched his classmates as they faced Chained Hero’s trials, each of them struggling and adapting in their own ways. Kuri’s water manipulation, Yuki’s poison plants, and even Hajun’s earth control were pushed to their limits, but Chained Hero seemed unfazed. He was a master of his craft—his chains moved with precision and deadly accuracy, always in control.

  When it was Krishna’s turn, he stood before Chained Hero, his heart pounding. There was no going back now. He had to prove himself—not just to Chained Hero, but to himself.

  “Let’s see what you’re made of,” Chained Hero said, and with a flick of his wrist, the chains lunged forward.

  Krishna’s body tensed. He wasn’t ready for the chains, but he had to find a way to fight. His mind raced.

  As the rest of the class stood in their seats, feeling the intensity of Chained Hero's presence, the students noticed that Krishna remained standing. His body was stiff, but his posture was resolute, as though he were preparing himself for whatever challenge lay ahead. The heat from Chained Hero’s chains still radiated through the room, but Krishna didn’t flinch. He stood tall, silently awaiting his turn.

  Chained Hero’s gaze swept over the room, scanning the students with a careful eye. His chains moved like extensions of his own body, hovering in mid-air and swaying gently, the molten metal flickering as they glinted under the harsh lights. As his gaze finally landed on Krishna, there was a brief pause, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.

  Krishna could feel the shift in the air. It wasn’t just the heat from Chained Hero’s chains that suddenly felt more oppressive; it was the weight of Chained Hero’s stare. The room seemed to quiet as the teacher’s attention focused solely on him. Krishna’s stomach twisted, but he stood firm, refusing to back down.

  Chained Hero’s authoritative voice broke the silence, booming through the room like a command that couldn’t be ignored.

  “See this boy here?” he said, pointing directly at Krishna. “This is Krishna.”

  The students exchanged puzzled glances. There was a ripple of confusion as everyone wondered what Chained Hero was about to reveal. Why was Krishna being singled out? What was so special about him that he deserved Chained Hero's attention?

  Chained Hero’s voice grew even more commanding, his words dripping with authority. “He defeated Plague Doctor—the sword-wielding poison Catalyst and mass murderer—without a Catalyst.” His words landed in the room like a shockwave, leaving a stunned silence in their wake.

  Krishna’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the world around him seemed to blur. The mention of Plague Doctor, the notorious mass murderer, brought a flood of memories rushing back. He could see the twisted figure of the Plague Doctor in his mind's eye—the mask, the cloak, the sickly aura of death that surrounded him. The way Krishna had taken the fight to him, pushing past his own limitations, had felt like something out of a nightmare. But hearing it spoken aloud, in front of all these people, was an entirely different experience.

  The students looked at Krishna with new eyes, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. How could someone like him—someone without a Catalyst—defeat such a powerful and feared figure like Plague Doctor? It didn’t make sense.

  One student, a tall boy with short-cropped hair, raised his hand, breaking the silence. “Wait a minute... Krishna took down Plague Doctor? How? I mean, that guy’s a walking nightmare. He has all that poison manipulation, and he wields a sword like it’s an extension of his own body. You’re telling me this kid did it without a Catalyst?”

  Chained Hero nodded, his chains swaying as if responding to his movements. “Exactly. Krishna defeated Plague Doctor through sheer willpower, intelligence, and strategy. He didn’t rely on brute force or a Catalyst to win the fight. He used his mind—his ability to think on his feet and outsmart his opponent. It was the key to his victory.”

  The students were still processing this information, their minds reeling from the implications. No one here could deny the overwhelming power of Plague Doctor, and yet Krishna, the boy who didn’t have a Catalyst, had somehow come out on top. It was a feat so impressive that it defied the very nature of what they had been taught to believe.

  Krishna felt the weight of the students’ gazes upon him, their curiosity and awe making him uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to being the center of attention, especially in a room full of heroes-in-training. He had always been an outsider—someone who didn’t belong in a world of power and Catalysts. But now, with Chained Hero’s words hanging in the air, he felt exposed, as if the very core of his existence had been laid bare for all to see.

  Chained Hero turned to the rest of the class, his eyes scanning each of them one by one. “Krishna has shown that you don’t need a Catalyst to be a hero. It’s not about raw power. It’s about your mind, your heart, and your ability to adapt to any situation. Plague Doctor underestimated him, and that was his downfall.”

  Krishna’s mind raced, trying to process everything that was happening. He wasn’t sure if he felt pride or embarrassment. He had never wanted to be recognized for defeating Plague Doctor. He had done what needed to be done, and that was all. But now, standing here in front of these students, he realized that his actions had set him apart in ways he hadn’t expected.

  Chained Hero continued, his voice sharp and direct. “This is what separates the strong from the weak. Some of you will rely on your Catalysts to carry you through life. Others, like Krishna, will have to rely on their wits and determination. But let me be clear: both paths require strength. And the path you choose will determine whether you survive or fall.”

  Krishna felt a strange surge of determination. For the first time in a long while, he felt as though he had a place in this world. He wasn’t just the boy without a Catalyst anymore. He was Krishna—the one who had defied the odds and taken down a legend.

  As the room absorbed Chained Hero’s words, Krishna glanced around at his classmates. Some of them looked impressed, while others were still processing the revelation. Kuri, with her water manipulation, was watching him closely, her expression unreadable. Yuki, with her poisonous plants, was frowning as if deep in thought. Even Hajun, the quiet earth manipulator, seemed to be considering something.

  But one thing was certain—they all now knew Krishna’s true potential. They had witnessed his determination in action, and whether they liked it or not, that alone earned him their respect.

  Chained Hero finally turned back to the front, his chains retreating into his body with a fluid motion. “Let this be a lesson to all of you. The greatest weapon you can possess is your mind. You’ll all face opponents who are stronger, faster, and more powerful than you. But if you don’t learn how to think, how to adapt, how to make use of what you have, you’ll never stand a chance. Krishna has shown you that today.”

  Krishna didn’t know if Chained Hero was speaking to him, to the class, or to himself. But the words struck a chord deep within him. He had never considered himself a genius or someone with special abilities, but perhaps he didn’t need to. Maybe he was exactly where he was meant to be—surrounded by people who would push him to grow and learn, who would challenge him to become more than he ever thought possible.

  And with that realization, Krishna knew that his journey had only just begun.

  As the class session continued, Krishna couldn’t shake the feeling that things had changed. His classmates watched him differently now, some with respect, others with curiosity. The weight of being singled out by Chained Hero was heavy, but Krishna had no time to dwell on it. He had work to do, lessons to learn, and a long road ahead of him. The path of the Catalyst-less hero was just beginning to unfold, and Krishna was ready to walk it—one step at a time.