Air Hero

Real strength

Entering the fancy restaurant that he never visited before, Max feels out of the place where everyone is wearing a suit and dress while he is still in his casual jacket outfit. A waiter finally approached him as he looked confused and unsure of what to do.

“Good evening sir, how can I help you?”

“Ah, I’m looking for my big sister. She said that she had booked a table in this place.”

“What is her name? Let me check in the guest list.”

“Kalina.”

“Okay, give me a minute.”

Not long after, the waiter comes and leads Max inside. Kalina has actually waiting for Max at the table as she waved her hand to greet him. Max sits at the table, and he immediately chatted with Kalina.

“Big sis, this place looks very expensive.”

“It’s okay. Let’s call this as an early celebratory for you passing the hero license test too.”

“Isn’t that counting the chicken before it hatches?”

“Don’t mind the small details. Anyway, I’ve already ordered the food. You just need to enjoy it.”

“So, tell me, big sis. You aren’t calling me here out tonight just for this, right?”

“What do you mean? I don’t have any other motive.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. By the way, do you still remember Yuna?”

“Yuna? Of course, I still remember her. What is it?”

“She recently has been promoted to C-rank.”

“Well, isn’t it normal? Her ability was already of that C-rank three years ago, right?”

“Then it means that her actual rank should be B-rank at least.”

Finally, Max realized on what Kalina wanted to say.

“Don’t worry, big sis. I won’t lose out to her. After all, you know my ability, right?”

“Mhm. I also have a confession that I need to tell you.”

“What is it, big sis?”

“Promise me first that you won’t get angry with me.”

Max is confused as to why she is doing this. As far as Max knows, she has never done anything that is harmful to him.

“I promise you.”

“Okay, so here’s the thing. Actually, I need to confess that I am tricking you on your test result.”

“What do you mean, big sis?”

“The testing machine that we used on the beautiful gym has been slightly tampered with. The result that you see is lower than your actual rank.”

“Wait, do you mean that I might be stronger than the result of our test yesterday?”

“That’s exactly the case. You won’t be angry at me, right?”

“Of course not. Why would I be angry because of that?”

“Another thing, at the examination test tomorrow, I hope that you held back.”

“Why do I need to hold back?”

“Well, if you are not holding back, you will cause an uproar tomorrow.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Max couldn’t quite understand about what Kalina is pointing to with her words.

“Max, the result of your examination tomorrow will put you on C-rank at least if you didn’t hold back. However, the association asked me personally to tell you that you need to get a D-rank result.”

“Eh, is there a special reason?”

“If people found out that a boy out of nowhere succeed in getting a C-rank on his first examination test, not to mention he isn’t from the United Heroes school, they are afraid that the people trust in the association will reduce.”

Max couldn’t understand it entirely, but it must have something to do with politics. Big sis, Kalina is doing this since she is feeling bad for him. He wanted to get a good result, but he couldn’t fully show his ability.

“Alright, I’ll hold back on the test tomorrow. I think that’s not a big deal.”

“But Max, you realize if you’re 18 years old  D-rank and 18 years old C-rank, the difference is big, right?”

“Isn’t it only involving popularity? I mean, I can increase my rank slowly later without any problem.”

“Are you really sure about it? and you’re not angry at me?”

“Well, if you’re doing this, you must have a reason for it. Anyway, can I know what’s the real result of my test yesterday?”

Kalina then curled her hand together into a half circle and then crossed her finger. Max is a bit surprised since it is clearly different. He thinks that his result as a D-rank hero is already satisfying, but when he knows that his actual rank is C+, that makes a lot of difference. Even Yuna’s published rank is at C-rank as they are afraid that it will be causing a lot of problems.

“is it really that high?”

“Well, the biggest improvement is your sensitivity. It is the one pulling your rank up.”

“I see. It was already at B originally. So, I guess the training plan is really working.”

“Ya! Do you doubt my training plan?”

“Haha, it’s not like that. It’s just I am surprised that the result is better than my prediction.”

“Are you seriously not angry at me?”

“Well, we have known each other for three years, and all this time, you have never done anything that is detrimental to me. Not to mention that you’re my big sister. I trust your decision.”

Kalina would be lying if she said that she isn’t touched by what Max said. Just when they are going to talk again, the food has arrived.

“Ah, we better eat first before continuing.”

“Whoa, the food looks very delicious. I wonder how expensive is this.”

“You know, I’ve booked this place from two months ago, and a meal for each person here cost $10,000.”

“$10,000? Whoa, big sis. This is a big treat. You shouldn’t have done this.”

“It’s alright. We’re only doing it this once. Now, let’s see if the food is as good as its price.”

Max and Kalina then enjoyed their dinner together.

“Wow. The food is very delicious, but I feel so bad spending $10,000 for that.”

“Well, don’t worry about it. Anyway, you should head back and get some rest. Tomorrow is your day.”

“Yes, I got it, big sis. You should be careful on the way back too.”

“As if anything would happen to me. I’m strong, you know.”

“Haha, I know that the best. After all, my body still remembers all the beating you give me.”

“Ya! How can you say that? That’s only sparring, and I have no sadism trait in me. Also, I heal you right after.”

“That’s the worst, big sis. Firstly, you beat me up, and then you heal me. After that, you beat me up again. That’s like an endless cycle of pain.”

“Ya! How dare you speak like that about your big sister?”

“Haha, you know I’m only joking. Alright then, I’m off.”

“Sleep well, and don’t be late tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Kalina then watched Max’s back as he leaves the place.

“I couldn’t believe that he is so tall now. When I first meet him, he’s even shorter than me. Right now, he’s already one or two heads taller than me. His back is also so wide now. I hope his back can become something that people could depend on. Max, I’m rooting for you!”