Air Hero

2nd stage started

“You heard the announcement, guys. What do you think? Do you want to grab some food?”

Jhonny asked the team whether they want to eat together or not. Chloe, of course, isn’t included in this question as she immediately goes out the moment that the break is mentioned. Because of that, Norton, Linda, Max, and Jhonny are the only ones eating together.

“Although we have introduced ourselves briefly before, we didn’t explain about our stats. Let me start since I am the one suggesting this. My Strength is C rank, Speed D+, Sensitivity D+, Energy D+.”

Jhonny seemed to be bragging a bit about his stats which is clearly impressive considering that he is a newcomer in the hero world and has just got his license this year. After all, increasing someone's stats from D to C usually takes two years on average.

“My stats are all D. there’s nothing exceptional.”

Max said that casually as if he didn’t care at all. After all, that was the stats recorded on his hero license, although he isn’t even clear about his actual ability since Kalina didn’t even tell him about his accurate record.

“I’m just like Max, all D except for Strength that is at D+. I can even pierce the defense of someone at C-rank if you give me enough time to prepare my big move. After all, fire element is known for its destructive force.”

Norton’s explanation seemed to be simple, but it immediately raises his grade to his team member. After all, it wasn’t an easy feat to defeat a C-rank defense. Although he explained that there would be a long setup time, it is still worth it if appropriately utilized.

Moving on from Norton, Linda explained her stats. “Strength D, Speed C, Sensitivity B, Energy D.”

“As expected from the shadow dancer, Miss Linda’s stats are brilliant.”

This time Jhonny, a fan boy of Linda, didn’t hesitate to praise her as he already got a signature from her earlier. As they have their lunch, they further discuss their team synergy and the moves that could be executed.

“I think we’re lucky to have Max and Norton in our team. After all, wind can boost fire, and I believe our team won’t have any trouble facing someone with C-rank stats.”

Max learned the combination of wind and fire when he is on the mission with Yuna’s team. Of course, Norton also knew it previously, and with a bit of adjustment, there will be no problem for Max and Norton to launch a joint attack.

“So, I will act as the tank with Miss Linda as support from the backline. Our main attacking force will be Norton with his fire ability boosted by Max’s wind element, and Chloe can do whatever she wants.”

With that said, lunchtime ends, and every participant has gathered back at the stadium. In the middle of the stadium, the arena used on the first stage has been modified. There are various environments shown in the arena.

It was a normal field area for the first stage, but now, there’s forest, lake, city suburbs, mountains, and even an arena full of water.

“Alright, everyone, since you have come back, I will explain the rules for the second stage. It will still be a team battle; however, each team member will have a balloon tied to their back. The team with the most balloon that didn’t blow up when the time ends won the rounds. If a team managed to blow up all of the opponent’s balloons, the round would end, and they win. If your balloon blows up, then you will be out of the battle and can’t do anything.”

The rules are simple. It was a 5v5 balloon battle. The goal can be said to blow up the opponent’s balloon completely. If the first round focused more on their teamwork and strategy, it would be pretty different in this round. If a member’s balloon is gone, they will be eliminated and can’t join the battle anymore, so an individual’s strength has a more significant portion here.

Not to mention that the environment that the organizer specially prepares will become another challenge. If a fire-elemental hero gets a water arena, their power might be reduced and suppressed while it boosts a water-elemental hero, on the other hand.

“All of you will be competing at the same time. As for your arena, we have randomly selected it and your opponent for the next round. Please look at the board to find your arena and go there immediately.”

After Elrisa finished saying that, all participants quickly tried to find their team number and the arena. They headed there immediately, and Max’s team also found their place.

“So, this is where we will have our battle, huh?”

Max looked at the arena that they have, and it was a desert. Looking at the arena they got, only Chloe with water-based ability will have her power reduced. It still isn’t unknown whether it was good or not since Chloe can be said to be the main combatant for Max’s team.

“Tch, why does it have to be a desert?”

She can only grumpily accepted it since there’s no way to change the result. As the arena has been decided, Max then tried to see his opponent for this round.

“Eh, it’s Hyacinth?”

Max is surprised when he saw his opponent for the next round.

“What is it Max, do you know someone from the opponent’s team?”

“Yeah, it’s Hyacinth Avaren. She come froom the Avaren family.”

“Avaren? We sure got a formidable opponent for this round.”

Max has a feeling that he couldn’t describe when looking at Hyacinth. Somehow, he just has a good impression of her while he doesn’t know why. When they are having the hero examination test, he even approached her at lunchtime.

“Max, Norton, why are you making a fuss?”

“Our opponent for this round, Hyacinth, has an A-rank sensitivity, and she doesn’t even show her ability in the first stage.”

“Oh, although A-rank sensitivity is impressive, I think we all know that the Avaren family excels in controlling birds, right? She should have a pet bird that she will use on this battle.”

Hearing that, Max remember the scene when Hyacinth arrived at the United Heroes headquarters on the day of the hero examination. She was escorted by a gigantic flying creature, and hearing from Jhonny’s remark; it seemed to be the defining ability of her family. He also knows that to win, he will need to face her as flying and wind have a close relationship with each other. However, once again, this is a team battle, and anything could happen with the help of teammates.