The Hero Code

The dim light of Zik's desk lamp cast a warm, steady glow over the room, illuminating the chaotic sprawl of textbooks, notes, and half-eaten snacks that covered every available surface. The three amigos—Zik, Tobias, and Aiden—were gathered in their makeshift study session, trying to prepare for their exams.

Or, more accurately, two of them were desperately trying to prepare while Zik breezed through everything with the confident ease of someone who had studied a week in advance.

"This is ridiculous," Aiden muttered, tossing a pencil onto the pile of notes in front of him. "Why did we think this was a good idea?"

"Because," Zik said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, "you both decided that procrastinating until the night before was the best way to approach schoolwork."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "Procrastination builds character."

"Sure, if your character's main trait is panicking," Zik shot back.

Tobias, who was sprawled on the couch with a science textbook open on his chest, sighed. "You're both way too calm about this."

"Calm?" Aiden barked a laugh. "I'm not calm. I'm dying inside. Zik's the calm one, because he's got Super Intelligence and doesn't have to worry about silly things like forgetting how to balance equations."

---

Zik smiled at the comment but didn't reply immediately. Instead, he glanced at his Hero System window, where his Super Intelligence was displayed prominently. It was true that the ability had made studying easier for him. He had an advantage most people could only dream of—a mind that processed information faster, sharper, and more accurately than anyone else in the room.

But lately, he'd started to notice something troubling.

His Super Intelligence was stuck at Grade C, and no matter how much he used it, it wouldn't budge. It was still leveling up—he'd pushed it from Level 2 to Level 9 over the last few weeks—but the grade hadn't moved.

At first, he thought he just needed to work harder. But as time went on, it began to feel like Grade C was a wall, an invisible barrier that no amount of effort could break through.

It wasn't just frustrating—it was demoralizing.

Why is it stuck? he thought, staring at the glowing letters in his status window. Am I doing something wrong? Or is this just… it?

He shook the thought away, focusing on the progress he had made. Even if the grade hadn't improved, leveling up the ability had still made a difference. His mind was sharper than ever, the duration of the ability was improving, and he'd gotten better at managing the mental strain that came with it.

Maybe, he thought, the grade upgrade required more than just levels. Maybe there was a hidden condition he hadn't met yet—something he needed to figure out.

Level 10 might do it, he mused. Or maybe it's something absurd like Level 100. God, I hope it's not Level 100.

---

"Earth to Zik," Aiden's voice broke through his thoughts. "Are you going to help us, or are you just going to sit there looking smug?"

Zik blinked, realizing he'd been staring at the whiteboard without writing anything for the last few seconds. "Right. Sorry."

He picked up a marker and quickly sketched out a diagram for balancing chemical equations. "Okay, look. It's just like a puzzle. The atoms on one side have to match the atoms on the other side. Start with the biggest molecule and work your way down."

Tobias leaned forward, squinting at the board. "That makes sense… kind of."

"Kind of is a start," Zik said, grinning.

"Kind of is not going to help me pass," Tobias muttered, rubbing his temples.

---

The hours ticked by, the room filled with the sounds of scribbling, sighing, and the occasional frustrated groan. Zik moved between subjects with ease, helping Aiden figure out historical dates and guiding Tobias through math problems.

For Aiden, history was a blur of dates and names that refused to stick. "Why do we even need to know this stuff?" he grumbled. "It's not like we're going to use it."

"You'll use it in the exam," Zik pointed out.

"Doesn't count," Aiden shot back.

Tobias, meanwhile, was wrestling with physics formulas, his claws scratching faint lines into the edge of his notebook. "This makes no sense," he said for the fifth time, glaring at the page like it had personally insulted him.

"It's just math," Zik said, pulling the notebook toward him. "Look, you're overthinking it. Plug in the numbers and follow the steps."

"I'm trying," Tobias said, leaning back with a groan. "It's just… hard."

Zik softened, setting the notebook down. "It's supposed to be hard. If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth learning."

"That's easy for you to say," Tobias muttered. "You've got an ability that makes this stuff second nature."

Zik hesitated, the words stinging more than he expected. "It's not as easy as it looks," he said quietly.

Tobias glanced at him, surprised. "What do you mean?"

Zik thought about explaining the wall he'd been hitting with his Super Intelligence, but he shook his head. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that you're learning. And you are—slowly, but you're getting there."

Tobias smiled faintly. "Thanks."

---

By midnight, the room was a mess of crumpled papers and half-empty soda cans. Aiden was sprawled on the couch, his head hanging over the armrest. "We're doomed," he announced dramatically.

"We're not doomed," Zik said, though his voice was tinged with exhaustion. "We're… slightly prepared."

"Very slightly," Tobias added, chuckling.

Zik leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. "Hey, progress is progress. And for what it's worth, I think you guys are going to do fine."

Aiden snorted. "Says the guy with all the answers."

"Hey, I'm not the one who decided procrastination was a good idea," Zik shot back.

Tobias smiled, his scales catching the soft glow of the desk lamp. "Thanks for helping us, Zik. Even if we don't pass, at least we tried."

"You'll pass," Zik said firmly. "And if you don't, we'll try again. That's what friends are for."

As the first hints of dawn crept through the window, the three of them sat in comfortable silence, the stress of the night fading into a quiet sense of accomplishment.

It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.

The three amigos strolled through the school courtyard, the sun shining brightly and the weight of exams finally off their shoulders. The relief was palpable, even for Zik, who had spent the past week stressing about helping Aiden and Tobias while secretly worrying about his own performance. But now? Now it was time for something entirely different.

The tournament was the real event—the highlight of the school year, where students got the chance to showcase their abilities in a controlled environment and earn extra credit if they impressed the judges.

For Zik, it was the first time he felt excited about something like this. For once, he wasn't stuck at the bottom, scraping by while everyone else looked down on him. His abilities were growing, and while he wasn't the strongest or the fastest, he had a solid mix of skills that he wanted to put to the test.

"I can finally prove I'm not just the 'cursed shirt guy,'" Zik said, grinning as he walked beside his friends. "I'm going to show them what I can do."

Aiden chuckled, his usual confidence radiating from him. "You just try not to get flattened, alright? Most of the school can still wipe the floor with you."

"Don't kill my vibe," Zik said, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, I'm just saying, don't get too cocky," Aiden replied with a smirk. "But this? This is going to be fun. I've been holding back for so long, and I finally get to go all out without worrying about hurting anyone." He stretched his arms, his rubber body bending unnaturally. "It's going to be… what's the word?"

"Therapeutic," Zik offered.

"Yeah, that," Aiden said, nodding.

Zik laughed, his excitement growing. "See? Even the school thinks this is fine. Responsible adults planned this. It's practically justified!"

"Chill out," Aiden said, smirking. "You're not that strong yet."

"Don't ruin this for me," Zik replied, shaking his head.

---

Tobias, however, was walking a few steps behind them, quiet and withdrawn. He didn't share their enthusiasm, and it was obvious.

"You okay back there, man?" Aiden asked, turning to look at him.

"I'm not doing it," Tobias said bluntly.

The statement hung in the air for a moment, catching Zik and Aiden off guard.

"What?" Zik asked, stopping in his tracks. "Why not?"

"I just don't want to," Tobias replied, his tone calm but firm.

"That's not a reason," Aiden said, crossing his arms. "Come on, man. You've got abilities like the rest of us. You should show them off."

Tobias shook his head. "I don't need to prove anything to anyone. Besides, my abilities aren't for showing off. I'm not going to risk… losing control."

Zik frowned, stepping closer. "We're not asking you to hurt anyone, Tobias. It's just a tournament. The whole point is to demonstrate what you can do in a safe, controlled way. It's not about proving anything—it's about letting people see who you are."

"I already know who I am," Tobias said quietly. "I don't need an audience for that."

---

Zik and Aiden exchanged a glance.

"You're scared," Aiden said finally, his voice softer than usual. "Aren't you?"

Tobias's claws flexed at his sides, but his voice remained steady. "I'm not scared. I just know what can happen if things go wrong. People already look at me like I'm a monster. If I mess up, that's all they'll ever see."

"They don't have to," Zik said, his voice earnest. "You can show them what you're really capable of. Tobias, I've seen you hold back day after day, and I know how strong you are—stronger than most of the people here. You're better than their whispers and stares. You can show them that."

"Yeah," Aiden chimed in. "Besides, it's not just about them. It's about you. Don't you ever feel like… you need to let it out? Like you're carrying this massive weight, and it's crushing you?"

Tobias hesitated, his reptilian eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Aiden's words.

"That's what this is for," Aiden continued, his voice steady. "This isn't some street fight. It's not some random attack. It's a space where you can let it out and not have to apologize for it. Don't you want that?"

---

Tobias looked away, his gaze distant. "It's not that simple."

"Why not?" Zik pressed.

Tobias let out a slow breath. "Because if I lose control, even for a second, I could hurt someone. Badly. I can't take that risk."

"You won't lose control," Zik said firmly. "You've spent your whole life learning how to hold it together. You're the most disciplined person I know, Tobias. If anyone can do this without losing control, it's you."

"And if you do mess up," Aiden added, shrugging, "that's what the teachers are there for. They're not going to let anyone get seriously hurt. Trust me, I've been in enough scrapes to know that you're not as dangerous as you think."

Tobias frowned, his claws tapping against his leg as he thought it over.

"I'm not going to pull some Hero Code on you," Zik said, stepping closer. "But I will say this: you deserve to be seen. Not as a monster, or a freak, or whatever else people think. You deserve to be seen for who you really are."

"And if that's not enough," Aiden said, smirking, "just think of it as therapy. You'll feel better after punching a few people, trust me."

For the first time that morning, Tobias let out a small laugh. "You guys are relentless, you know that?"

"That's what friends are for," Zik said with a grin.

Tobias sighed, running a clawed hand over his face. "Fine. I'll think about it. But no promises."

"That's all we're asking," Aiden said, clapping him on the back.

As they continued walking toward the school gym, Zik couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The tournament was going to be a challenge, but for the first time, it felt like they were all stepping into something bigger—together.

The three amigos were sitting on the bleachers after practice, the tournament still a few days away. Tobias, as usual, was reserved, but Zik and Aiden were buzzing with energy, strategizing how they'd approach their matches.

"Alright, Tobias," Aiden said, leaning forward and grinning. "You've been dodging this for too long. It's time to spill the beans about your abilities."

Tobias frowned, his reptilian eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't see why it matters."

"Because everyone knows mutation abilities are overpowered," Zik said, leaning forward eagerly. "And we're your friends! We're going to find out eventually, so why not just tell us now?"

Tobias sighed, leaning back against the bleachers and crossing his arms. "Fine. But don't freak out."

"Why would we freak out?" Aiden asked, smirking. "What, are they all Grade S or something?"

When Tobias didn't answer immediately, the silence stretched.

Aiden's smirk faltered. "…Wait, are they?"

Tobias sighed again. "Yes. All my core abilities are Grade S."

The air seemed to still as Zik and Aiden stared at him in disbelief.

"You're joking," Zik said finally.

Tobias shook his head. "I'm not."

"That's impossible," Aiden said, his voice barely above a whisper. "S-grade abilities are so rare they're practically myths! And you have more than one?"

"I do," Tobias said, his voice calm but his expression guarded.

---

The weight of the revelation settled over them like a heavy fog. Tobias shifted uncomfortably under their stares before continuing.

"Not all mutation abilities are strong," he explained. "Some are weaker, and those people… they're given a strong suggestion to leave for one of our cities. It's easier that way—for everyone."

"What about you?" Zik asked, his voice quiet.

Tobias's claws flexed slightly. "I'm… too dangerous to be given a strong suggestion. If I lose control, the damage I could cause…" He trailed off, his gaze distant.

"Okay, now you have to tell us what they are," Aiden said, leaning forward intently. "All of them. No holding back."

---

Tobias hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"The first one is Regeneration. Grade S," he said, his voice steady. "It's exactly what it sounds like—rapid healing. Cuts, bruises, broken bones… even organ damage. It all heals quickly."

Zik nodded, unsurprised. "Makes sense. You've taken some hits and barely even flinched."

"The second is Dragon Scale. Also Grade S," Tobias continued. "It's a defensive ability. My scales are nearly impenetrable. Most weapons, even enhanced ones, can't cut through them."

Aiden let out a low whistle. "No wonder you're so chill during fights. You're practically invincible."

"Not invincible," Tobias corrected. "Just… hard to hurt."

He paused before continuing. "The third is Poison Synthesis. Another Grade S. It lets me create poisons in different states—gas, liquid, solid. I can control the concentration and effects."

Both Zik and Aiden stared at him, their jaws dropping further.

"You can… create poison?" Zik asked, stunned.

Tobias nodded. "Yes. And because of that, I also have Poison Resistance. Grade S, of course. I'm completely immune to anything toxic."

"Okay," Aiden said, running a hand through his hair. "That's insane. But what's your last ability? Everyone talks about how mutation types always have one wildcard."

Tobias hesitated, his jaw tightening slightly. "The last one is Werelizard. Grade C."

Zik's curiosity piqued immediately. "What does it do?"

"It's… complicated," Tobias said, his tone cautious. "It's the ability that defines my mutation."

---

Zik's Hero System pinged softly as Tobias finished speaking. For the first time, his Hero Perception ability revealed Tobias's full status. Before, whenever Zik tried to inspect Tobias, all he'd seen were "???"—a mystery that had always nagged at him. But now, the details unfolded before his eyes, clear and undeniable.

As Zik scanned the information, his gaze caught on the description for Werelizard.

"Wait…" he said slowly, rereading the text. "Did you know this?"

Tobias frowned. "Know what?"

Zik's voice was quiet but charged with shock. "The ability says, 'Transforms into a half-lizard, half-human as long as the condition is met.' Does that mean… if the condition isn't met, you could turn fully human?"

Tobias's reptilian eyes widened slightly, and for the first time, Zik saw something close to vulnerability in his expression.

"You're saying… I could go back?" Tobias asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It looks like it," Zik said, nodding slowly. "But I don't know what the condition is—or how to uncheck it."

The three of them sat in stunned silence, the weight of the revelation sinking in. For Tobias, the possibility of becoming fully human was something he'd never dared to consider. For Zik and Aiden, it was another layer to their friend's already extraordinary existence.

"We'll figure it out," Zik said finally, his voice steady. "Whatever it takes, we'll figure it out together."

Tobias nodded slowly, his mind racing with thoughts he wasn't ready to share. For now, all he could do was hold onto the hope that Zik might be right.