My System: An Evolved Computer I Made With My Unique Ability—

Since he was the only one who didn't want to participate in the hero training, everyone looked at him in bewilderment. He didn't wait for anyone's answer and instead, walked away without awaiting Knighthawk's response. He didn't speak another word as he excused himself. There was a hint of intensity in his eyes as he walked, causing the others to feel their goosebumps creeping up and down their spine. Even Satoshi, who was known to not be afraid of anyone since his parents are the most powerful superheroes in the SAO,  felt that danger oozing out of that classmate of theirs.

And then, the strangest thing happened. Just when Knighthawk was about to step forward and stop his student from leaving, he suddenly froze in his place. And it wasn't just your simple 'freeze' when a psychokinetic ability is used. In fact, he was frozen as if time stopped itself. Usually, when someone freezes in place due to some psychic power, their eyes would still be able to move and they could still twitch their toes and fingers. But this time, Knighthawk froze in a weird way. As usual, what's unknown to anyone would immediately be considered scary so every student in class 3-1 also froze in shock as well. They could only wonder what superpower their classmate had that made him back out of the competition.

Kurogami was never an outspoken person. Even when they had to do self-introductions amongst themselves, he never spoke. Heck, he never spoke a single word ever since he'd arrived in the United Superheroes Academy. The only time a word comes out of his mouth is when he answers the teachers in class and even then, his answers would always be so concise that his answer would be over before everyone could even recognize his voice. That's why it came as a surprise for them when he suddenly voiced out his opinion out of nowhere and he didn't even wait for Knighthawk's approval, he just decided to carry out his decision even though everyone in class kind of opposed it.

Meanwhile, Knighthawk finally unfroze but by then, it was already too late. Kurogami was already by the edge of the training center, eating his lunch while everyone was still gathered around in front of the desertland. Since he couldn't do anything else, Knighthawk decided to be indifferent about it as he cleared his throat. He may be bothered that Kurogami used his superpower on him but then again, he'll be the one grading the entire training and Kurogami easily gets a failing mark. Kurogami's retribution may be misplaced, but Knighthawk would still carry it out since he dared disrespect him like that.

"Also, one more thing to remember," Knighthawk continued, ignoring the fact that one of his students ignored his hero training. "This is sort of like an audition for the inter-high. Those who perform poorly throughout the entire training wouldn't be able to join and those who did well would for sure take part in it. I hope that all of you would be chosen for the inter-high and all the best."

A huge siren-like started blasting all throughout the training center, announcing to everyone that the hero training for the first years have commenced. In an instant, the entire training center became quiet, adding unnecessary pressure to the first years who were participating in the hero training. In total, there were four classes of first-years and all of them had at least twelve students at a minimum. That's why, in the worst-case scenario, every single student is up against more than forty superheroes.

It was an authentic free-for-all, all right.

"Why are you still standing there? It's not like time will stop and wait for you. Go! And may the odds be ever in your favor." Knighthawk mischievously announced, referencing a pretty old yet classic movie of the ancients about a free-for-all tournament. He always wanted to say it ever since he was assigned as a teacher in the USA and now that he's done and said it, he felt satisfied.

.....

Meanwhile, in all of tv and news station, even on the official website of the United Superheroes Academy, the hero training was being broadcasted across the whole of Japan. And even those in other continents could tune in to the live stream on youtube which is accessible everywhere. Apparently, this hero training was decided by USA Principal, Sai Tama, who wanted to show off the first years of his school. With this, everyone would be able to study the superpowers of the first years, giving them more disadvantages  at the upcoming inter-high. This would also encourage a lot of superhero schools to participate in the tournament since they might have a chance at beating the unbeatable school. Of course, these are all just advertising tactics for Sai Tama, who was very sure that a majority of first-years would be able to carry the school to victory in the upcoming inter-high. As the principal, there was not a shred of doubt in his mind.

In the live stream, a certain first-year was shown to be running around the place, hiding from one debris to another while carefully watching his surroundings. The drones, who were following every student, didn't have time to move around to get a full view of the student. One moment, a blue glow appeared from where the first year was and the next moment, he disappeared from view as if he's turned invisible. When the drone switched to thermal vision, that's when they've confirmed that the first year was actually invisible.

The first-year student was none other than the world-famous Midoriyama Satoshi, who inquired from his Dex and turned his t-shirt into a cloak that rendered him invisible. It may not be as effective as the cloak of invisibility in a certain series that's become so popular in the past, but it certainly did the trick. As long as the person didn't have psychic skills or thermal vision, they won't be able to see through Satoshi's disguise.

Satoshi thought long and hard about what he'd name his new familiar. In the end, he decided to name it the Cloak of Invisibility even though he knew it's possible that he'd get a copyright strike if anyone else caught wind of it. With this, he was temporarily safe as he moved closer to the center of the map. He didn't want to get disqualified after finding himself out of bounds once the map shrinks just like any other free-for-all tournament.

"Now, where is everyone," Satoshi mumbled to himself.

'Pssst!'

'Pssssssst!' Satoshi suddenly heard in his head.

He whirled around, wondering where the voice in his head was coming from. Based on how the words sounded in his mind, he was ninety percent sure that he heard Kuroe speaking directly in his mind. But then again, he didn't want to assume that she's really behind the voice since there might be others who are psychic just like her. And if they were able to speak to his mind, then it's possible that they could change how they sound like as well.

'I can sense you  Satoshi, but I can't see you anywhere. Where are you?'

Satoshi held his breath. He didn't want to expose his location since that might trigger an ambush from another class. Instead, he stood still and kept quiet while trying hard not to think of anything.

'I'm at a fallen building which is half-filled with sand. You can find Sumire and me there. It'd be better if we team up since I don't really want to engage in a fight and get outnumbered.'

Even though every sign was telling Satoshi that it was Kuroe speaking to him, he still didn't fully believe the voice in his head. Instead, he decided to go around the building and check it out.  When he saw that it was really Kuroe and Sumire hiding in the aforementioned location, he sighed in relief and joined them. He did unequip his Cloak of Invisibility before showing himself though since he didn't want them to know another of his trump cards.

"Satoshi, you're here!" Kuroe whispered, waving his hands violently towards Satoshi. "This here is Sumiko Sumire, one of our classmates. She's a friend of mine."

With an amicable smile, Satoshi approached Sumire and extended his hand— to which Sumire responded with a gasp as she froze. It took at least ten seconds before she got back to her senses and hastily shook Satoshi's hand. In her nervousness, she stood up and bowed and almost fell forward. Fortunately, Satoshi was prepared and he was able to catch her. Her face reddened in response, and then she decided to return to where she was seating a moment ago.

"Don't worry about her. She doesn't talk much but she's a great ally. She's just like that since she wanted to thank you for what happened back then— you know when we were attacked by the Slime Alien and you single-handedly fought it to protect us."

"Oh, that? You don't have to sweat it out. Anyone would have done the same thing. In any case, it's nice to meet you Sumire. We can discuss what your superpower is later but first... Kuroe, you're interconnected with everyone's mind, right? Any updates?"

Kuroe raised her hand and did a thumbs up before nodding towards Satoshi with a pleased expression on her face. "Boy, would you want to hear my updates, hehe. I have a plan." She continued.