THE HERO ACADEMY

 As Julian stood before the murky entrance of the Hero Academy, bliss, thrill and fear brusquely jumped in his heart. After being stunned for seemingly forever, he shook his head, composed his mind and finally took the final step towards his dream.

More than a year ago, stories about the adventures of Amelio, the keeper of the mortal gates, flooded the tribe where Julian belongs.

True or not, the stories multiplied with the pulsating feats of Amelio – the war of the Gluttons, the conquest of the City of Sloth, the reconstruction of the dams of Envy and Pride, the suppression of the Lust of Anger, the attack of Gredo and the return of Ramporma, the god of ineptitude.

Each story was coupled with a tale about the Hero Academy. Most of the tribesmen believed that the said school honed Amelio’s heroic talents, especially his growling courage, superior fighting skills and exemplary intelligence.   

The barrage of stories pushed Julian to make a firm resolution – to go to the Hero Academy and become a hero like the great Amelio.

He made serious preparations for the Hero Academy. He transformed his teenage-body into a lean, mean fighting machine; mastered all available assault weapons; studied the strengths and weaknesses of the worst villains; and, of course, made inquiries about the fastest route to the Hero Academy.

After a year, he finally set out for his goal. He filled his rucksack with some provisions – clothes, blanket, balms, bread and water – then took the long hike to the Hero Academy. 

Along the way, Julian saw many people suffering from the beatings of different villainous spirits. He saw old people badly shivering because of the deathly air of the Sylphs. Children dehydrated by the dryness curse of the Undines. Families with nothing to eat since the Gnomes turned their lands barren. Women filled with sores and burns courtesy of the fiery blights from the envious Salamanders.    

The sobs, cries and wails that swathed his way increased Julian’s desire to reach the academy and become a certified hero. Thus, without looking back, he doubled, even tripled, his speed towards his destination.

And now, he has reached the noble door of the Hero Academy.

Its frames held episodes of different battles, ambushes and victories. Julian lovingly ran his fingers through the door carvings, and gladly spread his arms on its width.

With respect, he knocked on the door then waited. But there was no response. He again knocked. No response. He knocked harder. Still, only the soughing wind met his effort.

Puzzled, he pushed the door. It creaked and groaned as it gave way – and Julian received the biggest surprise of his life.     

Behind the door was nothing! Or, even less than nothing! No life, no land, no dimension – just a mere blank space. And before Julian could utter a word, the door slammed before his face.

Though baffled, he tried to open the door again, and again, and again, but to no avail.

Tired, depressed and defeated, Julian let himself fall at the doorstep of the Hero Academy.

At the bottom of the door, he saw a note carved above a golden line.

The message: “There is no school for heroism. Heroism is a chance, not a choice.”  – Amelio, the keeper of the mortal gates

Julian closed his eyes then smiled. Deep in his heart, he knew he has already learned everything he needs to learn about heroism. 

- Jorge Guerrero