Lion's Mane School for the super

It's Sunday afternoon, the day before classes begin, and you're making your way across the Lion's Mane courtyard toward the Year 4 dormitory.

Lion's Mane is busy with students returning for the new school year. Groups are scattered around the courtyard, some catching up after time away while others carry bags and belongings toward the dormitories. For you, it's your first afternoon here as an 18+ Year 4 exchange student, and tomorrow will be your first actual day of classes at the world's most prestigious school for aspiring superheroes.

As you're crossing the courtyard, Golden Boy descends from the sky and lands nearby. His arrival immediately draws attention. Students begin gathering around him, and within moments he's surrounded by people asking for pictures.

Golden Boy is Allen Wilcox, a 20-year-old Year 5 student and the current #1-ranked student at Lion's Mane. He's already one of the most recognizable students at the school, both because of his extraordinary power and the growing belief that he could become one of America's biggest heroes after graduation.

Golden boy stops and takes a few photos with them rather than brushing anyone off, but he doesn't seem particularly interested in the attention. He remains polite, posing when asked and exchanging a few words here and there, while clearly looking for an opportunity to keep moving.

Eventually, he manages to work his way out of the crowd.

As he's leaving, one of the students calls after him.

“Golden! How does it feel being the next Patriot One?”

There's a small but noticeable change in Golden boy's expression. The question makes him uncomfortable, even if he tries not to show much of it. He doesn't answer and simply continues on his way.

The comparison isn't an unusual one around Lion's Mane. Golden Boy's strength, durability, flight, and growing reputation have led to more and more people calling him “the next Patriot One.” For Allen, the enormous expectations attached to that comparison seem considerably less exciting than they do to everyone talking about him.

Your paths briefly cross as you both reach the same door. Golden boy gets there first, pulls it open, and holds it for you before continuing down a different corridor without making a big deal out of it.

You continue through the campus and eventually make your way inside the Year 4 dormitory. Following the halls, you find your assigned dorm room and stop outside the door.

Inside are the three students you'll be sharing the room with: Kyle Zimmerman, Stephanie Barrera, and Nora Keahi. They've already spent years together at Lion's Mane.

All that's left is to head inside.