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

Heroes versus villains is a self-explanatory game where one side acts as the villain, and the other would act as a hero. Usually, this practical training is set up with two people on each side. One side would play the role of the heroes and act like the superheroes they deemed to be one day, and the other side would portray the roles of villains and embrace their inner antagonists.

"And let me guess... we're going to do this with Light Wing and Dark Matter," Midori mumbled under his breath as the group walked inside the Concrete Arena.

Satoshi and the others nodded along since it was pretty obvious that such was the case. They really were going against two of the most powerful fourth-year students in SAO. While this wasn't the first time that something like this happened in school, this was a new thing for their class, and they couldn't help but feel nervous.

"No matter what happens, I'm not going to lose." Hiroshi said, clenching his fists. A part of him wanted to be grouped with Satoshi but after thinking about it, he kind of wish that it wouldn't happen. Not only would he perform behind Satoshi's shadow if it came true... he would also be a helpless side character.

"You don't even know their superpowers. I'm sure you won't stand a chance against them no matter how powerful you were. As for me, I just want to get this over with as soon as possible. There's no way I'm staying in the ring with the two of them. There's a reason why they're undercover superheroes. You know, undercover people are as ruthless as they come." Midori let out a lengthy complaint.

"I agree with Midori on that one. Back in my world, those who are called undercover are criminals. They hide because they have something to hide, and most of the time it's illegal." Jonathan nodded his head along. No one agreed with Midori on the matter except him, but he stood by his word nonetheless.

"Whatever it is, this is going to be a good experience for us." Shiroi spoke a matter of factly, stealing a glance at Satoshi who seemed to be out of it.

At the moment, Satoshi's mind trailed off to the subject of the World Eater. Even Jonathan couldn't help but think about it but he didn't show his concern that much. Still, it made sense that what the historical records said was accurate. After all, there was apparent damage all across the universe, and nearby planets have been destroyed as if a war had taken place.

"All right. For now, I want all of you to divide yourselves into two. And then we can begin the exercise." Knighthawk suddenly announced the moment they got in the arena.

An exhale came out of everyone's mouth as they noticed the city center which was propped in the middle of the Concrete Arena. Everyone was aware that the city center was just a life-sized replica of a real one, and yet it was carefully constructed as if it existed right then and there.

Since Satoshi wasn't listening, he didn't realize that someone already crept to his side, grabbing him by the arm. Satoshi didn't even bother turning around since he was fine with teaming up with anyone. At first, he assumed that the person beside him was either Emma or Shiroi since they matched each other's heights.

However, the moment he stole a glance to his side, he recognized that the person was none other than Fuuka. It had been so long since he interacted with her that he almost forgot his name. From afar, Kuroe could be seen chuckling as she read Satoshi's confused mind.

"Mind if we teamed up?" Fuuka asked. Despite her clingy actions, she acted as casually as she could towards Satoshi.

"Not really," Satoshi said. Meanwhile, he already noticed Emma and Shiroi teaming up with each other. He was glad that Fuuka came up to him, otherwise, he'd have a hard time finding a partner for the current exercise.

"All right, now that you're all geared up and teamed up, we're going to draw lots. Bishop and Lufine are going to be the first team, and they're either going to be heroes or villains. We'd choose their roles by flipping a coin, and then once we've decided their roles, that's when we're going to draw lots."

No one spoke, so Knighthawk continued his explanation.

"There will be certain scenarios in each exercise so all of you won't experience the same thing. The scenario would be random as well, and it would be picked by the machine and shown on that huge television up top. That's it for my instructions... and may the odds be ever in your favor." Knighthawk tipped his imaginary hat before turning to his class.

Without further ado, Knighthawk grabbed a coin and flipped it. it landed on tails. "All right. I guess we're going to have Bishop and Lufine as the villains this time around. I wonder who's going to be the heroes this round?"

The lots were drawn, and a number was shown in front of everyone. It was the number three, and everyone looked at each other to see if they had the number or not.

"I guess it's us," Satoshi muttered calmly as he stepped forward. While his thoughts were still muddled because of the upcoming threat to the world, he didn't let that faze him. With a resolute expression on his face, he turned towards Fuuka. "Let's go, we're going to win this." He continued.

"Now, what would be the scenario this time?" Knighthawk rubbed his chin in excitement as he looked up.

The sound of a rolling roulette reverberated within the halls of the Concrete Arena. A blur of images appeared on the huge screen. Five seconds later, it slowed down, and the scenario was finalized.

It was a hostage scenario.

"A hostage scenario it is!" Knighthawk announced to the empty seats of spectators as if he was commentating on an event. "Villains, you have a minute to prepare. A hostage will be readily available for you. As for the heroes, be prepared to hear the details of the scenario during that minute."

Fuuka and Satoshi nodded determinedly.