Hawks had been present at the large announcement. To say that he was shocked that the Meta-Human Liberation Army had now joined forces with the League was bad enough, but to see Krogan was the one commanding them was even worse.

'I'm too late; no wonder he let me come in,' Hawks cursed.

He had delivered his package to Diablo a few days ago and began questioning him about the destruction of Hercorn.

"What happened in Hercorn?" Hawks asked. "It was you guys, right?"

"If only someone had been strong enough to stop the League sooner, those poor citizens might not have died," said Diablo as he opened the duffel bag.

He smiled once he saw the courts of Best Jeanist. "I'm not sold this is actually him, but you did kill somebody. How heroic?"

The moment he got, he realised the situation was even worse than he had imagined.

'They have soldiers united under one course,' he said and looked at Sceptic, recognising him as the founder of a vast company that has vast control over multiple communication networks. 'Field Good Ink has unlimited control over communication networks.' He then turned to Re-Destro. 'Destcon is a big playing the hero industry, and they are likely more High-End Red Deaths waiting to be unleashed. There's little they couldn't do. This superhuman society may be overflowing with heroes, but Krogan has gathered so much power that it might be impossible to stop him.'

He then began to mingle with the liberation warriors, all of who were excited to meet him.

"Long live the liberation," he said.

"Wow, it's really you!" said a young woman.

"Hey," said Diablo approaching him. "You look happy, Number 2; up to something?"

"Nah, man, I was just waiting for you," said Hawks as they walked away. 'Can't move yet. There are still many behind-the-scenes. I need to get for picture and alert Hellfire and the others before things are too far gone. Come on, Hawks, if you're too slow, it will be the end of America.'

Krogan was about to go under the procedure in the underground complex of the Doctor's hospital.

"Your power blossomed in the Hercorn town fight," the Doctor observed. "Now you cannot only obliterate only something you touch but what is also connected to it. You have become the embodiment of destruction. So I must ask, why do you still seek more power?"

"If more strength is available, why wouldn't I take it?" Krogan asked. "It's true I'm no longer forced to use cheap tricks, but look, my arm is ravaged." It was true when he used his powers the first time, it had severely damaged his right arm. "This is from using my ability what's, and there's a whole war coming. I will not underestimate heroes anymore. I will use all the power I can get to destroy Skullcrusher and his legacy. Our next fight is his last."

The Doctor chuckled. "Using your talents to make your enemies miserable. Like master like student, I suppose."

Krogan then lay down on the operating table as the Doctor prepared the equipment for the procedure.

"I initially conducted this research for Drago, but we'll benefit from it quite nicely. Over the generations, meta-powers have merged in form, creating more complex and ambiguous abilities. Many manifestations aren't wielding. Though our minds are adaptable and expansive, hardware cannot abort fast enough to keep up with such power. A perfect example is young Hiccup Haddock; he's unable to wield his full power because doing so would damage his body.

I have observed this progression, and I call it the Meta Singularity. No one took my research seriously except for Drago Bludvist, of course. If our bodies cannot harness memory and power, humanity will become unstable. Signings of this have just begun to show Drago recognised the problem with capacity was a serious one that needed to be remedied."

"How long will this take, Doc?" Krogan asked.

"Ahh, you like a kid waiting for Snoggletog."

"Can you blame me? I'm overflowing with beautiful dreams."

Doctor laughed. "For the next four months, your life will be one of hellish agony. When you come out on the other side, if you survive, the world will be in the palm of your hand."

Back in the present, Class 1-A were showing off what they had learned during their Work Studies by facing down hordes of machines.

Olaf jumped in first, slashing through machines with his laser, but he had compressed it in the form of the blade, making it ideal for close-range combat.

"I am truly a knight in shining armour," said Olaf.

"A new move," said Clueless excitedly. "Lucky, I want to sword."

Helga then immediately jumped in. "Let's do this, Olaf."

Olaf fired his beam at Helga, who then reflected the light causing it to turn on and hit the machines.

"The beam curved," said Tuffnut.

"Oh, yeah! That's the stuff!" Clueless cheered.

"I've learned how to take light and bend it to my will," said Helga as Olaf clenched his stomach.

Then suddenly, more machines charged towards them.

"Take this, you heaps of scrap!" Ruffnut yelled as she somersaulted.

The acid then started to cover her entire body, and when she hit the machines, they immediately melted upon the impact of her corrosive armour.

"And that's a wrap," said Ruffnut as her acid disappeared.

"We killed it!" Helga cheered.

"Wonderful job," said Gobber as he clapped. "It's clear to see that your Work Studies have paid off. The three of you have certainly learnt a lot from Samurai."

"He had lots of advice for supercharged, not offence and defence, so we figured out new attacks and combos to keep up."

"We had to work hard to keep up with the rest of you," said Ruffnut.

"The three of you have obviously improved; now, why don't the rest of you show me what you've learned," said Gobber.

"Got it!" they said.

Calder and Sven quickly demonstrated a collage of close-range combat moves demolishing the machines before they had a chance to attack. The two of them had learned these techniques from Leo, who was currently number 13 on the charts.

'A flurry of attacks,' said Calder.

'And predicting the enemy moves,' said Sven.

Next was Magnus and Ingrid, who had improved their search skills by a great margin, all thanks to Gang Orca, who was currently number 12 on the charts.

'Our search skills have improved!' said Ingrid.

Next were Agnar, Clueless and Tuffnut, who showed off some very advanced trapping skills. Agnar trapped the robots with his balls, Tuffnut wrapped them up with his slime, and Clueless finished them off with a massive lightning bolt. The three of them were currently working with the team consisting of Stormcutter, Edge Shot and Mt Lady.

"Take this!" Agnar yelled. "That's quick and efficient teamwork!"

Speedfist then demonstrated some very fast footwork; he was currently working with Marine, who was number 222 on the chart.

Wartihog had better control over the animals he was communing with, having pigeons fly around the robots distracting them. He was doing his Work Studies with Wash, who was currently number eight on the charts.

'Better communication,' he said.

Fishlegs demonstrated his combat moves, having them work in conjunction with his gravity abilities. He removed the gravity from the machines and used their lack of body weight to toss them around as well as using a new grappling system on his gauntlets. He was doing his Work Studies with Hawks, but he was currently absent from his agency.

Dogsbreath hardened his body to maximum, allowing the robots to attack him, causing their fists to break apart upon impact. Once they were at their weakest, he then immediately charged in with a punch shattering them. Ragnar also showed his more advanced aerial ability by gliding across the battlefield and attacking them from the air. Both of them were continuing their work studies with Fat Gum, who was currently number 58 on the charts.

'Make my opponent to lose the will to fight superquick,' said Dogsbreath.

'Support my allies where ever I can,' said Ragnar.

Astrid and Heather showed advanced teamwork, destroying their robotic enemies. Both of them were still working with Scarlett, who was currently number 10 on the chart.

'Advanced teamwork,' said Heather.

'And decisiveness!' said Astrid.

However, the ones who outshone everyone else were Hiccup, Snotlout and Ranger. They completely obliterated their machine foes. Of course, none of this was surprising, considering they were working for Hellfire, the current number one hero.

'Pushing myself to the max!' Snotlout yelled.

'Increasing my speed,' said Ranger.

Gobber, however, was impressed by Hiccup's massive improvement. 'To think less than a year ago, you had problems keeping up with the rest of the class, but look at you now.'

Once everyone had shown off everything they had learned on the maintenance, bots began picking up the pieces of the damaged robots.

"Hey, Snotlout," said Dogsbreath as he approached his friend. "That was some pretty intense power behind explosions."

"That's because I condensed them, making them even more powerful," said Snotlout.

"Wow, Ranger, your cooler and faster," said Helga excitedly.

Ranger shrugged. "I don't know; I'm still not able to catch up to Hellfire yet."

"I see you started to incorporate your long-range and short-range attacks," said Astrid as she approached Hiccup.

"Yeah, it helps confuse the enemy, and I've been working on my technopathic powers as well," Hiccup added.

"Smart, strong and fast, you're literally a one-man army," said Ragnar.

Later that afternoon, sitting at Class 1-A's dorm were Eret and Loudspeaker. The two of them had just returned from Helheim, and they didn't exactly have an enjoyable experience.

"What are you thinking?" Eret asked, looking at him.

"I can go for something easy to digest," said Loudspeaker as he lay there.

"I been thinking, given the Work Studies, the Safety Commission must know something," said Eret.

"Yep."

"If we're finding out who is manufacturing Red Deaths, then what?"

"Oh, I have a few words to say to them and then boil their gut while their eardrums bleed. You?"

"Well…"

Macario and Asmund then entered, looking rather frantic.

"Mr Eret, sorry to disturb you during your break," said Macario.

"Trapster, it's about Ariel," said Asmund.

"What's going on?" Eret asked.

Eret followed them to Ariel's room, who was currently having a fever, while Ase looked after her.

"Thank goodness," said Ase.

"It's my horn," Ariel cried. "Why is it ditching?"

Eret gently placed a hand on her head. "Don't worry; you're in excellent hands with Berk."

Hiccup was currently in the teacher's lounge with his father, who had been updated on his progress by Gobber.

"Gobber told me of your progress," said his father proudly. "You certainly come a long way since you first started here."

"Thanks," Hiccup smiled.

"Though I can't help but notice that this improvement happened and you your tutelage with Hellfire."

Hiccup looked slightly uneasy. "He sort of gave us a bit of a challenge on day one."

"Sounds like Hellfire," Stoick nodded. "However you can't stop improving, especially what happened at Hercorn."

"Yeah, I don't suppose you know anything about what happened?" Hiccup asked.

"Sadly, I don't know any more than you do, but since my retirement, it's obvious that villains are taking advantage of my absence."

"We both know that you were going to lose your strength eventually; it's just that your battle with Drago depleted it faster than we imagined. Truth be told, we were lucky that Toothless was able to sustain you for that long."

"It was my pleasure to help," said Toothless. "Additionally, what I learned from experiencing with Skullcrusher has allowed me to improve Hiccup's output and control."

"That's good because I get the feeling you're going to need all the help you can get. I shouldn't be saying this, but the Safety Commission seems to be getting ready for the next threat, which is why all of your classmates are taking part in Work Studies."

"Is this a response to what happened at Hercorn?" Hiccup asked.

"I do believe it was the catalyst, but we do believe that the Commission wishes for us to respond before the next crisis occurs."

"Does this have something to do with that villain biography that's been selling off the shelves?"

"You mean the book that had been written by Destro?" his father assumed.

"When I was in San Francisco, Hawks gave me a copy, and I have been reading through it. I can't argue there are some points that Destro was right on. There are people out there who aren't able to use their powers in public, and many of them may not have control over them. Plus, there is the segregation to those who have physical mutations such as Magnus and Wartihog."

His father nodded. "Yes, there were a number of flaws in the Meta-Human Registration Act. However, if people continue to use their powers really with no restrictions, it could easily lead to chaos. Drago used the chaos in the early days to gain so much power as was abuse.

Before meta-powers existed, the biggest problem facing this country was gun crime. There have been restrictions on how to obtain guns for that violent mass shootings. When meta-powers first manifested, we had to act fast, or else we would have the same problem as before. The solution was not perfect, but at least innocent people did not lose their lives."

"I'm not disputing that, but it could possibly do with a few amendments."

"True, but I fear we may be too late for that."

Later that afternoon, Hiccup returned back to the dorm, where everyone was getting ready for dinner.

"Glad you could finally show," said Speedfist.

"Sorry, dad wanted to talk to me about a few things," said Hiccup.

"Just grabby apron and give us a hand," said Ragnar as he began cutting some vegetables.

Hiccup did just that, and within half an hour, the meal was ready.

Speedfist was the first to raise a glass. "Now, friends, our long-awaited Work Studies exchange started the term off with a bang, so let's eat up."

Everyone cheered and began digging into the meal.

"Hard to believe we're about to start the second year," said Ingrid.

"Time sure does fly," Heather agreed.

"And it certainly been a crazy bunch of months," said Fishlegs.

"Just think we'll be upperclassmen," said Ruffnut excitedly.

"We won't see much of the newbies, though," said Clader. "Hero students can't join clubs."

"Oh, we'll be promising heroes, cutie first years," said Helga cheerfully.

"Calm down; we still have about three more months to go, and don't forget finals are just over the horizon," said Speedfist.

"Stop talking, Speedfist! You're ruining the food," Agnar snapped.

"Words can't change the taste," said Ranger.

"You! How is someone so dense so popular with the ladies!"

"Oh man, Agnar, sounds like you're concerned that you want to pass," Ingrid teased.

"Shut up!"

"Don't sweat it; I'm gonna know that myself, Agnar," said Clueless.

"Still, there's no denying that our first year was more hectic than any other," said Hiccup.

"True, and out any of the other first years at the deal with villain attacks," Astrid agreed.

"But that's only made us stronger," said Ragnar. "I'm sure all of us will be top heroes one day."

"Here, Here!" the twins cheered.

Stoick was currently sitting outside watching the sunset, and he was soon joined by Eret.

"There you are," said Eret as he sat down next to him. "Enjoying the sunset? That's a little unusual for you?"

"Just thinking, you need me for something?" Stoick asked.

"It's Alvin; he wants to postpone your meeting with Flightmare for now."

Stoick nodded. "Got it. By the way, how's young Ariel?"

"Sleeping like a baby, my plan is to start her formal training this week."

Stoick nodded. "I'll help in any way I can."

"That would be nice, but what is really bothering you? I get the feeling you didn't just come out here just to contemplate."

Stoick sighed. "It's just that I've decided to keep on living."

Eret looked at him, shocked. "Don't tell me you're planning to kill yourself."

"I just feel so powerless, like nothing I'd try really matters. Every time I see my son and the other students improve and tortured by the fact that I can't do more to prepare them."

"It would seem as if you're still a workaholic."

"What?"

"You defended us almost on your own for decades, so yeah, I'm sure it's hard to come down from that high."

"That's a little harsh," Stoick muttered.

"But you are still able to help them by being at their side. Your presence is enough to inspire greatness. That's the truth. You should sit back and put your feet up, don't apologise for being alive."

Stoick lowed his face remembering the death's sidekick Nighteye. "Thanks."

Hawks was still working hard at the Paranormal Liberation Front's villa, gathering as much information as he could.

'The Paranormal Liberation Front and Krogan still has a backer behind-the-scenes. Something to do with the hospital. I must be sure when they'll attack; hopefully, the young heroes will have time to mature. Until then, I will gather intel and learn everything about the Liberation War. X-Day will be here soon.'

The Doctor was making his rounds in his hospital.

"Why this is unusual; a pleasure to see you here, Doctor," said a nurse.

"Good morning," Doctor smiled.

"I hope your research is proving fruitful."

"Yes, all that's left is to wait for the finishing touches."

None of the hospital staff realised that this entire hospital was actually a front for making Red Deaths, nor did they realise that Krogan was in a secret laboratory going through gruelling experiments.

A few months later, Class 1-A were just about to begin their summer break when suddenly all of them instantly got messages regarding their Work Studies at the same time.

"Uh, it's summer break, and we can't even enjoy it because our Work Studies are still going," Ruffnut complained.

"So much for having time to relax," said Clueless.

"It says we have an expeditionary operation," said Astrid as she looked at her phone.

"So I can work field trip?" Heather pondered.

Clueless blinked. "Hold on, for real? That's weird. Same for us."

"Our agency, too," Hiccup added. "I wonder why?"

"What could this mean?" Fishlegs frowned.

"Whoa, ditto here," said Ingrid.

"Same," said Magnus.

Hiccup had no idea what was going on, but he suspected that something big was about to go down.

Hiccup was proven right; in less than a day, he and the rest of his class, along with Class 1-B, joined up with other heroes at the base of the town. They didn't know exactly what was happening, but it was clearly some big operation.

"Heroes are at the foot of a mountain, but we will be evacuating residents in opposition from the back," Burnin explained.

'The Paranormal Liberation Front was plotting, and the harrowing incident that would shake superhuman society was about to begin.'