Kei and Teri continued to wander through the unfamiliar streets, keeping to the shadows as they took in the alien architecture and the strange way people moved, seemingly unafraid despite the recent monster attack. It was as if creatures of immense power and destructive potential were an everyday sight here.

After some time, Kei's attention was drawn to a large digital screen on one of the nearby buildings. An image of the monster from earlier flashed across it, followed by text scrolling down in a language she didn't recognize. But then, as if reading her mind, the screen translated into her language.

"...Neutralized by Class-S Hero Metal Bat. No further threats identified in Sector 17."

Kei exchanged a glance with Teri, eyebrows raised. "Class-S Hero? This world organizes their warriors... like a military?"

"Seems like it," Teri replied. He had the same look of intensity he always got before a battle, his eyes darting to each shadow and movement. "I'd like to know how they classify these... heroes. And more importantly, if any of them can help us."

A woman passing by must have noticed their confusion because she paused, offering a friendly smile. "You two look lost. Are you visiting from another district?"

Kei hesitated, but Teri spoke smoothly. "Yes, we're visitors. We heard of a place called the Hero's Association. Can you tell us where it is?"

The woman's face brightened with pride. "Oh, the Hero Association! Yes, it's just a few blocks down, in the City Center. They're the ones that keep us safe from monsters. It's a good place to visit, especially if you want to know more about our heroes!"

Thanking her, Kei and Teri followed her directions, weaving through the bustling streets until they came to a towering building marked with a giant, gleaming "H" symbol. The structure was imposing, its walls lined with high-tech screens showcasing various heroes in action. Each hero displayed had a name, a rank, and a brief description of their powers.

They entered the building, and Kei's heart raced as she felt the sheer energy radiating from within. She'd always been sensitive to the life force of others, but the energy here was different—fiery, raw, and barely controlled.

Inside, a spacious lobby bustled with people. Civilians lined up at the counters, while heroes of varying levels passed through, some in elaborate costumes, others looking as casual as the man they'd encountered on the street. Kei and Teri stood out, with their flowing, fantasy-style attire and otherworldly appearance, earning curious glances from those around them.

A young receptionist, noticing their hesitation, waved them over. "Hello! Are you here to register as heroes, or just visiting?"

Kei glanced at Teri. Registering as heroes hadn't been part of their plan, but it might be their best chance to gather information.

"We're actually here from... a faraway place," Kei said, choosing her words carefully. "We're looking for someone who can help us understand this world. We're... searching for something."

The receptionist gave them an appraising look, her gaze lingering on Kei's shimmering wings and Teri's enchanted armor. "You look like you're not from around here." She smiled, seemingly unfazed. "Well, if you're looking to learn more about our world, the Hero Association can certainly help. I'll call one of our senior heroes; they're used to training newcomers."

A few moments later, a tall, muscular woman with a confident stride approached them. Her hair was tied back in a severe bun, and she wore a tight black suit marked with the Hero Association emblem. She looked them over, her expression skeptical but intrigued.

"So, you're the 'foreign visitors,'" she said, crossing her arms. "Name's Sweet Mask. I'm a Class-A hero and one of the senior instructors here. The Hero Association is always interested in recruiting skilled fighters, and you two certainly look... unique. What are your names?"

Kei stepped forward, bowing slightly. "I'm Kei, Guardian of Life." She gestured to Teri, who gave a small nod. "And this is Commander Teri, Protector of Aetheria."

Sweet Mask raised an eyebrow. "Guardian? Protector? Sounds dramatic." She gave them a small, mocking smile. "Well, Kei and Teri, if you're here to help, that's great, but you'll need to prove your strength. This isn't a world for the weak."

Teri's eyes flashed, and Kei knew that look—his pride wouldn't let a challenge go unanswered. "We're more than capable," he replied. "We've fought monsters and forces that would leave scars on your reality. We're not here to prove ourselves but to close a rift that threatens both our worlds."

Sweet Mask's smirk faded slightly, her gaze narrowing. "A rift?" Her voice dropped, sounding slightly more serious. "What exactly do you mean?"

Kei took a deep breath, explaining how the rift had opened in Aetheria, connecting to this world and how it was threatening the stability of both realms. Sweet Mask listened, her eyes focused, though her expression remained unreadable.

When Kei finished, Sweet Mask leaned back, arms crossed. "Well, I can't pretend to understand all that magic stuff, but we've had our share of strange occurrences. Rifts, dimensional anomalies... it's not new here. But usually, the Association handles it. If what you're saying is true, it might be beyond even our top heroes' capabilities."

Kei and Teri shared a glance, sensing they were closer to the answers they sought.

"So," Teri asked, "who would know more about handling rifts and dimensional disturbances here?"

Sweet Mask thought for a moment. "There's one man who might know—if anyone does." She glanced down the hall, where a figure in a white lab coat, flanked by several gadgets and devices, was walking toward them. "Doctor Kuseno, one of the Hero Association's top scientists. He's researched some of the weirdest stuff in our world."

Kei felt a surge of hope. "Can he help us?"

Sweet Mask shrugged. "If anyone can, it's him. He's worked with Class-S heroes and studied phenomena that go beyond what most of us even understand."

As the doctor approached, Kei felt the weight of her mission bearing down on her. This world was strange, chaotic, and powerful beyond what she had expected. But they had a lead now, and with Teri by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Little did they know that this was only the beginning—that Doctor Kuseno would lead them to someone far more powerful than any hero they'd met so far.