The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 312

Chapter 312: 312 | Your Burgeoning Career as a Media Darling

"Every instructor at Halloran brings something unique to our development. Radiant’s experience in high-stakes situations provides perspectives that can’t be taught from textbooks." I kept my posture open, my expression sincere. "When he talks about threat assessment or civilian protection, he’s not speaking theoretically. He’s sharing lessons learned from actual operations that saved actual lives."

"Some critics argue that having such a high-profile hero teaching students is a waste of resources. That Radiant’s time would be better spent in the field."

"I’d argue the opposite." My voice gained conviction, the kind that came from believing what I was saying. "The next generation of heroes needs more than combat training. We need to understand what it means to be a symbol. What it means to be the person that civilians look to when everything goes wrong. Radiant teaching us isn’t pulling him from the field. It’s ensuring that the field has better heroes in it ten years from now."

The reporter leaned in, sensing she’d found something worth pursuing. "You speak very confidently about being a symbol. Do you have aspirations of reaching that level yourself?"

The question landed exactly where I’d been steering it. Diane would have been proud of the setup.

"Every first-year here wants to be the best," I said. "That’s why we’re at Halloran instead of regional academies. But being the best isn’t about rankings or sponsorship deals. It’s about being the person who shows up when it matters. The person who makes civilians feel safe just by being present." I paused, letting the words land. "Radiant taught us that in his first lecture. He said heroes who chase fame find emptiness. Heroes who chase service find legacy."

The camera operator adjusted his angle, getting a better shot. The reporter’s expression had shifted from professional skepticism to something closer to genuine engagement.

"That’s a very mature perspective for a first-year student."

"I’ve had good teachers." I smiled, the expression genuine because I was thinking about Diane explaining brand positioning over breakfast, about Sloane’s face when she talked about watching Radiant save her neighborhood. "And I’ve had good examples."

"One last question." The reporter moved the microphone closer. "If you could say anything to the viewing audience, to the civilians who will one day be looking to you and your classmates for protection, what would it be?"

This was the moment. The perfect setup for the perfect soundbite. The kind of clip that would get replayed on morning news shows and social media feeds, establishing a narrative before I’d even graduated.

I thought about the symbol I wanted to become. Not just the strongest. Not just the most famous. The one that people trusted. The one that made them feel safe.

"We’re working as hard as we can to be worthy of your trust," I said. "Not just in the training rooms or the simulations, but in understanding what that trust actually means. Every day, we’re learning how to be the heroes you deserve. That’s what this academy teaches us. That’s what instructors like Radiant remind us of. And that’s what we’re going to deliver."

The reporter held the microphone for another beat, then lowered it with an expression that suggested she’d gotten exactly what she came for.

"Thank you for your time. That was very well spoken."

"Thank you for the opportunity."

She signaled her cameraman to stop recording, then handed me a business card with the smooth efficiency of someone who recognized potential when she saw it.

"Elena Vasquez. Channel 7 News." Her smile was warmer now, less professional and more personal. "I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of you, Mr...?"

"Belmont. Lukas Belmont."

"Mr. Belmont." She tucked the card into my hand. "When you’re ready to do a longer interview, call that number. I think your perspective could be very valuable for our audience."

She walked away, cameraman in tow, already scanning for her next target.

Felicity stared at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.

"What?" I said.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify