Chapter 3

“Alright, this should be enough for now.”

After several days of going back and forth in the Black Market, I had managed to wrap up my tests to a certain extent. The purpose of this operation was nothing other than to fully understand the specifications and limitations of the body I had been reincarnated into.

Physical capabilities, shooting accuracy, judgment, senses.

I fought countless enemies in the Black Market until my body and mind fully grasped the limits of all these aspects.

And the conclusions I arrived at were as follows:

While my shooting skills remained pitiful, conversely, my physical abilities and judgment were on par with the top-tier students depicted in the game.

The most important factor, however, was the senses. In this regard, after fighting dozens of enemies over several days, I still hadn’t clearly identified the limits of this ability. At one moment, I could perceive an infinitely vast range, and at another, I instinctively foresaw events as if viewing the future.

Almost like some hero from Earth.

“Intuition, or more like a ‘sixth sense.'”

Ultimately, I was satisfied with the results of this test. I had exceeded the financial goal I had set for myself.

Thus, it was time to move on to the next phase: the preparatory stage for starting genuine hero activities.

“It’s time to devise a plan.”

Having experienced countless hero narratives from Earth, I can confidently say that hero activity cannot be achieved by sheer willpower and strength alone.

The path of a hero requires unwavering conviction, a clear goal, and an indomitable spirit.

Furthermore, it shouldn’t be solely focused on punishing villains.

Since my purpose is not to avenge or loathe villains, I need to be an idol who brings hope to all people rather than just an executioner.

So, what do I possess?

“Will and power. That’s all.”

Do I have the noble conviction of Earth’s Captain America? Or an unreachable goal like Iron Man that others may not understand?

No. I’m just a novice who entered this line with the single-minded desire to become a hero.

Therefore,

“I need to set a clear image of the hero I want to be.”

Grandeur. Greatness. Respect.

I can’t evoke these feelings in others yet. This much I can firmly say.

So,

“The hero I aim to be is—”

“A kind neighbor in Kiburotos.”

Someone who roams the streets, preventing all sorts of trouble and helping people with issues they can’t solve on their own. A superhuman who simply existing instills fear in villains.

That is the image of the hero I want to embody.

—

Later, I also devised a more detailed plan aside from defining my ideal hero image.

Eventually, I would have to manage both my life at Millennium and my activities as a hero, making it wise to devise a contingency plan beforehand.

I had no intention of giving up on either my academy life or my hero aspirations.

“The money’s more than enough.”

Adding the funds earned from vigilantism to the money already in my account, I realized I had a surprisingly large sum.

I had already decided what to use this money for, so I left it untouched in my account.

Then, I immediately went online to download geographical data about Kiburotos, embedding the information firmly in my mind. It wouldn’t do for me to get lost while I’m heroing around.

I also looked up the locations of all the CCTV cameras installed in Kiburotos. This knowledge might prove useful in the future when exploiting blind spots.

Afterward, I extensively explored a lot of information—not just about Millennium but also about all the public issues and knowledge concerning the entire realm of Kiburotos.

Details on how the Sentum Tower stopped functioning due to the disappearance of the Student Council President and the resulting issues with the city’s infrastructure.

They’ve also announced a temporary replacement for the former Student Council President and that an outside entity referred to as “Teacher” would soon arrive.

And information about the specific status of each academy.

From this endless online sea of information, I cross-referenced the knowledge I already possessed about the original story, weaving a mind map of sorts within my head.

As a result,

“First, I need to look into joining a club or finding a job.”

My conclusion was this: before starting my hero activities, I needed to first establish my mundane life as ‘normal’.

This was not just for economic reasons but also regarding my future recognition as a hero.

Unless I revealed my identity as a billionaire or a genius, there would be limits to my ability to deal with authorities.

Thus, I had to set up alibis within the ‘ordinary’ framework first.

Of course, it was also essential to cover my living expenses while attending school.

“Hmm.”

Putting aside the clubs for now, where should I find a job?

—

“Welcome! Angel24!”

Ultimately, I secured a part-time position at a convenience store within Millennium’s campus. There were various reasons for this decision. The store owner gave me a reasonable contract, but more importantly, this location provided geographical advantages and breaks during the work schedule. This would allow me to plan my future activities more effectively.

Also, this job provided opportunities to meet many people, fostering connections and collecting information.

“Thank you for your visit!”

With the experience of working part-time jobs from Earth, I managed to do my work proficiently. The owner, an anthropomorphic feline, was very satisfied and praised me highly while clearing out the trash.

With renewed gratitude for choosing this spot, I thanked her, collected the lunch she gave me, and left.

“The information I’ve gathered today suggests that Millennium is also quite disturbed by the stoppage of Sentum Tower.”

It’s not just Millennium, though. Other academies like Trinity, Gehenna, Abidos, and others throughout Kiburotos must also be suffering due to the suspension of the tower’s functions.

While I could remain calm knowing that the ‘Teacher’ would arrive soon, some students were visibly shocked by the disappearance of the Student Council President.

Of course, still, all the academies continued functioning normally without breaks.

“Let’s head to a nearby park for now.”

With the food provided by the owner, I decided to eat at the nearby park. However, it being lunchtime, all the available spots were taken.

Lacking other options, I sat on one of the benches at the playground to eat. Although it wasn’t ideal due to the lack of a table, it was a decent enough spot to eat with the food placed on my lap.

Just as I was about to unwrap the packaging of the convenience store’s triangle rice cake, strawberry milk, and hot bar,

“…!”

Whoosh

A sudden sensation made me feel as if time slowed down. Intuition kicked in, alerting me that something was approaching from behind.

At the moment I felt this pressing sensation on my head, I instinctively kicked back, launched my lunch upward, and simultaneously extended my arm behind me, “catching” something.

Bam!

Before I even realized it was a round soccer ball, I instinctively caught all the floating food mid-air with my other hand.

Clatter

Mechanically, not a single piece of food fell, and a deep sigh escaped me as I completed the operation.

“Hmph…”

It all happened in the blink of an eye. In less than a second, animal-like reflexes ensured I wouldn’t go hungry. As I momentarily relaxed,

‘Who the hell?’

I surveyed my surroundings for the person responsible for throwing the ball and noticed the students on the playground, all in their gym uniforms. A group of girls were just standing there with blank looks on their faces, staring at me.

Their attire immediately revealed their affiliation. Millennium’s one and only Physical & Arts Training Club.

Otohana Sumire and a bunch of other mob characters. The girls who threw the ball at me were staring at me with shining eyes, approaching as if they were about to capture a rare creature.

‘…Oh crap.’

Right then, the sixth sense kicked in again.

I instinctively realized this: if I got hooked by these girls, my normal life at Millennium would become impossible.

“Uh, excuse me-”

“Hey! Why are you running-!”

I bolted. I escaped, cautiously making sure to hold onto my lunch.

Behind me, I heard someone shout, “We can’t let this talent slip away!” but I ignored it and just ran.

“Damn it!”

Why the hell did I have to meet them here?

I didn’t have the energy to be angry. I was just scared. Really, really scared.

No, no way. The Training Club is absolutely not for me!

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