Chapter 48

1.

Have you ever entertained the thought?

Of one day, realizing that the world is doomed.

Of gaining knowledge that others do not have.

Of knowing that only I have the power to change the future.

What, then, shall I do?

What choice would I make in that moment?

An optimistic judgment was impossible, and it shouldn’t have been.

To believe that because of the existence of a ‘teacher,’ everything will turn out fine no matter the outcome?

To think that as long as this world isn’t on ‘another teacher’s’ timeline, things will ultimately be okay?

That’s a story I can’t guarantee. At this point, with my variable added to it, the very structure of this world is being twisted, and I can no longer assert that this world will inevitably have a happy ending simply because of the teacher’s existence.

Therefore,

I had to make a decision.

The work I want to do, or more precisely, the person I want to become.

At first, it may have been a purely impulsive choice, but by now, I deeply understand the meanings of responsibility and duty.

This is the plight of one who has transmigrated.

Knowing the future, possessing knowledge others do not have, and above all, knowing that only I can change everything because of it.

In a way, though, that made the answer simple.

“I will have to do what I must.”

Protecting the citizens, safeguarding the students, and shielding the city.

Punishing those who violate the boundaries I aim to establish, and preserving everyone’s peaceful daily life.

Moreover,

I have to prepare in advance for the incidents themselves.

If I cannot control or manage all the variables, then I need to prepare the means for flexible responses and solutions.

Using every available tool—hero equipment, connections, information—to shape the ending I desire.

That would be enough.

…

…

…

Which is why I came to find them.

I believed that now, before the real incidents and stories begin, was the only time I’d have any leeway.

“…So, you plan to use all of this money?”

“Yes. The research will take that long.”

“That much is true… but…”

Utaha and Hibiki wore bewildered expressions.

They were taken aback by the large sum of money I entrusted to them.

I understood; it was essentially all of the funds I had accumulated so far.

But I believed that this level of investment was necessary.

What I had asked them to develop was a certain ‘technology,’ one that would be essential for realizing my dream in the future.

Though they still seemed a little confused, they didn’t refuse, seemingly having picked up on my intent.

“…Is it entirely impossible to develop?”

“Hmm. Not necessarily. We just don’t know how to address the fuel efficiency or optimization yet.”

“Right… simply lowering the output won’t solve the problem. Without an alternative power source or delivery system, I think the fuel efficiency would become terribly poor.”

We had discussed countless hero equipment ideas in the past during casual chats disguised as consultations with members of the Engineering Department, but this was rare in that it had brought out a serious expression from me, which made them equally serious about working on it.

Though they were often exasperated by my constant questioning and requests for all kinds of equipment and technologies…

‘Still, once we start talking, they get serious.’

Their passion for work hadn’t disappeared. Once the conversation began, they both transformed from their usual selves into master craftsmen.

Watching them focus on the task at hand felt genuinely impressive.

With a smile, I gently took their hands and added one more thing.

“Thank you for thinking hard about it. But there’s one idea I’ve been mulling over.”

“…Uh, uh-huh?”

“…Another one?!”

Though they wore dazed expressions at the thought of yet another request, I didn’t stop.

And so, the silent wail of despair from the Engineering Department continued.

2.

[So, you’re planning on operating next in Abidos?]

“Yes. I intend to aid the students in Abidos while investigating the paranormal phenomena occurring there. And above all…”

[…Kaiser Corporation, right.]

“Yes.”

Chihiro, my contact from Veritas on the other side of the screen, nodded as if understanding what I was about to say.

Through my hero activities up to this point, I’ve gained many enemies, but none as large in scale or as worthy of being called an arch-nemesis as they.

Kaiser Corporation.

If I start my activities in Abidos, they will undoubtedly be the biggest obstruction, the most fitting rival to describe as an enemy. Abidos is their primary activity hub, a place where their funds converge unusually heavily. The reasons are something that not only I but everyone somewhat guesses.

[What a joke. Trying to gobble up an autonomous district as if it’s just any corporation. Did they really think no one would notice?]

“Probably, they figured knowing wouldn’t matter. They’re the types to do anything for their own interests and ambitions. I imagine they’re also using mercenaries or thugs to drive out the students of Abidos.”

[…Yeah, seems like something they’d do.]

Yeah, they actually did.

I exhaled, answering Chihiro’s unspoken question in my mind.

‘Kaiser. An enemy I must take down at some point.’

It’s inevitable that they will interfere with my plans in the future. To that extent, Kaiser is an adversary I must destroy at some point.

A villainous entity that stomps on others to achieve its ambitions, goals, and advancement in corporate form.

That is my perception of Kaiser Corporation.

Just like when they attacked D.U earlier.

Their current operations are no different.

“I don’t intend to stand idly by.”

[Yeah. I kinda figured you’d say that. So, why did you contact us at this hour, hero?]

“Haha. It’s nothing serious.”

For a moment, I smirked somewhat bitterly and then replied.

“I need information. On Kaiser.”

[Information on Kaiser Corporation? What kind exactly?]

“Everything they’ve done in Abidos.”

What they are currently doing.

What they have done in the past.

And what they will do in the future.

I don’t need to get my hands on all the information.

Just obtaining clues and records of their deeds should suffice—

‘I can deal a significant blow to Kaiser.’

Given that Kaiser is a corporate entity and Abidos is an academy, there’s no way they will achieve their goals.

Because I will not let them.

“Is it possible?”

[Well, it’s not impossible. Though we might not be able to obtain information on their crucial secrets to avoid getting caught ourselves.]

“That’s fine. I wouldn’t want that either. Please ensure maximum safety. Even a little information would be helpful.”

[Alright, leave it to us.]

Even though the request was essentially asking them to hack into Kaiser, Chihiro accepted it with ease.

Initially, I thought she might refuse, but it appears the trust they placed in me is quite solid.

‘…I have to repay them.’

There are plenty of people putting in effort for me.

Someday, I must repay them all.

I don’t know how I’ll do that now, but someday, I will undoubtedly repay them—

That was what I thought.

“Thank you.”

[Don’t mention it. We’ll get back to you later.]

“Yes. Take care, Chihiro.”

3.

“Hiiro, when do you plan to start your main activity?”

Himari, who was lying beside me, suddenly asked.

Not just her, but Amy lying in front of the fan also turned her head curiously.

I grinned wryly, removed the mask on my face, and gave a casual answer while raising my torso.

“Next week.”

“Hmm. Is there a particular reason?”

Reason?

There are a few, but the most decisive one is…

“It’ll be complete then.”

“Complete? What do you mean?”

In response to Himari’s curious inquiry, I chuckled faintly with a joyous smile.

“My Hero Suit.”

The Hero Suit I had commissioned before making the shield.

I faced many challenges when deciding its design and functions, but I finally managed to resolve those uncertainties and make a decision.

Hibiki was a great help.

Just as she crafted the stewardess outfit in the final stage, she contributed significantly to my Hero Suit.

‘I was considering wearing something tight…’

But now…

It felt a bit…

Since becoming a woman, I’ve grown somewhat shy about showing off my figure.

After all, the main reason I wear a coat while hero-ing is to avoid revealing my figure.

Of course, using it as an alternate for bulletproof clothing is another reason, but…

I definitely didn’t want to wear something too revealing.

“Hero Suit, huh? Hmm… Is a special costume really necessary for activities…?”

“It’s a symbol. It fulfills a role as equipment, but ultimately, a hero’s symbol is the most important thing.”

“Huh… Is that so?”

Himari didn’t seem to understand easily, but for me, that was something I couldn’t quite grasp about her.

‘Who knows what Himari does.’

“Traditionally, having a hero suit is a rule that can’t be denied.”

“…”

My confident statement left Himari with a look of uncertainty, unsure what to say.

“Even you, Himari-senpai, will surely like it.”

“Oh, alright then. I’ll look forward to it…”

“Sure thing!”

Himari could do nothing but nod.

Though not every aspect, she well knew that reasoning with her junior on this matter was completely futile.

It was a wise choice befitting her omniscient reputation.

---