Chapter 53

1.

A hero must be wary of the press.

A hero who conceals their identity and acts while the press wields information as a weapon inevitably must guard against and keep their distance from the media.

They gather and deliver any information the public might find interesting, all under the guise of ‘truth.’

Sometimes, they even expose the identity of a hero who rescued citizens for their own purposes, putting them under everyone’s watchful eye. Hence, most heroes avoid the press.

Except for an overwhelming few with immense power or influence whose identities would make no impact if revealed, most heroes conceal their true identities to maintain a dual existence.

Because they do not wish for their everyday lives to be invaded by the duty of being a hero, making normal living impossible.

Take Spiderman as an example. What happened the moment his identity was revealed? His ordinary life all but disappeared, and he found himself in the difficult position of having the whole city as his enemy.

Every single action was monitored, belittled, and endlessly harassed by those with differing values or mere dissatisfaction.

Thus, the press is truly a terrifying means that can easily ruin a person with words alone.

But why was such a means employed?

The reason is simple.

“I will focus their attention on me.”

“Focus, you say?”

Sometimes, the press can be used as a means to send a message to someone.

“The core issue won’t be resolved. No matter what I do in Abidos, it won’t change. However, I may at least provoke Kaiser into targeting me.”

“…”

“Releasing a bit of information to the press won’t bring them down. Kaiser is too large of a giant to be shaken by mere suspicions. He’s a greedy giant that seeks to claim an autonomous district as his own domain.”

Therefore,

he will draw the giant’s attention to himself.

More than anything, he will remind them that he is their greatest adversary and provoke them to attack him.

Not Abidos, not any other autonomous districts.

Only him.

“Why?”

At my words, Himari asked curiously.

“…Is there really a reason to go this far? You, Hiiro, might end up in danger.”

“Because I realized that the people of Abidos are in danger.”

“…”

There isn’t a grand reason. Simply,

I did not wish to ignore someone’s crisis and wanted to be the one who willingly extends a helping hand to others.

Therefore, even at the risk to myself, I will use all means necessary for their sake.

“Even if it’s not possible for me to be liked and loved by everyone, I don’t want to disappoint those who like me.”

Thus, I will meet their expectations.

“That is what I believe a ‘hero’ should be.”

I was saying that a hero is naturally such an existence.

If you look up to me, I will appropriately recreate my image and give you the level of awe that you seek. If you love me, I will equally love you back, not turning away and instead striving to save you. Beyond even that, if you revere me, I will joyfully work miracles for you.

That was my belief, my ideal.

Moreover, it was what I aspired towards.

2.

After news of Kaiser’s illegal smuggling operations hit across Kiburatos, the situation in Abidos started to take on a different complexion from before.

While underground activities through the Blat Market continued as usual, the number of incidents involving ordinary citizens or students from Abidos significantly dropped, as if someone had issued orders.

While observing this change together, Himari evaluated that Kaiser had started taking heed of the citizens’ vigilance. Members of the Ad Hoc Committee noticed a noticeable improvement in Abidos’ security.

Of course,

“It’s like the mole just went underground.”

“Yes. They’re just being cautious.”

Kaiser’s activities would continue in areas out of their sight.

Just as roaches retreat to dark places when light is shone on them, Kaiser would work even more covertly after being stung by the press once.

For now, they’re likely just lying low, but they’ll re-emerge when they find the right opportunity.

This was not unexpected.

In fact, one might even say that Hiiro intentionally orchestrated this situation.

“High risk, high return. Did Hiiro want to create this situation?”

At Himari’s words, I shrugged.

Her observation was correct, but not everything was planned on my part.

“Still, this will do.”

I found the current outcome satisfactory.

The bomb I dropped will be effective for some time, ensuring Abidos won’t easily fall into peril.

With this, it should be safe for a while.

“Since we’ve achieved our goal, let’s call it a day.”

Time to prepare for our next active efforts.

I thought to myself.

“Have you achieved all your objectives?”

“Yes. Both the ‘exploration’ and the ‘investigation’ were successfully completed.”

“Great. I’ll prepare in advance then.”

“Thank you, Senior Himari.”

Thus, my return was decided.

Although it saddened me to part after such a short time, I thought it didn’t matter since I would visit Abidos again soon.

…

There were two purposes for my visit to Abidos.

One was to get the approval for the Special Phenomena Task Force’s activities.

The other was to give peace to the Ad Hoc Committee.

That was all.

Abidos’ issues were fundamentally unsolvable ones. That’s why I wasn’t here to solve their problems.

Even as a teacher of SCALE, it’s impossible to achieve such goals; even with extrajudicial authority, their debts can’t be repaid, and Abidos’ desertification cannot be solved.

Critically speaking, the happy ending others envision is far from attainable.

But there’s one fact unknown to many.

Abidos will undoubtedly continue to face difficulties. However, the Ad Hoc Committee does not view these as misfortunes or desperate realities.

They regard them as challenges to overcome, consistently striving to raise money to protect their school.

Their ties of friendship and connection as members of the Ad Hoc Committee remain intact, and simply continuing their regular lives satisfies them.

“Everyone’s idea of a happy ending is different, after all.”

That’s why I emphasize the role of the teacher.

He, unlike me, can provide Abidos with the lawful authority it needs and can take on the role of an ‘adult’ to protect them.

The teacher, in fact, is the one who can help the Ad Hoc Committee achieve their version of a ‘happy ending.’

‘Those kids need an adult more than a hero like me.’

Sometimes, children need someone to reprimand them more than a shield to protect them from attacks. There are times when they need the gentle touch of an adult more than the strong back of a hero.

That’s why,

The main story’s progression finds its value when it’s about the teacher’s journey.

Only then can the theme of [Blue Archive] that I remember and like truly be realized.

“So let’s head back and prepare.”

To prepare to help the teacher.

3.

[Amid growing suspicions surrounding Kaiser Corporation, recent sightings of its activities in the Abidos district have drawn attention to the statements of Silk.]

[“What is Kaiser trying to do in Abidos?”]

[Silk, known as a kind neighbor, has drawn interest with these statements, raising questions about whether she had prior knowledge of Kaiser’s illegal activities. Despite public inquiries and demands for clarification, Kaiser Corporation remains silent…]

“Abidos is getting a bit rowdy these days.”

A man watching the news murmured, a bitter smile on his face.

With a tablet PC in one hand, he paused in contemplative silence before erupting into laughter and continuing.

“Anyway, I was planning to visit.”

“Because there are the letters you’ve shown me.”

Though it sounded like he was talking to himself, the tone suggested he was conversing with someone else.

However, the office he inhabited was empty except for him.

A situation that might raise concerns about mental health.

Surprisingly, the man was not only sane but exceptionally lucid.

“Hmm, Silk, is it…”

The man rose from his seat, adjusting his clothes while momentarily lost in thought, pondering the person he’d seen on the news and the one who’d sent him a letter.

He observed the two letters before him.

One came from the Ad Hoc Committee in Abidos,

and another…

[From: Kind Neighbor]

He chuckled.

“Perhaps I’ll meet an interesting student.”

The city’s sole hero.

A student who saves people and spreads hope throughout the city.

A symbol of hope and goodness who’d been rescuing people even before he arrived in Kiburatos.

The man — or rather, the teacher — had long anticipated meeting her, and now the opportunity had arisen.

“Let’s go, to Abidos.”

Above his steps aimed at helping students,

A slightly added anticipation accompanied his motive.

For meeting the sole hero of this city.

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