Chapter 76

1.

Vessel of Sorrow, Binah.

It had been a few days since the battle with the monster known as ‘The Steel Serpent’ ended in the world.

Kiburatos was still brimming with the heat of the situation at that time. The extent of its impact was such that the teachers of SCALE and Gehenna, who were in charge of mop-up operations regarding the affair, were losing sleep over it.

The appearance of an enemy of a type never encountered before.

And the struggle of the hero who stood against it.

There were also numerous other issues to consider, beyond Silk’s newfound fame.

The media incessantly churned out related articles, feeding fuel to the flames of Kiburatos, while on various community platforms, these speculations were eagerly discussed and further spread.

Though attention meant fame, it was not entirely moving in the right direction.

Some were curious about the full story of the event, others wanted to know about the main characters who resolved it, and still others were searching for someone to blame.

For these reasons, the phone in the SCALE office never stopped ringing today.

“…Ah.”

One of the current figures of public discourse sighed as the continuous phone ringing reached their ears. Exhaustion was evident in their expression as they massaged their temple while exhaling deeply, revealing unmistakable fatigue.

Truthfully, it wasn’t unexpected.

Even before now, the teacher had anticipated, with some degree of Silk’s rising fame in mind, that there would likely be a succession of tiring tasks in the aftermath of the event.

‘Truly, it feels like I might develop neurosis.’

However, what one envisions in their mind and what one actually experiences are entirely different stories. No matter how strong one’s resolve is at first, if it persists for two days, three days, and even six, it’s nearly impossible for even adults not to feel mentally strained.

“Ha ha.”

That said, the impressions gained during this event were quite fresh despite the fatigue.

It had been enjoyable, most of all, satisfying. No one was injured, and Abidos had stabilized. Despite the attack of a powerful monster, the situation in Abidos had remarkably improved compared to beforehand.

Additionally, the official club recognition granted to the Countermeasures Committee would have contributed somewhat to this subtle but clear progress in Abidos.

Just a short time ago, the faces of the Countermeasures Committee children, who were checking on the situation in Abidos, were etched with prominent anxiety, sorrow, and despair.

The primary reasons were the enormous debt owed to Kaiser and the unimproving circumstances in Abidos.

‘All of these causes have essentially vanished,’ the teacher thought.

While the debt to Kaiser still remains substantial, the interest has been eliminated, and most of the security problems troubling Abidos were resolved after Kaiser backed down. The issues of infrastructure paralysis and administrative failures remain to be gradually addressed, but the situation is by no means dire.

Because I will do my best to help too.

‘And above all…’

Could it be due to the repercussions of this event, or simply a short-lived phenomenon caused by the fame of one hero?

[Ayane: Lately… a lot of visitors have been coming to Abidos from outside. Most are coming to see the site of the previous incident, but many former residents and tourists who had to leave Abidos due to Kaiser are also returning. It’s really, fortunate…]

The increase in Abidos’ transient population was significant.

The increase in transient population was akin to the influx of funds.

Some may be amazed, others may feel bitter, and some might even mock, but the fact that people came at all means that Abidos should rejoice more than at any other time.

Thus, there was a distinct sense of gratitude in Ayane’s words that had not been seen before.

“Thank goodness.”

In the past, and perhaps even now, Abidos was nothing more than a crumbling sandcastle. That’s why both outsiders and those involved thought that Abidos would never have a bright future.

But everything changed due to a single hero.

Eliminating the monsters threatening the city, driving out evil, and realizing will and pride, the hero transformed the city.

“…”

A sigh escaped, and a smile naturally formed on the teacher’s lips.

At the same time, there was regret for not having assisted the child more in that situation.

If I had tried harder, used that card from the start, and not hesitated, the child might not have been injured to that extent.

Regret lingers.

The result was satisfactory, but the process still left many regrets.

‘It’s meaningless to think about it now, but if something similar happens again…’

Then, I will more surely help that child.

As a teacher, and an adult.

And as a person, aiding the hero.

This is what the teacher believed was ‘natural’ to do.

2.

The incident in Abidos taught the teacher much and was a time filled with many insights.

New connections, events, new resolutions, and the true adversaries hidden beneath the surface of Kiburatos all came to light.

It was at this moment that the teacher felt SCALE truly fulfilled its role. Also, there came the realization that many more incidents would arise.

Additionally, they encountered someone—someone perhaps moving toward an even greater purpose than themselves, or perhaps just like them.

A real hero, not the mere term used in news reports—an actual courageous person—was right there.

Drenched in blood and writhing in pain, throwing their body into the fray.

A powerful superhero taking on a formidable enemy threatening the city.

She was a student but also more than just that.

“But that doesn’t mean I should ignore it.”

As the teacher spoke, the surrounding space rippled.

Rather, it was the teacher’s dream world that began to crack.

Detecting an intruder, the dream realm started to collapse, eventually becoming engulfed in an eerie darkness, from which an all-too-familiar yet strange presence emerged.

“Huhuhu… Greetings, Teacher.”

This presence was a man cloaked in an aura of menace.

In human form, clad in a black suit, his entire being seemed alien and menacing, with stark white cracks etched all over his body and smoke rising from his form.

The man, ‘Black Suit,’ advanced toward the teacher, his sinister laughter ringing in the air.

As if smiling, the cracks curved in a wavy pattern.

“So, have you given any thought to the proposal I mentioned?”

Black Suit questioned.

Recalling the proposal made by the man before him, the teacher scrunched up their face and replied.

“No point in even considering it.”

“Tsk. That’s disappointing. We believed you could become not just a good ally, but a collaborator.”

“Why are you here?”

“No big reason. Just here to deliver a warning—important advice for you.”

“… A warning?”

As the teacher’s eyes filled with curiosity, Black Suit’s smile deepened, and he spoke.

“Teacher, your ‘That’ card—If you want to continue living your normal life, I recommend not using it any further.”

“You need to eat, ride public transportation, pay rent, handle trivial and meaningless tasks. That’s what I’m saying, Teacher. Use it more importantly than just for those children.”

Black Suit continued his speech.

Revealing the danger of the teacher’s ‘Adult Card.’

But…

“…No.”

“…Why not?”

The teacher rejected the notion without hesitation.

At this, Black Suit genuinely showed his bewilderment, yet the teacher responded with a clear resolve in their gaze.

“Because that’s the job of an adult.”

“There’s been no one to take responsibility for the children’s suffering. I must fulfill my responsibilities and obligations.”

People who only chase after what they can see.

The number of people who don’t take pity on the young but instead harbor wrong desires and selfishness is increasing.

There are too many people who are adults in name only.

To such people, I want to say:

“Truly precious things are often unseen.”

“…”

Black Suit, the ‘different’ adult before the teacher, fell silent.

And then, almost joyfully, Black Suit began muttering as he rested his hand on his forehead.

“I don’t understand, you nor that hero.”

“But that’s why it’s interesting. Fine, Teacher. I’ll continue to keep an eye on your and the hero’s exploits.”

…Hero?

The teacher’s eyes flickered with confusion for a moment.

“Then. Have a peaceful day.”

By the time Black Suit finished speaking, he had already vanished without a trace.

…

…

…

“So, is what he said true? Arona.”

Tapping the tablet on the desk, the teacher called their partner’s name.

A blue light turned on the darkened screen, displaying the SCALE logo followed by Arona’s familiar voice.

[Yes! It’s definitely true. Didn’t I already play the unmodified version of the voice for you? Silk really is Hiiro!]

“…”

[Teacher? Is everything alright?]

Arona’s innocent voice made the teacher shake their head and release a helpless chuckle.

“Looks like I have some place I need to go.”

The teacher had figured out why Hiiro was hiding this. Even if she is surprised when she finds out that I know her identity, there’s still something that needs to be said to her—for the future.

“Arona, can you show me the schedule?”

[Of course, Teacher!]

“I need to adjust the schedule a little.”

Though I’ve said I’ll assist Silk as a teacher, it’s likely insufficient. So…

‘This time, I’ll help you as SCALE’s advisor.’

Helping to fulfill students’ dreams has always been the responsibility of adults, and this time is no different.

Just this time, it’s Silk’s dream.

“I’ll have to visit Millennium soon.”

According to Arona’s findings, Silk—Nanashi Hiiro—is having significant trouble producing hero equipment.

I intend to assist her with it.

3.

“Then, I’m off.”

At the doorway, Hina, clad in her uniform, waved.

The adorable impression she showed last night was nowhere to be seen, replaced instead by a sharp gaze bearing the charisma expected of a section leader.

I smiled and waved back.

With the plan to relax as a guest for several days at Hina’s house, it was my role to see her off.

Noticing that Hina seemed a little reluctant to leave, I approached her and gave her a hug, making her very happy.

“Hmm… well, I’m really off now.”

“Come back safely. See you later.”

“Mm.”

After that, Hina left for the Gehenna Discipline Department.

Once I was alone in Hina’s home, I started to move toward the bedroom but paused mid-step.

And then, I voiced my question toward the empty air.

“You’re here, aren’t you?”

“…I see, you noticed. Yes, I arrived, my dear~!”

“That took too long.”

However, in response to my question, a woman’s voice echoed.

Her oddly heated tone carried a somewhat sultry undertone, but I ignored it and moved toward the direction from which the voice came.

It was the terrace connected to the window.

When I opened the terrace door widely, outside was not the landscape but a fox-eared girl, breathing heavily.

And in one of her hands, a bundle.

“Thanks to you, I lived.”

“Hehe…”

Rubbing her head with a word of gratitude, Wamako wagged her tail like a puppy and twisted her body around.

“I guess it’s hard for you to come inside the house. But you can wait outside for a few more days. Just rest a bit before you return.”

“…Alright, if it’s your command.”

“Thanks, such a good girl.”

Since I knew the original Wamako, I was worried about whether she would wreck the house in this kind of situation, but it seems my worries were unfounded.

Of course, when I mentioned separating, Wamako made a sad face.

Looking at her with a dejected expression, as though she were a dog caught in the rain, I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my chest.

‘Is this what they call a guilty conscience…?’

“Uh… Wamako, is there anything you want?”

“What would I want?”

“This is the first time we’ve met in a while, and I’ve just been giving you tasks. I feel a bit sorry.”

“…!!”

The suggestion of one wish or request illuminated Wamako’s expression, transforming instantly from a pitiful puppy to a predator eager for prey.

Whaaat? Why’s she doing that?!

“I… want…”

“Huh?”

“I want to sleep in the same bed with you.”

“Wha…what?”

“I also wish to tangle with you in your bed, have fun talking, gaze at each other affectionately, and express that fondness—Gyaaah!”

“Ah-ah-ah! Don’t talk like that, it’s weird!!”

I covered Wamako’s mouth as my face flushed red.

Her gaze, quietly watching me with an odd allure, made me sigh deeply.

Then hesitantly, I questioned her.

“So… you just want to share the same bed? Not just once, but you want to do it forever?”

“…”

“Ah… fine. Let’s talk about it later when we get home. Right now… it’s… awkward.”

“!”

Seemingly satisfied with my reaction, she nodded her head violently.

Okay, thank you for the proper response.

“…Now then, you can return home. Since you’ve already delivered this, I’ll contact you separately.”

“Ho-ho-ho… I’ll do that, my dear~!”

“Right…”

I exhaled with a defeated smile and sent Wamako on her way.

And then, I sighed deeply, returned to the bedroom, and opened the bundle Wamako had delivered.

Inside the bundle were a phone used for ‘Hiiro’ during Silk-related activities, several letters, and materials I had asked Wamako to gather while I was in Abidos.

There were other various items, but the most important were those.

I powered on the phone and immediately sent messages to my colleagues. In addition, I briefly replied to the missed calls and texts from my friends in Abidos.

That should be sufficient for my survival notice…

And then I opened up the most important documents.

I read the title.

[Survey Report on the Underground Development Zone in the Abidos Desert]

[Proposal for the Restructuring of Kaiser PMC]

[Report on the Expansion of Budget for New Weapon Development]

[Official Documents on the ‘Nemesis’ Establishment]

“…Ha ha.”

These bastards…

I couldn’t help but chuckle lowly.

Kaiser still hasn’t let go of Abidos.

Right. Since your objectives haven’t been achieved from the start, it wasn’t as if I saying a few words would make you let go of your attachment.

Rather…

“Nemesis is a company designed to pre-emptively identify and respond to threats to our company’s operations. Officially, it is to operate as an independent private security firm, not associated with Kaiser Corporation…”

This is a normal way to exact revenge on me, if you consider Kaiser’s nature.

A snort escapes on its own.

“Nemesis, huh.”

The name might be different, but skimming through the documents revealed the things they intended to do.

OsCorp.

And Hydra.

Kaiser was treading exactly the same path as these two organizations.

And quite astonishingly so.

‘To maximize their own interests through various research and development, further moving on to completely take over and dominate this city.’

And now they intend to develop weapons in response to me, mimicking Spider-Man.

Isn’t this an oddly similar sight?

One unrelated enterprise is evolving into a villain organization just like the ones I know.

“Hmph.”

Looks like my bad blood with Kaiser will continue indefinitely.

And it will be quite tenacious, at that.

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