Chapter 48

Extra Case File 48 The True Nature of the Raging Energy

“Oh, Xiao Lan, you came just for this?”

“Xiao Lan?”

Ignoring the shocked response from Saya, who had fallen over due to his casual nickname, Ash flipped through the精致请帖 with indifferent interest.

After all, movies didn’t appeal to Ash’s simple tastes. He lacked the appreciation for more refined works like those favored by scholars—like those award-winning art films; did they compare to watching battles between suits?

Just as Ash was casually deciding to decline the invitation, he noticed the film title on the card.

“New Metal Hero…?”

“Yes, this is the latest film, ‘New Metal Hero,’ Mr. Ash. As you know, due to the appearance of Mr. Time Fire in this world, masked heroes have become a hot topic now.”

Ash had researched the development of special effects shows in this world, and it was pretty much following the same trajectory as his own. However, unlike his world where “timefire’s” energy source—originating from Super Sentai—was absent here. Instead, Metal Hero series have been running continuously until today.

This movie, I haven’t seen it yet!

Oh no, I’m getting interested! Looks like I need to watch it now.

“I know, if it’s a friend of Hana’s, I’ll certainly help out!”

With a solemn and serious expression, Ash agreed, eager to see what the movie would be like at the premiere.

“If Mr. Ash likes it, that’s great. I’ve reserved the best seats for you and Hana.” Saya said, but suddenly her eyelids dropped, almost falling, if not for Hana catching her and preventing her from collapsing onto the couch.

Startled, Hana looked to Asu, a doctor by profession, for help. Asu immediately identified her condition.

“It seems like overwork has caused some imbalance.” Asu said, “Hana, she’s had similar symptoms before.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine after resting.” Saya tried to reassure while leaning on Hana, though the words were far from comforting.

“Saya…?”

The parents and sister left under pretense of buying snacks, giving Hana space to talk privately with Saya. As a soldier of light, Hana’s sensitivity towards the spirit of vitality and future resonated with the turmoil Saya was feeling. Her hand gently touched Saya’s palm.

“Saya, you haven’t taken a break since finishing the last project, right? You took on new work right away…. Are you still bothered about something with your mother?”

“Y-yes…”

After a moment of silence, Saya finally let go of her facade, the polite smile evaporating into thin air, revealing fatigue and frustration, which Ash noted.

Seeing her sudden change in demeanor, Ash raised an eyebrow. He thought, despite the awkwardness of her earlier smiling face, her current raw and tired state intrigued him.

“Saya, you’ve always wanted to surpass your mother’s achievements, so you’ve worked tirelessly to prove yourself,” Hana looked back at Asu, seeing no discomfort, she continued. “But is pushing yourself so hard really the way to achieve that goal?”

“It’s not!” Saya suddenly erupted, startling herself. “Everyone talks about my mom all the time, even when she isn’t here!”

As the facade fell away, exhaustion and weariness from within enveloped Saya, a familiar kind of energy seeping into Ash’s own being. It reminded him of why Cure Yell had struggled for eight years to fight, never exhausting the enemies.

In this world, everyone is a source of raging energy, hence the endless cycle.

“They always talk about her as if my accomplishments were inherited from her. Hana, don’t you think that’s unfair to me?”

Saya vented her frustrations and darkened heart to Hana.

“I am my own independent existence, not a follow-up to Lira Yakushiji! I don’t want to live in her shadow!”

“I have my own goals. Supporting others and being someone else’s supporting cast, you wouldn’t understand, Hana!” Asu approached, blocking her path as she tried to get up.

Black eyes narrowed instantly, drawing closer to the uncertain blue eyes. After a minute of holding eye contact, Ash stepped back and concluded:

“You can’t do this.”

At Ash’s sudden words, Saya frowned, shifting her full attention to him.

“I ask, is your goal to be a praised hero or to surpass your mother?”

“These aren’t the same?” Saya was confused.

“Of course not. You keep emphasizing ‘exceeding’ because deep down, you feel you’re inferior to your mother.”