Chapter 44

“It seems Tsukino-san did a good job.”

“Hmm… I wonder?”

Chise tilts her head. Listening to her, it didn’t seem like she did anything particularly well, but it felt that way.

“Then, do you want to refuse, Tsukino-san?”

“I’m actually a bit conflicted.”

Chise sighs and slurps her smoothie.

“I guess I have to move to another country.”

Even if it weren’t for being a hero, moving to a different country would still be a big decision.

“But they said they’d pay a lot…”

“It’s really making me think.”

Honestly, I wish she would stay.

‘In the future, heroines will need to be strong, and honestly, it’s a hassle to go around looking for them in different countries.’

In the original story, she eventually became a member of the Korean Hero Association anyway.

If she stays, it would be more convenient for me.

‘By the way, who is this person…’

What a strange guy.

Of course, it’s not uncommon for outstanding heroes to be poached from other countries.

But she’s a B+ rank hero.

While she is a high-ranking hero, I don’t see any merit in risking a fallout with the Japanese Association.

So, what exactly did they see in Chise to make such an offer?

‘Someone who would do something so out of the blue…’

And someone who could pull this off without any backlash.

A certain figure from the Hero Association comes to mind.

“Why do you think the person who made the offer did so?”

“That’s what I’m saying!”

It’s just making me unnecessarily anxious!

As if agreeing with my question, she bursts out in anger.

“We’re not even that close. No, it’s clear they have bad intentions towards me! The moment they saw me, they started flirting like crazy!”

“I see.”

I didn’t say it, but I really hated it!

Chise, seemingly frustrated, gulps down her drink.

“And at the end, they said something weird too.”

“Something weird?”

“Something like, ‘It would be good for you to come here,’ or something… When I asked what they meant, they just said there was a reason. Anyway, they were a total jerk!”

Pouting, Chise mutters something in Japanese.

Hearing more about the guy’s other traits, I became more confident in my guess.

‘It’s that guy.’

The know-it-all attitude, the jerk who hits on any woman, and the one who often does things out of the blue.

Optimus.

A rotten figure in the Association, colluding with the higher-ups.

‘He must have seen some benefit for himself.’

That’s his ability.

An annoying and very selfish ability.

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“…No, honestly, we only recently started interacting, so I haven’t had any tough experiences yet.”

His ability allows him to know the choices that benefit him.

I don’t know what the benefit is, but it’s likely that he had a hand in bringing Chise to Korea.

‘It would be better to get rid of him quickly.’

This time, I managed to build a rapport with Chise, and the variables didn’t significantly affect me, which was fortunate.

But if this keeps happening and the original story starts to twist further?

‘I might lose my biggest weapon: knowledge of the future.’

The information from the original story won’t be useful forever, but I need to slow down its obsolescence.

‘I need to catch and eliminate him someday.’

Having obtained more useful information than I thought, I started pondering how to use it.

***

“Did you enjoy your drink?”

“Thank you for treating me so kindly.”

About two hours later.

She prepared to leave the cafe.

Although the conversation turned into Chise’s lament, both she and I were satisfied, so it didn’t matter.

“So, what do you plan to do?”

“About changing workplaces… Hmm, I’ll think about it a bit more.”

Still conflicted, Chise fidgets as she speaks to me.

I smile brightly at her.

“If you have any more worries, let me know.”

I might not have a solution, but just talking about it can relieve some stress.

Chise nods and smiles at my words.

“Okay.”

“Come again anytime. You’re welcome anytime.”

Ding-

Before leaving the cafe, Chise bows deeply.

As I wave goodbye, she leaves the cafe.

‘Now, what should I do?’

Although I acted nonchalant in front of her, honestly, I hope she stays.

If she stays around me, it’s the perfect situation to nurture her.

‘If she starts relying on me, I can help her all by myself.’

Cafe owner Gang Ian helps her and takes care of her in various ways,

while Eclipse executive Maker puts her in difficult situations to help her grow.

“Hmm.”

‘Should I prepare a bit?’

I gulp down the newly made coffee and start brainstorming.

Within my means, I need to find a way to make her stay.

***

“Sigh…”

A few weeks later.

Phantom Luna suddenly sighs during her hero activities.

“What’s wrong, Luna? Why are you like that?”

“Nothing… Just.”

“Is something wrong?”

Electrostorm and Purple Shiny express their concern upon seeing her.

Phantom Luna shakes her head at them.

“I have a bit of a worry. I’ll go patrol somewhere else to clear my head.”

“Ah, okay…”

Thus, Phantom Luna leaves Electrostorm and Purple Shiny behind and starts to distance herself.

“…Shiny, do you also think she’s acting strange?”

“Not just now, but for the past few weeks, she’s been like this.”

If only she would talk about it.

Phantom Luna’s worries only grew.

Her nature was to seriously think about any worry, and she was also troubled by the pros and cons of moving her hero activities here or not.

‘What should I do…’

As Phantom Luna sighs deeply and prepares to work,

Beep-!

“Ah!”

Her wristwatch alarm goes off.

“Luna!”

“There’s an incident nearby!”

Shortly after the alarm, Electrostorm and Purple Shiny come running.

“Let’s go! Griffon!”

Whoosh-

-Beep!!

With thoughts of transferring to the Association erased from her mind, she heads to the scene with a serious expression.

Shortly after.

They arrive at a bustling downtown area.

“Kyaaah!”

And what they see is…

“Take care of it!!!”

“Kill him!!”

“Good job!!”

“Huh…?”

“What is this…”

People excitedly surrounding something.

Chise spots a man in a black uniform amidst the crowd.

***

“What on earth is going on?”

Citizens shouting “Kill him!” in excitement.

Forming a circle and shouting at the person inside, it resembles a witch hunt.

“Are they all under some kind of mass mind control?”

“Or maybe it’s an illusion ability…”

Even the heroes hesitate to approach due to the fervor.

“But if it were mind control or an illusion, their focus seems too clear…”

After briefly assessing the situation, Phantom Luna and her team conclude that it’s not due to any ability.

And the man briefly seen amidst the crowd.

‘If I’m not mistaken…’

It’s definitely someone Phantom Luna knows.

More accurately, a villain she knows.

“Can you two try to disperse the crowd a bit?”

“Huh? Phantom Luna, what about you?”

“I’m going to try to get inside.”

Other heroes are arriving soon, so stay with them!

“W-wait! Luna!”

Before Purple Shiny can stop her, she slips through the crowd and disappears.

“Excuse me…! Just passing through!”

Making her way through the crowd, Phantom Luna finally sees the familiar face.

Click.

Phantom Luna bites her lip slightly and rushes forward.

“What are you up to this time, Maker!!”

“Oh.”

Neatly dressed in a black uniform and wearing a half-mask.

“Long time no see, Phantom Luna.”

Maker smiles and greets Phantom Luna.

“No need for greetings, put that gun down now.”

Phantom Luna glares at Maker with fiery eyes.

“I don’t understand why everyone always interferes when I’m handling things.”

Maker looks puzzled for a moment.

Then he looks at the target of his gun and smiles.

“Right, B-rank villain Pumpkin?”

The man trembles at his words.

“Why… why are you messing with me, you bastard!!”

The man’s eyes widen as he shouts in anger.

“There’s clear evidence here, are you still going to lie?”

“Honestly, some of it’s true! But I’m innocent!! Damn it!!!”

Genuinely aggrieved, the man shouts with red eyes.

But to the citizens, his voice sounds utterly insincere.

“Stop talking nonsense!”

“You bastard!!”

“Ugh! I’m really not!!!”

The chaotic citizens, the aggrieved villain,

and Phantom Luna, stunned by the surreal situation.

I cover my mouth and smirk.

‘Actually, I set this up.’

Anyway, it’s time to start the show again.

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