Chapter 7

Inside Astra’s office.

“So, to explain in detail…”

In conclusion, I was forced to accept this task.

‘Oh my. What is this in my hand?’

‘…Isn’t that my contract?’

The contract I signed before joining the organization as an executive.

It was a contract detailing the various benefits I would receive as an executive and the responsibilities I had to uphold.

‘Then what is this?’

Astra pointed to one clause with her finger.

[Executives of the organization must carry out one mission per month without refusal.]

‘…So you’re assigning me this task as a forced mission?’

‘Yes.’

And so, I had no choice but to accept the mission.

Well, even if it wasn’t a forced mission, I probably would’ve been pressured into doing it anyway.

“It seems a villain organization and a research lab have joined forces.”

To summarize her words:

A research lab was conducting an experiment, but they were struggling to find subjects for the experiment. They solved this by colluding with a villain organization.

My mission is to steal the results of the research and eliminate those who know the information.

“What exactly is the research result we need to find?”

“More precisely, we need to retrieve the information. The information about the research results.”

She used her ability.

With a flick of her finger, her documents floated in the air.

‘Psychokinesis.’

In the original story, it was a ridiculously overpowered ability, the only long-range ability among the executives.

“The research lab has been conducting experiments to restore the human body to its original state.”

Experiments to restore the body even if limbs were severed, the body was burned, twisted, or bones shattered. Even if abilities were lost, the body could be restored to its original state.

Among the documents she casually floated were low-quality, shaky photos, likely taken secretly during the research.

“Would it be more accurate to call it a regeneration experiment?”

“It’s for the Chief.”

In the past, she was one of the most powerful ability users, but after suffering severe injuries from a full-scale attack by the Hero Association, she was in the process of recovering.

‘In the latter part of the original story, she appeared in a state somewhat close to her prime and overwhelmed the heroes.’

Even though power inflation had risen by that point.

So, if this experiment could restore her to her prime, it was definitely worth participating in.

“If she recovers to her prime, our ambitions will be realized.”

“I see.”

‘If I succeed, I can live a life of luxury under the protection of the strongest.’

The original story hasn’t progressed much yet.

In this situation, having the final boss on my side?

The safety concerns I’ve had since being transported to this world would be resolved.

‘Of course, there are still issues like the final boss and other problems, but at least for a while, I’ll be safe.’

I can’t pass this up.

“In fact, I should’ve been the one asking to take on this mission.”

“I’m glad to hear that, hehe.”

She laughed for a moment.

‘Wait a second.’

Something feels off.

I had a question.

Even if the mission is important, if it’s just about retrieving information, why force me to go?

“But, was it really necessary to assign this as a forced mission to me?”

“…Huh?”

“If it’s just about retrieving information, couldn’t it have been assigned to someone else?”

“……”

She paused for a moment at my words.

“There must be more to it.”

Why would she, Astra, send me, the Maker, on this mission?

I’m good at creating variables with my Creation Ability, but I’m not exactly reliable in terms of combat.

“Am I here as a contingency plan?”

“…I can’t fool the Maker.”

My Creation Ability allows me to understand the principles, materials, and elemental symbols of what I create.

The more I understand an object, the more permanently I can maintain it.

Sending me on this mission is clearly a contingency plan.

In case the mission fails.

In case the stolen data is taken back, or it becomes impossible to retrieve the data intact.

I can create a sample and bring it back.

“Is it that dangerous?”

I looked at Astra.

She sighed and deactivated her ability.

“Sigh.”

The floating papers stacked back onto her desk.

“The research lab has increased their security, likely suspecting something.”

“Security? Did they borrow people from other villain organizations?”

No matter how much they strengthen their security, there’s always a limit.

Even if they reinforce the building, once it’s breached, all that’s left are helpless researchers.

So, I thought they might have found a way to hire guards from the collaborating villain organization…

“No. They brought in heroes.”

“That’s bold.”

“Publicly, they’re pretending to be benevolent researchers developing treatments to heal patients.”

Even so, shady characters bringing in heroes?

What’s the difference between that and terrorists entrusting bombs to the police?

Either they’re completely insane, or what they’re protecting is that important.

‘Or maybe there are heroes who know and still cooperate.’

The Hero Association and heroes aren’t just a gathering of good guys.

“I understand. When does the mission start?”

“Tomorrow night. The research lab is in D District, as written in the documents.”

“That’s quite far.”

“You caused a terrorist attack in E District, and now you’re complaining?”

She chuckled and stood up from her chair, walking past me and stopping briefly to turn her head slightly.

“Follow me. I’ll introduce you to your mission partner.”

I followed her down the hallway.

***

The hallway seemed endless.

“Who are we meeting?”

Bored from blindly following her, I asked Astra.

“Another executive. You haven’t met any other executives besides me, right?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

In the original story, they all appeared in the latter part, so I saw them, but meeting them in person is a first.

Still, if it’s another executive, at least my safety on the mission is guaranteed.

Even if I fail to retrieve the data, as long as I can see and recreate the information, the mission is a success.

All I need to do is escape safely.

“In a way, you could say they’re similar to you, Maker.”

“Similar to me?”

“Yes, their ability isn’t exactly a combat ability either.”

Astra referred to them as a child, and their ability wasn’t exactly combat-oriented.

I think I have an idea.

‘Is it the Training Room?’

The Training Room.

A character who exuded a cool, sexy vibe, wearing a tight outfit that emphasized her figure, with her upper chest exposed.

Her unconventional and varied weapon techniques, utilizing her ability, were one of my favorite scenes in the original story.

“We’re already here. Over there, Maker.”

Astra pointed to a room with her finger.

‘I wonder what she’s like in person?’

In the original story, I only saw her in combat, so I was curious about what she’s like in daily life.

With anticipation, I waited for Astra to knock on the door.

Knock knock.

“Training Room, are you in there?”

-Huh, huh?!

…?

…Huh?

Did the Training Room just say “huh”? The stoic-looking Training Room?

This feels very different from what I expected.

And when Astra opened the door, the image I had of the Training Room shattered completely.

“She’s in. I’ll go in.”

-W-Wait, sis! J-Just a sec…

Creak…

The door slowly opened.

“……”

“A-Ah, sis…Ahaha…”

Her room, in one word, was a mess.

Snack bags and comic books scattered all over the floor.

The trash can was already full and useless, and clothes, blankets, and game consoles were strewn everywhere, leaving no room to step.

Amidst it all, a somewhat gloomy-looking beauty stood awkwardly, forcing a smile.

“What…is this?”

Astra’s cold voice seemed to lower the room’s temperature.

The Training Room seemed to realize this too, fidgeting nervously.

“…Training Room.”

“Y-Yes, sis…S-Sorry…I-I…”

Whoosh-

“Eek!”

The items in the Training Room’s room began to float.

The Training Room trembled even more, glancing at Astra nervously.

Whoosh-!

The floating items and trash moved rapidly, as if reflecting her emotions.

“I…”

Astra finally spread her palm wide.

Whack!

“Ow!”

“I told you to clean your room on time!”

She began slapping the Training Room’s back.

Whack! Whack! Whack!

“Ow! Ow! Ow!”

“……”

I stared blankly at the scene.

The Training Room already had tears in her eyes, even though it didn’t seem like Astra was hitting her that hard.

What is this?

‘Where did the charismatic, sexy executive go, and why is there a hikikomori here…’

“S-Sorry, sis!”

“I can’t live like this!!”

‘…What is this.’

Is that really the Training Room?

Getting scolded by Astra for not cleaning her room and crying about it?

‘…Is that really the Training Room? Is that really an executive?’

Where did all the charisma go?

“Ow! Ow! Eek…!”

“……”

I gave up thinking.

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