Chapter 27: I will make it so it doesn’t hurt

There are those who are sensitive to the shifts in the world.

Not changes in the economy, prices, global warming, or political winds—no, something far more mystical.

For instance, the arrival of an “otherworldly hero.

“Though there seemed to be some loss in the process of crossing over, it had been observed firsthand.

In a way, it was just one more being added to a planet of billions.

But if that being was a star-splitting hero and the goddess who solely blessed him—

If they were powerful enough to annihilate any evil—then the story changed entirely.

Those who faintly sensed his presence either cowered in fear or chased after him, desperate to make him an ally.

Half a year had passed since then.

The board of the Superhuman Academy realized the approximate time and place of this great causality’s arrival, while a certain mystic sect quickly discerned his identity.

And as soon as the academy opened, the man himself appeared right before them.

Seoul Superhuman Academy, Combat Department’s top student and heir to the First Shadow Sect—Cheon Juyeon.

With a slightly dazed expression, she gazed at the pillar of light outside the window.

Other students chattered excitedly, whispering things like,

“Kyaa! He’s so cool!” and “He’s seriously amazing!”

It seemed today would pass without incident, and Cheon Juyeon inwardly sighed in relief.

As a dark mage sensitive to divinity and possessing the Eyes of Spirit Perception, she couldn’t possibly ignore it—

The overwhelming power radiating from that man.

“There’s something dangerous at the school. Don’t provoke it.”

“Just observe. If you poke it and it explodes, we all die—so don’t even think about touching it.”

If she said that outright, no one would believe her.

But generally, dark mages were a fearful bunch.

They knew better than anyone that dark mages had a worse reputation than elemental mages.

Frankly, in the past, dark mages frequently engaged in human sacrifice, grave robbing, and tomb desecration.

Not all dark mages were like that, but whenever a war broke out, at least one would inevitably be involved—so the stigma stuck.

In a way, it was an unfair confirmation bias, but…

From World War I to III, whenever a dark mage was involved, the entire group was blamed.

“We don’t know anything about it!” they’d cry, though deep down, they knew—dark mages had an inherent danger.

If pushed past a certain line, dark mages could become extremely powerful in an instant.

And because at least one would always cross that line when things got dire, the whole group would get hammered down with

“Here they go again!”

Of course, times had changed.

Now, humanity benefited from magitech, living in a civilized world.

With the rise of social media, necromancers who could command entire undead armies had even become popular.

But there had been dark, oppressive times when they were persecuted.

Even now, in their golden age, dark mages faintly remembered the hammer strikes of the past.

Not firsthand, but the PTSD was ingrained from witnessing it.

Like a citizen screaming and resisting when stopped by American police—they’d flail in terror first.

Of course, an S-rank hunter—or even an SS-rank dark mage—was in a different league.

But compared to this man, whose mana had overflowed to the point of manifesting as a pillar of light, they didn’t dare sit at the same table.

So, upon enrolling in the academy, Cheon Juyeon abandoned all her original plans.

No sacrificing the entire school.

No drawing magic circles across the campus.

She just wanted to live a normal life—maybe charm a few students to secure her influence as the next sect leader.

A healthy ambition.

She doubted she’d get hammered that hard, but still, she decided to lay low.

“Why stick my arm out when a tiger is passing by?”

Thanks to the man radiating light, instead of living as the most popular student, she found herself leading an unexpectedly peaceful school life.

As long as he didn’t cause trouble, everything would be fine.

Yeah, best not to get involved.

Cheon Juyeon thought this and lived more cautiously than ever.

But unlike her, there were always those with foolish schemes.

***

[The goddess smiles brightly and tells you to have a good day at school.]

Ever since I offered the golden belt as tribute, the goddess’s reactions have been… strange.

Somehow, she’s become kinder.

Even though she’s not waiting at home—she’s coming to school with me anyway.

Why tell me to “have a good day”?

‘…Wait, did I not offer tributes often in the other world?’

I’d given things like the heart of an ancient dragon that had lived for millennia, miracle herbs said to even restore a god’s health, and even a steel golem from ruins that had tempted the dwarven elder of our hero party.

But for some reason, the golden belt got a better reaction.

‘Was it really her taste?’

Well, she is a goddess.

Maybe she preferred accessories over the kind of automation robots that stirred men’s hearts.

‘She could’ve just told me her preferences earlier.’

But I’ve lived long enough to know—when someone’s that happy, don’t ruin it by asking questions.

Next time, I’ll just offer something even better than a belt.

Thinking this (quietly, so the goddess wouldn’t hear), I got ready for school.

“Good morning! Have a nice day.”

“Yeah, good morning to you too.”

As usual, I stopped by the convenience store and bought a sandwich I liked.

Not wanting to draw attention, I muted my presence and nibbled on it as I walked to the shuttle bus stop.

By the time I reached the trash can near the stop, I naturally tossed the wrapper and restored my presence before taking a seat.

This had been my daily routine for the past month.

Lately, I’d grown used to school lectures and even found a party for weekend dungeon runs, but nothing stuck to me as firmly as this morning routine.

Based on past data, the shuttle bus should arrive in about two or three minutes.

But today, for some reason—

SCREECH—

It arrived early.

A little surprised but oddly pleased at the perfect timing, I boarded—only to notice the driver was someone I’d never seen before.

Maybe a new hire driving extra diligently?

Puzzled, I headed to the back and sat down, only to realize all the students were unfamiliar faces.

Huh. Where did my usual bus mates go?

[The goddess tilts her head in confusion.]

Yeah, me too.

I tilted my head and looked out the window.

At first, the route seemed normal, but gradually, it began to shift—until we were in a completely unfamiliar neighborhood.

“…Oh.”

This… doesn’t feel right.

‘Did I get on the wrong bus?’

***

Most criminal organizations want one thing: money.

Power is a nice bonus.

And most degenerate criminals have another clear preference:

Handsome men.

Or, failing that, men with great bodies.

And if said criminal was a damnable dark mage willing to conduct human experiments?

They’d adore a talent with high magical affinity and an exceptional physique.

Coincidentally, the organization “Black Chronicle” had a few such perverted dark mages.

So of course they’d be obsessed with a man who was wealthy, handsome, incredibly capable—and had no backing.

“This guy caught even the professor’s eye. Are we really allowed to touch him?”

“Hey, better than kidnapping some noble’s heir or a promising mage tower apprentice.”

“Well, obviously.”

“And even if he scored well with the professors, it’s not like they’d chase us to the ends of the earth.”

“Hmm, but his face is too good to just discard.”

“Then we’ll sell him for a high price.”

“If not, I might buy him myself.”

A dark mage who crafted masks from the skin of handsome men tapped the photo of a certain man and smirked.

The others stiffened but nodded.

“Either way, there’ll be demand.”

“For kidnapping a kid with no connections, we’ll make a killing.”

“Then we’re all in agreement? We’re abducting this boy—Shin Yuseong.”

***

I tried to get off at the next stop, but the shuttle bus refused to stop.

Ah, right. It’s a shuttle—maybe it doesn’t stop midway?

I considered asking the driver to stop but, as a severe introvert, decided to just wait quietly.

‘It’ll stop eventually.’

And sure enough, it did—in front of an abandoned factory I’d never seen before.

“Don’t cry, little one.”

“We’ll make it painless.”

[The goddess blinks in disbelief.]

…What is this?

I stroked my chin, organizing my thoughts.

Next Chapter.