episode_0002

It seems like I’ve been transmigrated to another world.

This place is within the game of “Become a Hero!”

Or should I say, transmigrated? My appearance here is exactly the same as in reality, so is it right to call this transmigration?

Not long after transmigrating to this place, I quickly confirmed that I was in the world of “Become a Hero!”

The world is akin to applying fantasy to reality, and if you search the internet for a world where fantasy is prevalent, you’ll soon see a massive tower that appears on every continent.

And what holds the most conviction…

“Kyeol-ah~! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, Hwayoung.”

“Br-e-e…ugh, what are you doing here?”

“Just watching the sky.”

“Ugh…you’re so weird!!”

“Okay, okay, we still have plenty of time, let’s take it slow.”

As I sat on the swing in the park, lost in thought while gazing at the sky, a face completely blocking my view.

Long black hair down to her waist, with sharp feline features but a face that could transform into incredibly cute or pretty depending on her expression, and a well-maintained figure.

When I unlocked the Extra difficulty level of “Become a Hero!” my character customization matched her appearance perfectly.

Thus, I became childhood friends of 15 years with the character I created.

I held her cheeks in my hands and spoke as they stretched out.

Her name is the same as the one I made up.

Her name is Eehwayoung.

Since childhood, for some reason, she showed immense interest in me and always stuck by my side wherever I went.

Even our parents would smile meaningfully when they saw us together, but I didn’t really understand why…

When I first met Eehwayoung, I was quite embarrassed by the attention she actively showed me, anticipating how beautiful she would become as she grew older.

Now, I just find her pretty and cute no matter when I see her, right? I had developed some immunity, so I could easily brush off her playful teasing.

Since transmigrating into a body resembling my childhood self and conducting numerous investigations since then, I made a significant discovery.

On my left hand now, there is a glove with a wing-shaped pattern on the back of my hand.

I’m not hiding the pattern with the glove; it’s there to conceal a slightly gruesome scar from when Hwayoung was in danger of burning as a child and I tried to protect her.

My ability is the compulsory enhancement of my physical abilities.

Even if I’m extremely exhausted and can’t move a muscle, if I focus strongly enough, I can control my body as if playing a character in a game.

Muscle pain is a side effect, and the control seems to last about 10 minutes? Or so I can manage.

Anyway, as I stood up from my seat and let go of the cheek I was pulling, Hwayoung giggled and took my hand.

“Okay, let’s head to the academy now~!”

“Sure, let’s go~”

Holding hands has always been so familiar to me since childhood that I could avoid my heart racing or my face flushing.

As we reached the main gate of the academy holding hands, a large signboard of the academy came into view.

[Hero Academy]

Isn’t this game about becoming a hero? While the meanings of hero and champion are similar, they are also very different.

A hero protects people. A champion saves everyone.

Heroes are seen as heroic figures by people. However, heroes or champions are also individuals.

Sometimes, someone may die protecting others, leading to retirement due to disability.

But a champion is different. A champion is a symbol that must never lose.

They must be stronger than anyone, nobler than anyone, and act faster than anyone.

Without any doubt, if help is needed, whether facing strong or weak opponents, a champion must have the courage to fight.

That’s why there are no champions in this world. It was merely an achievement within the game.

[A Hero, Appears]

The achievement of playing for 8 years to reach liftoff was quite an accomplishment.

This isn’t a game. This is reality.

A world where mistakes can put lives at risk, a place where reality exists.

And the world I’ve always dreamed of…

Before the possession, everything in reality was dull, but this game was different.

A world more vivid than reality itself. The moving stories of the characters within it.

This world contains tragedy, but it’s also a beautiful place.

No one will die here.

As I made that decision, even my grip on Hwayoung’s hand tightened.

“Oh? Kyeol-ah, are you nervous by any chance? Hehe, don’t worry! I’ll protect you~!”

“Thanks for the words alone. Let’s go inside quickly.”

“Sure!”

Hehe-

Listening to Hwayoung’s laughter, we moved to the location where what seemed like surrounding students were having their entrance ceremony.

We arrived at the auditorium inside the academy. There, well over a few hundred students were seated in chairs placed at the center.

Having received our seat numbers before entering, we checked each other’s numbers.

“Kyeol-ah, what’s your number? I’m 31.”

“I’m 32. Right next to you. Let’s go over there.”

“Okay.”

As we approached the seats numbered 30 to 39, we sat down according to our numbers and engaged in some light chatter. Soon, it was time.

“Alright, everyone, pay attention!”

A single voice echoing through the spacious auditorium even with 300 people present. I raised my head and saw a figure using mana to amplify their voice, capturing everyone’s attention.

And behind that figure stood several professors. Looking closely, it was the principal of the Hero Academy.

“Welcome, new hero recruits. I am the principal of this academy, Park Kangcheol. Nice to meet you.”

“I don’t fancy long speeches. So, I’ll briefly talk about the main points and conclude the entrance ceremony.”

From the start of his speech, the principal won over the favor of all the students.

Park Kangcheol cleared his throat and addressed the students.

“Becoming a hero is no easy task. Therefore, we will teach you many things here to ensure your survival and success.”

“If you cannot endure even this education, you’re free to leave now.”

“Furthermore, this academy values strength above all else. However, that doesn’t mean we discard those lagging behind in skill.”

“If your actions do not violate the rules, we will overlook them. But if any rule-breaking occurs, we will not turn a blind eye.”

“If you want to rise to the top, do so through fair challenges. If you seek greater privileges, prove yourself through your abilities.”

“If you aspire to be a more ideal hero than anyone else, grow! Survive! Become stronger!”

“Our professors will support you in your stable growth.”

“But we cannot protect you forever. You are also budding heroes.”

“Push your limits, face strong enemies, challenge the impossible!”

“Welcome to the Hero Academy!”

“And remember, your assigned numbers are random and do not determine your ranking as first-year students. Rankings will be determined through future exams.”

The speech concludes.-

Park Kangcheol. Every student, without exception, tensed their bodies and smiled as they listened to the principal’s speech.

Heroes. Welcomed by the hero among heroes.

From these admired heroes, we can become stronger.

The applause and cheers from the students blend together, resonating throughout the hall.

I never thought I would hear those lines directly. A shiver runs through my body, making me tremble with excitement.-

This world is not such a warm place.

It’s a world where some despair, feel sorrow, resent, betray others out of necessity, and are betrayed in return.

But if this world truly follows a story like the game I played… I can change it. I can do it.

Even those who were hostile to us while on the enemy’s side, or those who had no choice but to betray due to their weaknesses.

I can change it. I can undo it.

So, I…

“Hwayoung.”

“Yeah, Gyeol-ah, what is it?”

“I want to become a hero.”

“…Sure.”

“Not just any hero. More than a hero who protects everyone, one who saves all, ensuring that no one lives a tragic life.”

“Heroes among heroes. Ideal heroes you’d only see in novels, true warriors.”

Becoming a hero of everyone’s hope…

“I want to become a hero that everyone looks up to… Huh? What did you just say? I couldn’t hear clearly over the surrounding noise.”

A huge dream of wanting to become a hero.

In the midst of saying those words, my words and Hwayoung’s overlapped, causing her to not hear what I said properly.

There were times when Hwayoung muttered almost inaudibly to herself, and other times when she was drowned out by the noise around us.

“…No! I didn’t say anything. Being a hero… What a fantastic dream! I’ll help you achieve it!”

“Yeah, thanks as always. There’s no one else but you.”

“No one else but me… Hehe! Yeah! I’m the best after all! Just trust me!”

*Brrring*

As everyone rose from their seats, we also stood up, pulling Hwayoung’s cheeks as we did so.

Her cheeks were incredibly soft no matter how many times you pulled them. If you don’t do it for a day, it feels like withdrawal symptoms will kick in.

While we were joking around with Hwayoung’s cheeks, students in academy uniforms began to enter the auditorium entrance in single file.

From the vibe they gave off and the colors of their uniforms, they seemed to be senior students at the academy.

Next up would probably be…

“New students, pay attention here!!! Before entering classes, line up according to your designated field of expertise written on the banners!!!”

The banners displayed various fields: weapon skills, magic, production, research, antidote, tracking, and more.

“So… do we have our destination set?”

“Yeah, let’s go for weapon skills. Both you and I know how to handle swords.”

Well, even though I’ve tried my hand at combat, martial arts, and magic while speedrunning, my body in this world lacks talent for magic.

I can handle not only swords but also spears, maces, bows, yet at just 19 years old, mastering all of them is unrealistic, so superficially, just knowing how to wield a sword should suffice.

Glancing briefly at Hwayoung, I walked towards the banner indicating weapon skills.

“Come to think of it… I’ve never really seen Hwayoung’s true abilities. I wonder how skilled she is.”

My custom character whom I cherished the most in the game.

Just how strong has she become?

I’m excited.

“Gyeol-ah, how strong do you think you are here?”

“Hmm? Well… I might barely make it into the top 100… How about you?”

“Huh? Heh… It’s a secret! I’ll show you later!”

“Is that so…”

Four playable characters can be encountered here.

Due to the limitations of abilities and the fact that I haven’t fully mastered mine yet, relying solely on abilities is not advisable.

Having been unable to even touch a sword in my previous world, my progress in swordsmanship was initially slower. However, countless sword techniques that I saw in the game exist.

Practicing these sword techniques in my mind hundreds and thousands of times in the past, if it’s me now…

Among these over 300 students, could I aim for the top 100?

If only I could properly wield my abilities?

Since I still don’t know Hwayoung’s skill level, if left unchecked, she’s definitely number one. It’s possible.

“Well then… Let’s go take the entrance exam.”

I will become a hero in this place. I have firmly made up my mind.

·····

“Yeah… It’s okay… As long as I protect it. I just need to safeguard my star shining brighter than anyone else.”

“Always stay by my side in that bright state. I’ll eradicate everything resolutely.”

“Always remain by my side without losing your light.”

“So, please become my hero (star).”