Chapter 2 – Superhuman

R‍e‌a‍d‍ ​o‌n‍ K‍a‍tR‍​e‍a‌d‍​i‍ngC‍af‌e

The world of Blue Archive shares many similarities with modern Earth but also has some distinct differences.

Setting aside the concept of an academy city, there are fundamental aspects like the common acceptance of firearm possession and the fact that only females appear in the story.

Though some of these settings create a slight disconnect, they don’t significantly impact the gameplay.

And one of those aspects is—

“The Black Market. The extent of its activity.”

While modern Earth also has illegal trade, the black market in Kivotos is on an entirely different level.

Maybe it’s due to the prevalence of firearms or the biological differences among students and other races, but Kivotos has a black market so large that it rivals entire districts.

Organizations like the Helmet Gang, mercenaries, delinquents, Kaitengers, and other minor groups are scattered all over Kivotos, forming a bizarre power structure. But fundamentally, there was only one inevitable reason why the black market thrived.

Money.

With an overwhelming circulation of resources and cash, it was no surprise that the black market remained active.

There were many reasons behind its existence, but because of all this, I had come to Millennium’s back alleys—the so-called black market—late at night, under the pretense of “delivering justice.”

‘And in the game, the black market played a major role quite often.’

Even in the first part of the main story, the black market made an appearance, and it continued to be referenced in future storylines. 

So I needed to adapt to this place as quickly as possible. Beyond just memorizing the geography, I had to familiarize myself with Kivotos itself.

Kivotos—while described as a city of academies and youth, anyone who’s read the story knows the truth.

This place is basically a dystopian Gotham City disguised as a school life story.

Of course, it wasn’t exactly like Gotham City, where villains ran rampant and law enforcement was in complete shambles, but in Kivotos, problems constantly arose, explosions happened frequently, and gunfire was a daily occurrence.

That was the “norm” here. And even in Millennium, there was no way to avoid it.

Just like right now—

Tatata-tang!

“You bastard! How dare you bring me a fake? Did you really think I wouldn’t notice this cheap knockoff?”

“Damn it! I almost pulled it off!”

“My limited-edition luxury Ferorosaurs merch!!!”

On the outskirts of Millennium’s black market, a group of Helmet Gang members and delinquents had been exchanging goods and money when the deal went south. 

The moment they realized something was wrong, they immediately started shooting at each other.

Watching this unfold, I let out a small laugh and pulled out the item I had prepared.

A mask. Nothing fancy—just something to cover my face.

Before stepping into the fight, I quickly checked the gear I had brought with me.

‘Gun, magazines, grenades, smoke bombs… everything’s here.’

Just some simple equipment I had picked up at a convenience store. I wasn’t sure if my abilities would be enough to take them all down, but it was a good chance to test them.

I might get injured in the process, but I wasn’t too concerned. Even that was part of the test.

As I organized my thoughts and nodded to myself—

Bang!

A bullet flew past, hitting the cover I was hiding behind, followed by a shout.

“Who the hell are you?! Why are you spying on our fight?”

…Shit. I got caught.

With no other choice, I stepped out from behind cover, revealing myself.

The fighting immediately paused, and all eyes turned toward me.

“The hell? Who’s that chick?”

“Holy crap… Is that another Helmet Gang member?”

“…No? Who the hell is that?”

“Identify yourself, freak in the weird mask!”

Now that it was happening in real life, their way of speaking was way rougher than in the game. Their actions and tone were full of hostility, fitting for someone who lived in the underbelly of society.

‘I never heard them talk like this in the game, but it does feel more realistic.’

“You deaf?! Answer me!”

Naturally, I remained silent.

If they heard my voice, it could lead to my identity being exposed.

Better to stay quiet.

‘The fact that my white hair is showing is a bit concerning, but I’m not the only one in Kivotos with white hair.’

I wasn’t here to build a reputation—I was here to test my abilities.

Three delinquents, four Helmet Gang members…

Could I take them?

“Let’s find out.”

Click—

“W-Wait, why are you pulling out a gun—?”

Bang!

Without hesitation, I lunged forward and fired.

And just like that, the fight began.

***

The first thing I noticed as the fight began—

My body was far stronger than I expected.

In Blue Archive, “students” are often depicted as superhuman beings who surpass normal physical limits.

But in this world, where nearly every student is a superhuman, this level of ability is considered “normal,” while paradoxically, a seemingly powerless Sensei is regarded as “special”.

So I wasn’t sure exactly how high my own abilities ranked, but—

“Argh! What the hell is this freak?!”

“She’s too fast! I can’t track her movements!”

Judging by their reactions, I wasn’t weak, at least. 

Are mobs this strong in Kivotos?

…No, judging by what they’re saying, that’s not it.

Boom!

I took down a delinquent with a well-placed shot. In response, the others opened fire on me.

For a moment, I considered letting myself get hit just to test my durability.

But my ingrained instincts as a modern human screamed at me to not get shot, making me reflexively roll across the ground.

“Whew.”

At least I wasn’t tired or strained from taking down my first target. 

My body really was superhuman.

That realization gave me confidence—I could win this.

First, I had to take down the two near the fallen delinquent.

I pushed off the ground and charged.

Since I had no military training or formal education in combat, my long-range accuracy was questionable. So I had to close the distance.

And the one advantage I had over them—

I could sense everything.

The enemy’s positions, the direction of their guns, the movements of their fingers—

All of it was being processed in my brain instantaneously, allowing me to predict the best course of action.

And the result—

Tatata-tang!!

“W-What the hell…!!”

“She’s dodging… every bullet?!”

“Holy shit! What kind of freak—?!”

Jumping high into the air, twisting my body mid-air like an acrobat—

I dodged every single bullet.

Even I was shocked at what I had just done. But there was no time to hesitate.

I immediately fired, taking down the two delinquents.

Then I turned to the Helmet Gang members—

Only to laugh in disbelief.

“They ran away.”

The moment they saw me take down their rivals, they fled. 

Just like that, the fight was over. But I had learned a lot.

My enhanced physique, my hyper-senses—

And…

“They left their money behind.”

I picked up the cash they had dropped, looted the downed delinquents, and secured my initial funds.

Honestly?

Not a bad first night as a hero. And from that day on, my vigilante work truly began.

***

Shortly after, strange rumors began spreading in Millennium’s underworld.

A masked girl, seemingly a student, was attacking criminals.

No one could pinpoint her identity, but her actions were clear—

Punishing the wicked. Helping the innocent. And stealing from evildoers. Thus, a legend was born.

And as for the girl behind it all—

“Welcome to Angel 24~!”

She was just trying to survive her part-time job.

KatTL