Chapter 3 – The Plan

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“This should be enough for now.”

After spending several days moving in and out of the Black Market, I had nearly completed my tests. My goal this time was quite simple. To figure out the specs and limits of the body I had possessed.

Physical abilities, shooting skills, judgment, senses.

I fought countless enemies in the Black Market until I fully understood these limits with both my body and mind.

And the conclusion I reached was this:

My shooting skills were still abysmal, but in contrast, my physical abilities and judgment were comparable to the top-tier students described in the game. The most important aspect, however, was my senses. 

Despite fighting dozens of enemies over the past few days, I had yet to fully grasp the limits of this ability. Sometimes, I could perceive an incredibly wide area, and at other times, I instinctively knew what would happen next, as if seeing glimpses of the future.

Just like a certain hero* from Earth. 

(Probably Spider man, Spidey Senses)

“Instinct… No, it’s a kind of ‘super sense’, huh?”

In the end, this test was satisfying. 

Not only had I figured out my body’s capabilities, but I had also made way more money than I had originally aimed for.

Now, it was time to move on to the next stage. The true beginning of my hero activities.

“It’s time to make a plan.”

As someone who had seen countless superhero stories on Earth, I knew one thing for certain, and that was hero work wasn’t something that could be accomplished with just willpower and strength alone.

A hero’s path required unwavering conviction, clear goals, and a will that could never be shaken.

Furthermore, simply aiming for “punishing villains” was not enough.

Unless my purpose was revenge fueled by hatred, I had to be more than just an executioner—I had to be a symbol of hope for everyone.

So, what did I have?

“Will and ability. That’s it.”

Did I have the noble convictions of Captain America?

Or was I struggling towards an unimaginable goal, like Iron Man?

No. I was just a rookie who stepped into this world with nothing but the desire to be a hero.

Which meant…

“I need to define my vision of a hero.”

Nobility. Greatness. Respect.

I couldn’t evoke those feelings in others—not yet. That much was certain.

So…

The kind of hero I aimed to be was—

“Kivotos’ friendly neighborhood hero.”

A hero who prevents all kinds of incidents in the streets. A superpowered problem-solver who helps with things others can’t handle. A being whose mere existence makes villains wary.

That was the hero I aspired to be.

***

Beyond just setting my goal as a hero, I drafted additional detailed plans.

One day, I would have to juggle both life at Millennium and hero activities at the same time. It was best to prepare in advance.

I had no intention of giving up on either my school life or being a hero.

“My funds… are sufficient.”

Combining the money I earned through my vigilante work with the balance that was already in my account when I possessed this body, I had way more than I expected. I already had plans for how to use it, so I let it sit safely in my account for now.

Next, I went online and downloaded information about Kivotos’ geography, stuffing it into my mind. I couldn’t afford to get lost while doing hero work.

“……”

I also studied the locations of CCTVs installed across Kivotos. Knowing where the blind spots were could come in handy in the future.

After that, I dug into all sorts of information.

Not just about Millennium, but about the current state of Kivotos as a whole—major events, public concerns, and general knowledge.

The biggest news lately was that the disappearance of the General Student Council President had led to the shutdown of the Sanctum Tower, causing infrastructure problems throughout the city.

As a result, the Student Council had appointed an acting leader, and they were planning to bring in an individual called “Sensei” from outside the city. 

I also gathered detailed information about the current situation of each academy.

I scoured the internet, cross-referencing my knowledge of the original game with new information, constructing a mental mind map.

And as a result—

“I should start by finding a club and a job.”

That was the conclusion I reached.

Before diving into hero activities, I needed to establish my life as a ‘normal’ student.

This wasn’t just about financial stability—it was about securing an alibi for when I eventually gained notoriety as a hero.

I wasn’t a billionaire who could reveal his identity, nor did I have a genius intellect that could outsmart law enforcement.

So, I had to build a “normal” cover in advance.

Of course, I also needed a source of income while attending school.

“Hmm.”

A club was one thing, but where should I find a job?

***

“Welcome to Angel 24~!”

In the end, I secured a part-time job at a convenience store inside Millennium Campus.

There were several reasons for this.

Not only did the store owner offer me a decent contract, but the store’s location and the downtime between tasks made it a perfect place to establish future plans. Plus, working here gave me opportunities to meet people and gather information.

“Thank you, come again!”

Thanks to my past experience working part-time on Earth, I finished my shift efficiently. The store owner—a furry woman—was so pleased that she gave me some free leftover items as a reward.

Feeling grateful, I accepted them and left the store.

“So, the key takeaway today is that Millennium is also struggling due to the Sanctum Tower shutdown, huh?”

It wasn’t just Millennium.

Trinity, Gehenna, Abydos, Hyakkiyako—every academy in Kivotos was probably dealing with the same issues.

I personally wasn’t too worried, since Sensei would be arriving soon, but some students seemed genuinely shaken by the Student Council President’s disappearance.

Still, all the academies continued operating without closing.

“For now, I guess I’ll head to a nearby park.”

I decided to eat the leftover food the store owner gave me. But since it was lunchtime, the park was crowded with no available seating.

With no other choice, I sat on a bench near the sports field. It wasn’t the most comfortable setup, but it would do.

Just as I was about to unwrap my convenience store rice ball, strawberry milk, and hot bar*—

*(A type of packaged meat sticks, often sausages, that are sometimes mixed with other flavours)

“……!”

BOOM!

A sudden sense of danger hit me like a tidal wave. Time seemed to slow down, and an intense, almost suffocating pressure wrapped around my head.

Something was approaching from behind.

Acting purely on instinct, I sprang up, tossing my food into the air while extending my hand backward—

Thump!

Before I even realized what I had caught, I used my free hand to snatch all the falling food, securing them perfectly in my grip. 

Not a single item was dropped.

I sighed in relief.

“Phew…”

It all happened in a fraction of a second. A movement so natural and precise that it felt almost animalistic. But at least I wouldn’t have to skip lunch.

Now, who the hell threw that?

I turned to search for the culprit.

And then I saw them.

A group of girls in sportswear, staring at me with wide eyes. 

From their uniforms, I immediately recognized them. Millennium’s only athletic club—the Athletics Training Club.

Otohana Sumire and a bunch of nameless mob students. 

For some reason, they were approaching me with glowing eyes.

‘…Oh, crap.’

At that moment, my super sense activated again. 

And I knew. 

If I got caught by them, my peaceful Millennium life would be over.

“Hey, are you—”

“Wait! Why are you running—?!”

I ran. I grabbed my food and ran for my life.

Behind me, I could hear someone shouting, “We can’t let this talent go!” But I ignored them and just kept running.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it—!!”

Why the hell did I have to run into them of all people?!

I wasn’t scared of many things.

But I was terrified of the Athletics Training Club.

KatTL