episode_0005

As I followed the professor’s instructions to go straight ahead on the training ground, I couldn’t see the bulletin board in front of me… Can’t see it. Hey, could you guys move a bit? I need to check my class assignment.

Perhaps because the number of students in the field of weaponry amounts to only half of the total number of students from other fields combined, they must have finished the test early and moved here.

“Wow, there are so many freshmen, not just in the auditorium.”

“Well, there’s only one academy established in Korea, so that’s why. It’s quite a lot.”

I never thought I would come back to school. My heart is pounding for some reason. What will happen? I want to see the other characters quickly.

“I want to see how the classes are assigned quickly… By the time all the students leave, maybe we can see it.”

“Let’s take it easy. The next class starts after lunch.”

“Huh, where did you see the timetable? I didn’t get a chance to look at it on my way here.”

“…? Didn’t you see the notification message? The temporary timetable, including the location and time of the entrance ceremony, has been posted.”

“Oh, really… Did I miss it because I overslept and rushed out without checking properly…”

The more we talk, the more I feel an overflowing sense of camaraderie.

Hello, cool chic beauty in my mind…

And hello! Woof woof, Han Seyoung!

Growl-

Ow-owow-ow. Ouch.

“Ha-yeong, your hand hurts. Should I ease up?”

“…Hot! Sorry!”

Feeling like my right hand isn’t responding well, I quickly told Ha-yeong.

Indeed, the additional stats obtained through achievements have been applied.

I discovered this through the sacrifice of my right hand. Ouch.

So, are the initial stats roughly around mid-30s for all stats?

With this level, we should be able to smoothly progress through the early and mid-chapters.

…No, that’s not it. If I rely on Ha-yeong’s power to surpass the scenario, we won’t grow, neither will we.

It might be convenient to seek help from Ha-yeong, who possesses the talents of a hero.

But if we continue to depend on her, we won’t move forward.

So, receive everyday help from Ha-yeong but do not rely on her.

My challenge, our growth,

We must overcome it ourselves.

A direct shout echoing the heart conveyed by the principal, Park Kang-cheol, to everyone.

Transcend your limits.

Stand up against formidable foes.

Challenge the impossible.

To become a more ideal hero than anyone else, grow, survive, become stronger.

Training alone cannot exceed limits. Realize your own limits in battle and surpass them.

You cannot grow by facing only easy opponents forever. Fight against unpredictable enemies and seize victory.

Believe in the path you tread and strive until you achieve what you desire.

You cannot grasp your own ray of light with advice given from the sidelines.

To emit light, you must realize how to emit light yourself.

To do so, you must become a hero.

Here, at the academy, find the solution to the problem called ‘me,’

And inscribe the answer of the hero called ‘me.’

Save everyone.

Protect everyone.

Becoming a hero makes worries disappear just by being together.

Advance towards the impossible.

A hero sacrifices their life to protect citizens.

For the streets where citizens can walk with smiles, not knowing when their lives may be threatened.

Protecting the smiles of citizens.

Feeling delighted by the smile directed towards oneself.

Dream of becoming a hero for this purpose.

Becoming a hero depends on one’s mindset.

It doesn’t matter if you are a prospective student aspiring to be a hero.

Even if you are an incompetent individual with no abilities.

Just keep moving forward. Stand where no one else stands. Stand in front of me where no one else’s back is visible.

That’s all there is to being a hero.

Some may criticize, questioning how such things make someone a hero.

I understand. This is a world coexisting with unrealistic powers.

However, to one person, it might appear as a hero.

When one musters the courage to move forward, there will be someone following in their footsteps.

Watching the advancing figure, it feels like getting angry at oneself, like dispelling fear, walking while looking at the back of the one who went ahead.

I want to become a hero standing in front of everyone.

I also want to protect those heroes.

A hero who protects other heroes.

A hero who can be called a symbol of hope for those heroes.

Cutting through tragedies and creating a world where everyone can smile.

I want to become a hero.

-…I’m …and I’ll become … when I grow up!

-..? …? Huh..don’t…me, it’s…

Zing-

“Oh, Hangyeol suddenly spaced out.”

“Hangyeol often spaces out.”

“Is that so? But what are you doing right now?”

“Eh? You’re touching Hangyeol’s face. When he spaces out, there’s no need to stop me from touching him freely.”

“Umm… Hangyeol… I want to call you Hangyeol with your permission!”

“No, only I can call him Hangyeol. Be satisfied that I’m calling him Hangyeol for now.”

“Geez, this guy…”

What’s this situation?

It feels like cats and dogs are having a standoff, maybe it’s because of the mood.

But more importantly, what was it earlier?

It seems like something is on the tip of my tongue but slips away…

…Ah, I don’t know. If I can’t remember, it must not be that important.

“In the future, when calling Hangyeol’s name, ask for my permission first and caaalll….”

“Why do you need permission to call my name, you rascal.”

“Nooo… baaack…”

Anyway, only ask for help from Hwayoung in real emergencies.

“The crowd doesn’t seem to be thinning out; let’s just have lunch first.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s go together!”

By the way, where is the restaurant?

You didn’t see the guide inside the academy entrance.

Hah…! Hehe…

…Just keep going straight this way.

Upon entering the restaurant, the smell of food wafts through the air.

The academy’s restaurant, dedicated to food to an almost suspicious extent, offers a wide variety of dishes except for the nonexistent ones.

Orders… seem to be placed by selecting desired food on the kiosk and submitting additional requests if any.

There are cautionary notes under the kiosk.

If you ask for mint chocolate in your food, you’ll die…? No, who would put mint chocolate in food… Scary…

Come to think of it, the chef here used to be a former hero.

In a subplot, you could meet this chef; I was surprised to learn they were a top ranker before retirement.

“Do you guys know what you want to eat?”

“I’ll have the same as what Hangyeol ordered.”

“I’m fine with anything.”

Wow, anything. That’s the most challenging order.

“Then… Bulgogi pizza.”

After finishing the order on the kiosk, I take the number tag and sit near the entrance, waiting.

Even though we were chatting, it didn’t take long before the number tag lights up. A sign that the ordered food is ready.

Oh, magic sure makes things convenient… I want to use magic too…

“I’ll get it. You two keep talking.”

Saying that, I get up from my seat and head inside to retrieve the pizza.

3 minutes later,

Returning with the pizza, I see a senior who appears to be in the 3rd year collapsed near where we were sitting.

Two juniors who seem to be the senior’s underclassmen.

And there stands Hwayoung in front of the fallen senior, glancing at me and starting to roll her eyes.

Looks like another accident. Oh dear…

Three minutes before Hangyeol returns with the pizza,

“… ”

“…Hmm.”

Sitting silently, Euiyoung and Seyoung gaze at each other without saying a word.

During their idle time, senior academy students approached the two.

“Hello? You’re the newbies who enrolled today, right? I’m your senior from the 2nd year.”

“···? Yes. Hello.”

One of the newcomers greeted them. The color of his name tag indicated he was a sophomore.

Han Seyoung reciprocated the greeting, while Ewha Young remained silent with her eyes closed.

“Uh… is that all?”

“Yes? Is there something else?”

Confusion flashed in the senior’s eyes.

A newcomer who seemed to be a friend of the senior standing at the front spoke up.

“Excuse me, um… you guys chose the weapons field, right?”

“Yes.”

“We’re from the Vanguard. This hat signifies membership in the Vanguard.”

Pointing to the black hat on his head, the senior identified himself as part of the Vanguard.

“There must have been information related to the Vanguard in the academy guide. Didn’t you read it?”

“Ugh…! Uh… I-I see…”

“Well, anyway, we went to the training grounds of each field to recruit Vanguard members and watched you at the weapons training ground. Impressive.”

The senior explained the reason for approaching them and began stating their purpose.

“So, here’s the thing: would you like to join the Vanguard? With your skills, we always welcome Vanguard members.”

“Well… I’m not considering it right now. Do we have to decide immediately?”

“No, you can tell us later. Right now, I’m just letting you know that we are interested in you joining the Vanguard. Are the new students next to you interested?”

Turning to Ewha Young, the senior encouraged her to join the Vanguard.

“No.”

“A direct answer. Well, if you change your mind, feel free to come find us anytime.”

As the Vanguard members were about to leave, another senior interrupted.

“Wait, what are you guys doing here?”

“···Senior Kang Hwasu. May I ask what you’ve been up to until now?”

“Hehe, relax. What have I been up to? Just went to the restroom.”

A newcomer appeared, offering a flimsy excuse upon arrival.

With blonde hair sticking out from under his hat, tanned skin, and a cocky attitude, he also seemed to be part of the Vanguard, as indicated by his yellow name tag showing he was a junior.

“More importantly, these guys? Found talents in the weapons field. ···Wow, she’s really pretty?”

“I’ve already declined the offer. We were just about to leave.”

“Come on, don’t be so hasty~ If you become a Vanguard member, we could hang out together. Who knows, we might even start dating—”

Approaching Ewha Young in a friendly manner, he overtly scrutinized her, placing his hand on her shoulder.

Or at least, he tried to.

Thunk!

In an instant, Ewha Young struck his jaw.

Kang Hwasu crumpled to the floor.

“···!!!”

“···Wow.”

“What a jerk… Where did he think he was putting his hands?”

And just then, Hankyeol returned to the dining hall with pizza, witnessing the scene.

“···???”

“Uh…uh-huh…”

Rolling over and averting her gaze from Hankyeol, Ewha Young quickly changed her demeanor.

This concludes the events leading up to Hankyeol bringing pizza into the picture.