Chapter 50
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: The Mayor and the Robbers
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What is life?
If someone asked me that philosophical question, I'd answer without hesitation: a series of ironies.
To seek freedom in a reckless escape, only to end up facing the muzzle of a gun—that's unfreedom staring me down.
If that's not irony, then what is?
I escaped the watchful eyes of that sharp-eyed secretary, only to fall under the surveillance of armed robbers.
The situation has changed, but the essence remains the same.
Regardless of my will, I'm confined to a specific space and forced into certain actions. In that sense, Seria and these robbers are on the same level.
No, the robbers might even be more gentlemanly.
They at least make clear demands like "Hand over the money" and straightforward threats like "Or we'll shoot." Their purpose is transparent.
But Seria?
Under the benevolent pretext of "for the mayor's health," she removes my french fries. Under the plausible excuse of "for efficient city administration," she reduces my free time to zero.
Which is more insidious?
That's for each person to judge.
As my thoughts reached that point, I suddenly felt wronged.
Why me?
Why me, of all people?
I just dreamed of a simple lunchtime escapade.
Loosening my tie, indulging in junk food, and briefly lost in childhood nostalgia at the arcade.
Is that such a grave sin that it drags me into a bank robbery?
There's an old adage: "If you can't avoid it, enjoy it."
But anyone who could enjoy this situation isn't human—they're a psychopath.
I'm an utterly normal, average citizen.
Therefore, I can't enjoy this. Hence, I'm not a psychopath. Proof complete. Q.E.D.
There are about ten robbers.
Each wearing black ski masks and ill-fitting hoodies. Their fashion sense isn't even worth discussing.
What's important is that these guys are robbing a bank in broad daylight in Neo Incheon's bustling downtown.
Are they brave? Or just stupid?
Most likely the latter.
What kind of city is Neo Incheon?
CCTV cameras line every alley, and the Hero Association's response system is faster than 5G.
Patrol drones fly overhead, and there's always at least one hero wandering within a 500-meter radius.
This isn't a stage where third-rate villains like them can rampage for more than ten minutes.
Whether it's the Special Task Force, a hero, or just some justice-driven neighbor uncle passing by, someone will show up soon.
I'm just Crowd Member A, head down.
I'll stay prone quietly and slip away once it's over.
Actually, this is great.
This commotion gives me the perfect excuse to completely skip my afternoon shift.
I'll tell Seria this:
"I stayed on-site for the citizens' safety, monitoring until the end. It's the mayor's duty. But the mental shock was so great that afternoon work is impossible."
Ah, perfect.
This isn't a lie. It's creative storytelling based on facts.
I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out a disposable mask for fine dust.
I carefully put it on my face.
Disguise complete.
Now, I'm no longer Neo Incheon's mayor, Lee Garam.
I'm just Anonymous Citizen A, unlucky enough to encounter bank robbers.
I need to minimize my presence and wait for this tragic comedy to end.
"Hey! Open the vault faster! You get one minute!"
The robbers' shouts echoed through the bank hall.
The staff trembled in fear but desperately worked to open the vault.
Tick, tock.
The second hand on the wall clock sounded unusually loud.
30 seconds.
20 seconds.
10 seconds.
The robbers fidgeted nervously with their guns.
Then, on the wrist of a robber grabbing a duffel bag, I spotted a familiar emblem.
A black dog pattern.
Ah. Those guys.
I remember. The third-rate villain group from the early original story that got wiped out in one page by a hero.
The Black Hound gang, third-rate villains who appeared in the early original comic and exited at light speed.
The leader, C-rank villain Sniffer, and his jolly friends.
The garnish villains who showed up early in the original comic, got beaten soundly by the protagonist hero, and retired.
They were disposable extras, serving as combat power gauges for newbie heroes.
The leader, Sniffer, has abnormally developed senses of smell.
He uses it for detecting drugs or explosives... or rather, he wastes it sniffing ripe kimchi from neighbors' jars.
Their greatest achievement was robbing a sausage factory...
What progress. From sausages to a bank.
Business expansion. Should I congratulate them or offer condolences?
That was when it happened.
Crash-!
The bank's reinforced glass window shattered with a deafening explosion.
All eyes turned there.
Amid the glass shards, a silhouette backed by backlight landed lightly in the hall.
Blonde hair.
Dazzling blonde that seemed to glow on its own, even in the shadows.
A costume blending navy and gold—slightly tacky but brimming with a sense of justice.
And from her lips, a line that was a bit cringy but made hearts race.
"A single ray of light cutting through the darkness! Your North Star, Polaris, has arrived!"
Polaris Hancia.
D-rank—no, now C-rank hero.
"Wh-what? A hero?"
"Just one C-rank rookie—what can she do?!"
The robbers sneered and fired guns and abilities at Polaris all at once.
Bang bang bang-!
Dozens of bullets, flames, and electric shocks flew toward her.
But Polaris didn't dodge.
She lightly raised her hand, and a transparent barrier sparkling like starlight formed around her.
Clang! Clang clang!
All attacks bounced harmlessly off the starlight shield.
Bullets fell to the floor, flames and electricity dispersed in the air.
"Wh...?"
The robbers' eyes widened.
I slightly opened my mouth too.
When did she learn that? Did my sponsorship create that shield? What insane cost-performance.
"Your evil ends here! Surrender peacefully, and we can avoid bloodshed!"
Ugh. Textbook line. The epitome of heroic dignity, straight out of a manual.
Her voice carried power. Not the hesitant tone from before.
That confidence. That boldness.
Polaris spun in midair and thrust both hands forward.
"Stardust Shot!"
Dozens of small starlight projectiles launched from her fingertips, raining down on the robbers like a meteor shower.
"Argh!"
"Gah!"
Precise shots targeting the guns and wrists of the robbers.
Their weapons clattered to the floor.
Overwhelming.
This isn't a fight—it's near-unilateral suppression.
Those guys underestimated her as C-rank and got completely reversed.
Hiding behind the sofa, I quietly clenched my fist.
'That's right! Good job. My girl! Exactly! All that training I worked hard on paid off!'
Of course, I never trained her. I just gave her money.
"Th-this can't be... She's really C-rank?"
Leader Sniffer trembled as he backed away.
Polaris slowly approached him.
"Ranks don't matter. What matters is the heart to protect the citizens."
Watching hero action I'd only seen on broadcasts—live, from VIP seats.
Is there luck like this? Skipping the afternoon was truly the best choice.
Look at that flashy movement.
That fluid motion diving into the robbers' blind spots while floating lightly in the air.
That precise technique neutralizing only the villains without a single civilian injury.
"Impressive."
An exclamation slipped out unbidden.
Forgetting I was crouched behind the sofa, I grinned like a judge on a talent show.
Pass. Pass.
Victory was in sight.
The robbers had lost the will to fight, and leader Sniffer stood frozen in a daze.
"Give up now. Further resistance is pointless."
Polaris Hancia.
She was shining.
Literally and figuratively.
The starlight aura enveloping her illuminated the bank hall like a spotlight, and her bold figure ignited sparks of hope in the terrified citizens' hearts.
Beautiful.
And strong.
My sponsorship being used so valuably.
I ignore the inner voice nagging that it wasn't for sexual harassment.
If the results are good, everything is forgiven.
Now, that Sniffer guy will make a last desperate charge, get magnificently countered, spin three and a half times in the air, and pass out.
Then Polaris declares victory with a righteous expression. Perfect ending.
Flawless cliché. I love clichés. They provide stability.
But life always betrays clichés.
They say a cornered rat will bite a cat.
A cornered third-rate villain always chooses the most cowardly, despicable means.
"D-don't come closer! One more step, and this woman's life is over!"
Sniffer wrapped his arm around the neck of the nearest young female bank teller.
And pressed the gun barrel to her temple.
Hostage.
Classic, but always effective last resort.
Polaris's movements stopped.
Confidence vanished from her face, replaced by bewilderment and anxiety.
The hostage was too close for light beams.
One wrong move, and her safety couldn't be guaranteed.
"Kuhuhu... That's right! Heroes protect citizens, don't they?"
Sniffer laughed vilely and tightened his chokehold.
"Pl-please calm down! Put down the weapon and let's talk..."
Polaris's voice shook violently.
Inexperienced.
A moment exposing her lack of real combat experience.
The air in the bank froze cold again.
The recovered robbers began grabbing civilians as hostages one by one.
Damn it.
At this rate, my afternoon skip plan goes up in smoke.
Polaris can't move freely because of the hostages, and the robbers escape scot-free.
Then what about me?
As the eyewitness and top authority, I'll be cleaning up the mess all afternoon—maybe late into the night.
Above all, I don't want to see my hero lose to third-rate villains.
Wait.
My brilliant brain—my genius circuitry that shines brightest in crises—provided an idea.
Huh. Isn't this an opportunity?
Why was I only thinking about fighting them?
I need a change of perspective. Escape with them.
Yes! Get kidnapped!
Of course, these pathetic third-raters can't escape Seria's clutches forever.
A day? No, they'll be caught in half a day.
But that half day—where?
Perfectly liberated from labor!
Plus, the mayor caught in a horrific kidnapping.
After rescue, claim mental trauma and PTSD for at least a week of sick leave guaranteed.
If lucky, months.
If really lucky? Get a doctor's note saying I can't continue as mayor due to shock.
Honorable resignation.
No one can blame me. They'll pity me instead.
The tragic Mayor Lee Garam.
The hero who sacrificed for the citizens and gained irremovable trauma.
Zero risk, high return. Is there better financial planning?
My heart started pounding.
Not from fear.
Hope.
The sweet hope of escaping Neo Incheon.
Plan set. Now, just execute.
I quietly rose from behind the sofa.
The sudden movement startled those around me, who looked my way.
It's fine.
Heroes are inherently lonely.
I slowly—but firmly—raised my hand and removed the mask from my face.
"Hold on."
Robbers, hostages, Polaris.
All eyes turned to me at once.
I puffed out my chest and slightly lifted my chin.
In this moment, I am the pinnacle of Neo Incheon. Because I'm the mayor.
I cleared my throat once and spoke with maximum dignity.
"Release the citizens."
"Wh-what the hell is this guy?"
The hostage-taker yelled in confusion.
I ignored him and took one more step forward.
"Take me instead. I am Neo Incheon's mayor, Lee Garam."
"M-Mayor? Why is the mayor here...?"
Polaris's eyes widened like a rabbit's.
"Mayor? The mayor? The great Shin Garam?"
Villain Sniffer gaped blankly at me.
"Wouldn't the city's mayor make a far more valuable hostage than an ordinary bank teller?"
And I'm not a Shin—I'm a Lee.