Chapter 46
Chapter 46
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Someone's Sidekick
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Why don't heroes launch a massive villain purge?
This question had once even sparked protests in the heart of the city.
Maybe the Union and heroes are deliberately keeping villains around.
Without them, you wouldn't hold the same level of prestige anymore.
They might have concluded that they need enemies to maintain their privileges and popularity.
It was a protest that pointed out a reasonable possibility, but it didn't even last two days.
"Even after so much time since monsters first appeared, their true nature and origins remain unknown. Everything is just speculation and inference—nothing has been definitively uncovered."
Monsters appeared near the protest site, causing chaos.
Fortunately, heroes on standby responded, and no casualties occurred.
That made everything clear. Why they don't wage war on villains.
"One thing is certain: abilities are the most effective means of dealing with monsters. That's why a set number of heroes are always on emergency standby, prepared for the worst."
If heroes are fighting villains and monsters show up, who's protecting the civilians?
A war with villains would inevitably lead to massive hero casualties.
How would they fill those gaps? Police? Military? Guns? Missiles?
They might work. The problem is using them in the city center.
Heroes cause accidents too, but stray bullets and bombs are worse.
Monsters target civilians, who mostly stay in urban areas.
Since attacks on the city are inevitable, deploying the military isn't an option.
"Monsters are classified by danger level into Caution, Alert, Ferocious, and Apocalypse Class. These ratings aren't absolute and can change anytime based on growth or condition. So, never underestimate even a Caution-class monster."
For these reasons, they can fend off villains but not eradicate them completely.
Heroes' enemies aren't just villains. Monsters might be the worst of all.
At least villains don't eat people alive.
...Very occasionally, villains do pull off something similar to monsters.
"Finally, monster appearances have increased compared to last year. The numbers are alarming enough that the Union is persuading nations to declare a state of emergency."
The cadets murmur at the professor's words on monster trends.
Monster numbers have risen, but surely not to that extent?
If the Union is bringing it up, it's no simple fix.
"Declaring a state of emergency would automatically grant academy cadets sidekick status. In crises, they'd be assigned to heroes for monster and villain subjugation duties."
Several cadets raise their hands with questions.
Does this include first-years like them?
Some worry. Others are excited.
Sidekick duty is dangerous, but it offers invaluable experience.
Being a famous hero's sidekick brings huge advantages.
Many cadets dream of sidekicking for skilled, popular heroes.
"Normally, first-years aren't taken as sidekicks. But in a state of emergency, all you first-years here would qualify."
Some cadets pump their fists with a triumphant "Yes!"
Others whisper "No way" in fear.
Both reactions make sense. Kang Yuna, resting her chin on her hand, gets it.
One side craves the fame and experience.
The other dreads dancing with death.
Either way, the gains and risks are crystal clear.
'Which side am I on?'
Her heart stirred when sidekicks came up.
Just a first-year hero cadet. A total rookie.
But her passion for heroism burned brighter than anyone's.
Even assisting heroes as a sidekick is noble.
Sidekicks see heroes up close, even if others can't.
When heroes clash with monsters and villains.
Sidekicks evacuate civilians.
"Oh, and starting tomorrow, we'll accept sidekick applications from academy cadets. No grade restrictions."
"Professor, if an emergency is declared, don't we all get sidekick status automatically?"
"This application targets students with specific abilities."
Physical enhancement abilities. The focus for this sidekick recruitment.
Hearing that, Kang Yuna instinctively looks at her hands.
Her ability. It matches the criteria.
Not flashy. No overwhelming specialty.
But steady. Always pushing forward.
Never gives up, no matter the situation. Fulfills its duty.
To her, it's the epitome of a hero's power.
Awakening it might have been fate.
"Whether an emergency is declared or not—and if so, when—is uncertain. That timing will make a big difference. Early applicants get the edge in experience."
Class dismissed. The professor ends the lecture.
Cadets file out one by one.
"What're you gonna do?"
"Gotta think about it. Sidekick duty for a first-year is risky, no matter what."
"I don't qualify anyway—my ability doesn't match."
Everyone buzzes about sidekick applications.
Risky, but the rewards are guaranteed.
Do it or not. Step up or stay quiet.
"Yuna."
Seo Ha-eun approaches and looks at her quietly.
Kang Yuna knows why. Probably about sidekicks.
"You doing it?"
"Uh, yeah... Honestly, I don't know."
The dream that brought her this far screams yes.
Not for popularity. Not for connections.
If she dreams of being a hero, she should try sidekick life.
See what erupts on-site. What battles unfold.
What struggles our heroes face.
What to do—and avoid—when she becomes one.
'But...'
Reason, her ever-present pusher, says not yet.
If she wants to be a hero, now's for learning.
Dying foolishly from overconfidence is idiotic.
It's not abandoning civilians right in front of you!
When emergency hits, step up then!
'...Right.'
Decision made. Path chosen.
"Yuna, you've decided."
Seo Ha-eun smiles faintly and steps aside.
A bulletin board. More precisely, the sidekick application slot below.
Records Archive.
"Welcome. Oh? Aren't you the friend of Cadet Seo Ha-eun, who was here every day for a while?"
The desk clerk adjusts his glasses and greets her.
"Hello."
He knows her exactly, but it's not weird.
For nearly two weeks, Seo Ha-eun practically lived here.
Worried, she'd visited at mealtimes.
Naturally, her name was logged at the entrance.
Any staff here would remember it by now.
"Looking for monster info."
"Ah, got it. Head upstairs, left side—that's all monster data, sorted by class. Keep that in mind."
"Thanks."
As Kang Yuna heads up, a question hits her.
The clerk knows Seo Ha-eun came daily.
Then suddenly stopped recently.
He'd just called her Seo Ha-eun's friend.
Yet no mention of her. No "Haven't seen her lately—what's up?"
Does he know why she stopped coming?
'...No. Maybe he thinks asking is rude.'
Sidekick application jitters? She's overthinking.
Chiding herself, Kang Yuna starts browsing monster files.
Heroes handle most monster fights.
Sidekicks are like their assistants.
No need to jump in. Might even hinder.
Still, "what ifs" exist.
Evacuating civilians, you might run into another monster.
Sacrifice one to save many? She'd do it.
That's why studies can't be neglected.
"Ah, Cadet Kang Yuna?"
"Yes?"
"For monsters, start with Sector B, shelves 2-3."
The clerk pinpointed a specific spot.
And a few days later.
"Cadet Kang Yuna. Your sidekick assignment is complete."
Much sooner than expected, she became a hero's sidekick.