The Guide
Creak.
The main gate of Justitia, which towered far above my height, began to open on its own as if it had been waiting for me.
Is this how the heroes felt when they stood before the Demon King’s castle? Even though the place I had dreamed of was right in front of me, I couldn't muster the courage to step inside.
'…You decided to be brave.'
If I kept hesitating like this, I wouldn't be able to face Cathy, who had written the recommendation letter for me.
The moment that thought crossed my mind, the hesitation vanished.
I simply took a step forward, heading toward Justitia with confidence.
"This is Justitia…!"
The moment I stepped through the gate, the place that appeared before me was completely different from the silent forest of buildings I had been in just a moment ago.
Buildings with flashy, complex structures that reminded me of a fantasy world, and all sorts of bizarre plants growing along the roadside.
My heart raced at the feeling of having arrived in another world, but what excited me most of all were the countless people walking along the path.
Most of them were dressed in outfits similar to the heroes I knew.
'Amazing! It’s exactly like the documentaries!'
They said most of the students attending Justitia, or "Yuti" for short, were already active as professional heroes, and it was true…!
Ah, if I begged them for an autograph, would they give me one…?
I see so many of my favorite heroes here; how am I supposed to contain myself! Hehe.
"Sihyun?"
While I was contemplating who to ask for an autograph first, a voice came from above my head.
A gloomy voice that felt like it was massaging my brain directly, and a chilling air that constricted my lungs.
"I heard from Cathy… about the new student."
A height that looked a head taller than mine, and black hair grown long enough to cover one eye.
The number one person most often mistaken for a villain among active heroes: Shadow Mistress.
"And that you possess… a very dangerous ability."
She, one of the heroes I admired so much, was standing right in front of me.
"Sh-Shadow."
"…*Sigh*. Yes, it is Shadow. I won't eat you, so please relax."
"Please give me an autograph!"
"Hmm?"
I quickly pulled out the autograph paper I had kept in my bag and held it out to her.
Her pretty black eyes, framed by dark circles, blinked repeatedly, and I could catch a glimpse of her being flustered—she, who was always rumored to be cold and composed.
I know it’s rude, but if I miss this chance, I don't know when I'll ever get another one!
"What is this…?"
"I'm a fan!"
"You're a fan of mine?"
"Yes!"
Ah, I’m so glad I came to Yuti already!
I had hoped to meet an active hero, but to think I’d meet someone this incredible so soon! Hehe.
"…I, I see. Is this a condition for activating your ability? A type that confuses the opponent's heart to seduce them. I’m sorry, but mental-type attacks don't work on me."
"I'm a real fan! I’ve watched every single documentary featuring you, Shadow!"
"Huh?"
It’s natural for Shadow to be suspicious. Compared to her achievements, she has unusually few fans…
In my eyes, she’s one of the coolest heroes out there.
"I really, really watched them all. The Reina Siege, your debut battle where you defeated a 1st-class wanted criminal in one go, is my absolute favorite scene! Oh, and besides that, the way you used your shadows to rescue the hostages was great, and the scene where you fought alone for everyone’s sake during the monster subjugation in the city was so cool, too!"
"W-wait, wait a second."
To increase the credibility of my words, I started reciting every one of her feats I could remember.
At first, other people who were walking by and ignoring us started to gather, curious about the scene, but I didn't care and continued to praise her.
If I could use this opportunity to let others know how great Shadow is, that would be wonderful.
"And also… mph, umph!"
"I get it… I get it, so stop."
Regrettably, I was stopped by Shadow before I could finish.
I looked up at her to protest that I wasn't done yet, but seeing her cheeks flushed bright red, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.
Because if I inconvenienced Shadow out of my own greed, I’d be a failure as a fan.
"…First, let’s walk. We need to register you as an official student."
Nod, nod.
"…If there’s time left, I’ll give you an autograph, too."
Nod, nod, nod, nod.
"Thank you, Shadow!"
The moment she let me speak, I bowed my head and thanked her.
Hehe. My favorite hero's autograph.
"You really are a strange one. No one would ever want my autograph."
As I followed her, happy to have secured the promise of an autograph, Shadow, who was walking quietly ahead, spoke up.
…Certainly, even the scalpers said there was no demand for Shadow’s autograph, so they didn't even keep it in stock.
"Other people just don't have an eye for it. You’re such a cool hero, Shadow!"
"Fufu… You’re the first person to say that to me, Sihyun. Most people avoid me, saying my ability is scary or that I look strange."
"You look strange…? In my eyes, you’re just incredibly beautiful."
A tall stature well over 170cm, and a hairstyle and appearance that reminded one of a ghost emerging from a well.
Certainly, if one looked at her with prejudice, she could be called scary, but if one looked closely, she possessed beauty that wouldn't lose even to top-tier heroes.
The biggest difference would be her figure, I suppose… Unlike me, a shorty with only big breasts, she was the owner of an incredibly balanced body with curves in all the right places.
"I, I’ll say it again, but mental-type attacks don't work on me."
"Mental attack?"
"…*Sigh*. The fact that you aren't lying is even more malicious. I see why Cathy told me to be careful."
Shadow, who let out a deep sigh, looked down at me blankly.
It feels like a scene from a horror movie. It’s chilling, and it’s cool…!
"I can't believe it. That someone as harmless as a baby lamb like you is an ability user capable of shaking the world…"
"M-maybe Cathy is overestimating me a little? I don't think I’m that much of a threat…"
"No, if what I heard is correct, I share the same opinion. In the first place, I wouldn't have taken on the task of bringing in a mere student if I didn't think it was dangerous."
Certainly, it was strange that Shadow was acting as my guide.
Even if she wasn't popular, she had reached the ranks of top-tier heroes based on her performance alone, so she must be busy enough that having ten bodies wouldn't be enough.
"To be honest, I was even thinking, wouldn't it be better to kill you rather than enroll you?"
"K-kill me?"
Tremble, tremble.
Shadow… wants to kill me? There’s no way I could survive that.
"Yes. If you were to change your mind and abuse your ability, the damage would be uncontrollable. Cutting off the seed of evil in advance is also a hero's role… You know that, right?"
"I, I… would never think of such a thing…"
Chuckle.
"I know. After seeing you with my own eyes, I don't think you would. You can rest assured that the thought of killing you has vanished entirely, Sihyun."
Whew.
Thank goodness…
I almost died at the hands of the hero ranked 2nd for killing the most villains… My back is soaked with sweat.
"How is it? Do you dislike me a little now?"
"Pardon?"
"Me. I was thinking about whether to kill you or not, even though you’re practically a civilian. …With a personality like this, it’s no wonder other people dislike me."
"I don't dislike you!"
I grabbed the hand of her, who was wearing a bitter smile.
"Because you are as strict with yourself as you are with others, Shadow! A hero who overcame the innate limitations of being the child of a high-level villain…! There’s no way I could dislike a hero like you!"
Yes.
The biggest reason I like her.
Because she is a hero who overcame a tragic birth.
…Unlike me in my past life, who couldn't do anything and ended my life, she is the best hero who stepped over the darkness and found the light.
"…You know more information than I imagined. That fact should be nothing more than a half-forgotten rumor by now."
"Because I’m your fan!"
"It’s beyond the level of just being a fan, though."
Even while saying that, Shadow had a faint smile on her lips.
Hehe. I’m glad she seems to be in a better mood.
"…That aside, Sihyun. Please hold onto my body tightly."
"My body?"
"Yes. There are too many eyes watching us now… and I think we need to move quickly."
Looking around, there were indeed more people surrounding us than a moment ago, to a degree that couldn't be compared to before.
…Huh?
"Did everyone come to see you, Shadow? Since you’re a famous hero."
"No, that won't be it. Many heroes more renowned than me visit Justitia. Most of them… seem to be looking at you, Sihyun."
At me? Cathy should have blocked my ability with multiple layers…
"They aren't approaching because I’m here, but it looks like a matter of time. Now, please hold on."
Unable to resist her repeated urging, I reluctantly grabbed her wrist.
I would have loved to hug her tightly, but that would be rude for a first meeting…
"Here we go."
However, Shadow grabbed my waist and pulled me in, allowing me to be held in her arms as I had wished.
Is it because of the height difference? My head was buried deep in Shadow’s large breasts, and I felt a happiness so strong that it was hard to keep my senses.
'So this is how soft breasts feel…'
Since my only point of comparison was my own chest, I didn't know if Shadow’s were exceptional, but it felt so good…
"…Sihyun. Could you please let go now?"
"Hic!"
While I was enjoying the soft breasts, I only came to my senses after hearing Shadow’s voice, which had risen slightly in tone.
As I quickly pulled away from her, what came into view was a narrow room with only a single chair placed in the middle.
She must have moved using her shadow ability. I saw this in the documentary, so it wasn't something to be surprised about.
What’s important right now is the apology.
"I, I’m sorry! It’s not that I’m feeling any sexual desire or anything, it’s just that I’m an orphan who never had a mother, so I missed the feeling of a mother’s embrace…"
After moving away from her, I rattled off excuses as best I could, driven by the desire not to be hated.
I didn't exactly lie, either…
Combining my past life and current life, I’ve never had a mother…
"You don't have to apologize to me, as we are both women. Unlike other heroes, I have less of that kind of emotion."
"I, is that so?"
"Yes. I’ve heard that there are many heroes who secretly prey on their sidekicks or students who follow them… but you can rest assured that I am not included in that."
Shadow…! You’re kind, you’re cool!
You truly are one of the heroes representing this era.
"Sihyun, sit in this chair. I’m going to proceed with a few tests from now on."
While I was being moved, Shadow was drawing a few pictures on the chair with her fingers.
"Tests?"
"Yes. Even though you have Cathy’s recommendation letter, you were attending a regular academy until just before this. I need to judge whether you have the ability to adapt to Justitia, or if there are any disqualifying factors."
Gulp.
Tension hung in the air at the look in Shadow’s eyes, which had changed significantly from a moment ago.
I thought I could get in right away if I had a recommendation letter, but the wall of Justitia is indeed high…
"I’m sitting…"
"Good. Then, from now on, I will remove all the accessories that are restraining your ability. Are you ready?"
"…Pardon?"
Before I could even say anything, Shadow, who had come in front of me, was taking off the bracelet and ring from my hands.
"It’s a process to accurately grasp your ability, Sihyun. As I said before, I have stronger resistance to mental-type abilities than Cathy, so you don't have to worry about it working on me."
"Will it really be okay…?"
"Yes."
A strong conviction.
As a mere civilian who knew nothing, I had nothing more to say.
I simply watched as the accessories were removed from my hands.