Perfect Copy Through Association
They run the measurement again with the now-repaired machine.
Weeeeng.
This time, the machine outputs the results a bit faster.
"Looks like it was broken back then after all."
"I denied it, but yeah, whatever."
In reality, it wasn't broken—it had been upgraded. But without the original owner around, they'll interpret it however they want.
Of course, if the hero who actually built this machine heard that, they'd be furious and vehemently deny it.
But if they had a problem, they should've been here.
"So, what's the exact details?"
"Hmm~ Now we're finally getting some proper readable info."
The staff member's expression isn't just a big question mark this time.
They start reading through it, as if there's actually something worth interpreting.
"The more you work alongside an Awakener, the more you can use their abilities."
"Is that... good?"
It doesn't seem like a useless power, but it doesn't hit like an instant jackpot either.
And...
"Uh... there seem to be quite a few ways to use it?"
The output still isn't done.
Instead of a few lines on a small printout, it's filling the paper endlessly, spitting out values non-stop.
"It's not broken again, is it?"
"Doubt it. Let's read through it first."
This time, the explanation is overly detailed, but figuring out the ability precisely isn't hard.
"It seems like working with an Awakener lets you gain their ability too? This is better than copying."
Copying requires the original target to be present.
But this ability lets you use it anytime after the copy is complete.
"It's not like regular copying where it's a degraded version. If you max it out, you can use the hero's ability at full power?"
This is a jackpot.
A perfect S-rank subordinate.
"If you use this right, you'll basically get another S-rank."
"Really?"
"Yeah! Of course, we'd have to test how well you adapt to it in practice..."
Behind the excited Kylun, who's clueless, the staff member quietly turns it over in their head.
Let's think... If copying isn't too hard...
Could you even copy the #1 S-rank's ability?
The top hero has an extraordinary power but a personality that keeps her from performing when needed. If you could replace her...
Getting ahead of myself.
"Anyway, with this level, you could slot right into an S-rank's sidekick without anyone batting an eye."
"Thanks."
"How'd Nova find a gem like you?"
And so, preparations begin for hero apprenticeship.
"Alright, shall we jump straight into training?"
"What kind of training?"
"What else for a strength-based power? Obviously, muscle training."
The higher a hero's rank, the more perks they get.
They risk their lives constantly, facing real danger, so even B-ranks don't worry much about money.
S-ranks get everything tailored just for them.
"This is my training room."
The spacious, comfortable room is packed with exercise equipment.
"S-rank exclusive?"
"Nah, my personal gym."
"It's huge..."
"Huh? You're not as impressed as I thought."
Of course, S-ranks are the nation's top elite.
But Kylun's side is a rival top-tier family in wealth and power, even if the nation opposes them.
The equipment here's even more state-of-the-art.
It's bigger and nicer than the organization gym he'd glimpsed before, following his father's subordinates.
A massive gym that rivals any commercial one.
"Change into workout clothes! I mentioned it earlier, so they should be here."
No way something he just said is already prepared, unless it's a hotel.
But sure enough, the changing room has training gear waiting, like it was always there.
"Great stretchiness... good ventilation too... Anyway, it's custom-made for my abilities, so it should fit you fine."
The fabric feels expensive.
"Strip down and just wear that."
"Got it."
It's a bit tight but super lightweight.
The Hero Association's tech definitely beats the organization's.
"It's kinda snug."
"That's the stretchy material—"
Nova freezes mid-sentence.
Suck...♡
Kylun doesn't realize it himself, but the pants cling tight.
Highlighting every contour...
His lower body stands out vividly.
Gulp...♡
Nova's body heats up before training even starts.
"What's wrong? Wrong size?"
"N-no...! I'll have them adjust the details later."
"Yeah, can't make it fully custom on the first try."
Kylun nods, but now he's the one making Nova hyper-aware.
"...♡"
Meanwhile, Nova's mind is flooded with that brief glimpse of his outline.
She wasn't like this before, but after that video hitting her exact tastes, she feels even lewder.
At this rate...♡
No, snap out of it!
Slap!
Nova slaps both her cheeks hard.
"W-what the hell?"
Kylun's baffled.
Instead of warm-ups, Nova's smacking her own face—how's anyone supposed to get that?
"I-is that your warm-up?"
"As if! Let's get started!"
Sacrificing her cheeks awakens her; her head clears.
Nova moves with renewed energy.
"Warm-ups first!"
After warm-ups, the training—light if you're Nova, brutal if you're Kylun—finally ends.
"Ughhhh..."
The apprentice hero is totally wiped.
Kylun sprawls on the spotless floor, drenched in sweat.
"Tired already?"
"I wasn't a hero since kidhood like you."
"Fair point..."
Nova's still hoisting massive weights one-handed, powering through.
Males are inherently frailer than females here, so yeah, it stings a bit.
Well, she's got that tomboy personality.
Besides, what normal citizen beats an S-rank hero?
"Let's call it for today."
Nova hauls the exhausted Kylun to his feet.
"Whew... I'm hot too."
No matter how cool the room, you can't vent body heat instantly.
True to her transcendent energy use, the S-rank hero's soaked in sweat, rivaling Kylun.
As she pulls him up, their closeness fills Kylun's view with Nova's figure.
Her tight clothes reveal nearly everything.
Whoa...
Kylun inwardly marvels at the prime S-rank woman's body.
He'd always seen her as just his childhood friend, but damn, her body's all grown up.
...Personality still tomboyish, but the body's definitely different.
No, more than average women...
Up close, her muscles are toned just right, her body...
He shakes his head to fend off weird thoughts.
But his mind's already racing.
Those huge breasts, sculpted muscles.
Smooth, tanned skin.
The perfectly balanced muscle gives her that healthy, athletic allure.
Something about it makes him want to pin her down as a man—
"Hey!!!"
"Gyaaah!"
Nova yells loud enough to rupture eardrums from the side.
"Wh-what...?"
Kylun finally snaps back.
"Feel any power surge?"
"Huh? Since when'd you ask?"
"I've been asking. Why're you spacing out?"
She steps right up, waving her hand in front of his face.
"Overtrained and delirious?"
"Y-yeah, maybe."
Now that he's aware, his eyes keep drifting to her chest.
"That's it for today. Need to fix the clothes... and prep more stuff anyway."
"Yeah."
""Welcome home, Young Master!!!""
He still can't get used to the greeting every time he returns.
Now he just rolls with it.
"Oh, so did our delinquent son enjoy his hero apprenticeship training?"
"Haven't even started."
"Really?"
Who knows if the old man's cheering or hoping he fails.
He'd showered already, but he takes another cold one.
"......"
He cools his head under the icy water.
Bigger than I thought...
Nova's outfit wasn't that revealing, but it hugged her curves perfectly.
He hadn't noticed before, but after that naked glimpse from the weird incident, he can't stop.
"Damn it..."
What kinda thoughts is he having about the friend turning him into a hero?
Get it together.
Like Nova did, he slaps both cheeks.
"......"
But the lewd thoughts won't fade.
Like how I broke in Mary sis—want her kneeling under me.
"I'm losing it..."
He tries ignoring it, but the desire to make it happen lingers in the corner of his mind.