Chapter 82

EP.82 Real Steel

The Korean Association of Superhuman Abilities, abbreviated as the Hero Association.

The operations control room in Seoul, where the atmosphere was currently like a funeral parlor.

"Right. So, where is that thing created by the crazy Han Group brats?"

"It is currently attacking structures in the outskirts of the capital region. The people there have evacuated, so there have been no casualties so far..."

"...Has the evacuation of citizens in the city center progressed to a certain extent?"

"Most people in the outskirts have evacuated, but with the weapon's current entry speed, it will soon catch up. B-class and lower heroes have helped the remaining people, so there have been no casualties so far... but how long it will last..."

"...Sigh. Right. Where is Stardust?"

"They say he is flying at full speed, but it will take some time to get here from this distance."

"...I see."

The association president looked at the monitor with a grim expression.

A giant robot, resembling an octopus, was rampaging and advancing through the outskirts of the city.

It seemed that nothing could stop it.

...No, there was one thing.

"...Is 'it' ready yet?"

"...They say it is still being set up, President. If we fire it, it could involve all the nearby cities and citizens."

"Since the decision is not mine but the President's, telling me won't do any good. Don't forget that the missile is under government authority."

"...Understood."

"...But, to prevent even greater damage, we might have to accept some sacrifices."

"..."

"...If Stardust can take it down, that would be great. But what are the chances?"

"With full power, it might be able to hold its own, but fighting in the middle of the city will limit its strength to avoid involving others... It will be difficult."

"Damn. As expected. Can we contact Iceclaw?"

"Contact has been lost. They are either in a situation where they can't receive calls or are intentionally ignoring them."

"Damn. That chairman must have hidden him because he's in danger. He's no help at all."

The association president said with a troubled expression.

The giant weapon was now almost at the heart of the city, where people were gathered.

Despite the imminent attack on the people, the association members could do nothing.

They sat helplessly, feeling deep despair.

All hope was lost.

Just before the massacre was about to unfold.

Suddenly, it stopped.

Letting out a single scream.

"....?"

All the association employees were taken aback by the sudden situation.

After a while, a voice suddenly came from the giant weapon.

It was much brighter and more cheerful than before.

[Hello everyone! Greetings, it's Egoistic!]

"Egoistic...?"

The employees' minds were in a state of confusion.

Why is he appearing there?

As they felt puzzled by the sudden situation, his words continued.

As if it were the most natural and obvious action.

From the giant weapon, his voice flowed out.

[The Han Group kids made something cool, right? Anyway... so, I took it.]

[It's mine now.]

"Wow."

Only a small exclamation, whose source was unknown, filled the silent association.

***

The shadow cast over the thousands of people on the city streets was a spectacular sight.

A shadow created by a weapon of overwhelming size, which alone was enough to instill a sense of awe.

And that, the symbol of terror, which had just been shaking buildings and causing chaos, was now.

Stretching its arms and legs, doing some stretching.

[This is kind of fun! Hahaha!]

The cheerful voice of Egoistic, emanating from the giant weapon at an incredible volume.

It seemed he had become more adept at controlling it, as the weapon moved freely.

The people, who were watching the giant weapon above their heads, were dumbfounded.

Noticing their gazes, Egoistic slightly lowered the head of the machine and spoke to the people.

[Hey, everyone. What are you doing there?]

[No need for spectators, so please leave. Shoo, shoo.]

As if shooing away flies, he waved his hand, showing no interest, telling the citizens to leave—more accurately, to run away.

Only then did the people start to come to their senses, one by one getting up and hastily fleeing from the weapon.

And as they watched, more words came from the weapon.

[By the way.]

[Having such a cool robot and just standing still is boring.]

Then, with a touch of exaggerated humor.

[I feel like destroying the city out of boredom! Ah! Riding a giant weapon really brings out the destruction impulse!]

[So.]

He said, as if this was the main point.

With a slightly amused tone.

[Stardust, would you come over here?]

It was the first time in a long while that he had called out to Stardust.

And.

"Ha."

In response to his words.

Stardust, who had just arrived at the building and heard his words, was smiling without realizing it.

***

Shin Haru.

She had never imagined such a sudden situation would arise.

Suddenly, a giant weapon appeared in one part of Seoul.

Seeing it collapse buildings with a single gesture, she clenched her teeth and flew.

Why do such disasters always happen so suddenly?

Stardust flew to take down the weapon that had appeared unexpectedly, pushing his limits to the max.

What if I'm too late?

She continued to think this as she flew.

How long had she been flying?

And just as she was almost, really almost, about to reach it.

A voice came from the earphones she had plugged in to receive updates.

[Breaking news! The giant weapon has reached the city center! It is about to throw buildings at people! Oh, how could this happen... We are now connecting to the scene...]

The anchor's trembling voice was followed by a low, mechanical voice from the earphones. Or rather, the chilling mechanical voice she heard from a distance as she flew.

[Goodbye.]

[Blaming the incompetent association.]

[Go to hell, humans.]

She clenched her teeth upon hearing this.

Is it going to end like this?

Am I too late?

As she headed there with a heavy heart.

Suddenly.

An unexpected change occurred.

[Aaaah!]

A sudden scream from the robot.

[What? The giant weapon has suddenly stopped and started screaming! What's happening?]

The anchor, taken aback by the sudden situation, relayed the news.

A short while later, a much brighter voice came unexpectedly.

And it was.

[Hello everyone! Greetings, it's Egoistic!]

Her arch-nemesis, her archenemy.

[What's happening! Egoistic suddenly appeared from it!]

"...Egoistic?"

It was Egoistic.

***

Almost at the scene, she turned off her earphones.

Taking advantage of the opportunity when the giant weapon had paused due to some incident, she had flown at her limits.

Finally, she landed on a rooftop where the giant weapon was in full view.

What she saw was.

Egoistic, who seemed to be sending people away as if they were a nuisance, and.

[Stardust, would you come over here?]

The voice calling her from the giant weapon, laughing.

And upon seeing this, she.

"Ha ha..."

Felt a smile creeping onto her face without realizing it.

On the rooftop.

In the wind, her blonde hair fluttering.

Standing on the rooftop, looking at the weapon that had just been about to massacre everyone, which she assumed Egoistic was riding.

She recalled.

Yes, she had experienced a similar situation before.

A time when someone came out and handled everything in a difficult situation.

On a rooftop like this, a voice that sounded just like now.

'Hello everyone! It's Egoistic!'

Yes.

A crocodile villain had appeared at a festival and caused terror.

Just as people were on the brink of death, and she was about to reveal herself to save them.

A person who came out with a strange reason and solved the problem.

...And now, here.

With thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of people on the brink of death in a desperate situation.

Someone who came out and solved everything.

As if it was just a nuisance, naturally sending people away.

Stardust, Shin Haru.

Realized, at some point.

"Ha..."

Her heart had been racing since she heard Egoistic's name.

And now, seeing him casually save everyone and call her as if it was a natural thing to do.

She couldn't help but smile.

"Right..."

Feeling a sense of relief envelop her body.

She muttered to herself, smiling, towards Egoistic.

"Since you called me."

"I have to go, right."

And so, without any hesitation, she pushed off the ground and flew towards him.

Even as she flew, the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned.

***

"Bro. Stardust is finally coming over here!"

"Right? Then let's move a bit further back. If we fight here, people will die."

"Hey. We're about to start a real fight? This will be fun."

"Da-in. Be careful. If you fall, it will be a disaster."

"Right, right."

In the cockpit of the giant weapon's head.

I was operating the giant weapon, with the group who insisted on coming along after I said I would just bicker with Stardust and then leave.

Look at this solid steel frame moving at my command. It's a man's dream. It feels incredible, like I can do anything.

And as I saw Stardust getting closer, I couldn't help but smile.

"Haru. Let's really power up today."

It's not often we get a chance to fight 1-on-1 with a giant weapon like this, without any other distractions.

Let's boost our abilities to about twice their normal strength today.

I smiled, released my hands, and started to operate the controls more seriously.

My plan is to bicker with Stardust for a bit, and once I feel I've grown enough, quickly escape.

Great. This time, my plan is unfolding perfectly without a single error.

I really want to go home in one piece today!

***

And at that moment.

The President's office.

In the dimly lit room, an agent continued speaking.

"Mr. President. The stealth missile is ready to be launched."

After she finished, another agent added.

"Just now, we received a report from the association. The situation has stabilized, and it seems the missile doesn't need to be launched. The possibility of additional casualties is low."

"......"

Listening quietly to their words, the President, hidden in the shadows, said nothing.

He only quietly fiddled with the missile launch button.

"....Hmm."