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Chapter 15: The Food of God’s

“Are you tired?”

“A little.”

Maybe it’s because I had a blast, but Yura came over with a rosy glow on her face.

If I felt like today is more about your birthdays than mine, is that just my misunderstanding?

I moved to a nearby chair because even standing felt like a hassle with a thin sigh.

I couldn’t help but turn my head away every time I saw her; how could someone have so much energy with that level of activity?

Of course, she’s a Hero, so she wouldn’t tire easily. But fatigue isn’t just a physical thing, right?

If someone asked me what has been the hardest thing since returning to Earth—excluding the days of battling demons—I would definitely say it’s this moment.

“Did we get too carried away? Hmm. I feel a bit guilty that I’m having fun while you’re like this.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. By the way, what did you buy so much of?”

“Oh, nothing special. Just some supplies that we needed.”

As she fumbled her words, Yura sat down next to me.

“How’s the family? How’s father doing?”

“Everyone is healthy and safe. At first, it was tough with all kinds of people coming over, but now thanks to the government sending help, it seems like everyone is doing okay.”

“That’s a relief. If anything happens, let me know. Don’t hold back thinking you’ll be a burden.”

“I will. I always trust you, sister.”

With a bright smile like tulips, Yura rested her chin on her hand and fixed her gaze forward.

The crowd passing through the huge lobby of the mall and the shops lined inside.

Not long after quietly observing that scene, Yura spoke up.

“Sister, actually… I’m thinking of dropping out of school after returning.”

“Huh?”

Dropping out?

Oh, thinking back, Yura had shown her intention to return to her family and continue school if the curse was lifted.

The reason she received extra study sessions through Wisdom was that.

But to quit school now? Isn’t that too sudden?

This bombshell she dropped hit me right in the gut.

“Why the sudden change? You should meet your friends again.”

At my words, Yura shook her head with a smile.

“Now that I’m known as a Hero, I can’t live a normal school life like before. Plus, since I’ve been away for a while, none of my friends will be in the same class as me.”

“But you’re going to the same university as Ji-hye. She’ll be disappointed if she hears.”

“Oh, that’s not a problem. I’ll drop out and take the GED. I’m just not going back to high school, but I’ll still go to college. Besides, I have to at least get into a school like S University to maintain my Hero image, right?”

It’s like a marriage without love or something.

Isn’t it a pity to end school life like this? I can’t help but worry she won’t regret it later.

Dahyoung and Ahjin both completely skipped their high school years because of the summoning of Heroes. In that sense, Ji-hye and I are special cases.

Thinking about it, I wondered if it wouldn’t be possible to continue school through college.

Though the emotions of high school are different, of course.

“But are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“Okay? With what?”

Suddenly sticking her face close to me, Yura’s eyes sparkled.

“You mentioned before, right? That Heroes could still come back. We can’t know exactly when, but they would probably return within two years, right? I’m already worried about how many Heroes will willingly cooperate with you.”

Ah, that’s what it is.

Thanks to wearing pants, I held my knees together and leaned my face on them, turning my head to look at Yura with a cute expression in her eyes.

To match that gaze, I confidently met her eyes and shared my feelings.

“I’ll do my best. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, I’ve vowed to wish to save Heroes and gather them. It’s my goal since returning to Earth, so I can’t give up now.”

“But we’re already here. Isn’t that good enough?”

That could be true.

If my power combines with the other Heroes, we could handle any future Heroes that return in whatever way possible.

However, I don’t want to pressure the Heroes like that.

If there are other Heroes aside from me, I want to—

“I want to be the Hero of Heroes.”

I lifted my gaze to the distant dome-shaped ceiling.

The empty space with no people still brings a fresh feeling, even with the building walls surrounding it.

They say space affects one’s heart, and this is one of those times.

“If I were to just enjoy myself and leave the others behind, I wouldn’t look very heroic as a Hero. Plus, if I did that… it would tarnish the meaning of why I saved you all.”

In response to Yura’s question, I offered a nonchalant final answer.

Of course, I can’t deny that a hint of my creepy desires is subtly woven into my quest to gather Heroes.

Neither was it an act of discrimination against Heroes, nor did I begin with a light-hearted mindset thinking it would be a bother to later dispose of them.

Yura nodded calmly, satisfied by my answer.

“I guess that’s a decent response.”

As she got up, Yura’s lips curved into a soft smile.

“Just as you’ve protected us, we’ll protect you too. I absolutely don’t want you to fall.”

“Ah, I will.”

If the Hero who dramatically appears to save us gets broken, that would be the most pathetic thing ever.

“I… I like you, sister.”

With a spin like a model, Yura confessed.

Her slightly flushed cheeks were quite cute; I thought so.

* * *

“What’s this? You two are having a date without me. I was there too! I went out with you too! I dated too!”

Ahjin was grumbling all the way home, puffing up her cheeks.

At twenty, she should act more like an older sister.

Instead, it felt like her and Yura had swapped roles, and Sehee shook her head disapprovingly.

“It’s because Ahjin unnie was too lost in her thoughts and wandered so far.”

“Ugh!”

Yura was already wearing a smile of victory, absolutely calm.

In contrast, Ahjin was pouting with her lips tightly sealed, looking utterly miserable.

Ever since I saw Sehee and Yura sitting together enjoying a secret meeting, it’s been this way.

We definitely needed to change the subject.

“Are you planning to keep working as an editor from now on, Ahjin?”

“Huh? Yeah, that’s right. I can’t survive without this. Why?”

“Oh, I thought it was about time we should think about our future too. Given we’re revealing ourselves as Heroes now.”

Ahjin put on a thinking pose, then brightened and said.

“I just want to stay by your side as an editor. That’s the best.”

Surprised by the straightforward answer, Sehee tilted her head.

Now that we’ve revealed ourselves as Heroes.

Of course, Sehee is the focus, but the other Heroes won’t lose interest either.

It seems like the government, other organizations, and even foreign countries are all working behind the scenes to recruit Heroes.

Maybe these kids also have the desire to pursue different paths, I wondered.

Eunha, Ji-hye, and Yura declared they would stay together calmly, but Ahjin is different.

So, I asked her, but she responded so naturally it left Sehee feeling a bit taken aback.

“Is that really enough?”

The strength in her nodding felt quite powerful.

That’s proof that she holds no hesitations or doubts in her heart.

“Who am I? I’m the loyal Ryu Ahjin. I’m also a Hero, so there’s no way I’d leave my sister because of a little wealth.”

“Wow…”

Ahjin expressed her feelings even more passionately at Yura’s awe.

“So please don’t worry, sister. None of the people gathered at the Hero House will ever leave your side. I still vividly remember the day you said you wanted to gather Heroes and create a company.”

I never expected to receive this kind of reassurance from Ahjin.

Dahyoung, Ahjin, and even Bbae-bbae.

I recalled the days before Yura, Ji-hye, and Eunha joined us, a time that felt so fresh and innocent.

Even though it hasn’t been that long since merely a few months ago, it already felt like old memories.

With a soft smile, Ahjin crossed her arms and spoke with drowsy eyes.

“If you’re going to hold on to our hearts, take responsibility till the end. The trend is set.”

Sehee nodded quietly and echoed Ahjin’s request.

“Thank you. I’m truly glad to have met all of you.”

“Hehe, right? I really did well, didn’t I?”

Worried she might have killed the vibe, Ahjin nervously looked around, and her expression felt like Bbae-bbae’s gentler version, making me smile involuntarily.

Whether she realized it or not, now she confidently declared with swinging arms.

“If there’s a bad guy bothering you, let me know! I’ll punish them with my overwhelming power!”

“Really, even if your Hero’s Power is released, Ahjin unnie is still the same. And that line isn’t yours, anyway.”

“Hey! Why would I! I’m a Hero now! That line is totally fine for me!”

“Yes, yes. I’m sure you’re right, our Heroine Ahjin. It would have been interesting if Dahyoung unnie were here too.”

“Ugh!”

With her arms crossed, Yura was clearly enjoying the moment alongside it.

Ahjin’s bouncing figure felt overwhelmingly cute, and I couldn’t help but lift my hand and gently ruffle her hair.

Before I knew it, the sunset had cast long shadows over the three of us.