Chapter 221: Ep.221 Sparring

Ep.221 Sparring

PMC.

The talented individuals I nurtured to alleviate Stardus’s burden from the chaos caused by the monsters unleashed after the Wolgwanggyo incident.

I placed these individuals with abilities under private sector companies rather than under the association’s heroes, allowing me to have complete control over them. At first, I personally nurtured them as their mentor. I can say that I imparted all the expertise and essence of ability control that I acquired from Ego Stream to them.

In this way, they quickly awakened the potential of their abilities, and I provided them with some combat experience as well. Since I spent months eating, sleeping, teaching, and sharing their concerns with them, our bond is strong. They trust and follow me, although sometimes it seems like they trust and follow me a bit too much... But it’s better than not having their trust..

Anyway, the conclusion is that this time, our PMC members are going to meet Stardus through Lee Seola.

...Actually, there are some concerns, but the kids are smart, so they’ll handle it well. Besides, after the Wolgwanggyo incident, when our PMC members officially debut, they’ll have to deal with Stardus eventually, so it’s better to build a relationship and trust in advance.

Plus, if Stardus checks their abilities, it’ll be even better.

So, the Yuseong Squad, PMC headquarters.

Since Stardus is coming today to teach our squad members, I was giving them a final briefing before they meet Stardus.

“All right, do you remember what I said?”

“Yeah. We got it. Act polite, be eager to learn as much as possible, and keep our teacher identity a secret.”

No.2 replied with a fist bump and a snort, flipping her light crimson hair. She summarized what I said quite neatly.

“Yes, we’ll remember, teacher.”

Meanwhile, No.1 nodded and replied uprightly. This kid is really well-behaved. Actually, considering that No.1 uses a katana, it might be better for them to learn from someone other than Stardus, but anyway.

“Well, in any case, I’m looking forward to it! Meeting the famous hero Stardus in person!”

Our No.3 said brightly, laughing as she clenched their fist with the gauntlet on. Yeah, No.3 is always positive and enthusiastic, so she’ll do well on her own.

“...Yes, I’ll do my best.”

No.4, with blue hair and rubbing her eyes, perhaps suffering from sleep deprivation. Among them, they’re the youngest, so I’m a bit worried, but I believe they’ll do well.

“All right, everyone. Are you ready?”

“Ah, Seola.”

At that moment, I turned my head to see Lee Seola walking in from the other side, dressed in a suit. Our kids greeted her, and she smiled and waved at them.

Lee Seola had already met our PMC members once before, after she set a date for their meeting with Stardus. I had explained to the kids in advance that Lee Seola was the generous CEO who was sponsoring them, so they all treated her with friendliness.

Of course, Lee Seola also had a natural ability to attract people, so the kids naturally gravitated towards her.

“Now, since Stardus will be here soon, Da-in, you should leave now.”

“Sure. Kids, I’m going to get going. Good luck, everyone.”

After bidding farewell to our PMC kids, I stood next to Lee Seola and whispered softly.

“And... you know, right? Something unexpected might happen, so keep an eye on the kids. They might say something unintentional.”

“I understand. Don’t worry.”

Lee Seola replied with a bright smile. Feeling reassured, I left the room. Stardus would probably arrive soon.

...But for some reason, the way the kids looked at me today seemed a bit strange. Perhaps, it’s just my imagination?

She had blue hair and looked the youngest among them. Her eyes seemed a bit drowsy, and she came across as quiet and timid... Can she really fight villains? That’s a bit worrying...

“Hello, I’m Stardus. I’m an A-class hero under the association...”

Of course, Shin Haru introduced herself as well. Although it seemed like they were all aware of her, it was a gesture of respect. The kids looked at her with sparkling eyes, making her feel slightly uncomfortable but not entirely unpleasant. She sensed a friendly attitude from them towards Stardus. ...Did Lee Seola teach them that?

Meanwhile, as they talked in the room...

‘.....’

Shin Haru couldn’t help but glance around the room with a sense of familiarity.

‘...There’s something about this place that feels familiar? She feels familiar.’

Maybe it was just her imagination.

Nevertheless, she stood up.

“All right, kids. I said I’d check your training, didn’t I? Follow me.”

“Oh, okay!”

They followed her one by one.

As they arrived in a spacious training room with a high ceiling, Stardus released her hand momentarily and responded.

“All right, now, one by one, come at me.”

“...Huh?”

They were taken aback by her sudden words. Well, it was understandable. She was only wearing a shirt and not her suit, which could be surprising for them. However, unless it was an emergency, there was no need for her to wear the suit when engaging in combat.

Seola wanted her to check their abilities, right? In that case, the easiest way would be to engage with them.

Perhaps they sensed her thoughts. Lee Sae-geom, who had introduced himself as No.1, stepped forward at the front.

The boy drew his sword and said to Stardus with a deep breath.

“...I request a match, please.”

“Sure.”

Immediately, with her short response, the battle began with a flash of her blade.

...

“Ugh.”

“...Not bad. Next.”

Of course, within a few minutes, Shin Haru clearly won.

‘...Their abilities are roughly at this level.’

He might not be as good as herself back in the days, but she felt that he was stronger than B-class heroes. Perhaps with some real combat experience here, he could even reach A-class. Impressed by his unexpectedly strong performance, she couldn’t help but admire it silently. And she had a bit anticipation for them.

‘...Maybe someday, when these kids have all grown and become capable of capturing S-class villains on their own... I can focus solely on dealing with Egostic.’

...Because Egostic is the most dangerous in South Korea, of course.

With those thoughts, she held onto a bit of hope.

‘...It would be great if that day comes.’