Chapter 53 Onigashima Midori

Most of the time, a person just needs a little bit of push that would drive them into doing a certain thing. And that push may even be just a nudge by the finger and the person would come toppling forward, out of his or her comfort zone and into the unknown where he'd never thought about setting off.

Onigashima Midori came from a poor family. Ever since he'd become aware of his life, his family was already poor. Fortunately, they didn't have any debt but it was a struggle living day by day. From what he remembered back then, his father's business suddenly got bankrupt due to a 'mis-investment' and it left them with little to no money for themselves. He had three older brothers and three younger sisters and all of them were dependent on his parents. Growing up, Midori had to take up part-time jobs in order to survive. He never experienced a fun school life and he'd never had any friends at school. And compared to how he is now, he's actually pretty timid and quiet, not even daring to approach anyone when the teacher decides to separate his or her class by groups. He just couldn't bring himself to talk to anyone due to his inferiority complex. He figured that someone as poor as him is not worth talking to and it ruined his childhood and pretty much the rest of his school life.

But a year ago, the Alpha gene had awakened within him, giving him the superpower that exponentially increases his strength and durability the more damage he receives. As long as he receives a steady influx of attacks, he would be able to survive and grow stronger, much like how a berserker never really dies no matter how many wounds were inflicted upon him or her. And so, Midori's superpower was classified as the 'Berserker' superpower. And for years, he trained himself by inflicting damage to himself in order to adjust his body's durability. After all, as long as he could survive an attack, he'd be able to survive the rest of it, provided that the attacks have the same throughput as the first one.

Despite his overpowered superpower, Midori somehow felt that he hasn't discovered everything in his superpower. He didn't know why but every time he uses his superpower, he could tell that he's only using half his potential even though he's already using a hundred percent of his power. Confused, he decided to meet up with a superhero expert who specializes in categorizing and discovering new superpowers. By now, Midori was earning a little bit of money and he could finally provide for his family, even for a little bit. His little bit of popularity also provided his family the opportunity to be known to the locals and they were able to get part-time jobs for themselves using his name. Because of that, things were finally looking better and better for his family. His inferiority complex was beginning to dial down by a minuscule amount as well since he now has a superpower and a little bit of money. Compared to before, everything is getting brighter and brighter for Midori.

Back to his current situation, Midori finally got to meet a superhero expert and he asked him about his suspicions. The superhero expert then cleared his throat, leaned back on his chair, and adjusted his glasses before saying something along the lines of "Ninety percent of the time, when a superhero feels that, they have another superpower that they haven't found out yet. Just wait and it will manifest soon." The superhero expert then went on and on with all the superheroes that came to him with the same question. And just like what he said, those superheroes really had another superpower dwelling within them. Some of them discovered it quite early, but some had to go through a few years before they found what their other superpower was.

"That's how it was when it comes to superpowers. Sometimes, when you awaken one, it's hard to discover the other one when you have two because usually, you only have one. But don't worry, the mind always knows if there are some parts missing in your body. Don't worry and just wait for it. You'll discover your superpower soon."

Well, the only thing was, he heard those words back when he was in elementary school. And now, as a first-year high school student, he still hasn't found what his other superpower was. A majority of him already concluded that he won't find out what his other superpower was, but then again, a small part of him still hoped that he'd be able to uncover what that superpower is— before he dies, that is.

Currently, he didn't have any worries about his family. Even though they're still poor, they're not struggling compared to before. At least they have a roof over their head and food on the table. And more than that, everyone could finally continue their schooling due to Midori's accomplishments and connections. But then again, the thought about his other superpower still ate away at Midori's mind but he always tries to put it at the back of his mind. He's contented enough with his life as it is and thinking about a phantom superpower wouldn't do his mental health any good.

...

The greyish clouds were already hanging low on the sky as the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the horizon. For someone, the time of twilight may not mean much but for Midori, it's his favorite part of the day. It's not as dark enough at night that he couldn't see, and it's not that bright either that would make his eyes uncomfortable. As a berserker, his senses are also highly sensitive and so, the 'just right' time of twilight gives him momentary peace. Ever since he awakened his superpower, he found the time of twilight the best time to walk around the neighborhood. Of course, the time of dusk is also a second favorite as well.

As he got down from the school bus, Midori heaved a sigh of relief and enthusiastically waved his hands towards Satoshi and the others. He could clearly remember the time when he was timid and was the quietest guy in school. But now that he's entered high school, he decided to change his persona and assumed a character of a bright and energetic teenager. So far, he managed to pull off an overfriendly personality, and somehow, he's getting used to it. And honestly, he actually liked his present personality, vowing not to revert to his previous personality where he never got any friends. Right now, even though Satoshi and the others were a bit weirded out about him, they didn't drive him away. For him, that's more than enough since he already considered them his friends.

Midori heaved a sigh of relief as he thought about the events that unfolded throughout the day. Not only did he get to enter the glorious Concrete Arena, he also watched a live fight between Satoshi and the legendary Plume. Out of all the matches he witnessed from the Casual Division, that was the best one so far and he was sure to take it in well. "So gaining the terrain advantage will always do you more good than harm. Aside from that, Satoshi had the same firepower as Plume but he's more precise and more controlled with his attacks, which gave him the advantage in the whole match. So accuracy and terrain... I guess I have a lot of things to learn."

Turning right from the street, he finally caught sight of their ramshackle old house where his entire family lives. It may not look as pleasing on the outside but it's livable and it's more than enough for Midori. Nevertheless, he did promise to improve the appearance of the house as soon as he gets extra money. His internship in a new agency is bound to happen soon since he's a student in the United Superheroes Academy and once he reaches that stage, he'd be able to earn more money. Deep inside, he hoped that he'd be a part of a nice agency where the pay is high and the number of quests or missions issued is more than enough for everyone.

"I'm ho—" He impulsively announced as he opened the door.

What lay in front of him was a disaster, no, it was an entire catastrophe in and of itself.

On top of the only couch in the house, a little girl was lying down and she seemed to have difficulty breathing. She was sweating profusely and a little bit of blood was left on her lips. Her chest was heaving up and down as she clutched it. And the pained expression on her face was more than enough proof that she was suffering. Around her, the entire family was gathered, clutching their hands as they hoped that the little girl would make it until who knows when.

It was Midori's little sister, and she was dying.

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