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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: Star Dust's Assessment
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PMC.
Talented individuals with abilities whom I cultivated to alleviate the burden on Stardust from the chaos that would ensue once the monsters from the Moonlight Cult Gate incident were unleashed.
I ensured I could control them from start to finish by keeping them as civilians employed by a corporation, rather than Association heroes. In fact, I raised them all myself as their teacher. I can say that I've passed on all the know-how and essence of ability control I gained from Ego Stream.
They quickly awakened their full potential and gained some combat experience. Furthermore, I spent several months living, eating, teaching, and listening to their concerns with them, so their bond with me was also top-notch. They, too, trusted and followed me completely.
...Of course, sometimes I worry they trust and follow me 'too' much... but it's better than them not trusting me at all.
Anyway, the conclusion was that my PMC kids were set to meet Stardust through Lee Seol-ah this time.
...Honestly, there were some concerns, but I figured they were all smart and would handle it well. Anyway, once the PMC kids officially debut after the Moonlight Cult incident, they'd meet Stardust eventually. So, I figured it was better to build rapport and trust now, rather than later.
Plus, it would be even better if Stardust could also assess the kids' abilities as a bonus.
And so, at the Meteor Squad PMC Headquarters.
Stardust was scheduled to come today to teach my squad members, so I was giving them some final, firm instructions before they met her.
"Alright, remember what I told you?"
"Hmph. I get it. Be nice and polite, and try to learn as much as you can. And don't mention your identity as our teacher, since it's a secret."
Number 2, with her light orange hair, replied brusquely, her arms crossed, as she turned her head and let out a 'Hmph'.
Even so, she had summarized my instructions perfectly.
"Yes. I will remember, Master."
Meanwhile, Number 1, with his white hair tied back, nodded and answered earnestly. He truly was a proper kid.
...Honestly, since Number 1 uses swordsmanship, it felt more appropriate for him to learn from Katana than Stardust, but anyway.
"Well, anyway, I'm really looking forward to it! To actually meet the famous hero Stardust."
Number 3, with her red hair, said, smiling brightly as she repeatedly tapped her gauntleted fist.
Right. Number 3 was always positive and enthusiastic, so she'd handle it well on her own.
"....Yeah, I'll do well."
Number 4, with her blue hair, rubbed her eyes as if suffering from sleep deprivation.
...As the youngest among them, I was a bit worried, but I still trusted she'd do well.
"Alright, Da-in. Is everyone ready?"
"Ah. Seol-ah."
Just then, I turned my head to Lee Seol-ah, who was walking in, dressed in a suit.
My kids greeted her, and Lee Seol-ah smiled, giving a slight wave.
Lee Seol-ah and the PMC kids had met once before, after the date for meeting Stardust was set. I had already explained to the kids that Lee Seol-ah was the boss who funded them, so they all treated her favorably.
Of course, Lee Seol-ah, with her innate ability to draw people in, quickly had the kids growing fond of her.
"Alright, Stardust said she'll be here soon, so Da-in, you can go ahead now."
"Okay. Kids, I'm leaving now. Make sure you learn a lot."
After greeting my PMC kids, I stood next to Lee Seol-ah and whispered softly.
"And... you know, right? Anything could happen, so keep an eye on the kids. They might say something they shouldn't."
"I understand. Don't worry."
Lee Seol-ah replied with a bright smile.
Reassured, I then left before Stardust arrived. She'd probably be here any moment.
...But, for some reason, the kids' gazes felt a little strange today. Was I imagining things...?
Anyway. Stardust would be here soon.
As I left the room, I wondered.
...What would Stardust think when she saw my squad members?
***
Stardust.
She was currently at the Meteor Squad PMC Headquarters, a building her friend Lee Seol-ah had apparently established.
"Stardust, welcome."
In front of the sparkling, grand white building, Seol-ah was smiling, welcoming her.
Shin Ha-ru, dressed in comfortable clothes for a change, nodded and said,
"Yeah. Hi. Is this where the PMC trains?"
"Yep. Spent quite a bit."
Lee Seol-ah said with a bright smile.
Indeed, it was a grand, imposing building. She'd heard there were only four members so far, so it certainly looked like a massive investment.
"That's amazing..."
Honestly, Shin Ha-ru had been a little impressed when she heard about Lee Seol-ah's PMC.
It was true that Seol-ah seemed more interested in business management than being a hero. Still, she had always perfectly maintained public order in Busan, which was her duty, so it hadn't bothered her much. But she never expected her to be preparing something like this.
To think she'd actually pay and hire gifted individuals who avoided becoming heroes, and turn them into heroes...
"My kids have all been training diligently on their own. So, I'd like you to assess their current skill level, all of them."
"Okay. I understand."
Shin Ha-ru, feeling a slight sense of anticipation, followed Lee Seol-ah's lead and took the elevator down to the basement.
There, a vast underground space unfolded before them.
While Shin Ha-ru was mildly impressed, Lee Seol-ah finally brought forth the four gifted individuals.
"Everyone, say hello. This is my friend, Stardust."
"Hello!"
The kids immediately greeted her upon seeing her.
Seeing them, Shin Ha-ru greeted them in return and quickly scanned them.
One male, three females. They all looked quite young. Like college freshmen, and one even seemed like a student still.
Their strength... I'll have to spar with them to find out.
"Alright, kids. You all know Stardust, right? But Stardust doesn't know you yet, so how about we take some time for introductions?"
Lee Seol-ah said that, then smiled brightly and led them all to one side.
And so, in the area with chairs, they began to introduce themselves.
Shin Ha-ru listened attentively to the introductions of the four gifted individuals.
"Hello. I am Lee Se-geom."
First to introduce himself was the boy with long, white hair tied back. Dressed in a martial arts uniform and carrying a sword, he stated his specialty was swordsmanship. He asked to be called Number 1 for short. Shin Ha-ru quickly assessed him as having a taciturn personality.
...Incidentally, the mention of swordsmanship reminded her of Katana, and the image of Egoistic smiling and holding hands with Katana suddenly intruded into her mind, causing a moment of emotional turmoil, but she maturely brushed it aside.
"...Hello. I'm Seo Chae-yeong."
Next to introduce herself was a girl with slightly orange hair. Her tone seemed a bit brusque initially, but Shin Ha-ru felt she had a kind personality. Her main ability was shooting light arrows with a bow... so, likely a weapon enhancement type. Shin Ha-ru understood. She said she could be called Number 2.
...But why did all these PMC kids have such a naming scheme, like Number 1, Number 2? She wondered who had come up with that.
"Hello! I'm Number 3, Heo Da-hee!"
Then came the girl with red hair, speaking in a bright and cheerful voice. She clearly exuded energy and passion, and like Stardust herself, she was a physical combatant capable of body enhancement. On top of that, she could wear gauntlets and unleash fiery punches, and even fight with a greatsword.
Following her, Number 4 introduced herself.
"....Uh, hello. I'm San Su-ah."
She had blue hair and looked the youngest. A quiet, timid child with slightly sleepy eyes. ...This kid fights villains? She felt a little worried.
"Hello. I'm Stardust. I'm an A-rank hero affiliated with the Association..."
And of course, Shin Ha-ru also introduced herself. While they all seemed to know her already, the children's gazes, sparkling with respect, were slightly uncomfortable yet not entirely unpleasant. A feeling of goodwill towards Stardust. ...Had Seol-ah coached them?
Meanwhile, even as she spoke in the room,
'.....'
Shin Ha-ru, without realizing it, looked around the room, feeling a sense of familiarity.
'....Something feels familiar here? A familiar sensation.'
Is it just my imagination?
Uncertain, she stood up nonetheless.
"Alright, kids. I said I'd oversee your training, right? Follow me."
"Ah, yes!"
The four of them obediently followed.
Upon arriving at the vast, high-ceilinged white training hall, resembling an auditorium, Stardust stretched her hands briefly before speaking.
"Alright, now, one by one, come at me."
"....Huh?"
They were startled by her sudden words.
Indeed, it might be surprising to be challenged by someone in just a shirt, without their suit.
However, unless it was an emergency, there was no need to specifically wear a suit for a spar.
They wanted her to check their abilities?
Then the easiest way was, of course, to spar with them.
Perhaps reading her thoughts, Lee Se-geom, Number 1 as he was called, who stood at the front, took a deep breath, drew his sword, and spoke to her.
"...Please grant me a lesson."
"Alright."
Then, with her brief reply, the battle began with a flash of the blade.
...
"Urgh."
"...Not bad. Next."
Naturally, Shin Ha-ru won within minutes.
'...So, this is roughly their level of ability.'
Though not as strong as her past self, they certainly felt stronger than B-rank heroes. Perhaps, with some real combat experience, they could even reach A-rank. Impressed by their strength, which exceeded her expectations, she inwardly admired them.
And she felt a slight sense of anticipation too.
'....If these kids all grow up and become strong enough to take down S-rank villains in my stead... then perhaps I could focus solely on dealing with Egoistic.'
...Because Egoistic is the most dangerous one in South Korea, right.
With that glimmer of hope, she began to face Number 2.
'...It would be nice if that day ever came.'