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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: Stardust
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I really liked Stardust.
Stardust. The protagonist of the comic, [Stardust!].
Why did I like Stardust so much?
Well, obviously. She was beautiful. The comic drew her as stunning.
Beyond that, I also loved the stark contrast between her hero activities and her everyday self.
Normally, she was just an ordinary, slightly blunt girl, but when she was active as a hero, her distinctively awkward way of saying, "You scoundrel! What do you think you're doing?!" was always entertaining to watch.
I'm not sure if it was to separate her daily life from her superhero one, or to hide her usual way of speaking. Honestly, I just thought she did it because she believed it looked cool...
But what I loved most about her was her unique sense of justice.
After her parents died in an incident caused by a villain when she was young, she harbored a growing desire for revenge and hatred towards villains.
That's how she came to dream of becoming a hero.
But because she had no superpowers, no abilities whatsoever,
she could only wish upon the stars.
"Please, let me awaken an ability."
"So that I can personally exact revenge on those villains."
Did the stars answer her plea?
Miraculously, she gained superpowers.
As she awakened her powers, her hair peculiarly began to turn a starlight golden.
That's how she named herself. Star Dust. Stardust.
It's said that the association shortened her hero name to "Stardust," claiming five syllables was too long.
Anyway, though her hero life began with a desire for revenge, through various incidents, she came to realize something.
That a hero isn't just someone who beats up villains, but someone who protects citizens.
And so, she became a true hero. A champion.
As a child, I was completely captivated by her story.
Honestly, there were many heroes with more impressive storytelling and concepts of justice, but I think she became my favorite character because she was Korean. Her story resonated with me.
...Why am I rambling on like this?
Because my favorite character just suddenly appeared right before my eyes.
"Egoistic!"
"Stardust?"
No.
What in the world is going on?
In this crowded place.
Having achieved my modest goal of eliminating the Teleporter, I was just about to head home.
I definitely intended to dispatch him quietly, but somehow I drew too much attention, which was a bit troublesome.
But then, *poof*! Stardust appeared.
How long have I even been here for her to show up so quickly...?
I watched her, floating sadly, unable to land due to the crowd.
She was sweating buckets, looking as though she'd flown in a tremendous hurry. It seemed she'd flown here the moment she heard I was around. Still, she'd managed to put on her distinctive red latex suit.
"Egoistic, you fiend!"
"Yes, yes. I'm listening."
[Bro, what are you doing?! Come on!]
No, Seo-eun, just wait a sec.
My favorite character literally flew all this way to see me, I have to hear what she has to say.
With so many people gathered, how embarrassing and awkward would it be if I just *poof*! Vanished?
"You, now. What have you done?"
Stardust glanced at the Teleporter lying defeated at my feet, then glared at me and spoke.
The citizens were already watching, looking thrilled as if we were about to fight. Kids, what if you get hurt doing that? Ugh, now they're even pulling out their phones to record? Or were they recording from earlier? That might be even worse...
In front of these citizens, oblivious to danger and suffering from safety complacency, I decided to play along with Stardust a little longer.
"What have I done? I've merely eliminated villains, parasites of society. I've only done what heroes should be doing. Like what people like you should be doing. Oh, you don't have to thank me. I didn't do it to receive gratitude. Haha!"
"You..."
I could even see the veins throbbing on Stardust's forehead from here. Her face was bright red, clearly furious. Uh-oh, what's wrong? Did I say something too harsh...? Her body was trembling, looking like she was about to drop her persona any second. ...This isn't going to be a big problem, is it?
Before she could unleash her furious tirade, I quickly spoke first.
"Of course! Of course, it's true that I engaged in vigilantism without relying on public authority! It's true, but I believe there's a need for mitigating circumstances. The Teleporter, that cruel guy, wasn't he designated A-class because of his powerful ability and high risk of escape? If he's A-class, isn't on-the-spot summary judgment allowed at a hero's discretion anyway?"
As soon as I finished speaking, she opened her mouth as if she'd been waiting.
"Yes, it's possible. But, are *you* a hero?"
She looked like she wanted to rush me right away and punch me. But she couldn't bring herself to do it, fearing I'd escape instantly and the nearby citizens would get caught in the crossfire. Hmm. It doesn't seem like my staying here any longer would be particularly helpful. Time to start looking for an exit strategy.
"Well, I understand what you're saying, Stardust. You're saying that even if a villain is a piece of trash who deserves to die, a hero must be the one to do it, and it's meaningless if a villain like me does it. Such a thought is truly befitting of Stardust, with her unwavering sense of justice."
I roughly defended Stardust for now.
My first step in the plan to make Stardust a hugely popular hero: praise her.
Normally, if Cheol-su says, "I'm good at studying," it doesn't sound very trustworthy, but if Young-hee, Cheol-su's rival, says, "I don't know about anything else, but I'll give him credit for studying," then people finally think, "Ah, Cheol-su really *is* good at studying." There's nothing as effective as praise from a rival!
But it seems the citizens thought differently.
"What, only heroes are allowed to catch villains?"
"Who does she think she is... So annoying."
Suddenly, murmuring voices erupted from the surroundings. ...Are they seriously insane?
Ever since I came to this world, I've realized something. The people here are a bit messed up. Safety complacency is a given, and now, with a hero and a villain facing off, they've started siding with the villain. Are they... truly out of their minds?
"She shows up after everything's done. Ridiculous."
"Honestly, what did Egoistic do wrong?"
Hearing such voices from the public, I nearly lost my mind.
Was this conversation I was hearing truly real?
As the murmurs surrounding us grew louder, both Stardust's expression and mine gradually hardened.
It was a bizarre situation where the target of criticism wasn't me, but Stardust, and the innocent Stardust began to be cursed at. Why on earth? Did seeing blood make people go crazy?
Anyway, this wasn't the situation I wanted. I wanted a scenario where I got cursed and Stardust was praised; I never imagined it would turn out like this.
Why on earth were the citizens taking the villain's side? What is this?
Stardust's expression also began to stiffen as the public opinion turned strangely against her. I felt the need to quickly salvage the situation. So, I hastily, rapidly, opened my mouth.
"I! I never said I did anything good either! I merely suggested that's how it was! I will continue these... evil deeds! So I hope Stardust tries her best to stop me! Well, um... I'm off!"
I rattled off the words like a machine gun, then swung my cape forward and teleported. Something's off. I need to get away for now.
After teleporting, my vision spun. My stomach churned. Unable to even stand properly, I eventually collapsed. Truthfully, I'd overexerted myself catching the Teleporter earlier, and moving such a long distance again, my body just couldn't take it.
"H-huh... h-huh..."
As I lay there, barely breathing, the door burst open and someone entered.
"Oppa!"
It was Seo-eun. Seo-eun rushed over and began struggling to grab me and lift me up.
"Ugh, why are you so heavy! Oppa, try to stay conscious! No, this won't do, Unnie! Please help me!"
"Oh! I'm coming!"
And a moment later, Soo-bin-ssi rushed in. Actually, I only guessed it was Soo-bin-ssi. I was so collapsed I couldn't even open my eyes. Wow, I'm really going to die at this rate.
"Alright, one, two! Lift together!"
And so, the two of them struggled and began to move me. Honestly, Seo-eun wasn't much help, and it felt like Soo-bin-ssi was moving me by herself, but I didn't say anything. Also, I was in no condition to speak.
Having two women drag my body felt a bit apologetic. And embarrassing. But right now, I truly can't move a single finger.
"Haa, next time, please just teleport directly to the fatigue recovery machine, Oppa."
Seo-eun, who finally succeeded in putting me into the fatigue recovery capsule, said to me, panting. "Yeah, I'll have to do that from now on. I was a bit out of it earlier."
"...Th-thank...you..."
"If you understand, then hurry and rest. You look half-dead."
With that, Seo-eun grumbled as she took care of me and then left.
Soo-bin-ssi, who was nearby, also clenched her fists and cheered me on with a "Get well soon!" in a fighting pose before leaving. Cute.
And so, I lay collapsed.
I needed to sleep deeply and rest, but my mind wouldn't easily fall asleep because of worry.
Because of those whispers directed at Stardust earlier.
***
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