I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Test (2)

***

“Oh, you recognized that. Your insight is quite sharp despite appearances~”

The man clapped his hands in admiration at my guess.

But it felt more like sarcasm than a compliment.

Mocking that someone who doesn’t even deserve to be called a superhuman could still assess others’ abilities well.

“Yes~ As you noticed, many here possess Gifts or equivalent abilities. For instance, that huge guy over there.”

The man’s finger pointed to a bearded man leaning against the wall with dumbbells.

“His name is Maximus. He was rated C-Class in the association’s tests and was known to have worked in conflict zones within Pangea before coming here.”

“So he was a mercenary?”

“Exactly. In terms of abilities and experience, he’s among the top here. Others on par with him include the man reading a notebook over there, Kaiser, who has competed with heroes, and the sturdy woman over there, Sonya Doreen, who was a sidekick to an A-Class hero. The one wearing a helmet in the back is Spartan, a runner-up in the superhuman tournament, and so on…”

The slick man confidently rattled off names, crossing his arms.

Interestingly, these names didn’t ring any bells for me, even though I had considerable field experience.

Even though I’m weak, I’ve been around long enough.

During the Great War, C-Class heroes couldn’t even participate. Why would I be intimidated by C-Class heroes now?

What concerns me more is why they are here.

“It’s odd. Usually, C-Class or higher superhumans would apply to be heroes, not bodyguards…”

“I told you earlier, this is Spirit Entertainment, the ‘pinnacle of the current entertainment industry’ where common sense doesn’t apply.”

The man immediately explained, as if he’d been waiting for this obvious question.

“Yes, this place gathers heroes with the highest recognition in the industry. A-Class and even S-Class heroes are stationed here, and fans flock to their events in the tens of thousands.”

“In short, keeping them all in line requires talented individuals, right?”

“Exactly. Although fans are ‘civilians,’ they need to be subdued and pushed back without injury, necessitating higher qualifications.”

Indeed, you can’t hire hundreds to protect one person.

If numbers increase, command structures become problematic, so fewer, more elite guards are preferable.

Essentially, this test is looking for a few elite agents.

It’s a task only superhumans can handle.

“Do you now understand why I said you seemed unimpressive?”

Yes, it makes sense that someone unknown like me would seem out of place here.

I also don’t know why I was called here.

This agency must have some knowledge of me if they sent a recommendation specifically for me, right?

If they consulted the association, they’d know I’m E-Class, so why bring me in as a bodyguard?

Wait a minute. Didn’t the staff bring me here just because I had a recommendation letter?

They must have assumed I was here for an interview due to timing, not because of the letter. Clearly, there was a misunderstanding.

“But don’t be too disheartened. Even if you chose something beyond your means, as a fellow hero, I should offer you some courtesy! If you wish, I, Orleans Noblesse, who will become an S-Class hero, will personally escort you to the exit…”

Just as my suspicion solidified, a loud voice boomed through the space.

“Everyone, gather!!”

Instantly, all eyes, including the slick man’s, turned to the entrance on the opposite side.

A man wearing a red cap stepped into the test site. He seemed to be the host for this bodyguard test.

“Is this everyone?”

Damn, I missed my chance to leave because of this slick guy.

But now it’s too awkward to break the mood.

Reluctantly staying quiet, I watched as the red-capped host crossed his arms and addressed the candidates.

“Good, we’ll begin assuming everyone is here. I am Choi Gi-yeol, team leader of Spirit Entertainment’s bodyguard team and the host of this test.”

“Choi Gi-yeol…?”

The moment he introduced himself, the room buzzed with murmurs.

Even the slick guy beside me wore a stern look.

“Choi Gi-yeol… Ghost Hunter?”

“Ghost Hunter?”

“A superhuman who rose to the upper ranks of A-Class. Though not famous for fieldwork, his true talent lies in training. He was invited as an instructor at the Superhuman Academy, and many exceptional heroes emerged from his classes…”

Ah, I see.

Being an instructor, even at A-Class, I might not have known him.

“Nicknamed the Ghost Catcher… No delinquent trainee ever stood a chance against him. To think Spirit recruited him as their bodyguard team leader.”

The slick guy spoke nervously, lifting the corners of his mouth.

Sweat trickling down his forehead showed that even a fool wouldn’t dismiss Choi Gi-yeol.

Regardless, Choi Gi-yeol continued to explain.

“As you know, Spirit Entertainment’s bodyguard test spans four days and three nights. During this period, you will undergo various tests I’ve arranged to see if you can protect the heroes of this agency.”

Oh no. This test isn’t just for one day.

Being dragged along for four days is a waste of time.

“But generally…”

Raising my hand to leave for a moment.

Choi Gi-yeol began to speak seriously, adjusting his cap.

“Time and talent are precious here too. The longer the test, the later you’ll be deployed. If I deem someone qualified, I will personally pass them without further tests.”

“Pass immediately?”

The room buzzed with excitement.

Shortening the test duration by proving your competence was appealing to those who came with confidence.

Not wanting to disturb the atmosphere, I lowered my hand as a man raised his hand to ask Choi Gi-yeol.

“So, if we pass the test now, we can become bodyguards right away?”

“Of course.”

Nodding, Choi Gi-yeol extended his hand.

“If you can withstand one of my punches, you’ll be deemed fully qualified as a bodyguard.”

His thick, calloused hands showed years of training. Considering he was a former A-Class hero like Ronin Blade, his superhuman strength was formidable.

Enduring his punch would be difficult for C-Class wannabes.

“Hehe.”

Despite the challenge, the slick man who had been explaining things stepped forward confidently.

“This seems like the perfect stage for me.”

Oh dear?

Seems he won’t miss such an opportunity to show off.

“Are you stepping up without hesitation?”

“As someone aiming to be an S-Class hero, I can’t miss this solo stage.”

Choi Gi-yeol admired him.

The slick man ran his fingers through his hair and lifted his chin proudly.

“Come at me. I’ll personally withstand your attack and prove my prowess to everyone here!”

He then spread his arms wide towards Choi Gi-yeol, as if inviting him.

Did Choi Gi-yeol appreciate it?

“Kuhahaha! Such bravery!”

Laughing heartily, Choi Gi-yeol clenched his fist.

With a sound like ‘krak,’ his arm began to swell.

-Zzzzzzt!!

No, not just swell.

His muscles bulged so much they ripped through his clothes, revealing their full presence.

“Uh?”

The slick man’s face stiffened, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.

Choi Gi-yeol’s arm continued to grow until it matched the size of the slick man’s head.

Yes, that’s the fist about to strike his body.

“You came forward confidently, so it’s only fair I respond with full power. Take this!”

“W-Wait…”

“A SAY ONE PUNCH!!!!!!!!”

-Boom!!

A thunderous sound followed his shout.

The slick man’s body, now a blur, flew past me and crashed into the wall.

The atmosphere, once filled with anticipation, turned tense.

I cautiously approached the slick man and asked,

“Are you okay?”

“Ugh, hic…”

Seems he’s okay.

Surviving a full-force punch from an A-Class enhancement ability user is enough.

“I expected talent, but to think you couldn’t even endure this…”

But Choi Gi-yeol was shaking his head in disappointment.

“Damn, Gi-yeol!!”

His voice was laden with disappointment.

Men in red caps soon arrived, carried the slick man to a vehicle, and left.

“So! Who’s next?!”

Choi Gi-yeol maintained his high tension.

The mysterious shout of ‘A SAY’ made all the candidates tense up.

Even the confident C-Class wannabes were unnerved by an A-Class hero’s punch.

“Then I’ll try next!”

One brave man stepped forward.

Even with sweat trickling down, his raised corners of his mouth suggested a plan to endure the attack.

“A SAY ONE PUNCH!!!!”

But that plan would change after being hit.

-Boom!!

What are plans but the refuge of the weak?

Against overwhelming power, both skill and strategy are useless.

“Please, wait! Give me a moment to prepare!!”

“This is the path you chose. Endure it with grit and determination!”

At least Choi Gi-yeol knows how to control his strength.

The power of superhuman force is immense, but he disperses it rather than concentrating it.

The impact area is large, but the damage spreads out, so no one dies.

C-Class superhumans might only have their lungs squeezed and a few ribs broken.

It’s agonizing, but there’s a healer among the examiners, so they’ll recover soon.

“So, who’s next?!”

But even with safety measures, fear remains.

After knocking out about four people, the candidates started avoiding his gaze.

Given the test, nearly killing them would sap their spirits.

And this isn’t the main test, so there’s no need to push themselves.

“Excuse me.”

Right, the situation is settled, so I can leave now.

“Kruhh, so you’re next?”

“No, I’m not here to apply… I’m sorry, but I mistakenly ended up here. Can I leave to take care of my business?”

Right, an E-Class like me doesn’t fit in a place with C-Class people.

Even if the pay is good, pushing myself to be a bodyguard would be a burden for both parties.

Surely, he’ll understand and let me go.

“Running away?”

Choi Gi-yeol’s tone immediately filled with disappointment.

No, it was closer to contempt.

“No. That’s not it…”

“Hah! What else would you call turning your back in this situation!?”

He crossed his arms and shouted louder.

“Sure, facing overwhelming power might be daunting. But those who remain here, seeing others fall, still chose to stay for the test! Yet you make excuses and try to run after seeing them fall!?”

“No, it’s a misunderstanding…”

“No, it’s good you revealed yourself now. A man without any grit can’t be entrusted with the crucial task of guarding heroes!”

-Snap.

A sound echoed in my head as my attempt to explain was cut off.

What did this bastard just say?

What? No grit?

Me?

End of Chapter