I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The Successor of the Heavenly Demon (2)

***

Seolhwa.

The cold from her hands instantly freezes everything around, and the sword she wields on the battlefield mercilessly shatters her enemies.

Cold, fierce, and strong…

For these reasons, she was named the Ice Empress, a figure of terror for many heroes.

But even someone who always maintained such poise couldn’t let her guard down during the final battle with the Association.

Unfortunately, the unit I belonged to encountered the man known as the Heavenly Demon, the second-in-command of the Hero Association.

“What a twisted fate.”

As I recalled that time, the Boss stroked my forehead and softly chuckled.

“The ill-fated connection from three years ago still lingers to this moment.”

“No, I…”

Ill-fated? That term suits Seolhwa, who vanished after the war, better than me.

If Heavenly Demon and Seolhwa were storms, I was merely a pebble caught between them.

How could a pebble swept along ever make its presence known?

“…Is it true that Spiritas possesses the same power as the Heavenly Demon?”

Recalling that memory made the seemingly immature rookie hero feel different.

The Boss, understanding my thoughts, spoke to me in a more serious tone.

“If you consider potential alone, she exceeds even that.”

“Exceeds…?”

“Though she’s inexperienced with her power, if she used her full strength, she could surpass the Heavenly Demon.”

Surpass the Heavenly Demon?

Could the young woman who overwhelmed Seolhwa possess greater power?

“Yes, it wouldn’t be through normal means.”

Though I found it hard to believe, the Boss seemed to have an idea as she rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.

Like when she looked down from the amusement park.

“The total amount of her superhuman power exceeds what an average person can handle.”

“Does that mean she has the ability to amplify superhuman power?”

“No, superhuman power cannot be amplified. Even if possible, it would only be a temporary surge of power.”

Ah, right.

Superhuman power can be stored or compressed, but its limit is fixed for each individual.

That’s why there are grades like C and E. Although it can increase with training or time, she was still very young.

Yet, if her total superhuman power surpasses the norm…

“She may have inherited the superhuman power of the one called the Heavenly Demon. He handled only ‘pure superhuman power.'”

“Inheriting power… Is that possible?”

If that’s possible, one could train their superhuman power, transfer it to another, and then train again to significantly increase their power.

But to my knowledge, such abilities don’t exist.

Superhuman power, like physical or mental strength, is unique to each individual, so transferring one’s strength to another shouldn’t be possible.

“Just as there are countless stars in the sky, there are countless Gifts. Sometimes, things beyond our understanding emerge.”

The Boss laughed softly as she said that.

If the speculation is true, then Spiritas is an ‘exceptional superhuman’ possessing the power of many people. Yet, the Boss showed no signs of wariness.

“Passing down not just will but also power to future generations…”

Instead, she seemed pleased with the new realization, smiling.

As I stared blankly, the Boss continued to stroke my head and spoke.

“Bread. Though she’s still inexperienced, once she gains experience, she will surpass Justice. And now, you have the chance to observe her closely and understand her character, her goals.”

Indeed, such opportunities don’t come often.

Gathering information on heroes typically happens on the field.

Otherwise, heroes often keep things hidden to prevent enemies from assessing their strength or to maintain a mysterious public image for popularity.

Though the Association meticulously collects data, it’s strictly guarded. However, a manager can observe their charge’s every move.

Therefore, as the Boss said, this is the perfect opportunity to gather information.

Or even…

“Bread.”

…Damn.

Did she catch on to my thoughts?

“You should only reveal your identity at the crucial moment, right?”

The Boss narrowed her eyes, as if testing me.

Feeling exposed, I turned my head.

“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything reckless.”

Yes, I know my limits.

Defeating Justice was due to his negligence and the precise use of a bomb created by a senior figure.

To protect the Boss, I must be extremely cautious and never overestimate myself.

Other villains might have thought differently, but…

“Yes, I trust you will handle it well.”

As our conversation concluded, I lifted my upper body from her lap and prepared to stand.

But just as I was about to rise, the Boss’s head leaned on my lower body.

“Boss?”

“Please don’t overexert yourself. You may be accustomed to pain, but you’re not invincible…”

She spoke much softer than before. Her body relaxed, and her eyes slowly closed.

Her breathing became the only sound, the maturity and gentleness she previously displayed gone.

Only a girl sleeping peacefully remained.

“…Indeed, you must be tired.”

Isn’t it too late for such a young body to stay awake?

I lifted the Boss and carried her to the bedroom where Nella was sleeping.

Two girls lying side by side on the same bed.

Though indistinguishable when awake, they looked very similar when asleep.

“Good night.”

I quietly closed the door and headed to my own bedroom.

No, to the desk beside my bed.

“For an S-Class hero, this kind of schedule is expected.”

Seeing the pile of documents and files, I sighed.

Damn, even as a temporary worker, I’m tasked with managing one of Pangea’s top world stars.

Looks like I won’t get proper sleep for a while.

***

About a week after I started my manager job…

As usual, I went to Spirit Entertainment and headed straight to the dorm where the hero and idol I managed stayed.

“Kana, I’m here.”

Though initially awkward, I’d gotten used to calling her ‘Kana.’

Now, in private settings like the company or dorm, we spoke openly.

Though I still took care of her.

“She didn’t clean her dorm again.”

A room too big for one person, yet too messy to be the work of one.

Clothes scattered everywhere, game consoles connected to the TV, and snack remnants on the table.

Soda cans and chips from last night’s party.

Damn, even idols need to watch their bodies. Even if superhuman power naturally maintains physical fitness, isn’t this too much?

Sure, managing her diet is part of my job, but how many times do I have to intervene?

“Hey, Mr. Manager, I’m gaming all night. Can you make me a snack?”

“Are you seriously gaming all night when you have work tomorrow?”

“But I don’t have time to game during the day! You became my mom, so you should cook for me!”

“Who said I’m your mom?”

“Oh right! You’re my dad, right? Dad, please make me food.”

“What the…”

“Daddy, daddy, daddy, food, food, food, food, food, food, food!!!”

“…When will she grow up?”

Despite taking on a child-like idol concept, her mentality regressed to that of a child.

Cleaning the room, I realized how mature Nella was in comparison.

Though I couldn’t completely disdain her.

Last night alone, she had to read through more documents than on her first day.

“…She must be in the practice room by now.”

After cleaning, I headed to the agency’s large practice room. It could accommodate dozens, but only one person was there early in the morning.

A young woman practicing her dance in front of the mirror.

“Huh! Ha!”

Breathing heavily but moving with precision.

Smiling even when facing the mirror.

It wasn’t just about dancing; maintaining her brightness was part of her philosophy.

“Ta-da~★”

Winking and posing at the mirror, her trademark move as Star Girl.

Watching her from midway to the end, she finally noticed me through the mirror and turned around.

“Oh! You’re here?”

“…Working hard from the morning.”

“I have to. Thanks for the water! You have a good sense as always~”

Kana immediately grabbed the water bottle and towel I brought.

As she wiped her face and draped the towel around her neck, I saw her body in the light.

Dressed in light training clothes, her well-built muscles showed.

Not overly bulky, but toned in necessary areas, giving a slender appearance.

Under that puffy dress lay compact, practical muscles. In some sense, it was a bit disillusioning.

“Ahh! Now I feel alive!”

As she gulped down the cold water, Kana exclaimed with satisfaction.

Her voice was as boisterous as men after a workout.

I was used to it now, though. My attention turned to the pile of documents and books on the practice room table.

“The CEO left these for you. He said to check it and leave as soon as you arrive.”

Oh boy, more schedules added after staying up all night reviewing.

Scheduling even meals, breaks, and bathroom use by the minute.

“You must be exhausted doing all this.”

Looking at the daunting schedule, I felt overwhelmed, but Kana, who had to live it, seemed unfazed.

“Exhausted? It’s your job as dad to handle it.”

“…Who’s your dad?”

“You support me, so you’re my dad.”

She laughed teasingly.

Though she joked, there was no malice. I felt comfortable around her.

“Are you ready?”

“Ready or not, I have to be.”

Holding the schedule, I asked. She looked at the dress hanging on the rack.

“Fans are waiting.”

***

Suzuki Kana.

She’s a hero and the top idol all of Pangea watches.

Her character merchandise and commercials fill the streets, her name and face appear in morning news, on video sites, and in various communities.

How many people would gather for her concert?

“Hello, everyone~! The girl who came down from the stars to see you~ Spiritas…”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”

…Wow.

With over 50,000 people screaming, the microphone gets drowned out.

I realized just how influential she is on this continent.

“AAAAAAHHHH!”

“Spiritas, I love you!”

“Spiritas… My light! My salt! My love!!”

“Spiritas!! Marry me!!!”

Even without the cheering, it was noisy.

Voices varied, creating a chaotic cacophony.

That A SAY guy might wet his pants if he stood on this stage.

“Fufu, loving me is great, but calm down! You can’t fully enjoy my performance if you’re too loud.”

Yet, the most astonishing thing was Kana’s demeanor.

Winking and posing with adorable gestures… I could never get used to it.

Is this really the same kidult who begged me for food just the other day?

She might rival a certain dino who lived 200 million years without a mother.

The contrast between her on-stage and off-stage persona was mind-blowing.

“Alright, let’s get started! Music, start!”

Still, she practiced earnestly.

-Thud, tak!!

Spiritas danced to the band’s music.

Backup dancers matched her moves, amplifying the excitement.

She brought the mic to her lips and began to sing.

End of Chapter