Chapter 355 - Meeting Again

There's a saying about a certain rule.

Before a major accident occurs, dozens of medium-sized accidents happen, and hundreds of small accidents take place.

And a similar rule applies in the hero comic [Stardust!].

Part 4, represented by the advent of the Sun God.

In the original work, the Sun God doesn't just suddenly appear; from Part 3, hints are gradually dropped that something big is coming. From the one who grants wishes to the descent of angels.

And the final event of Part 3 related to the Sun God was none other than the codename Leviathan.

Translucent giant dragons appeared simultaneously around the world, surprising people who wondered what was happening.

Incidentally, perhaps due to being translucent, these creatures didn't cause any harm. Their bodies were made of light, so objects passed through them.

However, there were issues with people who entered them reporting dizziness and feeling a bit strange. And, well, if left alone, they would disappear on their own... with the minor problem that they would breathe fire if attacked by a hero.

Anyway, I decided to defeat one of these creatures.

I did wonder if I really needed to step in... but there was an item I needed to collect from it.

So there I was in the blue sky above.

Wearing my familiar mask and cape, I watched from between the clouds as the monster appeared below.

"Wow... it's seriously huge."

Groooooooooooooooooooo-

In the heart of downtown Seoul.

Looking at the elongated dragon, dubbed Leviathan, swimming through the land as if it were the sea, I clicked my tongue.

A translucent body, emitting pastel-colored lights all over while floating above the ground—this enormous creature.

No joke, it was truly massive, just like in the original work. Much bigger than the monster of destruction that appeared during the Moonlight Bridge incident before. Maybe because its body was so long.

As I watched it, I glanced at the news screen and chat window displayed on the left side of my mask.

*

[Sigh... what is this now?]

[Breaking news) Giant rainbow dragon appears in Seoul lolololol]

[I'm inside this dragon's body right now and it's fine except for feeling a bit dizzy? Running away for now]

[What the hell, is the country doomed? All sorts of weird stuff keeps showing up]

[This is all because Mangostick disappeared... when mango vanished, doom came to the country instead]

[For real, if Egostic were still around, he'd have rushed over immediately for something like this... we miss you, GOAT...]

[We just have to trust Stardust for now]

[Let's keep a close eye on the sky in case Egostic makes a surprise appearance]

*

There was only one reason I was watching these broadcasts.

...To prevent the unfortunate incident of being caught on camera by a news helicopter and having my appearance revealed.

To be honest, if my current appearance were revealed, it would definitely cause a commotion... hiding was the best option for now. Though it wouldn't be a big problem if I were discovered.

'Anyway...'

Today, I was planning to see Stardust anyway.

With that thought, I flew through the sky.

The urgent task was to take down that monster.

Some might wonder how I planned to defeat such a creature... but I had a plan.

Thinking this, I flew high into the sky, heading toward the dragon's head.

"....."

A bizarre appearance with multiple donut-like eyes lined up along its side from the front.

The dragon was transparent in every part, but there was just one exception.

The jewel embedded in its forehead was a solid, non-transparent sphere.

'...That's it.'

One of the Sun God's phantom dragons, the jewel that allowed Leviathan to move.

Like the Moon God's moonstone, that jewel contained the pure power of the Sun God.

...Well, in reality it wasn't that important, just something that would make you a bit stronger if you possessed it.

Anyway, I needed it, so I planned to take it with me.

...This was absolutely not an excuse to meet Stardust after half a year. Really.

"Let's give it a try."

Saying that with a grin, I flew toward the creature's head.

The dragon showed signs of discomfort as I approached.

...Still, perhaps because I was too small or too weak, it didn't show any particular wariness.

And with that opportunity, I successfully reached the area in front of the jewel.

After that, it was quick work.

These things should always be finished quickly, as common sense dictates.

"Hup!"

I raised my hand and focused my energy.

In the original comic, [Stardust!],

The method to deal with this villain was incredibly simple.

The jewel in the dragon's head is pure power of the Sun God.

The power of the Star God is opposite to the Sun God.

Therefore, hitting the jewel with star power will destroy it in one blow!

With this logic, Stardust easily shattered this monster.

Which means that I, who had also received the power of the Star God, should be able to easily destroy this mere jewel...!

With that thought.

I gathered psychokinetic energy in my hand, infusing it with the power of stars.

And simultaneously.

Bang-

I thrust my hand into the jewel and applied force.

"Hngh...!"

At the same time, my arm began to burn and surge with power.

As if knowing what my palm was touching, the power within my body began to plunge into the creature.

And watching this, I instinctively felt it.

Finally, I too was awakening to the true power of the stars...! Was this the awakening event that only protagonist-level characters experience?

Kraaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!

With the monster's howl as its head began to burn.

In the midst of pain that felt like my hand would be torn off.

Centered on my hand.

Fwaaaaaaaa

I saw a bright yellow light begin to shine, just like Stardust's.

Yes, this is it!

I'm finally awakening to my power...! Look at this brilliant yellow light. This is...!

While I was thinking this.

Suddenly, the light emanating from my hand began to grow murky.

"Urgh...?"

As I grabbed my hand that was touching the jewel with my other arm.

The light centered on my hand.

Guoooooooooo

For some reason, instead of yellow, it was erupting in an ominous black color, the same as my clothes.

So while Stardust's fist was filled with yellow light, mine was filled with black light.

'...What the hell is this?'

Did they give me this because I'm a villain?

No, God, I prefer brilliant yellow. It's a bit troublesome if you suddenly change the color as you please.

Of course, my wish wasn't granted.

Kraaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

With that roar.

Crack-

As the jewel broke.

The monster's body shattered like glass.

"Ugh...!"

As it collapsed.

I quickly fell, and seeing the broken jewel falling to the ground, I rushed to catch it in midair.

Due to the combination of my black power and the monster's rainbow-colored smoke on my arm, something sticky was covering my arm.

"Haah..."

The transparent silver jewel fragment that had made its way into my hand with such difficulty.

I put it in my pocket and struggled to rise in the air.

"Heave."

...There had been a minor issue along the way, but I had succeeded in defeating the monster and obtaining the jewel.

Now all that remained was a conversation with Stardust.

...I figured that with this much commotion, she would soon be heading this way.

Thinking about meeting her after so long.

I felt, a bit nervous.

As I was trying to wipe off the sticky substance on my arm.

'....!'

Suddenly.

From behind me, someone's gaze.

...A very familiar gaze, was felt.

"Phew... ah."

As I was dusting off my arm with a sigh.

I slowly turned my head.

And there.

"Huh...?"

In the blue sky, a woman with golden hair fluttering.

...Someone I hadn't seen for half a year, the person I liked the most.

Stardust.

Was looking at me with trembling eyes, as if she couldn't believe it.

And.

'....Hup.'

Perhaps because it had been so long since I'd seen her.

For a moment, I caught my breath at her overwhelming beauty, and trying to calm my trembling heart, I forced a smile and opened my mouth.

"Haah... this thing is really sticky. Had a hard time dealing with it. Haha."

"Ah..."

To my words.

She only responded with a trembling voice and a pale face, as if she still couldn't believe it.

'Tsk...'

Did I come back after too long? The look in her eyes was unusual.

...To be honest, I felt embarrassed too. After parting as if we'd never see each other again, here I was, shamelessly showing my face again.

But somehow.

...I had been that worried about her.

Suppressing my embarrassment.

I opened my mouth and unconsciously began to make excuses.

"...Haha. Why are you looking at me like that? Ahem, hrm. I said I'd stop terrorism, not that I'd stop being active. Hahaha..."

"....."

At my words, she reacted as if she might cry.

...I didn't understand. What was going on.

Right. Still, this wasn't like me.

If we meet after a long time, I should greet her first.

The way I always did.

With that thought.

I smiled sincerely and said to her.

"Hello, Stardust. It's been a while."

And at my words.

Stardust.

"Hic..."

Whoosh

With tears streaming down her face, she flew toward me.

And embraced me.

Grab.

".....?!!?!"

"Egostic... Egostic..."

Before I could even react, she flew over and hugged me, burying her face in my chest, holding onto my body, and began to cry while calling my name.

And I.

Not knowing what was happening, my brain froze for a moment.

...Actually, I could have avoided it, but I didn't. Her expression was so... heartbreaking.

I didn't know why she was suddenly acting this way, why she was doing this to me.

But the loyal fan DNA flowing within me.

Unconsciously began to scramble to comfort her.

"No, Stardust...? Why are you like this, please calm down first...!"

"Egostic... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

As I was flailing, not knowing where to put my arms, she buried her head deeper into my chest, making my chest increasingly wet.

...Stardust was sobbing and suddenly began to apologize to me.

And judging that we couldn't continue our conversation in such an open place, I.

"...Stardust! Let's go somewhere else to talk!"

I decided to take her elsewhere.

...No. What on earth is going on here.

***

[BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS]

(Photo of a dragon flying in the sky)

In this photo, next to the clouds where Stardust is flying, look at this.

Check out the enlarged version.

(Enlarged sky photo)

Isn't this Egostic???????

=[Comments]=

[???????]

[Whaaaat????]

[!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[Is this for real? Is this for real? Is this for real?]

[Wow holy shitlololololololol]

[Let's go~ Let's go~ Let's go~]

[Thank you thank you thank you thank you]

[Team Mango back from hell like a dog ONlolololol]