Chapter 2: Thunder Hero – Raiden②

The very next day after that incident.

――Yes, the very next day.

Not even 24 hours had passed before I found myself wrapped up in trouble again.

"Again, you!?"

"Is that supposed to be criticism?"

"No, that’s not what I meant!"

Pinned under rubble and unable to move, I was killing time meditating like a monk when the debris was suddenly lifted and Raiden’s face appeared. That was the first thing he said, so I thought he was blaming me.

As for why this happened? Villains, of course. In a world where battles between superpowers are a thing, buildings collapsing is basically routine.

Without using his electricity powers, Raiden busily cleared the rubble around me. Apparently, he’s got raw strength too. Very hero-like. Well, if he had used electricity here, I’d have been fried.

Tossing aside the last bit of rubble, Raiden spoke awkwardly.

"…Um, rough luck, huh, getting caught up in this two days in a row."

"Same to you. Good work out there, hero, two days straight."

"Ah, yeah…"

Leaning against the rubble, I listened. No sirens yet—looks like both the cops and ambulances were delayed today. With this much debris scattered everywhere, cars wouldn’t be able to get through easily anyway.

The fight with the villain must’ve been intense. I don’t know if it was the same villain I saw yesterday, but today’s damage went way beyond just a café window. A whole building collapsed. And, thanks to terrible luck, I just happened to be inside that building. Never thought I’d get caught up in back-to-back superpowered battles. Maybe I’ve got talent—for being a professional victim of villains.

Raiden told me that the other civilians had already been rescued. The reason I was the last one left was simple: I never said a word. Normally, people shout things like "Help!" or "Over here!" Otherwise, they’re assumed dead. Right, blind spot on my part. Not exactly the time for meditation. Good thing he still found me. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if he’d only found me once my injuries had healed completely… but then again, being stuck under rubble would’ve just kept the wounds crushed, never healing. So maybe this worked out.

I frowned at Raiden fidgeting. Did I say something weird?

"You did it yesterday too, but what’s with that awkward face whenever someone thanks you? Call yourself a hero but can’t handle a little praise? Shy boy much?"

"Ugh… that’s actually pretty spot-on…!"

So I was right. I figured anyone doing this hero thing must be an attention seeker.

"I became a hero because I wanted to be thanked… but when people actually thank me, I freeze up and don’t know what to do. And, crap, sorry—this isn’t something I should be dumping on you right now! I mean, I should be getting you to a hospital as fast as possible, so what the hell am I doing!?"

"I’ll teach you the coolest words in the world, Raiden."

I cut him off and said:

"It’s ‘you’re welcome.’ You can only say it after someone thanks you. And unless you’re confident you’ve done something worth that thanks, you can’t really say it with your chest out. That’s exactly why it’s perfect for a hero, don’t you think?"

Hearing that, Raiden slumped his shoulders and looked down. He’s a masked hero, so nobody knows his age, and I only assume he’s male. But moments like this make him seem awfully young.

"I don’t think I deserve to say that. Your leg… and yesterday too… wait—that’s right! You were coughing up blood, weren’t you!? I almost forgot because you’ve been acting so normal, but—are you actually okay!?"

"Hah? Blood? Didn’t spit up any. You must’ve imagined it. Probably your vision’s crap with that mask on."

"No way! This mask is amazing, I can see perfectly even without glasses!"

So Raiden normally wears glasses, huh. Careful, buddy, too much personal info and someone’s gonna piece together your identity. I wonder, though—do heroes make their own suits? Or do they have tech partners backing them? A mask with built-in glasses function sounds pretty advanced, though who besides nearsighted bank robbers would even need it?

"My leg injury’s just another illusion. Look, I can already walk."

"No way… …You actually can…"

I stood up lightly, and Raiden was stunned. My leg had been completely crushed under the steel beams, so yeah, his reaction made sense. The reason he’d been acting so awkward all this time was because of that. He didn’t know what to say to a woman facing a future of amputations, wheelchairs, or prosthetics.

"If you’re a hero who fights while hiding your identity, you can keep someone else’s secret too, right?"

I could’ve brushed it off, but this was the second time Raiden had saved me. Which meant there’d probably be a third. Where there’s two, there’s three. If it’s gonna be exposed sooner or later, I might as well ease his guilt now.

Raiden stared intently at my leg and murmured:

"So you too…!"

If he kept watching, he’d see the exposed flesh gradually knitting over with skin. He didn’t call it disgusting. Makes sense—having powers puts us in the same category.

I was putting on a calm face, but the truth was my legs were far from healed and the pain was constant, sharp. Honestly, the skin-healing part is the worst. Hurts like hell.

But if I groaned about it now, this kind-hearted hero would only feel worse. Guess I’ll tough it out. I’m good at poker face anyway. Being reincarnated means I’ve already tasted all life has to offer, sweet and bitter. And maybe because I’m a woman now, I feel like I can handle pain better than in my past life. Might just be my imagination though.

"There’s more to the world than just heroes and villains. People like me exist too. Can you protect my quiet life, hero?"

"Got it. I swear I’ll take this secret to the grave."

"Thanks."

I raised a brow as I looked at Raiden after thanking him. He startled and quickly replied:

"You’re welcome!"

We both looked at each other and laughed. This wasn’t so bad.

I can’t be a hero. But I respect them. They do what I can’t.

All I can do is what I can do. Fight with the cards I’ve been dealt. That’s just life.