Fiers City in the Asia-Pacific region remained untouched by the current Apostle Invasion, so Empty City and his group faced no immediate danger. Of course, with Empty City's strength, even if all the Apostles appeared here, he'd handle them effortlessly.
"Teacher... huh?"
Staring at his mirror reflection—suited up with a tie—Empty City felt utterly weird. Back in high school, he'd despised his suit-clad homeroom teacher. Who'd have thought the tables would turn, and he'd become one himself?
Why had he even agreed to that Mira person? He didn't know her. Sure, she'd helped rescue him, but Empty City could've broken out of prison easily if he wanted. No reason to hide his identity; freedom meant doing as he pleased. So why become a teacher?
Empty City hadn't expected the real reason.
Maybe it was pure whim—a craving to try a life he'd never lived.
Or perhaps it was simply that Fox Maiden? Five years ago, she'd helped a stranger—him. Now, after a fleeting encounter back then, she'd orchestrated his prison break...
Empty City shook his head. His reflection flushed slightly... He recalled yesterday evening.
In a cramped room, he'd pinned Night Zero against the wall and asked,
"Tell me—why save me? Why spend years planning just for me?"
He'd expected her to ponder, but Night Zero answered instantly—without hesitation.
Not out of debt, gratitude, or Mira's request. All from her own will.
"Because I wanted to save you. I want to live with you. That's all."
Her answer...
Was that a confession? By Empty City's understanding, yes. But unsure of her true thoughts, he'd frozen.
"Unhappy with that answer...?"
Night Zero's retort stunned him.
Their conversation ended awkwardly.
Still...
Was it really a confession? Probably not. And even if it was, he couldn't respond now.
Five years on, shadows still haunted his heart.
Five years on, guilt hadn't faded.
After five years, only his hatred for those people might have vanished.
Staring at the mirror, Empty City cut off his reminiscing. No point overthinking. Everything restarted today—under his real name.
Anyway... I hope this world grants your every wish, White Sunflower...
As Night Zero mentioned, they headed to the city's Hero Academy. Ranked in the twenties across the Asia-Pacific region—not bad at all.
Empty City hadn't resisted dressing up—not for the teaching job, but because Night Zero referred him. He didn't want to embarrass her. So despite five years of sloppiness, he'd tidied up. Night Zero taught here most days, rarely appearing at Hero Headquarters. With few acquaintances and sparse records, this academy was her familiar hideout. Of course, if she knew HQ saw her as White Sunflower's hostage, what then?
"Wait... you're an A-Class Hero??"
Empty City's eyes widened, mouth agape in disbelief.
"Hey! Are you looking down on me!?"
Night Zero pouted instantly, turning her head away. Apologies didn't make her look back. Honestly, he wasn't wrong... Five years ago, she'd been a powerless girl against some rich heir's cruelty—pitiful enough to spark protection. Now an A-Class Hero!
At Hero Headquarters, Superhumans were ranked by Meta Ability uniqueness and achievements: S Rank, A-Rank, B Rank, C Rank, D Rank. But some defied ranking—like the one before Night Zero now.
Earth's first Superhuman. The man who single-handedly crushed invading Apostles. The strongest existence. His title? Only one: the Heavenly Emperor.
But Night Zero had few achievements. Five years spent planning his escape, occasionally teaching, with scarce missions. How A-Rank? Unless... her raw strength was exceptional.
Hiding her power?
Empty City glanced at the girl whose head barely reached his shoulder.
Later, Night Zero patiently explained academy details. First-time teaching, plus her referral. Normally, Hero Academy teachers needed assessments. This time, she'd pulled strings—with Mira's backing—making Empty City's entry seamless.
But he had one gripe. Teaching was fine; Night Zero covered all tips. His forged identity was perfect: 24-year-old male, Empty City, ex-B Rank Hero at Hero Headquarters, honorably retired. Flawless resume. Except—he wanted to complain about his age. Underestimated for being young? Hey... wasn't Night Zero even younger?
Watching her smile while teasing about age, irritation flared in him.
Fiers Hero Academy, founded three years ago by a retired S Rank Hero, lay a ten-minute walk from Empty City's inn. A taxi would be faster. Night Zero suggested it, but he inexplicably refused—maybe to save money, or just to walk with her.
He still didn't know why. After ten minutes, they reached the gates.
A carved plaque gleamed with golden letters:
"Fiers Hero Academy"
Will I really teach here...? Empty City thought helplessly. Standing on a podium for troublemakers already gave him a headache.
"Let's go. Report to the principal's office first."
Night Zero sounded oddly resigned. His imagination? Soon answered.
Stepping inside, no grand buildings or scenic campus greeted them—just a massive red banner!
Bold letters declared:
"WELCOME TEACHER NIGHT ZERO BACK TO SCHOOL!"
"WELCOME TEACHER NIGHT ZERO BACK TO SCHOOL!"
Boys holding it shouted in unison—not a drill, not an event!
First moment: Empty City froze, dumbfounded.
Second moment: students swarmed, shoving him from Night Zero's side.
Third moment: he saw her surrounded by eager boys, forcing a helpless smile. Thankfully, no handsy behavior—easing his mind slightly. Just passionate students loving their teacher, right??
Seizing the chaos, Empty City began observing the academy.
