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"Superhero comics, huh?" Ethan scratched his head. Well, it made sense. In a world like this, people needed heroes — in stories and in real life.
"Oh, right. I remember telling Saitama I'd draw Spider-Man sometime. Guess it's about time I actually do it." He grinned. "I'll have to tweak the background and setting a bit, but that's no big deal for me."
A pencil spun deftly between his fingers.
"Let's see… the setting should fit this world. Peter's still that shy, nerdy kid — secretly crushing on a girl. Then one day, by sheer accident, he's bitten by a genetically modified spider made by some scientist experimenting with monsters. His body mutates, evolves… and he gains the power of a spider."
Before long, Ethan had reimagined the story's backdrop and got to work sketching his new version of Spider-Man.
Just like he'd thought, this world craved heroes. No matter that there were already hundreds of them — compared to the sheer number of ordinary people, it was still nowhere near enough.
Living in such a dangerous world, of course people longed for more heroes — the stronger, the better. So when Ethan's reworked Spider-Man hit serialization, it was an instant hit. It even outshined Kick-Ass Knight, his last big success.
And strangely enough, the comic sparked a wave of real scientific research. Some scientists started experimenting with monster genetics, trying to enhance human strength. Not that this kind of thing was new — places like the "House of Evolution" had already been doing it for ages, at the cost of who knows how many lives.
After Spider-Man became a hit, even the unlicensed hero himself came to thank Ethan in person.
"This Spider-Man comic," the hero said earnestly, "is exactly what the people of this world need."
"Aw, c'mon," Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "You make it sound like I'm saving the world or something. It's just a comic."
"No, you don't get it!" the Unlicensed Rider's eyes burned with conviction. "This is a noble profession! Kick-Ass Knight inspired a lot of kids to try becoming heroes like me — even without powers. If this keeps up, we'll have more and more heroes, people who believe in justice!"
The man practically glowed with righteous energy.
"So dazzling, man… Fine, fine, believe whatever you want." Ethan sighed, giving up on arguing. But before he could say more—
BOOM!
The wall exploded inward. A massive, grotesque head smashed through, its jaws glowing with a fiery light that grew brighter by the second.
"Crap— a monster?!" the Unlicensed Rider's face drained of color, but he didn't back down. He threw himself in front of Ethan. "Get out of here, quick!"
"You idiot," Ethan frowned. "I'm a B-Class hero. You're only C-Class. Shouldn't I be the one protecting you?"
Despite his words, there was admiration in Ethan's eyes. He respected the guy — powerless, maybe, but fearless.
"This monster's strong," Unlicensed Rider said grimly. "You're barely holding onto your B-Class rank. And besides… people still need your comics."
Ethan could only shake his head. The monster's flames burst forth, melting everything they touched.
Unlicensed Rider gave a bitter smile — looked like neither of them were getting out alive.
But before the fire reached them, a sudden gust roared through the room. The Rider barely had time to react before the flames were snuffed out, ice crystals forming in their wake.
The wind howled past, freezing everything it touched. Within seconds, the monstrous head was encased in glittering frost — dead in an instant.
"Wha—" The Unlicensed Rider gaped at the frozen monster, then turned to Ethan, wide-eyed.
"All good now," Ethan said casually. "Just a weak monster. Nothing to worry about."
"You… you're that strong?" the Rider stammered, staring at Ethan in disbelief. From the looks of it, Ethan's power had something to do with ice — and it was strong enough to take down a monster like this in seconds.
Ethan shrugged. "Eh, it's nothing. My bald neighbor's even stronger. Doesn't matter what kind of monster shows up — even Dragon-level threats — he takes 'em out with one punch. Total freak of nature."
The Rider gave a nervous laugh. "Heh… yeah, right. You're joking."
"If you say so." Ethan smirked. "Anyway, you should really work on your strength. Being too weak won't help anyone, even if your heart's in the right place."
"Yeah, I know. I've been training hard. Just… no talent, I guess." He forced a smile and waved. "Alright, I'll get going. See you around."
The Rider turned and walked off, his figure small but unbroken — still burning with quiet determination.
"..."
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