“Damn it, I wasted too much time. I have to hurry!”

I’d already run simulations for emergencies in nearby locations, just in case. Ducking into a restroom, I used storage magic to stash my bag and then donned a disguise suit I'd made long ago at the Archmage’s house, fitting a black mask over my face.

The closest spot to the factory... is here!

Using teleportation magic, I moved to the roof of a building closest to the factory where the explosion occurred. I had prepared several intermediate points like this—rooftops of buildings that were unfrequented, lacked security cameras, and were surrounded by other tall structures. Of course, it wasn’t technically trespassing. Let’s just call it “borrowing space.”

After all, what’s the point of a disguise if people see me leaving school dressed like this? Perfect plan, right?

But now wasn’t the time to be patting myself on the back. From the rooftop, I dashed toward the burning factory, using wind magic to create platforms in mid-air.

With stealth skills activated, I hoped that anyone who might see me would just mistake me for a bird or something.

“There it is!”

The factory was ablaze. Firetrucks had arrived, and firefighters were battling the flames, but the fire was massive. My danger sense skill picked up multiple signals inside the building. The most critical ones... I’d have to prioritize.

Inside the Factory

“Damn that lousy CEO! I told him a million times to invest more in safety measures!”

“Yeah, and he was the first one to run off! This thing’s not budging at all!”

“Hey, forget me! If you stay, you’ll die too! Get out while you still can!”

“Shut it, old man! We’re all getting out of here together!”

After the earthquake, a massive explosion rocked the factory. Despite numerous warnings from employees, the CEO had ignored all safety concerns.

And now, due to the explosion’s shockwave, heavy materials had fallen on me, trapping my lower body. These two young men, however, stayed behind, risking their lives to try to save me.

Their dyed hair or rough language didn’t matter. These were brave and kind-hearted individuals.

But I couldn’t let them throw away their lives for me.

“Takashita, Mikimoto, thank you. But it’s over for me. I can’t feel anything from the waist down anymore. Even if you move this stuff, I won’t make it. Please, save yourselves.”

“You old man!”

“Damn it!”

“Please, just tell my wife and son... that I loved them. Always.”

“We promise! Right, Takashita?”

“Yeah, we promise!”

“Thank you... Now, go!”

I watched as they hesitated but finally ran off. Relief washed over me. At least they’d live.

I was ready to accept my fate. Whether crushed under debris or consumed by flames, I’d made peace. I only wished I could see my family one last time.

Suddenly—

“URAAHHHH!”

“Wha—?!”

The roof shattered, and a figure burst through the debris.

“Enough with the tear-jerking drama! Leave that to TV shows!”

The man who appeared wore a black mask and cape. His outfit was absurd, like something out of a movie. But had help arrived?

“Who’s there?! Are you rescue personnel?”

The young men had returned.

“No! Go back!” I shouted. “You two need to escape. Forget about me!”

“Rescue or not, three of us can lift this stuff. Help us out!”

“Sleep.”

“Huh?”

“What the—”

The two collapsed where they stood.

“Hey! What did you do to them?!”

“Relax. They’ll be fine. I’ll save all three of you.”

“You can’t! I’m done for! Just take them and leave!”

The masked man ignored me and began to lift the debris.

Creak... Groan...

“Huh?!”

With what looked like superhuman strength, he effortlessly moved the heavy materials pinning me. How was this even possible?

“You’re safe now. Sleep well!”

“Wha—”

Before I could respond, I was overwhelmed by a sudden wave of drowsiness.

I woke up in an unfamiliar park, surrounded by a group of people. Among them were Takashita and Mikimoto, who were just regaining consciousness.

“Takashita! Mikimoto!”

“Ugh... Hey, old man! Your legs—”

“My legs?” I looked down.

Somehow, the legs I’d thought crushed beyond repair were perfectly intact. I could move them without pain, not even a scratch in sight.

“No way... Even my small cuts are gone!”

“Yeah, same here. But all I remember is that masked guy showing up.”

Could it be? Was this all thanks to that mysterious man?

Regardless, I was alive. We were all alive.

“Takashita, Mikimoto, thank you for not giving up on me. I’ll never forget your bravery.”