“Thank you, sir. If it weren’t for you, I probably would never have known what it feels like to become a super. No matter what you need help with in the future, I definitely won’t refuse.”
In response to the young man’s promise, the suit-wearing man—who used his own supernatural ability to prevent others from retaining any impression of him—smiled and said,
“You don’t need to promise me anything. The reason I helped you gain this power is simply because I saw great potential in you and couldn’t bear to see talent go to waste.”
Hearing this, the young man rubbed his head somewhat sheepishly and asked,
“Sir, am I really as talented as you say?”
To this, the man in the suit continued smiling and replied,
“Of course it’s true.”
Further affirmed by the man in the suit, the young drifter, who had not been a super for long and didn’t yet understand much about this world, was naturally overjoyed.
Remembering what the suit-wearing man had told him earlier, and feeling that he must repay him no matter what, the young man said with firm determination,
“Sir, I know you helped me out of pure kindness, but I’ve always believed in not receiving favors without giving something in return. So, please, you must accept my earlier promise. Otherwise, I won’t feel right about it.”
Watching the young man insist on his promise, the suit-wearing man’s lips curled upward. Then, deliberately adopting a tone of resignation, he replied,
“Alright, since you’re so set on me accepting your promise, I’ll reluctantly agree. But don’t worry—if I ever run into any truly dangerous situations, I won’t force you to help.”
“Sir, you really are a good person.”
After accepting the young man’s promise, the suit-wearing man seemed to recall something and asked,
“By the way, now that you have this power, what are your plans?”
The young man thought for a moment, then remembered his older brother, who had died in a work accident, and the compensation that still hadn’t been paid by the construction company he worked for. Instantly, a goal formed in his mind.
“Sir, I want to go to Daheng Real Estate first and get the compensation owed to my brother.”
“Get your brother’s compensation? What happened?”
Hearing the young man’s reply, the suit-wearing man suddenly grew interested and asked curiously.
In response to his question, the young man gathered his thoughts. Then, he began explaining about his brother, who died in a workplace accident, and how Daheng Real Estate kept making excuses to delay paying the compensation to his family.
After hearing the whole story, the suit-wearing man showed a look of understanding. He patted the young man’s shoulder and said in a comforting tone,
“I never imagined you went through something like that. Life in this country must be pretty hard, I suppose.”
“Where in this world isn’t life hard? The only ones living comfortably are those rich and powerful bastards riding on the backs of us poor folks.”
Hearing the young man’s answer, the suit-wearing man knew he had already gained some awareness. After a moment’s thought, he didn’t press further and simply said,
“Well, you’re right about that.”
He paused, then continued,
“After you get the compensation, what will you do next?”
The young man thought it over and realized that, after securing his brother’s compensation, he really had no other goals in mind. He couldn’t help but answer with some confusion,
“To be honest, sir, after getting my brother’s compensation, I’m not sure what I should do next.”
Hearing this, the suit-wearing man saw a good opportunity to guide him and deliberately said,
“Not sure what to do? Have you ever considered that there are many others in this world suffering just like you?”
The young man was taken aback for a second, then, sensing something, he asked,
“Other people suffering like me? Sir, are you suggesting that…”
“My meaning should be clear to someone with your awareness, so I won’t say much more. Remember: with great power comes great responsibility.”
“With great power comes great responsibility…”
After hearing the suit-wearing man’s words, the young man looked at the frost covering the ground around him, then lifted his hand and stared at it intently. Realizing he now possessed the power to change the world, at least to some extent, the confusion in his eyes instantly gave way to determination and fervor.
Then, the young man bowed to the suit-wearing man and thanked him with utmost sincerity.
“Thank you for your guidance, sir. I now know what I should do after getting my brother’s compensation.”
Hearing this, the suit-wearing man knew his guidance had been successful. He said to the young man,
“Since you already know what to do next, I won’t say more. Well, I’ve been here long enough—it’s about time I headed out. If fate allows, we’ll meet again.”
“Sir, are you leaving already?”
Hearing that the suit-wearing man was preparing to leave, the young man, who had received both his gift and his inspiration, felt reluctant to see him go and couldn’t help saying,
“Yes, I must go. After all, there are many others in this world like you who need my help.”
“But, sir, after you leave, how will I contact you? If we can’t get in touch, wouldn’t my promise to you become empty words?”
“Your promise won’t be empty. If there’s ever something I need your help with, I’ll come find you myself.”
With that, the suit-wearing man didn’t linger any longer in the unfinished building. He turned and walked back the way he came. In no time, his figure had completely vanished from the young man’s sight, as if he had never been there at all.
Watching the suit-wearing man disappear without a trace, the young drifter felt an inexplicable sense of loss—and because of the man’s supernatural ability, he retained no clear impression of him at all.