Chapter 116 - The Impact of Heroism

Early the next morning, the bookstore owner greeted a bustling crowd of teenagers eagerly waiting outside. They were clamoring for the latest comics and magazines, but the store had been out of stock.

The employees swiftly collected payments and handed out books, and the owner marveled at how Marvel comics alone could sustain the store. He reminisced about the time when business was so bad he could barely make ends meet.

Meanwhile, the internet buzzed with excitement as news broke that "The Crimson Eye" comic had been released as a separate book, with the first chapter excluded. The release resembled a collector's edition, akin to a limited print run of a highly anticipated series.

Another new comic hit the shelves alongside it, grabbing attention with its intriguing title. The comic critic Edward, known for his fervent reviews, propelled it to the top of the trending list with his enthusiastic praise. The content of the comic, much like the "anti-registration comic artist" from earlier, captivated netizens, creating a flurry of comments.

John and Bobby, two students from the X-Mansion, hurriedly made their way back to school, each carrying a copy of the newly released comics. Bobby, carrying a stack, whispered, "I got them. They've published a lot this time."

John urged him, "Hurry up, or we'll be in trouble with Teacher Scott for skipping class."

The college had loose restrictions on students, but access control was tight. Charles wanted to ensure the students' safety and prevent ordinary people from being harmed due to the students' powers.

Upon returning to class, John and Bobby managed to avoid trouble as they had arrived just in time for the end of the lesson. After class, Bobby pulled out a new manga pamphlet. John leaned in to examine it. The cover featured a handsome man holding a gun and a cheerful red-haired girl. The title: Black Bullet.

The comic's premise was set in 2021, where humanity, having lost a war against viral parasites called "Protrusions," had been pushed into a narrow territory. A decade later, the "cursed children," girls with the power to control the virus, provided the last hope against the monsters.

The story followed Rintaro Satomi, a member of the anti-parasite police, and his partner, Nobunzu Aihara, as they undertook dangerous missions. The dynamic between the characters, brought to life by the talented artist, made Bobby and John laugh heartily.

Flipping through other comics, they came across a new series in Juvenile Jump titled My Hero Academia.

The setting was captivating: in a world where 80% of the population possessed superpowers called "quirks," the emergence of heroes to combat rising crime had become a popular profession. The protagonist, Midoriya Izuku, born without a quirk, aspired to become a great hero like his idol, All Might.

John and Bobby were struck by the contrast between the comic's portrayal of heroes and their reality as mutants. While the comic depicted a hopeful and heroic world, their own powers often led to fear and misunderstanding rather than admiration.

John, reflecting on the comic's message, asked quietly, "Can we be heroes? Real heroes?"

His frustration with the constraints of mutant life resonated with Bobby. John admired the comic's protagonist, Midoriya, for his determination despite lacking powers. Bobby, however, remained skeptical, hinting at the disparity between their fantasies and reality.

Just then, Charles approached, sensing their internal conflict. "We mutants can be heroes," he assured them.

"Professor?" John and Bobby looked up, surprised.

Charles, guiding his wheelchair closer, asked, "John, do you want to be a hero?"

John hesitated, then confessed, "Yes, Professor. I don't want to live like this anymore."

"Then you can. Our academy even offers a hero training course," Charles encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on their shoulders. "Let's start with rigorous training to achieve that goal."

The hero theme quickly spread across the internet, with readers discussing the new series with great enthusiasm.

"This heroic theme is refreshing and different from others. Unlike 'One Punch,' it's portrayed from a student's perspective."

"I thought the comics company had moved away from hero themes. This new series is a welcome change."

"It's so inspiring! I wish there were a real Hero Academy like in the comics!"

"Too bad you need to have a quirk to become a hero in that world."

"I envy mutants. According to Edward, the comic is from their perspective."

"Don't be envious. Mutants have saved world leaders, but the media portrayed it as a terrorist attack."

"Really? I thought special forces handled it."

"Don't trust everything you read. The truth is often blocked."

A sudden hush fell over the comments, leaving many questions unanswered.