Only I Am A Reader-Chapter 554 - 9 Months Later

"And back with mid-day news, things had been calm as of late and some people are saying we have the Lord of Shadows to thank for that. Is that really the case? Let us find out with the help of our guest for today. Welcome, Analysis Master!"

"Hello."

Hearing the handsome anchorman's flashy intro, the middle-aged man sitting opposite of him calmly nodded.

"Good to have you here with us today."

"Glad to be here myself. These interesting times hold mysteries that should certainly be shared with the public."

Although the middle-aged man wasn't a hothead, getting to share his recent discoveries and theories with the rest of the world gave him an uncontrollable wave of excitement.

He could barely keep his image by mysteriously adjusting his glasses!

"That's great! So, what can you tell us about the recent activities of the Lord of Shadows… Is he truly a savior, a cold-blooded murderer, or a foolish clown who's pretending to be both?"

"Well…"

As one could tell from his obvious nickname, the Analysis Master was one of many Special Ability Analyzers.

Specialized in studying the various Ability Users on the scene, pinpointing their general limits, their potential, and character. The superpowered scene had its 'scholars' just like each sport had its own experts.

To sum it up, while it was still up to the Associations and the Higher-ups to respectively designate someone as a Superhero or a Villain, the analysts' judgment was like a stamp of approval or denial.

And among them, Analysis Master was known to be the most trustworthy. Yet, it was said that he had been showing up less and less as of late.

However, all of that came to chance as he personally expressed his interest in appearing on this specific channel's mid-day news, the one place known for its freedom of speech! 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Let me start by saying that it's a great time to be alive!"

It would be a lie to say that he wasn't this excited when he just started diving into the world of mystical abilities and the situations that revolved around them, but the more he learned, the less excited he truly felt.

While it might seem irresponsible to call real-life situations boring, but as a person who dedicated his life to analyzing, this was the only thing he could perceive.

Things might appear breathtaking at the surface, but once one dug deep enough, everything was still like a rancid lake.

Everything that drove the normal people to excitement was nothing but a show. A poor drama that covered up whatever truly happened in the dark.

However…

"Why is that?"

"We are finally seeing things as they should be!"

The puppet show that went on for years finally had the smell of something organic, and he was willing to bet his title as the Analysis Master that the Lord of Shadows was the one behind this fresh scent!

"Is this supposed to be an answer to my question?"

Although glad that his guest was so lively against expectations, the anchor was ultimately confused.

"Of course not."

Why did he feel like he was just another ignorant part of the audience?

"But that's exactly the point, regardless of the answer to that question, the so-called Lord of Shadows is causing things to move around in their true form."

"Does that mean you agree with the unauthorized hunting that he initiated over the past year?"

It had only been 9 months since the Lord of Shadows had escaped confinement, but now, regardless of whether they forgot about him or didn't know him from the start, there was no longer anyone who was ignorant of his existence!

"You really aren't getting it, my opinion is meaningless. It's precisely because the current scene is fresh that everyone gets to have their own opinion after observing it for themselves. Especially for those lucky enough to interact with Cassian himself."

"Then… What IS your opinion?"

Despite being asked twice already, Analysis Master kept rolling around in circles. Even the professional anchor couldn't help stressing his words.

"My opinion? I see that you are still trying to influence the opinions of others all the same, but it doesn't matter, I can tell you my opinion if you want."

'Finally.'

"The Lord of Shadows is great! In my opinion, the one stirring the pot deserves my appreciation, especially if all he had shown to this moment had all hints of goodwill added to it in one way or another."

"Ho? So if he deemed you a Villain based on his opinion. You don't mind being assaulted by him?"

"Of course not, is this even up for discussion? You are talking as if that's what he did."

"That's the truth as we know it!"

"Pointless drivel. While Cassian did indeed target some people of ambiguous nature, the majority of those he targeted were all acknowledged Villains who have been ignored by the big names because they weren't 'worth it'. Who is to say that this is his fault?"

"Then whose fault could it be?"

"Isn't it obvious? If those responsible had handled these Villains, then Cassian couldn't treat his work as righteous Villain hunting. Even if he is hunting these Villains just as a smokescreen, he has justification!"

"You can't just-"

…

"Watching that again?"

Slightly a few meters away from the two who were arguing and in front of the television screen, the young girl who was absorbed in the discussion was alerted by the voice coming from behind the couch.

"Of course, it's always interesting to see others arguing about Cassian!"

The young girl's face had changed a bit after receiving proper living conditions, but she was undeniably the same person saved by the very same Cassian, slick Gene!

"What about you, Big Sis? I know you two have history, but just like saving me, everything he has been doing over the past few months is mainly good in nature, right?"

"I…"

Normally, receiving this question, the older girl could have answered in strong denial. However, once her mind drifted a few weeks back…

"…Don't know."

The Great Hero Aurora no longer knew the answer.