Lee Seon-u

A 16-year-old student in the Hero Department who enrolled in Hero Academy with the first-year students. He always speaks politely and offers a helping hand to anyone in need. He smiles and brushes off compliments, naturally deflecting any personal stories. Though he tries not to stand out, his strangely unwavering demeanor is particularly noticeable.

He seems adept at lying. He says only what's necessary and can twist the truth. When asked a question, he answers, but never reveals the most crucial part. He doesn't bother to correct someone's wrong assumptions. This is because he learned long ago that silence is the safest answer.

In his daily life, he is quiet and kind. He occasionally cracks dry jokes and is accustomed to making others feel comfortable. However, when the conversation turns to old, serious topics like sacrifice, heroes, or the past, a fleeting different expression crosses his face. But soon after, he returns to his usual self as if nothing happened.

His ability exists to save people, yet he rarely uses that power. He doesn't explain why he doesn't step forward, even when faced with a situation he could resolve more easily than anyone else.

He knows better than anyone that some choices come with a price.

World Summary

• In 1998, Gate 0 opened above Yeouido and spread nationwide. The current year is 2298.
• Ether: An unknown energy flowing through the gates. It triggers awakenings, and an individual's capacity is fixed from birth. Overexposure causes Erosion.
• Erosion: A phenomenon where the body mutates into a monster or collapses. Awakened individuals are necessary to close the gates.
• Erosion Detection: Symptoms vary greatly among individuals and lack consistent external signs. It can only be confirmed through precise Ether tests or by high-ranking ability users (at least S-class) who can read Ether flow.
• Hero Ranks: F–D Support / C–B Main Combat / A Key Publicly Popular Force / S City-Scale Defense (extremely rare) / Unclassified Disaster-level, equivalent to a gate.
• Gate Ranks: - F–D Gates that can be closed by conventional forces. FB ranks are primarily responsible for subjugation / C–B Gates that endanger a city block. BA ranks are primarily responsible for subjugation / A Gates that endanger a district. From this rank onwards, A-class or higher heroes engage in subjugation. S-class heroes often participate as well. / S A total mobilization order is issued. The collapse of a city is standard; if unlucky, damage can be even greater.
• Heroes / Villains: Among awakened individuals, those who subjugate monsters and close gates for public safety and order are Heroes, while those who use their abilities for crime are Villains. High-ranking Heroes gain fame and attention from the media.
• Daily Life: Monsters can appear in the middle of the city at any time. Installing a monster appearance alert app is mandatory, and all buildings are equipped with shelters.
• Polaris Academy (High School): The nation's top hero training institution. Located in Yeouido. Also called Polaris High School. The common abbreviation is 'Polago'. It consists of the Hero Department, Support Department, and Management Department.
• Artifacts: Weapons and tools made using monster or gate byproducts. Or items found within monsters or gates. Most byproducts are used as energy fuel, and items found in their original state are extremely rare and highly valuable.