Chapter 52: Hero

Titan’s disappearance... That fact slowly, yet surely, spread across the world.

Pentagon, U.S. Department of Defense—

The ground facilities had been nearly destroyed by the giant’s assault, but those who survived had fled to underground shelters, preparing to fight back against the giants.

What they valued most was monitoring the Titan. They relayed information about the Titan’s movements to surviving military units and refugee shelters scattered across America, using every possible method.

Because wherever the Titan moved, the magical essence intensified, and the frequency of giant appearances—big and small—rose sharply.

Then, an unbelievable report reached them.

"…Is this really true? Are you absolutely certain!?"

Titan’s disappearance was nothing short of a bolt from the blue. They’d felt two tremors, like explosions, but right after that, they couldn’t detect the Titan anymore.

This news was instantly transmitted to refugee shelters across the country. Most people who received it were skeptical. Some outright refused to believe it—but given the Titan’s previous threat, that was understandable.

Yet among them, one group reacted completely differently…

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"The Titan… disappeared!?"

"Impossible…?"

Joshua exchanged glances with the other soldiers. Most who’d heard the news had no idea why the Titan had vanished—but they did.

"Gojō… was it him? The one who controlled the giants… and saved us…?"

"There’s no other explanation…"

El, who’d been helping the soldiers nearby, suddenly interrupted with a startled voice.

"Wait… is that true?!?"

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After hearing Joshua’s group talk, I bolted straight to Michelle!

I had to tell her—had to tell her right away! I’d been jealous, even hateful, pushing her away from the shelter just because she’d saved my life.

And yet… she saved me again. Even healed my wounds…

I hadn’t even properly thanked her yet. If I ever saw her again… then—then—

"Michelle!!!"

Michelle, hanging laundry with a group of refugee women, turned with a bright smile.

"What’s wrong, El?"

"The Titan… it’s gone… I just heard Joshua’s group talking about it."

No one around me seemed to grasp what I was saying right away.

"Wait… Gojo…? You mean Gojo did it?! …Is that really true?"

"Of course it is! It had to be him!!"

Michelle gently pulled me into a hug—and then started crying out loud. I cried too. Loud. So loud. People nearby stared, but who cared?

I was just… happy. So happy. Couldn’t stop crying… just kept crying.

That day, every person who’d survived in America finally held hope in their hearts again—something they hadn’t felt since the Day of the Plague.

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Japan — Gifu Base

Shimizu came rushing over, grinning from ear to ear. I knew exactly what she wanted to say.

"Heard it, Shimizu?"

"Yeah, heard it… Damn, it actually happened!"

"Gojo really pulled it off! I knew he could, but still… damn!"

The rumor spread even within the Self-Defense Force, with all sorts of wild speculation flying around—but most people were convinced it was the “Pyro Magician” who’d taken him down.

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Osaka — Prime Minister’s Office

“That’s the intelligence from Defense Ministry regarding America.”

“Ah… so America’s saved. That country’s strong. It’ll rebuild from here… I’m sure of it…”

Sitting back in my office chair after receiving the report from the vice minister. Still, to think he’d saved America after Japan… I feel gratitude, yes—but also a deep, chilling awe…

Where he goes next… that’s what’ll decide the fate of this world. I just know it.

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As news spread across China, Russia, and Europe, the question of why the Titan had vanished became the talk of the world. Wild theories and rumors flew—but no one ever reached the truth.

Yet soon, the world would realize. It was the miracle of a single man… that changed everything.