A/N: If you haven't read the Impossible Murder Case chapter, I recommend reading it. It will make this chapter make more sense.

(Also, I updated chapter 6... again. I promise, this is the last edit. XD)

Akademi High, a prestigious high-school with a surprising amount of mystery behind it. Why were the police not allowed to investigate the school? Why did every teacher have to know basic self-defence in order to be able to teach there? Why did they always refuse media coverage, despite their popularity?

Ever since walking into Goddess' secret office back at the resort, Child Emperor had been asking himself these questions. He was going to figure out what she was investigating, and why she was suspicious of Ayano Aishi. To start his research, he needed to learn everything he could about their school, Akademi High.

Metal Knight had tried to talk him out of the investigation, saying it would get him into trouble, but Child Emperor insisted. If there was something going on, he wanted to find out what it was before anyone got hurt.

During this investigation, he found himself rather curious about Traveller. He knew that when she was a teenager, she had attended the school. The school had been built by Saikou Corp, a company she was affiliated with at some point. Around seven years after graduating, she became the hero everyone knew. Well, that was until she mysteriously disappeared ten years ago. No one had seen her since, or knew anything about her whereabouts. Not even the Hero Association. The only people that might've known where she was were Goddess and Blast, both of whom were not around either.

Another strange thing to come out of the school was the incident where a hacker tried to infiltrate the Hero Association database, but he stopped that from happening. He wondered if that hacker was still around.

The young hero followed another lead, learning about the history of Akademi. The school had been founded at least thirty years ago, from what he was reading. Apparently, there was a murder that took place around twenty-five years ago. Child Emperor remembered the newspaper clipping he'd seen on that pinboard back in Goddess' office. The one where a teenage girl named Ryoba Aishi had been accused of being a killer, but was found innocent.

Ryoba Aishi… she had to be Ayano's mother. If Ayano was truly behind something more sinister, then perhaps her mother was too.

Child Emperor read more about the Ryoba Aishi incident. The girl had been targeted by a journalist who believed she had killed another student. However, the girl proved her innocence, and made the journalist look like a villain.

Maybe she was innocent after all? But Goddess wouldn't investigate Ayano for no reason, Child Emperor knew that. It didn't help that the internet wasn't telling him much information. He realised if he really wanted to learn the truth, he'd have to go to Akademi himself.

He sighed. He knew the Association wanted him to go out and fight the Monster Association and that Hero Killer, but he had to take care of this first.

After all, Ayano Aishi might be just as dangerous as the Monster Association themselves, he thought.

It was not everyday an S Class hero rocked up at Akademi.

Sure, Goddess, the 2nd highest ranked hero, attended the school, but she currently wasn't around. And besides, aside from her, none of the other S Class heroes made an appearance there. Until today.

"Hey, look, it's Child Emperor!" some girls giggled, watching as the youngest hero made his way through the school. A lollipop was sticking out of his mouth as he glanced at a device in his hand.

"What's he doing here?" another girl asked. Her friends shrugged.

The office is this way, Child Emperor thought, going into the main building. Students eyes him as he passed, but he ignored them. He walked over to the office of the headmaster, Kocho Shuyona. It was a nice, spacious room, with an expensive wooden desk. A middle-aged man was sitting at the desk, a Saikou laptop in front of him. He looked weary and tired. The man looked up, reaching for a taser when he saw Child Emperor.

"The Class S hero Child Emperor?" he demanded. "What are you doing here?"

"No need to be hostile," Child Emperor told him, raising his hands. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just have a few questions for you."

"Are you curious about Goddess' whereabouts?" Kocho asked, gruffly. "I cannot give you that information. It's classified."

"No, not that," Child Emperor replied. "I have a question about another student, actually."

"I'm not obliged to give you any information, S Class hero or not." Kocho said.

"Look, I'm just doing a small investigation," Child Emperor replied, keeping his voice calm. "I want some information about the history of this school, and a student named Ayano Aishi."

Kocho went pale at the name 'Ayano Aishi'.

He's talking about her daughter, he thought. Does he know about…

Kocho suddenly stood up, pointing his taser at the Class S hero. "You have no right to ask me these questions! Leave this school at once!"

"Whoa, calm down," Child Emperor told him. "Look, even if I didn't have my backpack, you wouldn't be able to taser me. I'm just asking a few-"

"Leave immediately," the man repeated, "or I will inform Saikou Corp!"

Child Emperor scowled. He didn't want to start drama with Saikou Corp, and considering the incident at the resort, it was best to stay out of their track record.

"Fine," the hero said. "I'm leaving."

He walked out of the school, his scowl remaining.

Why are adults always so annoyingly stubborn? He thought, angrily. Whatever. I'll have to conduct this investigation in private, without him knowing about it. I'm getting to the bottom of this, no matter what.

He sighed, continuing his walk.

Honestly, you can't rely on adults, he thought. That's why I have to take care of it myself.

He held up three tapes he'd stolen from Kocho's office without his knowledge.

If these don't tell me about Akademi, I don't know what will.

He put the tapes back in his bag, pulling out another device. He scoured the school, looking for more information.

Wait, there's a katana lying outside the school? he said, re-reading what his scanner said. Why would… what kind of school is this? He glowered. How many dark secrets are they hiding?

Just as he thought it couldn't get any weirder, his scanner beeped again.

No, wait, what… he re-read his scanner again. Paranormal activity?

There was paranormal activity coming from the girls' bathroom. A ghost, perhaps? Could it be? Despite not being a girl, the young hero decided to head over there anyway and investigate what was happening.

As usual, he ignored the stares from other students. Holding up his scanner, he crept into the girl's bathroom. His scanner was flashing red. Despite that, the bathroom was completely empty.

"Is someone there?" he asked.

There was the sound of someone wailing for a brief moment. Its voice was humanish, but had a paranormal edge.

"Are you a ghost?" the young hero asked, chewing into his lollipop. "Show yourself."

Then, for a brief moment, a floating figure appeared. She had pale grey skin, a ripped version of the school uniform, short brown bobbed hair and a hitaikakushi on her head. She had a completely black face aside from one glowing yellow eye. She also had 2 hitodama on either side of her.

"Who are you?" Child Emperor demanded, staring up at her.

Her yellow eyes glowed.

"The first tragedy.

A flower plucked far too soon.

She can not yet rest."

She disappeared after that, leaving Child Emperor very confused. As a hero, he'd seen some very bizarre things, but nothing quite like that.

This school is not normal, he thought.

He remembered the tapes. He walked into an empty room full of computers, still wielding his scanner.

Please let them give me some answers, he thought.

Ah… let's see… where to start? I guess I'll start at the beginning!

My name is Kocho Shuyona, and I've just been chosen to be the Headmaster at Akademi High School!

... The entire nation has been talking about this school for months.

The idea of an elite high school that only opens its doors to the most intelligent students in the world, right here in City Z...

But the thing that shocks everyone the most is that the school is being bankrolled by Saikou Corp!

Who would have expected an electronics company to found a school?

… That's right - I just met THE Saisho Saikou in person. I'm still shaking!

Anyway… the reason he built this school… it blew my mind!

It's not something he's ever mentioned in public, but… he didn't tell me to keep it a secret either, so… here it is!

It's his daughter!

It's all for his daughter!

The name of the school, the location where it's being constructed, even the exact layout of the building… everything was chosen by his daughter.

So, not only will this school be a collection of the world's most highly-qualified teachers and most brilliant students, but it's also a giant shining monument to a father's love for his daughter!

In fact, Mr Saikou told me I was perfect for the job after just asking me a few questions.

I guess Mr. Saikou could tell I was nervous, because he gave me a gift - this portable tape recorder!

He called me...

"Headmaster Shuyona."

Ha... It'll be awhile before I get used to hearing that!

Is Traveller that girl? Child Emperor thought. He hummed, putting the next tape in the player.

Huh? Oh, wow… I didn't realise how much dust was on this thing.

But… something happened today that really threw me off…

Today, I visited Saikou headquarters for a routine meeting with Mr. Saikou, just as I've done dozens of times over the past few years.

… the entire time, he seemed like he was on the verge of… exploding. I was confused and worried, and… frankly… scared.

His secretary must have seen how shaken I was, because… after the meeting, she took a moment to assure me that I hadn't done anything wrong… and that Mr. Saikou was angry about a personal matter.

Earlier that day, Mr. Saikou had a furious argument with his daughter, who graduated recently.

Apparently, she doesn't want to inherit the company, and she's decided to leave City Z to, get this, fight monsters, save lives, protect civilians… in other words, she wants to become a superhero!

This is absolutely unacceptable to her father, because he's invested a lot of resources into giving her the training necessary to take over his empire when he retires.

He told her, "If you walk out that door, you're no longer a part of this family!" and moments later… she left his office without a word.

Mr. Saikou is a man who refuses to compromise, and only accepts the results he wants.

Starting from early childhood, his daughter was given training to prepare her for the responsibilities that come with operating a company - training that became more advanced and intense with each passing year.

Mr. Saikou also has a son… but… he didn't put his son through the same sort of training as his daughter.

But now he's making preparations to rapidly change the directions of his son's life, so the boy will acquire the traits and skills that his sister spent her entire life developing.

The strangest part… is the exact reason why Mr. Saikou's daughter wants to become a superhero.

One phrase the secretary kept hearing was..."my sister".

Apparently, Mr Saikou's daughter is absolutely convinced that she has a sister somewhere in the world… and that she needs to 'save' her.

… At this point, the secretary decided she'd said too much, and stopped talking.

Even though I wound up with more questions than answers, at least now I know why he was so angry.

He told me he built Akademi High to give his daughter the perfect, ideal high school life. But… now I think that was just a cover story.

I think built Akademi High and made his daughter the student council president to put her through the experience of being in charge of an organisation.

… It doesn't surprise me at all that she defied her father and ran away from all that...

… But in the end, it wasn't pressure or stress that made her reject her father's wishes… it was this weird notion that she has a sister… maybe all the stress drove her crazy?

The weirdest thing of all is that when I imagine Mr. Saikou with another daughter, I have a mental image of what she would look like.

But… I get a headache if I picture her in mind for too long. Man… really creeps me out.

A lot of the students who graduate from this school get offers from Saikou Corp almost immediately after graduation… so I guess this place really did turn out to be a training ground for future Saikou employees after all.

I don't feel angry, or sad… just… disenchanted.

… Well, it's an easy job… and I can't argue with the pay, so… I guess I'll just stay on my current course for now.

Sister? Child Emperor thought. What does that even mean?

He put in the third tape.

Wow, long time no recording, huh? Ugh, this thing is covered in dust... well, um, there's not really anyone else I can discuss this with. This has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever seen.

So, I saw something very interesting on the news today. Apparently, a huge monster was attacking City F, but… all of a sudden, a woman with silver hair and a suitcase on her back showed up out of nowhere and defeated the monster with one punch!

All the press has been raving about her. This heroic woman with a calm smile on her face as she defeated what was essentially a dragon-level threat.

As I watched the press drag on and on about it, I realised… that woman… she was familiar from somewhere. I couldn't figure out where, but I'd seen her before.

Then it hit me. She's Mr. Saikou's daughter! The one who went out looking for her sister! I can't believe it… she really became a superhero!

And it's not just her. There was this man with her, I think his name was Blast…? From what the media is saying, the two have been travelling around together performing heroic acts. The newscasters tried to question them more but they both left before they could do so.

I have to wonder, though: is she still searching for her sister? Truly, I'm not sure anymore. But… I don't think the world will have much to worry about with these two extremely powerful heroes around.

The public is already becoming attached to this woman. Due to the travel bags she carries around, they've given her the nickname 'Traveller'. Suits her pretty well, I think. Ahaha!

Traveller is looking for her sister, Child Emperor thought. But… why did she disappear ten years ago? These tapes don't explain it… and more importantly… His frown deepened. Is she even still alive?

He pulled out a notebook, and began taking down notes.

She's Saisho Saikou's daughter, he thought, which… would make her Goddess' aunt. That means… maybe Goddess knows where she is. But Goddess isn't around either.

He sighed. Dammit… Traveller is the only one who knows the truth behind this school, and she's not even here. Not to mention she's extremely powerful. If anyone can take down the Monster Association and the Hero Killer, it's her.

"Hello, Child Emperor."

Child Emperor jumped at the voice. Standing behind him was Ayano Aishi herself. Her expression was indescribable as she stared down at him. It reminded the young hero of a doll.

"Ayano Aishi," his voice returned. "What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that," Ayano replied. "This is my school."

Child Emperor scowled in response.

"You are treading in dangerous territory," Ayano said, taking a step forward. "You should leave for the sake of your own good."

Child Emperor bit his lip. Everyone here wants me to leave. That's really weird.

"Maybe the headmaster can threaten me," he said, standing up, "but you can't."

Ayano's expression darkened. "Can't I?"

Child Emperor didn't like that look on her face. He clenched his fists.

"Fine," he said, quietly. "I will leave."

He walked away, clenching his research tightly to his chest. He was going to figure out what was happening, one way or another.

Ayano watched his figure retreated. She glanced at her phone.

Info-chan:

Alright, he's gone. Thanks for scaring him off.

Ayano:

Why was he here?

Info-chan:

He's investigating something for sure. It's dangerous to let him learn anymore than he already has. You should plan to get rid of him soon.

Ayano:

Understood.

She put her phone away, glancing at a newspaper article on the table. It was about the murder case 30 years ago.

Mom… she thought, looking at the newspaper. So we are alike after all.

The knock on the door startled her.

Ayano stopped doing one-handed push-ups in preparation for her next move and went to answer the door. To her surprise, standing at the front door was a man wearing a brown, leather coat, and a hat shielding his face. Covering his eyes were a pair of sunglasses.

"Ayano Aishi," he greeted, briefly.

"Good afternoon," Ayano replied, politely. "How can I help you?"

"I'm sure you are aware of the recent monster attacks, and deaths of heroes, as well as Akademi students," the man replied. "I am doing an investigation to figure out who the culprit might be."

"It is not the Hero Killer, the Monster Association, or Garou?" Ayano asked.

"Those are possibilities, and what the Hero Association believes, but I want to interview Akademi's students anyway," the man explained. As he stared at her, Ayano saw a glance of fear in his eyes. "So, Miss Ayano Aishi... tell me. Do you think there is anyone suspicious at Akademi High?"

"I do," Ayano said. "I believe that Goddess is suspicious."

"Why is that?" the man asked.

"Because the Monster Association is targeting her," Ayano said. "She must be hiding something, if they are that desperate to get her attention."

The man dipped his face. "But you... you're the child of that woman… you're the child of that… thing…"

Ayano stared at him. "What do you mean?"

"Are you affiliated with any kind of criminal organisation?" the man asked, quickly.

Ayano shook her head. "No."

The man scowled. "Do you know someone called Info-ch-"

His phone began to ring.

"Uh, I have to go," he stammered, leaving in a rush. Ayano was full of questions. Who exactly was that man?

The man walked away, answering the phone. "Yes, Ms. Saikou... I spoke to her. She believes... they are coming after you."

Garou sighed, clutching his chest.

Dammit, that Watchdog Man bastard was stronger than I thought he'd be, he thought. He really did me in.

He leaned against the wall of a building, staring up at the grey sky. It was quiet around here, just a small alleyway. Thank goodness. He needed a small break.

That's when he spotted someone. There was a fairly tall girl wearing a red hoodie, the hood covering her face. She was walking alone, shoulders hunched. Garou brushed it off; just some random civilian. Then he saw a flash of silver hair beneath the hood.

He scowled. He got a little bit closer to the girl. No way… it couldn't be…

Rage overtook him. It was her. Goddess.

Ignoring his injuries, he zoomed towards the girl, intent on using full power. Finally, he was going to crush her. He was going to defeat the girl that'd caused him so much rage all these years. It was going to end now.

Suddenly, Goddess turned around, grabbing his out-stretched hand with ease. Garou coughed and fell to his knees, her grip utterly crushing his hand. Her cold, silver eyes pierced his soul.

"The Human Monster Garou," she said, with a cold voice. "It was very foolish of you to try something like this. It appears you have not improved at all from when you were a child."

Garou made a noise that sounded like a mix between a choke and cough.

"Luckily for you, my father has forbid me from heroic duties, so I cannot fight you," Goddess said, her eyes not leaving his face. "However, I highly suggest that you stop this hero hunting business immediately. Because if you do not…" her grip became harder, "I will act on my promise."

Garou felt shivers go down his spine. Goddess, with a slash he could barely see, kicked him away. Blood spurted out from his mouth. He fell on his back as Goddess walked away. His eyes began to close.

No… he thought. Don't… give in…

As his eyes fluttered, he thought of that girl, the one he'd met at the villains meeting. The Hero Killer.

Maybe I need her help after all… he thought. I can't even beat Goddess by myself…

And then everything went black.

"O king Orochi, I have news. There is a human that is out there, killing heroes."

"A human?"

"Yes. The humans are referring to her as the 'Hero Killer', and believe she is a monster. Her true identity is the Class A hero Yan-chan."

"Hmmm…"

"It would be invaluable to have this human on our side. The heroes do not suspect she's traitor! She could give us all useful information about the Hero Association. Not to mention they already believe she is working for us."

"A human? You can't be serious!"

"Yeah. Even if she is killing heroes, she may betray us!"

"Silence! King Orochi will make the decision!"

"We will see. After all, she is not the only human hunting heroes…"

"But, then again, she is no ordinary human… she is the one I saw in my visions…"

A/N: Props to Child Emperor for actually suspecting the right person lmao

Also we get to see Goddess in person, kind of! She's my favourite character in the entire fanfic (even more than Metal Bat), so it was great to have her appear. Later on, you'll see why I love her so much. XD That aside, this is the last chapter for this year (crazy, right?), so Happy New Year, and try not to fail your resolutions too early lmao.