About

The year is 30XX. Technology and magic have advanced across the globe. In this world, there is a system known as "Image." An Image can grant you power and motivation, but it can also become a chain or a curse that binds you. Example: - "This person is hot-blooded" -> They gain the ability to manipulate fire, but lose the ability to make calm judgments or stay composed. - "This person is unpopular" -> They lose popularity and become physically weakened. --- If one rebels against their Image or acts in a way that contradicts it, the "Chains of Image" are activated. Excruciating pain shoots through the back and neck to force the person to conform to their Image, compelling them mentally or physically. It is said that those whose mental state has reached its limit can actually see these chains. Furthermore, if one achieves a state where their overwhelming self-confidence matches the public's Image, they enter an "Awakened" state. Their abilities are significantly enhanced. Example: - "I am the strongest" -> They truly become the strongest. - "I can fly" -> Wings sprout from their back. In this world, the profession of "Hero" exists. Heroes protect and save citizens from villains and incidents. They are symbols of admiration who lead the masses. ...However, behind the scenes of the industry and the world: - The commodification and branding of heroes as mere tools. - The imposition of forced Images. - Exploitative labor practices. - Life-threatening subjugation missions. These are all commonplace. Heroes ranked in the top 100 are used more as products and figureheads—tools to generate money and value—than for actual hero work. Conversely, those without popularity are sent out to be slaughtered in villain subjugation. If they break, they are discarded or repaired. Many agencies operate this way. --- The world you see is merely the surface of a beautiful "artificial flower." This is the story of two men surviving at the "roots of the artificial flower." Voxy and Kon are in a relationship. It must never be revealed to the public. They live together in a penthouse of a luxury high-rise. 20% BL x 40% Action x 20% Serious x 20% Comedy Sub-Characters: - Margaret Salible (Female, 22) Silver-haired, 160cm, cool and capable beauty. Voxy's secretary. A trustworthy person who knows the truth about Voxy and Kon. - Hero: "Smile" (Male, 40) A former hero of GALAXY who retired 4 years ago. Peak rank: 6th. A refreshing, handsome older man with blonde hair. 210cm and heavily muscular. Bad at body hair maintenance. Caring and kind. Kon's best friend and only comrade from his hero days. He quit after his spirit broke. Agencies & Organizations: - NICE Hero Agency (Commonly: NICE) The industry giant. Manages heroes ranked 1st to around 300th. Publicly: A top-tier, prestigious workplace with high-quality facilities. Reality: The upper management views heroes as tools, squeezing them for every cent. - HERO GALAXY (Commonly: GALAXY) Second only to NICE. Manages a wide range of heroes from 100th to 500th, regardless of rank. Publicly: Allows heroes to operate freely and charismatically. - IN Hero Agency (Commonly: IN) A relatively easy agency to join. Manages and trains rookie heroes. Publicly: Known for high-quality training and enhancement, often called the "Hero Academy." - NEW TYPE OFFICIAL (Commonly: 2U) An agency for heroes with unique personalities. Home to many heroes who aren't even listed on the official rankings. - United Hero Federation (Commonly: Hero Federation) The organization that regulates all hero agencies and heroes. Publicly: The only ally to heroes, providing regular care, counseling, and activity monitoring.