A-Class Rank 1: Sweet Mask

Wu Di darted through the no-man's-land of Z City. The Monster Association was right below him, but he wasn't foolish enough to charge in yet.

"As expected of a monster gathering spot, there are more and more monsters here."

Along the way, Wu Di had already killed over ten monsters, but they were mostly Wolf-level and very weak.

Roar~ Just then, a roar like that of a wild beast reached him, attracting Wu Di's attention.

"Finally, a decent one."

Wu Di's spirits lifted as he looked at the two-meter-tall monster before him.

"Tiger-level monster, Primitive Man."

The monster was dressed in primitive tribal attire, with sharp fangs protruding from its mouth and bulging muscles that showcased its immense strength.

Roar~ The Primitive Man roared and lunged at Wu Di, but his body was pierced by a single punch, and he fell straight down.

"Ding~ Killed a Peak Tiger-level Monster, awarded 500 talent points."

"The number of monsters below Demon-level is almost enough. What I'm lacking the most right now are Demon-level monsters. I need to pay more attention to the disaster alerts issued by the Association recently."

Wu Di muttered, about to leave, when he suddenly stopped. A voice called out from behind him.

"B-Class, 5th rank, Wu Di."

A clean and tidy, very handsome blue-haired man looked at Wu Di with a smile.

"A-Class, 1st rank, Sweet Mask."

Wu Di's expression remained calm, but his mind was on high alert.

"Is there something you need?"

"Don't be nervous, I just admire you. I also congratulated Genos when he entered S-Class, but his performance later was really too disappointing."

Sweet Mask smiled faintly. He had always paid close attention to newcomers joining the Hero Association, especially those like Wu Di whose rankings were rising rapidly.

"He was just careless, and besides, everyone needs to grow. Were you this strong when you first became a hero?"

Wu Di retorted, as he had seen Genos's efforts firsthand.

"Careless? Do you know what it means to be a hero? The civilians of the world are counting on us to protect them. We are the representatives of justice, and all evil must be eliminated immediately."

"If even we fall, who else can the people trust?"

Sweet Mask's eyes suddenly turned sharp, emitting a faint chill.

"So, you're very strong?"

Wu Di raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit eager to try.

"Wait a moment, it's good for newcomers to be driven, but don't overdo it, or you'll get hurt."

Sweet Mask raised his hand to signal. He hadn't come here today to test Wu Di's strength.

"System, activate experience card."

However, Wu Di wouldn't let him off so easily; the mission still had to be completed.

Moreover, Wu Di wanted to see if Sweet Mask, the gatekeeper of S-Class, was truly as powerful as the legends claimed.

"Ding~ Activated experience card, S-Class, 15th rank, Tank Top Master. Talent: Monster Strength. Skills: Tank Top Hold, Tank Top Barrage. Talent growth value: 50%."

"Tank Top Master's experience card? This is perfect timing."

Wu Di felt a surge of power flowing through his body. His arm muscles bulged, and his physical condition improved by more than one level.

"Since you're so strong, why don't you move up to S-Class?"

Wu Di asked with a hint of provocation in his tone.

"The reason I stay in A-Class is to prevent unqualified individuals from entering S-Class."

Sweet Mask's expression was calm, seemingly unbothered by Wu Di's tone.

Bang~ Wu Di's legs exerted force, and he instantly appeared before Sweet Mask, launching a heavy punch.

Boom~ Sweet Mask had just moved to block when he found the force to be beyond his imagination, and he was sent flying back dozens of meters.

"Alright, then see if I'm qualified!"

A devilish smile appeared on Wu Di's face. Sweet Mask slowly took off his jacket.

"Alright, consider it me giving you newcomers a free lesson on behalf of the Association."

Sweet Mask wasn't angry at Wu Di's sudden attack; instead, he sighed at his ignorant fearlessness.

"If I'm going to defeat him, I need to have an absolute overwhelming advantage before he goes berserk," Wu Di thought to himself. After all, they were both heroes from the Hero Association, and this wasn't a fight to the death. Sweet Mask would never easily reveal his trump cards.

"I'm coming!"

Boom~ Wu Di roared and punched the ground. Numerous cracks spread to Sweet Mask's feet, causing him to lose his balance.

"Tank Top Hold!"

Bang~ Caught off guard, Sweet Mask was sent flying. His bones began to crack and break.

"You bastard!"

Sweet Mask's usually calm eyes were filled with surging rage. He hadn't expected to be injured by a rookie today.

"Was that a bit too much? Fifty percent talent growth really packs a punch."

Wu Di felt the immense power coursing through his body. His physical strength had at least reached S-Class now.

However, Sweet Mask also possessed incredible regenerative abilities. The fractured bones had already healed in moments.

Swish Before Wu Di could react, a hand chop struck, shattering his chest bone.

"Interesting!"

Boom Wu Di acted as if he wasn't injured, smashing a fist into Sweet Mask's handsome face.

"Holy crap... I'm done for..."

A faint cracking sound echoed. Sweet Mask's expression turned extremely grim. If one looked closely, they would notice tiny cracks appearing on his face.

"Hand Chop Barrage!!!"

Boom boom boom Sweet Mask was completely consumed by rage, his frenzied attacks leaving Wu Di unable to defend himself.

These continuous attacks, however, were also causing Wu Di's aura to pile up, skyrocketing to a terrifying level.

Snap Wu Di seized the opportunity, firmly grabbing Sweet Mask's palm.

Gasp But Sweet Mask, blinded by anger, didn't care if he was facing a hero from the association or not. With his other hand, he directly pierced through Wu Di's body.

Drip, drip Bright red blood continuously dripped onto the ground. Sweet Mask seemed to regain his senses and withdrew his hand from Wu Di's body.

"This is the price of arrogance."

Sweet Mask's expression was terrifyingly cold, but Wu Di didn't collapse as expected.

"Is that so?"

Wu Di slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with fervor. A terrifying aura erupted from within him.

"What?!"

Sweet Mask's pupils contracted. He couldn't believe that despite such severe injuries, Wu Di still possessed such a powerful aura.

In a panic, he urgently tried to break free from Wu Di's grip, but it was already too late.

"Full Aura! Tank Top Barrage!!!"

Rumble A terrifying shockwave completely engulfed Sweet Mask's figure. The houses along the entire street were destroyed, and a deep gorge appeared on the ground.

"Ding~ Mission complete. Reward: 50,000 Talent Points, one random experience card."