At Hero Association headquarters, Sekiguchi and the senior executives sat in the conference hall.
"Monster activity has become increasingly frequent lately. Based on KING's warning, we've already dispatched heroes to investigate Z City."
"According to intelligence from Child Emperor, the Monster Association should be beneath Z City, though the exact situation is still under investigation."
Jace delivered a detailed report before adding,
"Additionally, we received a call from Sweet Mask. He encountered KING in the uninhabited zone."
"KING? What was he doing there?"
"According to the information Sweet Mask provided, KING was fighting a powerful monster at the time and defeated it with ease. Its disaster level was likely at least Demon-level."
"As expected of KING. But did you ask him for more details? Since he fought that monster, he should know something about the situation there."
"According to KING, the other side possesses more than one Dragon-level monster. We must take this matter seriously, or humanity may truly face the danger of extinction."
"Even against several Dragon-level monsters, he still managed to retreat unscathed? Where exactly is KING's limit? Luckily, he's on our side."
"Indeed. If his activity level weren't so low, his strength would be more than enough to place him among the top three S-Class heroes."
"In short, once Child Emperor confirms the Monster Association's exact location, we'll gather all the S-Class elites and wipe them out in one stroke."
"This battle concerns not only the survival of the Hero Association, but the future of all humanity. We absolutely cannot lose!!!"
Sekiguchi looked grave. The current situation was already extremely dire. If they allowed it to continue, the Monster Association would only grow stronger and stronger.
"Teacher, you're back. You are... KING?"
Genos stared blankly at KING, who had returned with Saitama, though the two of them could be considered acquaintances.
"I went out to buy groceries and happened to run into him."
Saitama said with a smile.
"Sorry for intruding."
Wu Di gave a slight nod. He had originally intended to rest for a while, then see whether he could encounter any other monsters after fully recovering.
He waited until dawn, but instead of finding monsters, he ran into Saitama. The two of them then returned home together.
"The Seventh S-Class Hero... KING?"
Fubuki, who was sitting in the living room, looked at Wu Di with eyes full of nervousness and shock.
"Hey, why are you still here?"
Saitama frowned. Ever since their last fight, Fubuki had come to visit every day, trying every possible way to persuade him to join the Fubuki Group.
How is this possible? Saitama is only B-Class, yet he has an S-Class disciple and even knows KING, the Seventh S-Class Hero known as the Strongest on Earth...
Fubuki was deeply shocked, but this only strengthened her determination to recruit Saitama.
"KING, have you run into any trouble lately?"
Saitama's abrupt question left Wu Di somewhat confused.
"Did something happen?"
"I heard there's a human calling himself a monster who has been specifically hunting heroes lately."
"Teacher is right. I heard Tank Top Master, the fifteenth S-Class hero, and Mumen Rider, the top-ranked C-Class hero, were both defeated."
Wu Di suddenly understood. He hadn't expected Garou to resume his activities so quickly.
"Not yet, but it would be nice to see him for myself."
Wu Di smiled faintly. He still had to complete the task issued by the system. However, Garou should have gone through another round of growth this time and become even harder to deal with.
"Ah! Bang's senior disciple was also caught up in it. I heard Garou uses a technique called martial arts, specifically targeting heroes' weaknesses."
"I also got tickets to the Martial Arts Tournament and plan to check it out. Want to come along?"
Saitama extended the invitation sincerely, though it reminded Wu Di of something.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't be going. But if I have time, I'll go watch the matches!"
Wu Di declined with a smile. After chatting with the others for a few more moments, he left Saitama's home.
"With the Martial Arts Tournament beginning, the Monster Association will definitely make a move. I need to hurry."
Wu Di's eyes turned sharp. He put on a black mask and swiftly left Z City.
Within the Monster Association, countless monsters had gathered together, seemingly waiting for something.
"The time has come. We're about to wage war against the Hero Association. Although we are stronger than them, we cannot afford to lower our guard."
"Your task this time is to spread the Monster Cells and turn powerful humans into monsters. Then, have them fill the current vacancies among the Association's executives."
"Go. Wreak havoc to your hearts' content. I await your good news!"
Great Orc Eye's words instantly excited the countless monsters, and their cheers shook the heavens.
Not long afterward, figures poured out from beneath the uninhabited zone and headed beyond Z City.
In City M, Wu Di hurried along. He knew that given the current situation, the Monster Association would definitely take action and attack the Martial Arts Tournament.
But with Saitama there, there was nothing to worry about. The monsters causing trouble outside, however, needed other heroes to deal with them.
For Wu Di, this was the perfect opportunity to complete the Monster Slayer Order.
"This time, the Monster Association will definitely send out Dragon-level monsters. I'll take them all down in one go."
Wu Di was full of confidence. This would also lessen the burden of the final battle in the future.
"Damn Watchdog Man. That guy almost killed me."
"Absolute speed and power? So martial arts designed to deal with humans is useless against him after all?"
Garou's familiar figure appeared on the street. This time, however, he looked exceptionally battered, his body covered in wounds. Yet his fighting spirit remained as fierce as ever.
"Interesting. I didn't expect to run into him so soon."
Wu Di's lips curved upward slightly. This was practically a gift falling from the sky.
"You again! This time, I'll crush you completely!"
Garou froze when he saw Wu Di, then felt the blood throughout his body begin to boil.
"The pain from my injuries is already gone. My body can still move. I'll take him down now!"
A sinister grin appeared on Garou's lips as he suddenly charged at Wu Di.
Boom! Wu Di sent Garou flying with a single punch, forcing him back to reality.
"How did this guy's strength increase so much?"
Garou raised both arms to block at the last moment, but the piercing pain forced him to face reality. Wu Di's strength had already surpassed his own.
"Has he begun to transform?"
Seeing Garou's terrifying healing ability, Wu Di's expression turned solemn. Garou's growth at every stage was astonishing and absolutely could not be underestimated.
"I need to use overwhelming strength to defeat him quickly. Otherwise, I'll only let him grow without limit."
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