The elevator descended in silence.
In the cramped space, the four heroes' moods couldn't have been more different.
Genos had regained basic mobility; he stood half a step behind Saitama, eyes flicking between Lin Mo and Saitama.
"Without doubt, both Teacher Saitama and Mr. KING are among the world's absolute apex," Genos thought.
Bang stood with arms folded, eyes closed in repose.
But the slight twitch of his brow and the ghost of a smile betrayed his unsettled heart.
KING was not only powerful—his control over that power was flawless. For someone like him, the study of martial arts might hold limited meaning now.
Thinking that, Bang cracked one eye, a gleam spearing past Lin Mo and fixing on Saitama, staring at his own reflection in the elevator wall.
"But this kid…" Bang's thoughts stirred.
"To shatter such a meteor with sheer strength and speed… If I could bring him into my dojo to learn Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist…"
He pictured training this bald youngster into a titan of martial arts; a mischievous smile tugged at his lips (,,?ω?,,).
Saitama, for his part, was oblivious to being targeted by a grandmaster.
As always, he was relaxed—checking his gleaming scalp in the elevator's polished metal for any speck of dust.
At the center of it all, Lin Mo walked a razor's edge between ice and fire.
He was stone-faced outside—inside, panicking.
The drained weakness was ebbing, but he still wobbled on his feet.
He slid a glance—Bang's eyes were closed; Genos watched Saitama; Saitama watched his head. A perfect chance.
Without a ripple, he slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled a [Super Stamina Recovery] vial from System space.
Using the motion of shifting his stance, he whipped the tube to his lips and downed it in a flash.
A cool stream slid down his throat, blooming into a tide of life energy sweeping his limbs and bones.
The body that had been wrung dry flooded with strength again.
As his stamina fully returned, his heart—thundering from extreme weakness—finally calmed.
"Dong… dong… dong… dong…" The Emperor Engine's drum-roll ebbed, then faded entirely back to a normal rhythm.
"Not bad. I should stock up," Lin Mo mused.
The elevator doors slid open.
Outside, a beat of silence—then a blast of cheers!
"KING!!!"
"Mr. KING is out!"
"A hero! Our city's savior!"
The hall erupted. Countless flashes strobed, lighting the exit.
A forest of microphones thrust forward through the crowd—nearly poking Lin Mo in the face.
"Mr. KING! What was that power you used—some Association secret weapon?"
"How did you precisely vaporize every fragment with nearly zero damage to the city?"
"Mr. KING, please say a few words to the citizens!"
Lin Mo's face stayed cool and severe.
He walked forward under the heat of a thousand adoring gazes—step by steady step.
Thanks to his restored stamina, his gait was firm and powerful—read as the calm of a true strong man.
He scanned the sea of faces with a slight nod.
Silence fell as if someone hit mute. All held their breath, waiting for their KING to speak.
Lin Mo said nothing.
He simply regarded it all, then turned—as if to leave.
That "finish the deed, sheathe the sword, hide merit and name" attitude ignited worship anew—and made the Association brass break into a sweat.
Such a heaven-sent PR moment—Mr. KING, you're just going to walk past it?!
At that moment, Bang stepped up. Casually interposing his body to hold back a slice of reporters, he motioned for Lin Mo to follow.
"KING-san," he said clearly—not loud, but carrying over the din:
"Thanks to you for today. My dojo was spared as well. I am deeply grateful."
Lin Mo turned to the S-Class Rank 3 martial grandmaster and replied politely:
"You overpraise me, Master Bang. Protecting the city is a hero's duty."
"Hahaha—well said."
Bang laughed heartily, bell-clear. Then he looked between Lin Mo and Saitama and formally extended an invitation:
"If you don't mind… would the two of you honor my dojo with your presence for a cup of humble tea? Allow me to express my thanks properly."
"Go to the dojo?" Saitama scratched his head; he was the first to react. "Sounds good. Is there food?"
Bang barked a laugh. "Eat your fill! My stash of top-grade wagyu and sweets will not disappoint!"
Genos stood right behind his teacher. He judged this an excellent opportunity.
He couldn't quite grasp Mr. KING's or Teacher Saitama's strength for now—but as a titan of martial arts, Bang's dojo surely housed the essence of the Way.
He stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Master Bang, if you don't mind, may I accompany Teacher Saitama as his disciple? I would also like to pay my respects to Mr. KING and to you in person."
Bang looked the young cyborg up and down, then looked to Saitama and Lin Mo—neither objected—so he nodded readily:
"Of course, Genos-kun. I've long observed your resolve and perseverance."
All eyes turned to Lin Mo.
His stamina had fully recovered; the System's energy had returned to a peak. One could say his confidence was back.
And he genuinely respected the elder hero.
He nodded slowly. "All right."
Bang's smile broadened—plans falling into place. He pivoted and raised his voice to the reporters still pressing in:
"Everyone—Mr. KING and Saitama-kun have fought hard and need rest. That's all for today. The Association will issue a formal announcement later."
With that, he led Lin Mo, Saitama, and Genos away from the clamor.
-------
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