After the battle, Lin Mo's life returned to its usual tranquility.
The "Foul Glutton" incident was classified as highly confidential by the Hero Association, and all participating A-Class Heroes were put under a gag order.
The publicly released news only briefly mentioned that the Demon-level disaster was easily resolved by S-Class Hero Mr. KING, with the specific details of the battle completely omitted.
Lin Mo didn't know why the Hero Association made such a decision, but it suited his preferences perfectly.
Every time he surfed the Hero Forum, he would see a bunch of people fanatically speculating about Mr. KING's move to instantly kill the Demon-level monster, and currently, the most popular guess was none other than the "Purgatory Matchless Exploding Heat Wave Cannon."
He didn't know which late-stage chuunibyou came up with this thing, giving it such an awkward name that could make one's toes curl enough to dig out a three-bedroom apartment.
The popularity shouldn't be so high... It feels a bit embarrassing... "Phew..."
Inside the apartment, Lin Mo let out a long sigh, tossing the game controller aside.
The screen displayed the huge words "YOU WIN," marking his 58th consecutive victory today.
Since his strength increased, his gaming skills also seemed to have improved.
But in the gaming world, he was already an almost invincible existence, and now he was truly unrivaled.
Such monotonous victories eventually made him feel a touch of boredom.
It got to the point where he didn't play fighting games much anymore, primarily focusing on visual novels with rich storylines, seeking spiritual comfort... Just as he was about to switch to another game to relax, a piercing special ringtone suddenly blared.
The sound was urgent and sharp, the Hero Association's highest-level emergency summons, specifically used to contact S-Class Heroes.
Lin Mo's heart sank.
"No way... At this very moment?" An ominous premonition welled up in his heart.
In his memory, there was only one event during this time period that would cause the Hero Association to use the highest-level summons, gathering all reachable S-Class Heroes.
It was a super disaster capable of plunging the entire Earth into a crisis of destruction.
He had some guesses in his mind.
Without hesitation, he turned off the game console, changed into his black turtleneck and jeans, ran a hand through his slightly messy hair, and pushed open the door.
The expression on his face, in the instant he stepped out of the room, switched from a lazy homebody to that sternest man on Earth - Mr. KING.
— — — — — —
Hero Association Headquarters, A-City.
In the huge circular conference room, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
More than a dozen figures were already seated around the long conference table.
They varied in appearance and vastly differed in temperament, but without exception, all exuded a powerful aura far beyond ordinary people.
These individuals were the pillars supporting the entire Hero Association, and even the stability of human society - the S-Class Heroes.
Metal Bat was idly tapping his fingers on the table, making a monotonous "tap, tap, tap" sound, his brows furrowed with impatience.
Superalloy Darkshine, meanwhile, was constantly flexing his proud bronze muscles in the reflection of the conference room's smooth wall, striking various self-absorbed poses.
Child Emperor sat on a specially designed chair, intently adjusting a brand-new device on his wrist, muttering to himself.
Sexy Prisoner's loving eyes "casually" swept over every strong male present, searching for targets that could stir his heartstrings.
And Flashy Flash, Watchdog Man, and others sat quietly in their seats, resting with their eyes closed.
When the heavy metal door of the conference room was pushed open, all sounds and movements stopped in unison.
"Thump... thump... thump... thump..."
The roar of the Emperor Engine wasn't loud, but it clearly entered the ears of every hero present.
Mr. KING.
He walked in expressionlessly, his deep eyes casually sweeping around, and all the S-Class Heroes present unconsciously held their breath under his gaze.
He walked directly to an empty seat, maintaining silence.
"Mr. KING!" Child Emperor's eyes lit up when he saw him, and he immediately jumped off his chair, ran to his side, and excitedly held up the new device on his wrist.
"Look! This is my 'Power Measuring Device 2.0,' redesigned based on the last lesson!"
"This time I used a brand-new algorithm and the highest-grade pressure-resistant materials, so theoretically, it absolutely won't overload and max out again! After the meeting, could I measure you again?"
Child Emperor's words instantly piqued the curiosity of many heroes present.
Regarding what happened at Child Emperor's research institute in Y-City a few days ago, these S-Class Heroes had all heard some internal rumors.
It was said that an extremely troublesome Demon-level monster, which stumped several A-Class Heroes, was ultimately instantly killed by Mr. KING with a single move, leaving no trace behind.
And the data "3888" from Child Emperor's backup measuring mask had become a running joke.
Facing Child Emperor's expectant gaze, Lin Mo felt indifferent.
Again? My goal has already been achieved, so let's just forget it... Just then, a completely different voice abruptly rang out.
"Yo, Mr. KING! You're here!"
Next to Genos, who was near the bottom of the S-Class rankings, a bald man in a yellow jumpsuit was ungracefully waving at him, a lazy smile on his face.
It was Saitama, the A-Class Hero ranked 25th, the "Bald Cape."
"Mr. KING." Genos immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.
Mr. KING's arrival relieved Genos. Facing so many S-Class Heroes, he felt quite a bit of pressure, but with Mr. KING and his teacher present, he felt much more at ease.
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became strange.
Most of the S-Class Heroes present frowned.
They were either displeased that Saitama, an A-Class Hero, was here, or shocked that Saitama dared to treat Mr. KING with such a casual attitude.
"Hey, who's that bald guy? How did he get in?" Metal Bat lowered his voice, unhappily asking Child Emperor beside him.
Child Emperor pushed up his glasses and explained, "He was specially approved by the association's higher-ups. It's said... his relationship with Mr. KING is also extraordinary."
At these words, everyone's gaze towards Saitama became even more complex.
Could someone who could be friends with Mr. KING be a simple A-Class Hero?
Lin Mo was inwardly suffering, but outwardly he maintained his aloof demeanor, nodding slightly to Saitama as a greeting, then sat down in the empty seat next to them.
"Mr. KING, after the meeting, want to come to my place to play the latest game? I just snagged the limited edition yesterday!"
Saitama completely ignored the strange atmosphere around them, enthusiastically extending the invitation.
"Hmm? When did this bald guy get so rich?" Lin Mo glanced at Saitama with a hint of surprise, silently wondering, but said nothing more.