Hero Association Headquarters
Inside a huge conference room, a video was playing on a large screen.
The footage was recent — it showed details about the monsters that Saitama was supposed to have defeated.
However, the man always found at the battle scenes was someone completely different.
Louis had been using King's luck, he always appears after Saitama's battles with the monsters, and saving King from danger. Each time, Louis became the "hero" everyone saw.
If Saitama ever found out that someone was shamelessly stealing his achievements, he would surely explode with anger.
But then again — who told him to leave the scene every time without making sure someone recognized him?
This heroic habit of his cost him dearly, as the incompetent Hero Association still didn't know how strong he really was.
After the video ended, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
The footage showed that some of the monsters were classified as Demon-level, even close to Dragon-level threats.
Every high-ranking member of the Association frowned and looked serious.
At the end of the video, a photo appeared — a young man in his mid-twenties, his face handsome yet sharp.
His eyes carried a cold, intimidating presence.
He was the one who had defeated those monsters — the same man who had once refused to take the Hero Association's entry exam, claiming they were not qualified to test him.
Now, this same man was defeating monsters that even A-Class Heroes struggled to handle.
With his growing reputation among the public and witnesses, the Association could no longer ignore him.
The meeting room fell silent.
After a long pause, an old, heavyset man finally spoke.
"Why wasn't I informed about such a powerful individual? If not for the rumors spreading among civilians, I wouldn't have known about him at all!"
He slammed the table. "Someone capable of defeating Demon and Dragon-level monsters with a single punch isn't just strong — he's beyond the scale of S-Class heroes! I want an explanation!"
His voice echoed across the room.
Everyone looked uneasy.
Some appeared nervous, others embarrassed, some worried, and a few were secretly pleased.
They all knew that power within the Hero Association was political — every promotion, every recruitment came with personal interests.
Even the Hero Association wasn't as united as it looked.
After a while, the director in charge of hero testing stood up nervously and bowed.
"Mr. President, this is indeed a failure on our part. But please remember — the strict evaluation process for new heroes was part of your own founding policy."
The president frowned. He did remember saying that long ago… but as a leader, he couldn't possibly admit fault.
"Yes, the tests should be strict," he said coldly. "But you must not overlook true talent! Now, when monsters are multiplying and our cities are in constant danger, you choose to ignore someone like him? I am deeply disappointed!"
The director bowed again, lowering his head.
"I'm sorry, sir. Please calm down. I'll make it right immediately."
"How?" the president demanded sharply. "You've already disappointed me once. I won't give you another chance."
The man named Ida thought for a moment before answering:
"After returning, I'll re-evaluate Mr. Emperor's test results. Given his strength, I believe he can easily earn a proper hero rank—once he agrees to take the exam."
The president narrowed his eyes. "Did you forget? He already refused to take our test once. Do you really think he'll accept it now, even if you go to him personally?"
Ida blinked in surprise. "Sir, what do you mean? Are you suggesting we give him an S-Class rank directly, without any test?"
The others in the room gasped.
"Mr. President, we can't hand out an S-Class title so recklessly!"
"President, although this 'Emperor' seems strong, he hasn't shown any loyalty to the Association."
"That's right, sir — please reconsider!"
The president raised his hand to quiet them.
"These are extraordinary times," he said firmly. "Monster attacks are becoming more frequent. Perhaps there's even a greater conspiracy forming in the shadows. Strength alone isn't enough — we need powerful symbols to unite people. Exceptional times require exceptional promotion."
The room fell silent again.
He was right.
Lately, monster attacks had increased drastically. Entire cities were being destroyed, civilians killed by the dozens.
They desperately needed a powerful hero to bring hope — someone the public could look up to.
One by one, the objections disappeared.
Satisfied, the president smiled.
"Good. I'll also personally organize a media campaign to promote the 'Emperor's' achievements and strength."
He raised his hand. "Let's vote. Those in favor, raise your hands."
He raised his own hand first.
His close allies followed. Then, after a few moments of hesitation, the others began raising their hands as well — some willingly, some reluctantly.
In the end, everyone's hand was up.
The decision was unanimous.
"Excellent," said the president, nodding with approval.
He turned toward one of the directors. "According to the reports, Emperor often visits a gaming café in City M. You'll be responsible for inviting him — and remember, treat him with respect."
"Of course, sir! I won't disappoint you!"
Then the president looked at the head of public relations.
"You'll handle the media exposure. Increase his visibility on TV and news outlets. Make sure everyone knows his name. Use titles like 'The Strongest Man Alive' or 'King of Heroes.' If he truly possesses this power, we must use it to its fullest."
And so, how was born the most powerful hero in the history of mankind, whose name will be remembered for generations.