After hearing Louis's question, the receptionist took a deep breath and said nervously,
"Sir Emperor, please don't worry. That sound you heard—it's the 'Return Melody' President Agoni set up for you and Mr. Blast. It was made so that, if either of you ever returned after a long disappearance, everyone would be alerted to welcome you properly!"
Louis stood silent for a moment, speechless.
"Sir Emperor, please wait here for a moment," the receptionist added. "I believe high-ranking officials will come soon to greet you."
Louis nodded slightly and asked, "Is Mr. Agoni still the president of the association?"
He already had a feeling about the answer but wanted to confirm it.
"For health reasons, Mr. Agoni has stepped down from his position," the receptionist replied. "The new president is his eldest son."
' So, the Hero Association has become a family business now,' Louis muttered with a sigh.
Soon, the sound of many footsteps echoed from within the building.
One after another, high-ranking members of the Hero Association appeared.
The first man to step forward was a fat, middle-aged man who resembled Agoni slightly—it was clear he was the current president.
"Sir Emperor!" he called out.
From afar, President spotted Louis and rushed toward him.
Although Louis looked younger, the president showed no hesitation in addressing him respectfully.
"You've finally returned!" he said, his face full of excitement.
Behind him, a group of senior officials bowed deeply and greeted in unison,
"Welcome back, Sir Emperor!"
Their formation alone made the nearby staff freeze in shock.
The entire lobby went silent for a few moments—until people began to realize who this man truly was.
After two years of disappearance, the strongest man on earth had reappeared at the Hero Association headquarters.
It was worth remembering that after his inauguration two years ago, Louis had never once visited the headquarters again.
And with the constant rise of new heroes in the past two years, many had almost forgotten he even existed.
"Sir Emperor, this isn't a good place to talk. Please, come with me to my office," the president said politely.
Louis nodded. After such a warm welcome, he couldn't refuse the invitation and followed them toward the private elevator.
After Louis left, the receptionist remained frozen in place, her heart still racing.
"Sir Emperor... he's so handsome!" she whispered.
Her coworkers quickly surrounded her, asking endless questions about the Emperor's appearance.
President's Office
Louis sat down on the couch and looked at the president beside him.
"It's been a long time since I last saw your father. How is Mr. Agoni doing?"
The president replied quickly, "Thank you for your concern, Sir Emperor. My father is currently resting and recovering."
"Oh?" Louis said politely. "Please give him my regards. If it's convenient, I'd like to visit him later."
The president smiled. "He already knows you've returned. He'll be delighted to see you again."
Louis smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
As the two talked, news of the Emperor's return—
the Hero Association's ultimate trump card, the strongest man on earth, S-Class Rank 7—
spread like wildfire.
Within minutes, the entire association was thrown into chaos, as if struck by an earthquake.
Heroes across the country, even those fighting monsters far away, heard the news.
The world of heroes and monsters alike was soon buzzing with noise and fear.
Meanwhile, in the president's office, Louis continued his calm conversation.
After some small talk, Louis asked, "Has the association investigated the recent surge in monster activity?"
Hearing that, the president's expression turned awkward.
"All I know," he said, "is that most of these monsters have formed their own organization. They're preparing to fight against us, but… we haven't learned much about them."
Louis frowned. "The president doesn't even know where their base is? With my return, if we launch a decisive strike, we could wipe them out instantly."
The president looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Sir Emperor. The association still hasn't located their headquarters."
' What kind of incompetent organization is this? ' Louis sighed softly.
At that moment, a sudden knock knock knock came from the door.
The sound was urgent.
The president frowned—he had already told his secretary not to disturb them during this meeting.
Yet she dared to knock?
"Come in," he said firmly.
The secretary entered, her expression anxious.
The president asked irritably, "What is it?"