Sol closed his eyes, his breathing slow and steady, appearing as though he had fallen asleep.
Sunlight streamed through the French windows, casting peaceful shadows across his well-defined features.
Gods did not require sleep, but Sol enjoyed moments of complete relaxation, especially when Tatsumaki was beside him.
Suddenly, the communicator watch resting on the armrest vibrated softly. A small holographic projection appeared, revealing Child Emperor's slightly anxious expression.
"Mr. Sol, I apologize for disturbing you."
"Ms. Psykos from the Monster Association, along with her main cadres and Muzan's group, has arrived at headquarters for the exchange."
"Currently, both sides are confronting each other in the third lounge, and the atmosphere... is not very harmonious. Do you think it is necessary to..."
"Hmm, I understand."
Sol slowly sat up and stretched his neck.
Tatsumaki snorted, tossed her magazine aside, and floated upward with her arms crossed.
The two of them instantly appeared at the entrance of the headquarters' third lounge.
Inside the enormous circular room, the scene was striking.
On one side stood the Monster Association's forces, led by Psykos, Gouketsu, and Black Sperm. Beside them stood Muzan, wearing a kimono with an elegant yet feminine appearance, along with his Upper Rank Demons.
Opposite them were the Hero Association's S-Class Heroes, represented by Bang, Tanktop Master, and Metal Bat. Gojo Satoru and his students stood nearby, clearly observing the situation as spectators.
The two groups remained separated across the wide space. An invisible pressure filled the room, causing even the atmosphere itself to feel heavy.
The tense silence instantly changed when Sol and Tatsumaki arrived.
The pressure faded, replaced by complete silence.
Every person in the lounge turned their attention toward the two figures standing at the entrance.
Psykos quickly stepped forward, the gaze behind her glasses filled with restrained excitement.
"Lord Sol!"
The Monster Association cadres behind her lowered their heads slightly in respect.
Muzan and the Upper Rank Demons lowered themselves onto one knee. Their posture remained elegant, but the depths of their crimson eyes displayed absolute obedience toward their "Progenitor."
On the Hero Association's side, Metal Bat and the others quietly relaxed.
They were not afraid of fighting, but Sol's arrival ensured that this exchange would remain within reasonable limits.
Sol calmly swept his gaze across the entire room, observing the reactions of both sides before finally looking toward Psykos.
"Everyone is here."
His voice contained no emotion, yet it clearly reached every person present.
"To the training ground."
There were no unnecessary questions, only a direct command.
"Yes, Lord Sol."
"Yes, Mr. Sol."
Both sides responded at the same time, as if the previous conflict and hostility had never occurred.
The group then moved together toward the headquarters' largest comprehensive training ground.
The enormous silver-gray facility automatically adjusted its environment upon their arrival, creating a reinforced alloy combat platform surrounded by a powerful energy barrier.
Sol and Tatsumaki appeared directly on the observation deck, where comfortable seats had already been prepared.
Tatsumaki floated beside her seat as usual, holding her rainbow jellyfish plushie. Her emerald eyes contained a faint trace of amusement.
Sol sat down casually, his dark red eyes looking toward the battlefield below as though he was watching a performance about to begin.
Child Emperor and Zombieman handled the coordination, quickly establishing the rules for the exchange.
One-on-one practical battles, with matches ending before serious injuries occurred. Sol would act as the final judge.
Of course, everyone understood that his decision would determine the outcome regardless of the battle itself. The exchange was more a demonstration of strength and authority than a true competition.
"First match, who's up?"
Metal Bat could no longer contain his excitement. He jumped onto the combat platform, resting his bat on his shoulder before pointing it toward the Monster Association's side.
"Send someone strong!"
From the Monster Association's group, the massive and heavily muscled Gouketsu stepped forward.
"Arrogant brat, I'll fight you."
Each step he took caused the ground to tremble slightly, his overwhelming presence spreading across the battlefield.
"Use the simulated battlefield."
Sol's calm voice came from the observation deck, carrying unquestionable authority.
Child Emperor immediately operated the control panel.
Two beams of light appeared at the center of the platform, scanning Metal Bat and Gouketsu.
"Consciousness transfer to the simulated space is complete. Physical damage will be reflected proportionally, but there is no danger to life. Preparing to begin."
Metal Bat and Gouketsu had no objections. Both closed their eyes at the same time.
A massive holographic projection unfolded in the center of the training ground, displaying the simulated battlefield.
A ruined canyon appeared before them, filled with broken terrain and endless destruction.
Metal Bat moved his neck, feeling his body and weapon. Everything felt identical to reality.
He grinned.
"This thing is pretty exciting! Big guy, don't get knocked out by me in one hit."
Gouketsu twisted his thick neck, the sound of cracking bones echoing through the battlefield.
"Ignorant brat. I will make you understand that in the face of absolute power, your arrogance means nothing."
He stomped heavily on the ground.
His massive body exploded forward with astonishing speed, instantly closing the distance between them.
His fist, larger than a millstone, descended with enough force to tear through the air.
"Bring it on!"
Metal Bat refused to retreat.
His eyes burned with fighting spirit as he gripped the bottom of his bat with both hands and swung upward with all his strength.
He used no complicated techniques.
Instead, he gathered his growing momentum and his entire physical strength into a single strike, choosing the most direct collision of power.