Sol Mirek watched Zenil's retreating back, a cold glint flashing briefly in his eyes.
He turned to Chairman Sitch and spoke in a steady tone.
"I believe the immediate priority is dealing with the Armored Monster as quickly as possible. Our decisions should not be influenced by the emotions of the shareholders."
Tatsumaki floated lazily in the air, her curly green hair swaying slightly.
"Hmph. Finally someone said something sensible. That bald shareholder is seriously annoying."
Bang stroked his beard and nodded.
"Sol is right. Instead of scattering our forces to protect individual tycoons, it would be wiser to concentrate our strength and deal with the monster directly."
Sitch adjusted his glasses and looked around the room.
"Does anyone have a specific proposal?"
Sol placed his clasped hands on the table.
"I suggest forming a special task force composed of three or four S-Class heroes. Since the Armored Monster openly challenged the Hero Association, we should give him exactly what he wants, a direct confrontation."
Metal Bat rested his baseball bat on his shoulder.
"Sounds good to me. Count me in."
Tanktop Master clenched his fist against his chest, which still ached faintly.
"I'll join too. I still haven't settled the score from last time."
Bang nodded calmly.
"This old man would also like to witness the strength of this Armored Monster."
Tatsumaki drifted forward until she was floating directly in front of Sol, looking down at him.
"Rookie, you're not trying to steal all the credit, are you?"
Sol met her gaze calmly, a faint playful smile tugging at his lips.
"I just want this threat handled quickly. But if Miss Tatsumaki joins us, our chances improve dramatically."
Tatsumaki snorted.
"Hmph. At least you understand that much."
She floated back toward her seat.
Chairman Sitch looked around the table before nodding with satisfaction.
"Very well. The special task force will consist of Sol Mirek, Bang, Tanktop Master, and Metal Bat. Tatsumaki will serve as mobile support."
"Tch. Boring," Tatsumaki muttered, though she still accepted the arrangement.
Sol stood up, his gaze firm.
"We begin operations tonight. The search will start in City Z."
---
After the meeting ended, Sol stood alone on the rooftop of the Hero Association headquarters, overlooking the vast skyline of City A. The last light of the sunset reflected across the buildings, casting a warm glow over his calm expression. His black combat suit shifted slightly in the evening wind.
"What are you thinking about?"
Bang's voice came from behind him.
Sol did not turn around.
"Teacher, what do you think the Armored Monster's true goal is?"
Bang walked up beside him, slowly stroking his beard.
"This old man has lived a long life, but this is the first time I've seen a monster that specifically searches for heroes to fight."
Sol paused deliberately.
"Maybe he's searching for something."
Internally, Sol felt a hint of frustration. He had already caused a massive disturbance. The Monster Association should have noticed by now. Yet there had been no contact. No recruitment attempt. Nothing.
Bang looked toward the distant skyline thoughtfully.
"Searching for something? Perhaps. But regardless of his purpose, we will stop him."
Sol nodded.
"You're right, Teacher. Once the team gathers tonight, we'll eliminate the Armored Monster."
Bang gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Be careful."
He suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right. How is that notebook progressing?"
He was referring to the martial arts notebook he had given Sol earlier.
Sol smiled slightly.
"I'm still studying it. Especially the Exploding Heart Release Fist on the final page. I've almost finished analyzing it."
Bang's expression became slightly strange.
"It's good that you're... almost finished."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully. As expected, Sol had already grasped the Exploding Heart Release Fist. He might have even improved it. Still, that was not necessarily a bad thing as long as the boy used it responsibly.
Bang cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Well, just skim through that one. Focus mainly on the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."
Sol's eyes glinted slightly.
Did his teacher want him to combine the two techniques?
He nodded with a knowing smile.
"Don't worry, Teacher. I'll focus on the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."
The sunset slowly faded as the master and student walked down from the rooftop together.
---
Night soon fell.
Inside the Hero Association branch in City Z, five figures gathered.
Metal Bat impatiently tapped his bat against the floor.
"So when do we start? My sister's waiting for me at home."
Tanktop Master stood with his arms crossed. The bandages wrapped around his chest were clearly visible under the bright lights.
"Relax. Wait for Sol to assign the tasks."
Sol stood before a projection screen displaying a map of City Z. His finger lightly tapped the central business district.
"According to the latest intelligence, the Armored Monster has appeared twice within the urban area."
"Tonight we will focus on three key locations: the commercial street, residential districts, and the city center."
He turned to face them.
"The five of us should stay within reasonable distance of one another so we can provide immediate support."
Sol pointed at the map again.
"We will split into two groups."
"Teacher Bang and I will patrol the commercial street. Tanktop Master and Metal Bat will handle the residential areas."
Tatsumaki floated nearby, her green curls gently swaying.
"What about me?"
Sol glanced up at her.
"Miss Tatsumaki will act as mobile support and patrol the center of City Z. If the target appears anywhere, you'll be able to arrive faster than anyone else."
Tatsumaki crossed her arms.
"Hmph. Reasonable."
Metal Bat stood up, resting the bat on his shoulder.
"Alright, let's get moving. The sooner we finish, the sooner I can head home. My sister will nag me if I'm late."
Tanktop Master patted his chest confidently.
"My injuries are almost healed. This time I'll definitely get my revenge."
Bang nodded approvingly.
"Sol, your plan is well thought out. But remember, if you encounter the monster, notify everyone first. Do not act recklessly."
"Understood."
Sol shut off the projection screen.
"Keep your communicators open and report your status every thirty minutes."
The five heroes exited the building and separated, each heading toward their assigned patrol zones.
As night deepened, the commercial street of City Z was even busier than during the day. Bright neon lights illuminated the lively night market while vendors loudly advertised their food and merchandise.
Sol and Bang walked side by side along the crowded street.
"Teacher," Sol said casually, "do you think the Armored Monster will appear tonight?"
Bang slowly stroked his beard while scanning the surroundings.
"Hard to say. But since he openly challenged the heroes, he likely will not stay hidden for long."
Metal Bat's voice suddenly came through the communicator.
"Hey, everything's quiet in the residential area. Not even a stray monster."
Sol replied calmly.
"Commercial street is clear as well."
He checked the time.
"Teacher, let's split up for better efficiency. I'll patrol the East District while you take the West District."
Bang nodded.
"Alright. Contact me immediately if something happens."
They separated at the center of the commercial street.
Sol walked alone toward the East District, the neon lights stretching his shadow across the pavement as he moved through the lively night crowd.
===
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