Sol was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Saitama, can you do me a favor?"
"No borrowing money," Saitama replied instantly.
"It's not that," Sol said with a light chuckle. "I want you to punch me."
Saitama finally turned, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Huh?"
"A serious one," Sol stood up and rolled his shoulders. "Use your Serious Punch."
Saitama stared at him. "Are you insane? You'll die."
"No, I won't." Sol unzipped his trench coat, revealing the black combat suit underneath. Strange red patterns spread across his skin as armor formed over his body. "My defense is strong, and I need to get stronger."
Saitama stood and dusted off his pants. "Why?"
"The Hero Association is rotten," Sol said, his tone lowering. "I need power to change it."
Saitama nodded slightly. "Then why not let me handle them?"
Sol smiled, relaxed as ever. "Because this is mine to deal with. You're strong, but some things aren't yours to finish."
Saitama scratched his head. "Fine. If you die, don't blame me."
He took a simple stance. Nothing about it looked special, yet every instinct in Sol's body screamed danger. Even with his defense, the pressure was overwhelming.
"Ready?" Saitama asked.
Sol took a steady breath, muscles tightening. "Go ahead."
Saitama pulled back his fist.
For a brief instant, everything felt still.
"Killer Move: Serious Series, Serious Punch."
A violent shockwave exploded outward.
Sol didn't even register the movement before he was launched backward like a projectile. He tore through the air at extreme speed, leaving a long trail behind him.
Blood burst from his mouth. Cracks spread across his armor as his entire body groaned under the impact. It felt like an unstoppable spear had collided with an unbreakable shield, both pushing to their limits.
His body slammed into the surface of the moon, carving out a massive crater.
For a moment, everything went quiet.
Sol lay embedded in lunar rock, staring at the distant Earth.
He coughed, blood spilling from his lips. Pain surged through his body, bones fractured, vision shaking.
Then, in an instant, everything healed.
"Absolute Power evolution conditions met."
"Begin evolution?"
A grin spread across his face.
"Worth it."
"Evolution in progress: 10% complete."
"Ability: Absolute Power."
"With the limiter removed, the host's power will increase continuously without limit after full evolution."
Sol bent his legs slightly, then pushed off.
The moon's surface shattered beneath him as he launched himself back toward Earth.
He cut through the atmosphere in a blazing arc, adjusting his posture mid-flight before landing cleanly on Saitama's rooftop.
"Saitama, thanks," Sol said, brushing dust off his coat as if nothing had happened.
Saitama was still crouched at the edge. "You're actually fine. Want to spar?"
"No," Sol replied, walking over and sitting beside him. "I came to say goodbye."
"Oh." Saitama glanced at him. "Where to?"
"The Monster Association."
Saitama scratched his head. "You coming back for dinner?"
Sol let out a small laugh. "Probably not. I might be busy for a while."
"I see." Saitama stood up. "Then bring me something when you're back."
"I will."
Sol paused briefly, then added, "If you hear things about me later…"
"I don't care," Saitama waved it off. "Just remember the yakiniku."
Sol smiled, then turned and jumped off the rooftop.
He could already tear through the Hero Association alone if he wanted. But both heroes and monsters had abilities worth taking. Relying only on exchange value would be inefficient. It was better to gather everything directly and look into the matter of "God" along the way.
As evening fell, Sol followed the instructions he received and arrived at an abandoned subway station in Z-City. The air was damp, thick with rust and decay. Rats scattered into the darkness as he stepped forward.
"You're right on time," a voice called out.
A figure in a large bird costume stepped out from the shadows. It was Phoenix Man.
Sol gave a slight nod. "Lead the way."
Phoenix Man bowed theatrically and pushed open a concealed door, revealing a spiral staircase descending underground.
They moved deeper. The air grew heavier. Hidden cameras and pressure triggers lined the walls, but to Sol, they were meaningless.
"Orochi-sama is very interested in you," Phoenix Man said as they walked. "Especially after you took down that alien monster alone."
Sol kept moving. "Information leaks fast."
"We have our ways," Phoenix Man replied proudly.
They finally arrived.
A massive underground space opened before him. A cold wind carried the scent of blood. Monsters of all shapes filled the area. Some fought, others talked, creating an unsettling but organized scene.
"Welcome to the Monster Association headquarters," Phoenix Man announced. "The strongest monsters gather here."
Sol stepped forward, a faint smile forming.
Then he released his presence.
A crushing force spread instantly.
The entire space felt compressed, the air turning heavy. Conversations stopped. Every monster froze, fear replacing their previous confidence.
"What is this…" one muttered, legs trembling before collapsing to its knees.
"Even worse than Orochi…" another whispered, curling into itself.
Sweat formed under Phoenix Man's suit as he forced a smile. "Sol… what is this?"
Sol ignored him.
His red eyes swept across the hall. Anyone caught in his gaze felt their breath tighten, their bodies locking up. Some fainted on the spot.
After a moment, Sol withdrew the pressure.
He looked around at the monsters now kneeling or collapsed.
"Much better."