'System, how do I remove this weakened state?' King asked helplessly while on his way to the Hero Association headquarters.
Right now, he could be said to have zero combat power. He would likely reveal flaws immediately if he were to fight anyone.
[It currently requires one week.]
'One week? That's too long.' King felt somewhat helpless.
He feared that immediately after this combat meeting, the all-out attack on the Monster Association would commence. If he could not recover, he would be almost completely useless, and what was worse, Child Emperor would definitely make him deal with Dragon-level monsters.
'Do I have to rely on the Strongest Summoning Technique again?'
King shook his head. Wasn't his goal in struggling and sparing no cost to get to where he was today to appear before the world upright and make his title as the strongest legitimate?
[Ding! Using Talent Power and increasing the progress of Hero's Heart can shorten the recovery time.]
The system offered a suggestion but King was a pauper now, his Talent Points had been cleared to zero.
'Forget it, I'll take it one step at a time.'
King looked up. The business vehicle was about to enter A-City, where the heroes' crusade against the Monster Association would begin.
—
"I am now sending the map to everyone. Because it has been confirmed that there are many entrances, everyone needs to enter separately. Next, I will assign the routes..."
Child Emperor sent the map to the S-Class Heroes present, simultaneously marking each entrance.
"We finally managed to get together, but in the end, we still have to fight separately?"
Superalloy Darkshine appeared somewhat regretful.
After all, a group battle with so many S-Class Heroes was rarely seen.
"It is the same on the Monster Association side. Group combat makes it very easy to fall into the opponent's trap, with the risk of being completely wiped out." Child Emperor analyzed.
"In order to keep track of each other's positions, everyone must wear a transmitter."
"The priority for this mission is to rescue the hostages, so try to engage in short-term battles as much as possible. Once you find the hostages, report it immediately."
"As for the surface, I will have the reserve team stand by there. If any monsters escape from underground, leave them to them."
Child Emperor methodically explained the plan, and many of the S-Class Heroes expressed their agreement.
"Regarding the members of the reserve team, I have already assigned those with higher combat power there. They should be able to easily deal with any monster below Demon-level." Sekingar spoke up.
He was very satisfied with Child Emperor's plan. However, this mission was crucial, even concerning the survival of all humanity. Success was mandatory, and failure was not an option.
"Has King been contacted?" Child Emperor asked.
He had arranged for King to be the core of this battle.
"He has been contacted, he should be arriving soon." Sekingar thought of that man and couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
"With him here, there will surely be no problems."
...
King, who was on his way to A-City, was sitting in the car with his eyes closed, resting, but at this moment, he suddenly felt a wave of malice.
"Hmm? A monster?" King opened his eyes abruptly.
Ever since he acquired Monsterization, his perception of malice had become extremely sensitive. Especially monsters, as long as they appeared nearby, they could not escape his perception.
"King-san, what's wrong?" A Hero Association staff member asked with confusion.
"There are at least two Demon-level monsters nearby." King's expression was serious.
The two staff members were shocked to hear this.
"I will report to the Association immediately."
The two of them trusted King unconditionally.
"No need, I will go and deal with them myself. You two should return to headquarters first. I will head over there myself after I finish."
Just as King finished speaking, without giving the two a chance to talk, he shot out of the car, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
"This... what should we do? How will we explain this when we get back?"
"Let's do this: I will report to Sekingar first. It's just two Demon-level Monsters. With King-san's strength, he can take care of them in the blink of an eye."
After leaving the convoy, King immediately put on a black mask. It was not convenient for him to reveal his true identity at this moment.
"I sense a familiar aura... Garou!" The corners of King's lips curled up slightly.
Although his injuries had not fully recovered yet, he was already able to use a little Psychokinesis.
...
In the plaza, two monsters were looking at Garou with sinister eyes.
"We have received orders from Gyoro Gyoro to monitor your actions, Garou."
A humanoid monster appeared, wrapped in bandages, with two blades gleaming with cold light where his hands should be, his eyes revealing cruel killing intent.
"If you want to become a member of the Monster Association, you must completely abandon your human identity."
"Garou, we saw with our own eyes that you saved that child. You must kill him with your own hands now to regain our trust."
The humanoid insect monster, covered in spikes, stared coldly at the human boy hiding behind Garou.
In reality, they had both received orders from Gyoro Gyoro to judge whether Garou was truly sincere in submitting to the Monster Association.
"Stand up, Tareo! Don't think that someone will come to save you just because you're crying!" Garou's eyes were grave.
His injuries had not fully recovered, fighting two Demon-level Monsters right now did not give him much of an advantage.
Demon-level Monster, Royal Ripper!
Demon-level Monster, Bug God!
Not far away, King watched the situation in the arena with a calm expression, not in a rush to make a move.
'Although I have accumulated some strength, if I force a move, my body will quickly collapse. For me, there is only one chance.'
He had to seek an opportunity for a one-hit kill. Otherwise, even if he could win, he wouldn't be able to guarantee their death.
[Ding! Mission triggered: Kill the Peak Demon-level Royal Ripper. Reward: 10,000 Talent Points, one random talent.]
[Ding! Mission triggered: Kill the Peak Demon-level Bug God. Reward: 10,000 Talent Points, one random talent.]
Bang!
Royal Ripper launched an attack on Garou first, but the offensive was easily neutralized by Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
"It seems you have already treated us as enemies."
"You talk about hunting heroes, but in the end, you haven't even killed a single person. You really are a weak guy."
Killing intent flashed in the eyes of Royal Ripper and Bug God, they now had sufficient reason to kill Garou.
"What I hate the most is your attitude."
A smile appeared on the corner of Garou's lips as he set his hands into the stance of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
Rumble!
In the battlefield, violent explosions rang out continuously.
As the three figures crossed each other frantically, Garou fought with increasing courage.