"Be... Beyond Dragon-level?!"
Child Emperor's pupils constricted slightly, he seemed unable to believe his own ears.
As everyone knows, anything above Dragon-level is God-level, a disaster capable of wiping out all of humanity.
"King-san, are you sure?"
Sekingar felt his legs trembling, he never expected the Monster Association to possess such a terrifying existence.
"I have already exchanged blows with him, though he can at most be considered Demigod-level. If he were to fully step into God-level, the outcome would be hard to predict." King's expression was grave.
The other S-Class Heroes looked at each other, unable to hide the shock in their eyes.
'Exchanging blows with a monster beyond Dragon-level and retreating unscathed...'
Thinking of this, Sekingar couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
Although the enemy was very powerful, they had King on their side.
"King, could you describe the specific situation inside the Monster Association? Although I have detected their location and the nest's model, I still cannot find exactly where the boss is hiding."
Child Emperor tapped on his keyboard, and a 3D model appeared on the conference table.
Dozens of tunnels extended from the surface deep underground. The entire Monster Association looked like a giant tree growing deep beneath the earth.
"There are about ten Dragon-level monsters, and the rest are cannon fodder, numbering over a thousand."
"The leader of the Monster Association is Monster King Orochi. His strength is preliminarily estimated to be beyond Dragon-level and should not be underestimated."
King didn't care much about the intelligence regarding the Monster Association. Being able to reduce the Hero Association's losses was certainly a good thing but he wouldn't reveal everything. If he appeared to know too much, it would make others suspicious.
"Monster King Orochi?"
Child Emperor instantly grasped the key point. He believed that as long as the leader was defeated, the Monster Association would surely crumble on its own.
"Correct. If you encounter him alone, just focus on running for your lives." King suggested sincerely.
Among the entire Hero Association, the only one currently capable of contending with Orochi was likely Tatsumaki. However, if a battle actually occurred, even Tatsumaki would likely struggle, as there were limitations to her using her psychic powers. With so many heroes inside the Monster Association, as well as the hostages that needed to be rescued, Tatsumaki simply couldn't go all out.
"Hey! Do you mean to underestimate me?"
Upon hearing this, Tatsumaki flared up again, but this time, King explained, "No. There are two hostages underground, you cannot fully unleash your psychic powers. Once you are held back while facing a powerful enemy, you will inevitably fall into a disadvantage."
"Hmph! That's more like it."
Tatsumaki pondered for a moment and felt that what King said made quite a bit of sense. However, for some reason, she kept feeling that King resembled another person, even though that person was often glib.
"King, do you mean there are two hostages in the Monster Association?"
Child Emperor's words drew everyone's attention, as the information they had received all along was that the Monster Association had kidnapped Waganma as a hostage.
"Yes, the other hostage..."
"I know. The other person must be the B-Class Hero, Dark Mask."
Before King could finish speaking, Sekingar immediately spoke up.
"What? Has another hero been captured?"
Child Emperor was somewhat surprised, but he was worried sick.
The Monster Association's purpose in taking hostages was to lure heroes over for rescue, they didn't need that many people. Especially since Dark Mask had once killed quite a few monsters. It was highly likely he would become the target of the Monster Association's venting, and his chances of survival were slim.
"Are you sure?"
Upon hearing that the person captured was Dark Mask, Tatsumaki's expression instantly turned serious.
"It should be correct. Ever since the battle with Elder Centipede, Dark Mask has disappeared. He had thwarted the Monster Association's operations twice before, so it is highly likely he was captured." Sekingar analyzed carefully.
Tatsumaki subconsciously activated her Psychokinesis. "Fine. I will rescue him personally."
Regarding Dark Mask, Tatsumaki acknowledged him deep down, though she had some doubts about his identity.
"That point is open to debate, we shall see how things develop when the time comes."
Child Emperor's words provoked dissatisfaction from the other heroes.
"Heroes must be saved, of course. What are you worried about, Child Emperor?"
Atomic Samurai found it unbelievable. Logically speaking, this kind of thing was only natural.
"Child Emperor, if you are worried about splitting up our combat strength, just leave it all to me. I have fought side-by-side with Dark Mask. I swear on the sweater my ex-boyfriend knitted for me, I will definitely rescue him safe and sound." Puri-Puri Prisoner clenched his fists, looking full of determination.
'You rescue me? Forget it, I'd rather not come back.' King felt somewhat powerless to retort.
Couldn't these people just listen to him finish speaking?
"No. If he is still a hero, then of course we must rescue him at all costs." Child Emperor shook his head slightly.
Tatsumaki seemed to understand something. "If that guy has truly fallen to the point of joining the ranks of the monsters, I will absolutely not show mercy."
Her Psychokinesis slowly withdrew, she seemed to understand that the current situation was not optimistic.
"I think you have all misunderstood. The one who was captured is not a hero, but a little boy." King's words drew everyone's attention once again.
"What? King, are you sure?" Child Emperor frowned, seemingly curious as to why King knew so much detail.
And since he had discovered it, why didn't he step in to save him?
"I saw him being captured with my own eyes, but unfortunately, I was besieged by other monsters at the time and couldn't attend to anything else. This matter is my fault." King's expression was calm.
Child Emperor suddenly realized, feeling somewhat ashamed for a moment.
"I'm sorry, King. That is not what I meant. It is already amazing that you were able to escape from so many powerful monsters."
"That's right, King. Don't be discouraged. This time, we are determined to wipe out the Monster Association completely." Superalloy Darkshine flexed his incredibly solid muscles and struck a pose.
Child Emperor instructed with a serious expression, "However, this doesn't mean Dark Mask isn't in there. How about this: after we go in, everyone will search separately."
"It would be best to extract more information from the monsters, confirm the location of all hostages, and then communicate via the communicators."
"I will arrange for personnel to carry out the rescue. Once you discover a monster you cannot resist, prioritize your own safety above all else."
Everyone present was a super-powerful combat force from the Hero Association, and they usually fought as solo units. But the enemy they were facing this time was stronger than ever before, if it was truly as the intelligence provided by King stated.
If the Monster Association possessed an existence beyond Dragon-level, then one careless move could risk the entire Hero Association being wiped out.
But fortunately, they had King on their side, and he had already exchanged blows with the opponent.
When the time comes, as long as all forces are assembled, they will still have the strength to fight.
"Everyone!"
Sekingar suddenly interrupted Child Emperor's speech, looking around the room.
"The ground reserve team has fully assembled!"