A few seconds later, the communicator projected a blurry holographic image.
"Gyoro Gyoro!" Sitch's voice was filled with suppressed fury. "What is the meaning of this? You talk about cooperation, then turn around and attack our facility, abduct a key prisoner! Is this your idea of good faith?"
In the holographic image, Gyoro Gyoro's voice remained steady and low. "Director Sitch, please calm down. Regarding the abduction of Garou, we were indeed aware and provided some assistance."
"What? You dare admit it?"
"We see great potential in Garou," Gyoro Gyoro stated frankly. "We believe he could become a significant force against that No.17 in the upcoming [Earth Games]."
"So you disregard the cooperation agreement?"
Gyoro Gyoro spoke slowly. "The ultimate goal of cooperation is to defeat No.17, eliminate the crisis. Rescuing Garou is part of that."
Sitch's voice turned cold. "Then what about the recent monster attacks on D-City and E-City? What do you call that?"
"Regarding those attacks..." Gyoro Gyoro paused. "I want to reiterate: the Monster Association can only be responsible for monsters 'registered and recognized within our Association.'"
"Just like your Hero Association can't control every human with power on Earth from committing crimes."
"Most of those carrying out attacks are uncontrollable wild monsters or radical factions dissatisfied with our Association. Their actions are unrelated to us."
Sitch sneered. "Then how do I know which monsters are registered with your Association? Unless you share the list with us."
Gyoro Gyoro shook its head. "That won't do. Monsters are generally quite sensitive. If they feel betrayed by the Association, it could cause major problems."
Just then, an indicator light on Sitch's desk lit up.
He said gravely, "It's Metal Knight. Looks like Bang's communication with him has yielded results."
Gyoro Gyoro's eyes glowed. "Is that so? I look forward to it."
Sitch opened a channel to Metal Knight.
A cold, synthesized electronic voice spoke: "I can return the space pirate's body, but there is one condition the Monster Association must abide by."
"Do not, in any way, hinder or interfere with the 'consciousness shackle' program I implanted in that space pirate's cerebral cortex."
"Otherwise, the first thing that space pirate will do upon revival is destroy us."
Gyoro Gyoro responded quickly. "Agreed. We can accept that."
…
Deepest beneath the Monster Association, in a vast space concealed by layers of rock.
At the center of the space was an altar constructed of dark red, strange metal and luminous crystals.
Energy channels like blood vessels flowed across the altar's surface, converging toward a central depression.
Now, a mutilated body lay within that depression.
A strange energy, emanating from deep underground, carrying the aura of an ancient 'God', frantically poured into the cold corpse.
"Gyaaaah!"
The deathly still body suddenly arched.
Under the pale blue skin, muscles writhed and regenerated like living things.
Missing limbs grew back at a visible rate. Terrifying energy fluctuations erupted from him like a tsunami, shaking the entire underground space.
"Huff... huff..." The reborn Boros knelt on one knee, gasping heavily, each breath causing ripples of energy in the space.
He raised his newly grown hands, looking at the powerful yet unfamiliar skin, his eye filled with confusion.
"Who are you?" Psykos, the true leader of the Monster Association, controlling Gyoro Gyoro, asked in a calm voice.
Boros's head snapped up, his single eye fixed on Gyoro Gyoro. The terrifying pressure of a cosmic conqueror descended.
"I am Boros, Dominator of the Universe, sole leader of the Dark Matter Thieves!"
'Dominator of the Universe?' Psykos was secretly shocked. 'This alien's background is even bigger than I thought.'
Suppressing her surprise, she continued, "Then, Boros, do you remember how you came to Earth and how you died?"
The word 'Earth' seemed to touch a sensitive nerve in Boros.
His expression twisted, clutching his head, letting out a pained groan. "Earth, yes, Earth... I came here seeking... the opponent from the 'prophecy'..."
"And then... and then..."
His voice began to tremble, his single eye filled with fragments of confusion and fear:
"I think I met... a human who reflected light..."
"Reflected light?" Psykos was confused.
"Bald... very bright... very strong..." Boros recalled haltingly, each word seeming to cause immense pain.
"I used the [Collapsing Star Roaring Cannon]... but he... one punch..."
"Ah!"
A violent headache made him scream again, unable to continue.
Psykos grew increasingly suspicious.
'Was there such a figure on Earth? Someone capable of defeating a cosmic conqueror?'
'Could the legendary Blast actually be bald?'
She put aside her doubts for now. Regardless, Boros was revived, and his power seemed even greater than anticipated. That was enough.
"Enough, don't dwell on the past." Psykos's voice took on a soothing, suggestive tone. "Now, Earth faces a greater crisis."
"An entity called 'No.17' is threatening the entire planet's existence. We need your power, Boros. You wouldn't want someone else to succeed where you failed, would you?"
Boros slowly lowered his hands from his head, the pain in his eye replaced by ferocity and fighting spirit.
He grinned, baring white teeth. "Interesting. Perfect. I need a fight to get used to this new body, to vent my rage!"
…
Hero Association's Headquarters, Main Command Room.
Sitch and a group of S-Class Heroes gathered before a holographic communication screen.
On the screen was Gyoro Gyoro's unsettling image.
"We have successfully 'awakened' Boros," Gyoro Gyoro said, its tone unreadable. "His condition is excellent, his power exceeding expectations."
"Tomorrow at noon, we will formally challenge 'No.17' at the A-City ruins arena."
"All Heroes of the Association are welcome to observe."
Sitch asked solemnly, "Is it really just observation?"
Gyoro Gyoro shook its head slightly. "Boros's power is undeniably immense, but I'm still uncertain he can defeat No.17."
"If the battle ends in mutual destruction tomorrow, I hope the Heroes of the Association will join us, the Monster Association, to seize the opportunity and kill our enemy."
The S-Class Heroes were silent.
'Could that Boros really fight No.17 to a draw?'
Just then, Metal Knight sent a message: "If it comes to that, I will act."