Allen watched Zenil's retreating back, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
He turned to Chairman Sitch, his tone steady: "I believe the immediate priority is to resolve the threat of the Armored Monster as quickly as possible, rather than letting our decisions be swayed by the shareholders' emotions."
Tatsumaki floated in the air, her green curly hair gently swaying: "Hmph, finally said something sensible. That bald shareholder really pisses me off."
Bang stroked his beard and nodded: "Allen is right. Instead of scattering our forces to protect individual tycoons, it's better to concentrate our efforts on dealing with the Monster."
Sitch looked around at everyone, pushing up his glasses: "So, does anyone have any specific suggestions?"
Allen clasped his hands on the table: "I propose forming a special task force, composed of 3-4 S-Class Heroes. Since the Armored Monster dared to publicly challenge Heroes, we should give him an opportunity for a direct confrontation."
Metal Bat rested his baseball bat on his shoulder: "Sounds good, count me in."
Tanktop Master clutched his still faintly aching chest: "I'll join too. I haven't settled the score from last time."
"Let me join the team as well. This old man also wants to witness the strength of this Armored Monster," Bang also spoke up.
Tatsumaki floated in front of Allen, looking down at him: "Rookie, you're not trying to steal the credit, are you?"
Allen met her gaze calmly: "I just want to resolve this threat as quickly as possible. If Miss Tatsumaki is willing to join, our chances of success will be even greater."
"Hmph, at least you're sensible," Tatsumaki snorted lightly and floated back to her seat.
Chairman Sitch looked around at everyone, nodding with satisfaction: "Then the special task force will consist of Allen, Bang, Tanktop Master, and Metal Bat, with Miss Tatsumaki as mobile support."
"Tch, boring," Tatsumaki pouted, but still tacitly accepted the arrangement.
Allen stood up, his gaze firm: "We'll begin operations tonight, starting our search from City Z."
After the meeting, Allen stood alone on the rooftop of the Hero Association headquarters, overlooking the entirety of City A. The afterglow of the setting sun cast upon his calm face, and his black combat suit swayed gently in the wind.
"What are you thinking about?" Bang's voice came from behind him.
Allen didn't turn around: "Teacher, what do you think the Armored Monster's true purpose is?"
Bang walked up beside him, stroking his beard: "This old man has lived for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen a Monster that specifically seeks out Heroes for sparring."
"Perhaps..." Allen deliberately paused.
"He's searching for something." As he said this, he felt a little frustrated. He had already caused such a stir, so where were the Monster Association people? Where was Psykos? Why hadn't they come to recruit him yet?
Bang looked into the distance thoughtfully: "Searching for something? It's certainly possible, but no matter what, we will stop his plan."
Allen nodded: "Teacher is right. Tonight, after our special team gathers, we will definitely be able to eliminate the Armored Monster."
"Hmm, be careful," Bang patted Allen's shoulder.
"Oh, by the way, how's that notebook coming along?" He suddenly remembered the martial arts notebook he had given to his disciple, wondering how Allen was progressing with it.
"I'm still studying it," Allen smiled slightly.
"Especially the Exploding Heart Release Fist on the last page, I've almost finished studying it."
Bang's expression suddenly became a little strange: "It's good that you've almost finished studying it."
He stroked his beard. As expected, Allen had already learned the Exploding Heart Release Fist, and might have even improved it. But none of that mattered, as long as the boy used the fist technique for good.
Bang cleared his throat twice: "Ahem, well, just skim through that one. The main focus should still be on the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."
Did Teacher Bang think that the two fist techniques should be combined? Allen nodded, a knowing smile on his face: "Don't worry, Teacher, I'll focus on the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist next."
The afterglow of the sunset gradually faded, and the master and disciple walked down the rooftop side by side.
Soon, night fell, and within the City Z Hero Association branch, five figures gathered.
Metal Bat impatiently tapped his bat on the ground: "Hey, when are we going to start? My sister is waiting for me at home."
Tanktop Master stood with his arms crossed, the bandages on his chest particularly noticeable under the lights: "Don't rush, wait for Allen to assign the tasks."
Allen stood in front of the projection screen, his finger lightly tapping the map of City Z's central business district on the screen: "According to the latest intelligence, the Armored Monster has appeared in the urban area twice."
"Tonight, we will focus on patrolling the commercial street, residential areas, and the city center. Make sure the five of us don't get too far apart so we can provide timely support."
"We'll split into two groups."
Allen pointed to the divided areas on the map: "Teacher Bang and I will be responsible for the commercial street, while Tanktop Master and Metal Bat will patrol the residential areas."
Tatsumaki floated in mid-air, her green curly hair gently swaying: "What about me?"
Allen looked up at her: "Miss Tatsumaki will act as mobile support, patrolling the center of City Z. If any target is found in any area, you can arrive the fastest to provide support."
"Hmph, a reasonable arrangement," Tatsumaki crossed her arms, reluctantly accepting the plan.
Metal Bat stood up, bat on his shoulder: "Alright, let's get started. The sooner we finish, the sooner I can go home. Otherwise, my sister will nag me again."
Tanktop Master patted his chest: "My injuries have almost healed. This time, I'll definitely get my revenge."
Bang stroked his beard and nodded: "Allen, you've considered everything very thoroughly. But remember, don't act rashly when you encounter a Monster. Notify the others first."
"Understood," Allen put away the map.
"Keep your communicators open and report your status every half hour."
The five separated in front of the branch building, each heading to their assigned areas. As night deepened, the commercial street in City Z had even more pedestrians than during the day, surrounded by the hawking of various vendors.
Allen and Bang walked along the bustling commercial street, the neon lights reflecting on their faces.
"Teacher, do you think the Armored Monster will appear tonight?" Allen asked casually.
Bang stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping across the street: "Hard to say, but since he dared to publicly challenge Heroes, he probably won't hide for too long."
Metal Bat's voice suddenly came through the communicator: "Hey, everything's normal in the residential area. Not even a ghost."
"Same here on the commercial street," Allen replied.
Allen checked the time: "Teacher, let's patrol separately for higher efficiency. I'll take the East District, and you take the West District."
"Alright, kid, contact me immediately if anything happens," Bang nodded in agreement.
The two parted ways in the middle of the commercial street. Allen walked alone towards the East District, the neon lights stretching his shadow long, moving against the clamor of citizens enjoying the lively night market.
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