The moment he replicated the ability, a sense of control was born. He could now perfectly conceal all non-human aura—making himself appear even more pure than a true human.
With the SSR-level Perfect Transformation, Jack would undoubtedly transition between human and non-human much more smoothly in the future. As an ability of the same type as Monsterification, it seemed to have some overlapping effects. But when Jack noticed the subtle change in Amai Mask's attitude toward him—the admiration almost overflowing from his eyes—he knew his choice was not wrong. This ability definitely had its unique aspects.
Coming back to his senses, Jack subtly withdrew his hand and then politely declined Amai Mask's suggestion.
"A hero? It sounds good, but I don't have that idea for now. After all… I'm used to being free and undisciplined. I can't stand those rules and regulations."
(Psykos: Exactly!!)
However, he didn't completely shut down the idea. The thought of a Monster Association executive joining the Hero Association as a hero was quite exciting. But that would only happen after Perfect Transformation was fully leveled up—when everything was foolproof.
—You don't want to be bound by the Hero Association's rules? Only wanting to act righteously by your own will, alone?
—King's friend is truly a proud and powerful man…
Amai Mask secretly sighed with regret, while his admiration for Jack deepened even further. Little did he know that Jack didn't have as much aloofness and idealistic vision as he imagined. Jack's mind was solely focused on improving his own safety factor.
At this point, it was only their first meeting. Amai Mask knew it would be inappropriate to push too hard. However, hearing Jack's words, it seemed there was still room for change in the future. He suppressed a hopeful expectation in his heart.
"I understand. I was too presumptuous."
At this moment, Amai Mask had completely regained his original elegant demeanor. He pulled a hot-stamped business card of extraordinary quality from his beach shirt pocket and sincerely handed it over.
"However, Jack—this is my private contact information. If you ever need my help in the future, no matter what it is, please be sure to contact me. Consider it a small token of my personal sincerity."
"Oh? Any need?"
Jack took the hot-stamped business card, which felt tough and clearly high-end, and flicked it with his fingertip. Then he changed the subject.
"If that's the case, Mr. Mask… could you get me a few front-row VIP tickets for your concert tonight? My two friends are your loyal fans. They were already planning to attend your concert tonight."
Jack tilted his head. Amai Mask immediately followed his gaze to Alice and Tifa in the distance, whose eyes were already sparkling. He couldn't help but be slightly stunned—seemingly completely unprepared for Jack to make such a simple, down-to-earth request.
But he quickly recovered. A perfectly charming smile, like a spring breeze, appeared on his handsome, aloof face.
"Of course—no problem. I will immediately arrange the best seats. Someone will deliver the tickets shortly."
"That's great. Thank you very much."
"Don't mention it. It's my honor to be liked by your friends, Jack."
Right up until he left, Amai Mask did not have much interaction with King, who was standing nearby. He merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment before leaving—which counted as a greeting.
What is a superficial colleague, and what is differential treatment? Perfectly illustrated.
Jack understood in his heart that this was only because Amai Mask acknowledged King's character and strength. If it had been an S-Class hero that Amai Mask disliked, he would have already mocked and verbally attacked them to their face.
With a sigh, Jack turned and walked toward the two beach beauties—who were so excited they were almost fainting at the prospect of getting VIP tickets to their idol's concert—while waving to King and saying goodbye.
"King, I won't keep you tonight. See you tomorrow."
King: …
What a beast.
The Next Morning – Inside the Presidential Suite
Jack woke up on the large, soft, multi-person bed. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dust motes floating in the air shimmered with light and shadow.
He casually pushed aside the tender, lotus-root-like arms and long, slender legs still wrapped around him like an octopus. As he stretched his strong arms lazily, a series of subtle clicks sounded from his bones.
Last night's concert had been incredibly wild. The two hot girls who accompanied him were quite exhausted, sleeping soundly—even a faint, satisfied smile lingered on their delicate faces.
Jack, bare-chested with only a bath towel around his waist, strolled to the edge of the top-floor terrace.
The morning sea breeze ruffled his slightly damp black hair. Below lay vast blue waves. On the distant horizon, a red sun struggled to break free from the ocean's embrace. Against this backdrop, Jack appeared like the master of this world.
Just then, the air on the terrace behind Jack suddenly stirred. A dark shadow swept past. A tall figure—identical to his own—seemed to materialize out of thin air with the sea breeze, appearing silently behind him. Apart from slight differences in clothing style, it was clearly another Jack.
"Boss."
The clone stepped forward, familiarly standing shoulder to shoulder with Jack's main body. Both gazed at the magnificent sea view in the distance.
"Dr. Genus's progress is incredibly fast. The experiment for replicating and mass-producing Monster Cells is going very smoothly. The culture medium has been initially debugged—expected to enter the optimized mass-production phase very soon."
A pause.
"Also, today's rich lady's donation has already arrived. Remember to check it later."
Jack started, a hint of surprise on his face.
"It's already that fast? How much time has passed?"
Dr. Genus's super-efficiency once again updated Jack's understanding. It hadn't even been a full day, and he was telling them they were ready for mass replication?
Truly worthy of being a top scientist who mastered core technology—years ahead of the current era!
If Jack hadn't appeared too early in the original timeline, with Dr. Genus's technical prowess, it would absolutely not be impossible to obtain samples of Dragon-level or higher Monsters—like Cosmic Fear Garou or Orochi—later on, and then modify and hand-craft equally monstrous powerhouses.
"There's one more thing, Boss—you'll definitely be interested."
The clone grinned, with a hint of wanting to take credit.
"Oh, dear…" Jack raised an eyebrow, then squinted at the clone. "Alright—'our' sensory system and information sources are completely shared. It's just that most of them are set to conditional blocking by me. Speak quickly. Don't keep me in suspense."
"Heh heh—isn't this to highlight your esteemed status, Boss!"
The clone chuckled dryly, then conveniently brewed a steaming cappuccino and handed it to the main body. His expression immediately turned serious.
"Just last night, 'we' found the exact location of the Sea People's main base in the waters around J City."
"Sea People?"