*K City – Backstage at the Hero Dome Stadium*
The deafening warm-up music and frantic screams of fans were blocked by the thick soundproof door. In the quieter dressing room, Amai Mask had just finished his concert rehearsal and was resting with his eyes closed. He was dressed in a magnificent performance costume—his impeccably handsome face, like a divine sculpture, perfectly unearthly under the lights.
An assistant scurried in and respectfully reported, "Mask-kun, a group of men in black suits are here to visit. They claim to be staff from the Hero Association headquarters."
"People from the Association specifically came all the way to K City to find me?"
Amai Mask opened his eyes. A hint of doubt and impatience flickered through them. He nodded. "Let them in."
The assistant quickly left and, before long, led a team of suit-clad men—led by a tall, blond-haired, large-nosed man—into the room.
"Hmm—Sitch?"
Upon seeing that Sitch had personally led the team, Amai Mask waved for all the staff to withdraw. He didn't stand up, but his tone remained elegant as he smiled.
"Thank you for coming in person, Chief. Has something happened that could shake the very existence of humanity?"
"Mask-kun, you jest…"
Sitch wiped the sweat from his forehead. Facing this A-Class Rank 1 hero, even though he had long held a high position, he still felt immense pressure. He gestured to the blond, ponytail-wearing female secretary behind him to hand over a tablet.
"It's like this, Mask-kun. The Association's higher-ups are currently discussing a proposal. It's of great importance, and we… would like to hear your opinion."
"Oh?"
Amai Mask took the tablet. His fingertip glided across the screen, and a bolded title came into view.
*"Proposal regarding the special recruitment of 'Jack' to become an S-Class Hero…"*
Upon seeing that name, a barely perceptible surprise appeared on Amai Mask's handsome face. In his mind, he involuntarily recalled the scene on J City's beach—where that man had annihilated an ugly monster with a single punch.
That composure. That pure, absolute power. And that handsome face—no less than his own.
—Jack… handsome…!
Sitch noticed the change in his expression and quickly explained, "According to our intelligence, Mr. Jack possesses undeniable S-Class strength. Recently, multiple Demon-level—and even suspected Dragon-level—disasters have all been resolved by him alone. The Association believes we must do our utmost to absorb such a powerful combatant."
Amai Mask didn't pay attention to the explanation. The images from their previous encounter replayed in his mind.
What he saw wasn't just Jack's strength. It was composure born of absolute confidence. Elegance that elevated violence to art. That power was pure, direct, irresistible—as if it were the very embodiment of the concept of justice.
—This is… how a hero should be.
(Jack: …It's just bullying a weaker opponent. No need to exaggerate.)
-_-|||
"Chief Sitch."
Amai Mask put down the tablet. His voice was as elegant and magnetic as ever.
"You know—I always have very high standards for S-Class heroes. I will never allow any flawed products that tarnish the name of 'hero' to mix among humanity's top combat forces."
"I understand." Sitch nodded, though his heart pounded a bit. "That's why the Association hopes to hear your opinion. If you think it's unsuitable, we will re-evaluate…"
Amai Mask's slender fingers tapped lightly on the table. His gaze was deep.
"If I were to reject a candidate with the potential to become a true hero simply because I am about to conduct a review of the S-Class—that is not my intention."
He changed his tone. His eyes sparkled.
"What the Hero Association needs is not a group of brutes who merely possess strength. It needs heroes who can protect the populace and bring hope to the world."
"Then, Mask-kun—do you mean…"
Realizing the implication in the other party's words, Sitch's tone revealed a hint of surprise.
"I approve of this special recruitment plan."
"That's great!" Sitch let out a long sigh of relief. "Thank you for your support! If Mask-kun needs to personally review him, I will arrange your meeting with the new S-Class as soon as possible…"
"No need for special arrangements."
Amai Mask raised a hand to interrupt. He turned his back to Sitch, his voice ethereal.
"If he truly is the kind of hero we hope for, we will always have a chance to meet. Before that—I will observe him in my own way."
"I understand."
As Sitch and the others said their goodbyes and left, Amai Mask's gaze grew distant. His mind drifted far away.
—Will this man be the existence I have been searching for? The one who can bear the name of "perfect hero"?
---
*Ten Kilometers South of D City – Deep Mountains*
A small private research institute stood quietly nestled among the forest.
*"Fulk Gao Research Institute"* —a weathered sign read.
Two figures—one tall, one shorter—walked through the forest. The tall one was naturally Jack, while Dr. Genus beside him glided steadily on a hovering skateboard, suspended beside Jack. The silver streamlined board body, coupled with azure energy lights, looked extremely high-tech and very cool.
"Boss, I've heard of this Fulk Gao. He does possess some talent."
Dr. Genus habitually pushed up his glasses and warned, "Because his talent isn't recognized by the mainstream scientific community, his ideology has become extremely twisted. He's probably developed strong anti-social tendencies. Recruiting him won't be easy."
"Speaking of anti-social…"
Jack gave a strange look at the evil, wild, flamboyant Dr. Genus beside him. His tone was peculiar.
"Doctor—wasn't your original idea—eliminating all old humans and only allowing evolved new humans to survive and reproduce—even more anti-social? And yet here we are, cooperating quite happily."
Dr. Genus fell speechless.
He subconsciously pushed up his glasses.
"I merely deny those ignorant and foolish people who are unworthy of continuing their genes. Besides—you, sir, have shown me a completely new direction for the possible evolution of new humans. My ideology has completely transformed."
Jack shrugged and stepped toward the research institute hidden in the mountain forest.
"Alright, alright. If you have time—I'll let you take a shot for research."
Behind him, Dr. Genus's eyes flashed with intense light. His whole body trembled.
"Really, Boss?!"
"Of course." Jack's voice drifted from ahead. "But the premise is—you have to find a way to break through my defenses."
Dr. Genus: …
゜(´＾｀)゜
---
Inside the institute, a manic voice echoed.
"Finally… finally close to success!! Heh heh… Heh heh heh… Hahaha… Heh heh heh heh—!!"
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