Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle...
The coffee table, serving double duty as a dining table, was piled dangerously high with hot pot ingredients. Saitama, wearing an apron, added plate after plate of sliced meat, meatballs, fresh cabbage, and mushrooms to the boiling broth.
Before long, an enticing aroma filled the entire apartment.
Psshhhh—
They cracked open two cans of ice-cold beer. The two hungry men clinked cans and took deep gulps, chopsticks already diving toward the pot simultaneously.
"That piece of meat is mine!"
"What a joke! I saw it first!"
The sounds of fierce argument echoed across the no-man's land.
A strange humanoid figure that had just peeked out from the sewer entrance shivered violently. It retreated with supernatural speed and slammed the manhole cover shut with a resounding clang.
In conclusion, today was another peaceful day in Z-City.
City A, Hero Association Headquarters Building
A group of senior association officials gathered for their weekly meeting.
However, today's agenda was somewhat special. The decisions made here would directly change the association's current unchecked growth and give the public a more intuitive understanding of the Hero Association and what "heroes" truly meant.
"Since the board has already approved, let's proceed with the plan." Sitch gathered the documents spread before him. "We'll announce it to the public in today's ranking update."
Someone below the conference table chuckled. "Some die-hard fans must be really excited, right?"
"It might also trigger a massive flame war online. Maybe even offline fights."
"Haha, very likely! After all, there are only so many spots available. Even the most popular heroes can't just waltz in whenever they want."
"Alright, you can discuss these matters privately after the meeting." Sitch tapped the table, silencing the whispered conversations among the officials. "Any more questions? If not—"
"I have a concern here." A bespectacled association officer raised his hand, flipping through the documents before him. "The super-popular idol who recently rose to the top of the popularity charts, 'Sweet Mask'—formerly called 'Mysterious Handsome Mask'—still hasn't agreed to our proposal."
The officer adjusted his glasses. "He also stated that if any unworthy person is selected for that position, he will personally remove them."
After the cadre finished speaking, mimicking both Sweet Mask's mannerisms and tone, the meeting room erupted into chaos.
"Wow, that's way too arrogant!"
"Yeah, even if he's really handsome... wait, no. My husband is always right!"
The officials present clearly divided into two factions. Voices of support and opposition grew louder, and the situation devolved into complete chaos.
Sitch felt slightly dumbfounded. Had Sweet Mask's popularity already spread within the association itself?
Could this be the power of idols?
Sitch himself would never be a celebrity fan. If he ever became one, he'd be a die-hard supporter of Blast.
It took considerable effort to quiet everyone in the conference room.
"Then let's stick to the previous plan and officially promote Sweet Mask to the top of the A-Class hero rankings." Sitch's voice carried authority. "With his popularity and strength, it doesn't matter if others are unhappy. As for what he said..."
Powerful heroes all had unique personalities. This was exactly what Sitch struggled with daily.
"What he said makes sense. Didn't someone suggest hiring him as an advisor? Let's do that. Besides the first batch personally certified by the association, all subsequent promotions involving that rank should be reported to Sweet Mask for approval."
Sitch stood, his honest face showing particularly firm resolve. "Let him determine whether new heroes are strong enough. Professionals doing professional work."
He surveyed the room. "Gentlemen, let's begin!"
After the heavy rain, the air in Z-City was exceptionally fresh.
Jordan Evans's Apartment
The rapidly spinning chakra sphere shattered instantly. Materialized energy dissipated into the air like escaping gas.
Hissssss—
The veins on Jordan's forehead throbbed. His expression contorted. He uttered a single sentence in fluent German.
Damn it, I've already mastered Sage Mode, and you can't even learn a simple pill-rubbing technique?
F-boy raised one hand like an elementary school student. [Sage Mode was learned through Stand abilities.]
"You brat, that's all thanks to my own talent and hard work!"
F-boy shrugged with infuriating smugness.
The phone on the living room table rang. The call connected instantly, and a familiar mature female voice emerged from the speaker.
"Hello, this is Jordan Evans."
"Good morning, Jordan! This is Lanny. I have something important that requires your permission. Do you have time now?"
"Of course." Jordan glanced at the wall clock and realized it was only 6:30 AM. More than three months of training had completely changed his habit of sleeping in. "Is it important enough that we need to meet in person?"
Lanny on the other end paused, seemingly remembering the ability information Jordan had recently updated in his hero profile. She replied immediately. "It would be best to talk face-to-face! How about this—you can head to the VIP reception room on the first floor of the association, and I'll come down to find you right away."
"No problem. See you in a bit."
After hanging up, Jordan calculated the elevator time from Lanny's office to the first floor. Then he went into the bathroom to take a shower before heading over.
One minute later.
"Good morning, Mr. Jordan!"
A familiar blonde, buxom beauty walked into the meeting room carrying a folder and gave Jordan a sweet smile.
Jordan was standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the ever-growing line of heroes registering outside. He turned at the sound of her voice, nodded to the businesswoman who had just closed the door behind her. "Good morning, Miss Lanny."
"As expected, you're faster." Lanny smiled and placed the folder on the coffee table. "Would you like something to drink or eat? We have coffee, tea, and various breakfast options available."
"Then I'll have coffee. A cappuccino, please."
"Okay, just a moment."
A few minutes later, they were both seated.
The aroma of coffee filled the air. Lanny smiled warmly. "Mr. Jordan, please enjoy your coffee. We can discuss business afterward."
"Then I won't be polite."
Jordan picked up his cup and took a sip. Smooth and silky, with a rich milky aroma lingering on his palate. He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and give an approving thumbs up.
"Tastes excellent!"
"As long as you like it."
After exchanging pleasantries and chatting for a while, the two quickly transitioned to business.
Lanny brushed her loose hair behind one ear, opened the folder on the table, and straightened her posture into an elegant seated position. She looked at Jordan with a gentle smile.
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