Nine months later, inside the Infinity Castle, Sol Mirek had finally acquired every ability he sought. It was almost time for him to return to the world of One Punch Man.
But before leaving, he had one small matter to handle. He needed to pay a visit to the Emperor and collect what he considered fair compensation. After all, he had taken care of Muzan and the Upper Rank Demons. Asking for some yen in return was only reasonable.
"That's enough for today," Sol's voice echoed through the vast, empty halls of the Infinity Castle. "Your performance was acceptable. Barely."
Muzan lay face down on the ground, his body covered in bruises and scars. At Sol's words, he let out a quiet breath of relief, as if spared from execution. Even so, he did not dare move.
"Thank you for your mercy, Honored Ancestor," Muzan said, his voice hoarse.
"You can leave," Sol replied. "In a few days, I'll be taking you all to a new world."
The Upper Rank Demons exchanged uneasy glances. Fear filled their eyes, mixed with faint curiosity. A new world? None of them dared to ask what that meant.
Sol ignored them. Once they were dismissed from the Infinity Castle, escape was not even a possibility. His blood ran through their veins. Their lives belonged to him.
"Honored Ancestor..." Muzan hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more, but fear kept him silent.
Sol stopped walking but did not turn around. "When we arrive, behave yourselves. Don't create problems for me. If anyone does, you already know what happens."
His tone turned cold, and the air seemed to drop in temperature.
"We wouldn't dare!" Muzan immediately pressed his forehead to the ground again. The other Upper Ranks followed, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Satisfied, Sol continued walking, his footsteps fading into silence.
After a moment, Doma slowly raised his head, lifting his golden fan to cover part of his face. "How interesting. I wonder what kind of place our master is preparing for us."
"Enough," Muzan snapped sharply. "Do not speculate about his intentions."
After nearly a year under Sol's attention, Muzan had long since abandoned any sense of pride. Among them all, he feared Sol the most.
Kokushibo's six eyes opened fully. "Muzan, what do you think he truly intends..."
"Don't ask," Muzan interrupted immediately, his voice trembling. "We obey. That is all. We are tools."
In a corner, Gyutaro held Daki close. She looked uneasy, her expression filled with quiet worry. "Brother, what will the new world be like? Will we stay together?"
"As long as we follow orders, we'll be fine," Gyutaro said, patting her back.
Akaza clenched his fists, his markings faintly glowing in the dim light. "His power is beyond comprehension. To serve someone that strong... I accept it."
Gyokko remained partially hidden behind a pillar, his voice shaky. "We should prepare. That is safest."
Hantengu stayed curled into himself, trembling. "Terrifying... it's all too terrifying..."
Silence returned, broken only by the heavy breathing of demons trying to steady themselves.
---
After leaving the Infinity Castle, Sol headed straight for the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Night had fallen, yet the Emperor's chamber remained brightly lit.
Standing atop the palace roof, Sol looked down at the patrolling samurai. To him, they were insignificant.
"Sorry to interrupt your evening," Sol said casually, his voice suddenly echoing inside the chamber.
The Emperor froze. One moment, he had been alone with his concubine. The next, a young man stood before him without warning.
"Who are you!" the Emperor shouted, scrambling backward. The concubine shrank away in fear.
Sol sat down at the tea table as if he belonged there and poured himself a cup. "Relax. I'm just here to collect something from a descendant of mine."
The Emperor slammed his hand on the table, though his voice trembled. "Guards! Protect the Emperor!"
Footsteps thundered outside as armored samurai rushed in, surrounding Sol. Their leader stepped forward, katana drawn.
Sol took a slow sip of tea. "Decent flavor. Slightly overdone."
The samurai leader lunged forward with a shout, his blade cutting through the air.
A sharp metallic crack followed.
The katana shattered.
The leader froze, staring at the broken blade in disbelief. Sol had not even moved.
Then, behind him, several bodies collapsed. Clean cuts. Instant.
The room fell into suffocating silence.
Sol finally looked up, his gaze calm yet heavy enough to make everyone step back.
"I said I came to borrow money," he said. "No need to make this dramatic."
The Emperor swallowed hard. "Who... what are you?"
Sol smiled faintly. "I told you already. Your ancestor."
The Emperor's face drained of color. His legs shook uncontrollably.
"How much do you want?" he asked weakly.
Sol poured another cup of tea. "Not much. Just enough to get myself something decent to wear."
He glanced at his outfit. "First impressions matter."
The Emperor immediately called for his attendant. Moments later, a lacquered box was brought in.
"Five hundred taels of gold," the Emperor said, presenting it with both hands. "Please accept it."
Sol opened the box. Gold gleamed inside.
He picked up a bar, turning it in his fingers. For a brief moment, he seemed amused.
Then his expression shifted slightly.
"You think this is enough to send me away?"
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