Muzan remained in the corner, detached from the situation like a silent observer.
His hands were loosely clasped as his crimson eyes took in the chaos of the command center. Through a psychic link, he relayed every detail to Sol, the Hero Association's deployment, the interception point, and the movements of the main heroes, all with precise clarity.
"They have selected Interception Point Three, an abandoned industrial zone fifteen kilometers west of A-City. Bang, Atomic Samurai, and Flashy Flash have already moved ahead as the vanguard."
"Tatsumaki and Metal Bat are leading the second wave. Superalloy Darkshine and Zombieman remain at headquarters. Genos and Saitama are advancing along the flank."
His report was exact and steady.
A moment later, Sol responded, his tone carrying quiet amusement. "Do not expose yourself yet. Keep watching the higher-ups."
"Understood."
Muzan gave a slight nod.
At that moment, Sitch's gaze turned toward him. "Muzan. This is a critical situation. Since you are cooperating with the Association, deploy your forces to assist with the interception."
Muzan rose smoothly, brushing his suit as if removing invisible dust. "Of course. That is only natural. Kokushibo, Akaza, you will come with me to the interception point. Daki, Gyutaro, you will remain here and assist with defending headquarters, ensure the safety of the officials."
He placed subtle emphasis on the last words, his eyes briefly passing over Sitch and the other executives.
Sitch did not notice anything unusual. Instead, he seemed relieved. "Good. We are counting on you."
Muzan inclined his head before turning away, Kokushibo and Akaza following behind him.
They moved with incredible speed, vanishing down the corridor almost instantly.
The command center remained tense.
On the main screens, real-time footage showed the vanguard heroes arriving at the abandoned industrial zone. Rusted factories, towering cooling towers, and collapsed pipelines were quickly turned into defensive positions.
In the distance, a massive cloud of dust continued to draw closer.
Fifteen kilometers west of A-City, abandoned industrial zone.
Corroded steel frames stretched across the landscape, casting long shadows. Broken pipes twisted through the ground, and the air carried the heavy scent of rust and oil. Wind swept through hollow factory structures, producing a constant hollow echo.
Figures streaked through the sky, landing on rooftops, shattered towers, and piles of abandoned containers.
Bang, Atomic Samurai, and Flashy Flash stood atop a wide rooftop in a triangular formation, watching the approaching monster army.
"Quite the sight," Atomic Samurai said, a toothpick resting at the corner of his mouth, hand on his sword. "That kid isn't holding back."
Bang stroked his beard slowly, eyes scanning the formation. "Their structure is loose, but their movement is controlled. This is not a reckless charge. Sol understands how to deploy forces."
Flashy Flash remained silent, arms folded as his body leaned forward slightly. His gaze was fixed on the powerful figures leading the enemy forces.
More heroes arrived, spreading out and forming defensive lines across the terrain.
Heavy artillery vehicles were positioned strategically. Association soldiers in exoskeleton suits set up energy weapons. A-Class heroes directed their squads to secure key locations.
"Rapid response team in position," Tatsumaki's voice came through the communicator, edged with impatience.
She hovered above the center line, faint green psychic energy swirling around her.
Metal Bat rested his bat on his shoulder, grinning. "This is going to be messy. I'm definitely asking that kid what he's thinking after this."
"Flank secured," Genos reported.
He and Saitama stood on elevated ground along the right side of the formation. Genos's mechanical eyes scanned constantly, his arm cannons glowing faintly.
Beside him, Saitama crouched lazily, chin resting on his hand. "They're taking their time… can't they move faster?"
A low mechanical hum filled the air as several armed helicopters flew overhead, heading toward the advancing monster army for reconnaissance.
Back in the command center, Sitch watched the multi-screen display closely, each feed showing a different angle of the battlefield.
"Have Muzan and his group reached their position?" he asked.
An operator responded immediately. "They have arrived on the left flank and are setting up their line."
The screen shifted.
Muzan stood atop a broken overpass support, composed and unmoving. Kokushibo and Akaza stood beside him. Behind them, dozens of Association fighters spread out in a loose formation, though their positioning subtly formed a protective perimeter.
They had effectively surrounded Muzan and his two companions.
Sitch exhaled quietly. With their strength reinforcing the flank, the pressure there would ease.
"Drive Knight, report on the barrier."
"The multi-layered energy barrier is fully active. It can withstand several direct impacts from Dragon-level threats under ideal conditions."
A brief pause followed.
"However, sustained pressure from large numbers may reduce its effectiveness over time. Underground sensors currently show no abnormal activity. Any hidden forces may have altered their approach or are waiting."
"Stay alert," Sitch said firmly. "Maintain constant monitoring underground. What about Elder Centipede?"
"The last confirmed signal placed it twenty kilometers northwest. It vanished shortly after, making precise tracking impossible. It may have burrowed underground or possesses some form of detection interference."
Sitch's expression tightened.
An unseen Dragon-level threat was far more dangerous than the army in plain sight.
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