Alarms shrieked through the Hero Association Headquarters, cutting through the tense air. Red warning lights spun wildly, casting flickering shadows across every face.
"They're here!" Sitch shot to his feet, his voice tight with strain. "Everyone to your positions! Drive Knight, report!"
Drive Knight's form appeared on the holographic screen. "Multiple large-scale energy signatures are approaching from different directions. A significant number of monsters are closing in."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Abnormal vibrations detected in the underground passages. Likely infiltration. Massive biological signatures confirmed on the outer perimeter. Data matches Elder Centipede."
A wave of unease spread through the command center. Sitch's face turned pale as his fingers pressed against the control panel.
"As expected… a coordinated three-pronged attack. They are aiming to wipe out the Association completely."
"Get a hold of yourself," Bang said, his deep voice steady and commanding. "Panic will only help them. Drive Knight, activate all defense systems immediately. Superalloy Darkshine, you are in charge of internal security. No monster is getting through here."
"Understood." Superalloy Darkshine's polished body gleamed under the flashing lights as he stood firm like an immovable wall.
"Tatsumaki, Metal Bat," Bang continued, "your teams will act as mobile units. Reinforce any weak points as needed."
Tatsumaki hovered slightly above the ground, her green curls drifting as if stirred by invisible force. "Finally," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Let that idiot see what I can really do." A faint trace of concern flickered in her eyes.
Metal Bat rested his weapon on his shoulder and grinned. "Relax, old man. I'll smash every monster that shows up."
Atomic Samurai clicked his tongue, hand resting on his sword. "What a nuisance… though I suppose it's a good chance to test my blade."
Flashy Flash said nothing, but his posture shifted subtly, ready to strike at any moment.
Child Emperor tapped rapidly on his wrist device. "Compiling all known data on monster executives. Weakness analysis will be distributed shortly."
Zombieman lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly. "Elder Centipede is massive and highly destructive. Tatsumaki should restrain it with her psychic abilities."
Genos's mechanical eyes flickered. "Sensei, our priority should be protecting evacuation zones. Even if Sol claims he is targeting only the Association, the damage from this battle will be difficult to contain."
Saitama scratched his head. "So… are we fighting or not? Didn't Sol say he only goes after bad guys?"
Sitch slammed his hand onto the panel. "This is not the time for that discussion. Regardless of his reasons, leading the Monster Association to attack us is an act of war against humanity. We respond with full force." He turned sharply. "Drive Knight, activate final defenses. Recall all heroes immediately and request military support."
The alert level rose to maximum.
The entire headquarters transformed into a fortress. Energy barriers layered over the main gate, automated turrets extended from reinforced walls, and laser targeting systems formed deadly grids across every corridor.
In the corner of the command room, Muzan sat calmly on a sofa, untouched by the chaos around him.
His crimson eyes flickered as he transmitted silently through a psychic link.
"The Association has entered full defense mode. Final protocols are active. Sitch and the others remain in the command center."
Sol's reply came moments later.
"Keep watching, especially Sitch. Gouketsu's group will stage an attack at the main gate. Black Sperm will move underground but will not breach the command center. Your role is to keep the executives in place."
"Understood."
Muzan inclined his head slightly, then spoke quietly to Kokushibo beside him. "Tell Akaza and Daki to prepare as planned. No action yet."
Kokushibo's six eyes shifted before he gave a silent nod.
The command center doors slid open abruptly. A staff member rushed in, breath uneven.
"Report! Monster forces have reached the outskirts of A-City. Estimated count exceeds one hundred."
He raised a tablet with trembling hands. The footage displayed a wasteland outside the city, where a dense mass of monsters spread like a rising tide. Their grotesque forms moved together, kicking up dust that blurred the horizon.
"Put it on the main screen," Sitch ordered.
The display switched to an aerial view. The monster army advanced in several formations. Though not perfectly organized, their sheer presence created a suffocating pressure.
At the front stood Gouketsu, his imposing frame towering above the rest, four eyes gleaming with hostility. Beside him were executives such as Hellfire Flame and Gale Wind.
"They're not even hiding," one officer muttered. "This looks more like a show of force than an attack."
"Arrogant," Atomic Samurai said, a toothpick shifting at the corner of his mouth. "They think we're nothing."
Bang's hand paused against his beard, his brows knitting together. "This formation… it doesn't look like a full assault. What is Sol planning?"
"What else?" Tatsumaki snapped as she floated closer to the screen. "He's here to fight. That idiot actually brought monsters right to our doorstep."
Metal Bat slammed his weapon against the ground with a dull thud. He stared at the screen, unusually restrained.
Tanktop Master spoke firmly. "We cannot allow them into the city. We intercept them outside."
"Agreed," Zombieman said, releasing another stream of smoke. "If this fight reaches the city, the damage will be catastrophic."
"Director Sitch," Child Emperor said, looking up with sharp focus, "we should gather all available heroes at Interception Point Three. The terrain there limits large-scale movement. It will slow them down."
Sitch took a steady breath. "Approved. Execute immediately. All A-Class heroes and above, except essential personnel, move to Interception Point Three. Notify the military. We need fire support and aerial surveillance."
Orders spread rapidly.
The headquarters came alive with urgency. Heroes armed themselves and rushed toward deployment zones. Some took to the air, others sped off across the ground, all heading toward the outskirts of A-City as streaks of motion and power.