Inside the command center, the atmosphere felt so heavy it was almost suffocating.
Sitch stared at the final flickering signal on the main screen, the last trace of Centipede Elder disappearing. His fingers tapped against the control panel without pause, each dull click echoing in the tense silence.
A Dragon-level monster vanishing like that was far more dangerous than facing an army head-on.
"On top of that, Sol still hasn't shown himself," Sitch said through clenched teeth, voicing the greatest concern in the room.
His tone sharpened as he continued, "Sol once repelled ten S-Class heroes alone. He fought Boros head-on and won. Now he has absorbed the power of the entire Monster Association. We cannot hold back. Every resource must be deployed."
He drew in a slow breath, then gave the order in a low voice, "All forces, converge on City A immediately. Repeat, immediately."
The moment the command was issued, the entire room seemed to freeze.
Several senior staff members turned pale, fully aware of what this meant.
Floating midair, Tatsumaki crossed her arms, her green curls swaying lightly. "Hmph, overreacting." Even so, her eyes drifted toward the distant smoke on the screen, her fingers curling slightly.
Metal Bat rested his weapon on his shoulder, frowning. "Hey, is this really necessary? That kid might be…"
"Metal Bat!" Sitch cut him off sharply. "This isn't a joke. We are dealing with a former hero capable of destroying the world. He is no longer on our side. Any hesitation could mean the fall of City A, or worse."
Metal Bat clicked his tongue and looked away, unwilling to argue further.
Atomic Samurai tilted his head slightly, the toothpick in his mouth shifting. "If we're going all in, then stop holding back. I want to see how many hidden cards the Association still has."
Flash gave a silent nod.
Child Emperor worked rapidly on the device on his wrist, his expression serious. "We can deploy experimental weapons and special combat units that haven't been officially integrated yet. I'll establish command links and optimize their coordination."
Zombieman exhaled a slow stream of smoke. "Centipede Elder is gone, Sol is hidden, and Black Sperm's forces are unaccounted for. We cannot commit everything to Gouketsu's front line. We need a strong reserve."
Bang nodded. "He's right. Sitch, who will lead the reserve team?"
Sitch's gaze moved across the room, briefly landing on King before shifting away. Someone like King was better kept here to guard the command center.
"Darkshine," Sitch said at last, "you'll lead the reserve team. Genos and Tanktop Master will assist. King, remain here and protect us."
King responded with a quiet "hmm." The low rumble of the so-called King Engine seemed to resonate through the room, easing some of the tension.
Saitama scratched his head and looked at Genos. "So what are we supposed to do?"
Genos answered immediately, "Sensei, our duty is to protect the city and stop Senpai Sol from going further down the wrong path. Please stay close to me."
"Oh." Saitama nodded, only half following.
At that moment, a communications officer spoke up urgently. "Minister Sitch, the military has established contact. Their high-speed interception fleet has reached the edge of the battlefield and is awaiting orders."
The main screen split, showing the cockpit view of a fighter jet. Below, the Monster army spread out like a dark tide.
"Authorize intervention," Sitch said without hesitation. "Have them fire warning shots to slow the advance, but keep their distance. Monitor Gouketsu and the cadres carefully."
"Understood."
In the sky, fighter jets roared as they descended. Flames burst from beneath them as explosives rained down, striking several hundred meters ahead of the Monster vanguard. Fireballs and smoke columns rose, forming a temporary blockade.
The Monster army slowed, a ripple of movement passing through their ranks.
Gouketsu raised one massive arm, signaling a halt.
His four eyes scanned the jets above before he let out a low snort.
Hellfire Flame's aura flared slightly, showing his impatience, while Gale Wind quietly observed the terrain.
"Just a warning," Gouketsu said, his deep voice carrying across the army. "The Hero Association remains cautious. Continue forward. Maintain formation. Ignore them unless they strike first."
The army resumed its march, moving even faster than before. They pushed through the smoke with crushing force.
Back in the command center, Sitch clenched his fist. "As expected. Metal Knight, full power. All long-range units, fire at maximum capacity. Target the front and flanks. Reduce their numbers."
In the abandoned industrial district, heroes and armed forces opened fire immediately.
Heavy artillery thundered, shells raining down like a storm. Explosions tore through the front lines of the Monster army, sending limbs and debris flying.
But the advance did not stop.
More monsters surged forward, roaring as they endured the bombardment.
Some retaliated, launching fireballs, acid, and bone spikes toward the defensive line. The attacks struck the energy barriers, erupting into bursts of force.
The battlefield erupted into chaos.
"Left flank stable!"
"Right flank under heavy pressure, requesting support!"
"Frontline overwhelmed, increase firepower!"
Reports flooded in from every direction.
Tatsumaki scoffed as her psychic power flared. Massive steel beams and chunks of debris lifted into the air, then shot forward, crushing large sections of the enemy.
Metal Bat charged straight into the horde, roaring as his swings shattered bones with brutal force.
Atomic Samurai moved with precision, his blade flashing as monsters were cut apart instantly.
Flash vanished into motion, weaving through enemies like light itself. Wherever he passed, bodies fell.
Bang remained still on a rooftop, watching everything unfold. His sharp gaze tracked the battlefield, focused especially on Gouketsu and the other cadres, waiting for the moment to act.
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