A somewhat shaky surveillance video with an awkward viewing angle began playing on the screen.
The street shown in the footage was already in chaos. Pedestrians fled in panic as a Minotaur Monster, nearly three meters tall with bulging muscles and a massive bull-like head, rampaged through the area. It casually overturned vehicles while releasing furious roars that echoed through the street.
Its disaster level was classified as Tiger, but to ordinary civilians, it was already an overwhelming threat.
"This is Mr. Sol's first recorded battle," Child Emperor explained from the side. "The opponent is a Minotaur Monster, disaster level Tiger."
Itadori and the other two watched the footage with complete focus. Then, at the edge of the screen, a figure suddenly entered the battlefield at astonishing speed.
The person wore ordinary black combat attire. He had a nimble build, black hair, red eyes, and a stern expression. It was Sol, though compared to his current appearance, the version in the recording looked slightly younger. His expression, however, carried the same composed confidence.
The Minotaur Monster noticed him, let out a furious roar, and charged forward. Its enormous fist descended with a powerful gust of wind, carrying enough force to crush anything in its path.
The Sol in the footage showed no intention of avoiding the attack. He did not take a dramatic stance or prepare any complicated technique.
The moment the Minotaur Monster reached him, Sol moved.
A simple straight punch.
The attack was thrown after the monster had already started moving, yet it reached its target first.
The punch landed directly on the Minotaur Monster's chest.
Bang!
A heavy impact echoed through the speakers.
The Minotaur Monster's charge came to an immediate stop. Its massive body reacted as if struck by an invisible force. Its eyes widened, blood vessels appearing across them, and the area where Sol's fist connected suddenly collapsed inward.
The next moment, the monster was sent flying backward like it had been hit by a speeding train. It crashed into a wall dozens of meters away with a deafening impact.
The wall cracked as dust spread through the air.
The Minotaur Monster was left embedded in the damaged wall, its body twisted unnaturally. It had clearly lost its life.
From the moment Sol appeared until the Minotaur Monster was defeated, the entire battle lasted less than three seconds.
The surveillance footage ended, and the screen turned black.
The data analysis room fell silent.
Itadori stared at the blank screen with his mouth slightly open. After several seconds, he finally spoke.
"O-one punch? That's it?"
Megumi Fushiguro frowned deeply. He had expected a younger Sol to be powerful, but the complete and effortless victory still exceeded his expectations.
That overwhelming strength, precise timing, and perfect execution were far beyond what he had imagined.
Nobara swallowed.
"This is called the weakest record? Are you serious? That Minotaur Monster looked incredibly strong!"
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses and calmly explained.
"Please understand that although the opponent was only Tiger-level, Mr. Sol displayed extremely impressive physical abilities during this battle."
"His speed and strength were already far beyond ordinary humans. More importantly, his Combat Intuition and efficiency were exceptional. This was not simply a display of overwhelming power. It showed a deep understanding and control of battle itself."
He brought up a series of slow-motion recordings and data panels.
"Look here. His method of applying force, his footwork, and even his focus are all extremely precise. There are no unnecessary movements. His objective is always clear, and his efficiency is maximized."
"This trait has remained consistent throughout his later battles."
Itadori's eyes grew brighter as he excitedly rubbed his hands together.
"That's incredible! So Sol was already this strong from the beginning!"
"Mr. Child Emperor, can we try fighting this version of Sol from the recording? Using the simulation system?"
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara also looked toward Child Emperor, their expressions showing both curiosity and determination.
Child Emperor nodded.
"This training ground is equipped with the latest generation of simulation technology. Mr. Sol personally uploaded combat data from different stages of his life, organized through recorded battles, allowing the system to recreate his fighting style and ability level from each period."
"Although it cannot perfectly replicate him, it is more than enough for training and experience. You only need to upload your consciousness into the system. Even if you are defeated, there will be no lasting effects."
"We want to try!" Itadori immediately answered, his fighting spirit obvious.
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara also nodded seriously.
The three of them uploaded their consciousness.
A moment later, inside Training Ground Seven.
The simulation system activated. The surrounding metal walls faded away, replaced by a chaotic street environment identical to the one shown in the footage.
Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara stood in a triangular formation, prepared for battle.
In front of them, a figure formed from light, shadows, and streams of data slowly appeared.
It was a simulated version of Sol based on his early combat data.
He wore the same clothing from the recording. His dark red eyes remained emotionless, and his presence alone created intense pressure.
The simulated Sol said nothing.
He did not even look directly at them.
Then his figure vanished.
"So fast!" Megumi Fushiguro's pupils contracted as he instinctively prepared to summon his Shikigami.
But it was already too late.
The simulated Sol had chosen his target immediately.
Itadori appeared to be the greatest threat, but he lacked long-range options and reliable crowd-control abilities. Sol identified that weakness instantly.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared directly in front of Itadori.
The same simple straight punch from the recording was thrown toward his abdomen.
Itadori did not even have enough time to fully reinforce himself with cursed energy.
He only felt an unstoppable force tear through his body.
"Puwah!"
The impact bent his body backward. His feet left the ground, his eyes widened, and a mouthful of sour liquid escaped as he was launched away.
His body flew backward like a broken sack and slammed into the invisible barrier surrounding the training area.
With a heavy impact, he slid down and remained unable to stand immediately.
"Itadori!" Nobara shouted.
She immediately swung her war hammer, sending several nails infused with cursed energy toward the simulated Sol's back.
However, the simulated Sol reacted as if he could see everything around him.
Without turning around, he shifted his body slightly and tilted his head by a small degree.
Every nail passed within mere millimeters of him before embedding themselves into the ground.
The next second, his figure disappeared again.
He appeared in front of Nobara like a phantom.
Nobara only saw a hand rapidly approaching her face.
She had no time to react.
Slap!
A hand strike landed against the side of her neck.
===
Read chapters ahead on Patreon, with every chapter organized into collections.
P-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/_Zeph.