"What did you say? Sweet Mask is actually a monster?"
"Yes, there were dozens of witnesses at the scene, and citizens even took photos."
"This..."
Jess's brow furrowed tightly.
The storm surrounding Dark Mask's Monsterization had just passed, and now something like this was happening again.
Moreover, unlike last time, Sweet Mask was extremely popular in society. The backlash from this incident was simply too massive. It was a direct and severe blow to the Hero Association's reputation. However, since it had already happened, the biggest issue now was how to appease the general public.
"Jess-san, this incident has been widely spread by people with ulterior motives. It's said that the newly emerged organization is fueling the flames behind the scenes."
"Neo? They've been trying everything to target us, even sending out headhunters to contact S-Class Heroes in an attempt to poach them."
Jess also knew the current situation was grim. Although the crusade against the Monster Association was a success, the Hero Association's prestige had plummeted instead.
Many people with malicious intent were leaking internal scandals, and now, almost no one was participating in the Hero Entrance Exams held by the Hero Association.
In contrast, the recently emerged organization, Neo, had nearly two thousand people sign up for a single exam.
"Furthermore, they have already issued an announcement that they will publicly hunt down Dark Mask and Sweet Mask, and it will be broadcast live when the time comes."
"A bunch of detestable fellows..."
"Jess-san, the Sweet Mask situation has too much impact. The higher-ups demand that we handle this strictly and as soon as possible."
"But he only exposed his identity as a monster to protect the citizens..." Jess hesitated.
Neither Dark Mask nor Sweet Mask had ever shown themselves to be against humanity. On the contrary, they had continuously killed monsters to protect civilians. It was just that their identities were unacceptable to the public.
"Forget it, we have to give an explanation eventually. Issue a wanted poster for Sweet Mask immediately. Once his tracks are found, launch an extermination mission. For now, let's designate his name as Sweet Monster." Jess felt quite helpless.
At that moment, the phone suddenly rang.
"Hello?"
"Jess, please come to Conference Room 18 immediately. There is an important matter."
"Minister Sitch? Alright, I'll be right there."
Jess was startled, but he rushed over immediately, praying in his heart that no more trouble would arise.
...
Hero Association, Conference Room 18.
"Minister Sitch!"
Jess hurried into the conference room, only to realize that besides Sitch, there was another person present.
"You are... Blast!" A look of shock appeared in Jess's eyes.
"Jess, long time no see." A smile appeared on Blast's face.
Although he and countless like-minded companions were fighting God in other dimensions, every time he returned to the Hero Association, it felt very warm. After all, he had started from here, and the heroes here were also companions who fought side-by-side, just on different battlefields.
"Why are you here?" Jess asked the doubt in his heart.
Generally speaking, if no major incident occurred, Blast would absolutely not show himself easily.
"Sitch contacted me this time. Of course, I have other matters to handle upon my return." Blast's gaze was calm.
After years of constant warfare, he had long grown accustomed to keeping all his burdens suppressed in his heart.
"Minister Sitch..."
Jess looked toward Sitch, not understanding his intention.
"Jess, has a decision been made regarding Sweet Mask?" Sitch asked.
"A wanted poster has already been issued. The impact of this incident is too great, and many citizens have already started protesting. We can only do our best to salvage the Association's image." Jess's eyes dimmed slightly.
Mentioning Sweet Mask made him think of Dark Mask. He hadn't expected the hero he once held in such high regard to end up like this.
"Sigh. Following Dark Mask, another incident of a hero turning into a monster has occurred, and it has fermented to an uncontrollable state. That's why I asked Blast to return." Sitch sighed.
The Hero Association had been going through a turbulent period recently, he could only place his hopes on Blast.
"It's all my fault. If I hadn't let Dark Mask participate in the escort duty for Waganma and Narinki-san, he wouldn't have fallen into the hands of the Monster Association. In that case, he wouldn't have undergone Monsterization, and things wouldn't have evolved to this point today." Jess was very self-reproachful.
If Dark Mask were still in the Hero Association now, he would certainly have been able to enter the ranks of S-Class Heroes.
"Don't be silly, Jess. They are heroes, this is what they must do. And what we must do is try our best to salvage everything. Fortunately, there is some progress on this matter now." Sitch said.
"Minister Sitch, what do you mean?" Jess was curious, not understanding what Sitch meant.
"I'll let Blast explain this."
"I've been paying attention to the recent cases of humans turning into monsters for a while now. This includes my former comrade-in-arms, Empty Void."
Blast's eyes drifted into memory.
Jess didn't seem unfamiliar with the name. "Empty Void? I seem to have heard that name before."
Blast explained in detail, "He came from the Ninja Village. Because he was proficient in Dimensional Power like me, we once fought side-by-side against God. Unfortunately, he was eventually seduced by God, became it's agent, and turned into a monster."
"After a battle, he was heavily wounded by me and then went into hiding with a mysterious cube."
"I just recently sensed his aura. It seems he has reawakened, which is why I rushed back."
His main purpose was to collect the mysterious cubes. Especially the one in Empty Void's hands. The function of that cube was extremely unique and had to be obtained.
"So that's how it is. But what does this have to do with Dark Mask and Sweet Mask's Monsterization?" Jess followed up with a question.
He didn't think Blast needed help from other heroes. After all, if it was an enemy even he couldn't handle, then even if all the S-Class Heroes moved out, it would likely be useless—with the sole exception of King, of course.
"According to my observations, monsterization is related to Divine Power. To restore them to their original state, this power must be purged."
"Empty Void was polluted by God's power, but I have now created a kind of power that can counter Divine Power. If it succeeds, we might be able to awaken their original consciousness and turn them back into humans." Blast's eyes were resolute.
This was a power specifically targeting God that he had created over countless years.
"That's wonderful! This way, both Dark Mask and Sweet Mask can be saved." Jess was incredibly excited.
If Blast succeeded, then not just those two, but perhaps many monsters on Earth could turn back into humans.
"What exactly is this power?"
"I call it Darkness Power."