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After Sylvia's reminder, Fang Li recalled it as well.
Indeed, within the Hero Association, there was a famous idol who held considerable influence. Through his popularity, he had helped the Hero Association attract many supporters and made its public activities much easier for people to accept.
Otherwise, an organization that was not run by the government would have found it very difficult to survive.
And that Hero seemed to be...
"The Number One Hero in A-Class, right?"
Among Heroes, there was also an internal ranking system.
This ranking was likewise determined by a Hero's combat ability and contributions to society.
As long as one reached the Number One position in their class, they could apply to the Hero Association for promotion to a higher Hero rank.
That famous idol had deliberately remained at A-Class Rank 1. Apparently, he believed this allowed him to stop unqualified Heroes from climbing higher and becoming S-Class Heroes despite lacking the strength worthy of that rank.
Of course, no matter how many fans that idol had, he could not compare to Sylvia.
After all, Sylvia was a world-class celebrity, while that idol was, at most, famous nationwide. In a country with a relatively small population, comparing his support rate to Sylvia's would result in an overwhelming defeat.
Precisely because of this, the Hero Association had contacted Sylvia the moment they discovered that she possessed the strength required to become a Hero and had attempted to recruit her.
If several billion fans all made donations at the same time, then even if each person donated only one yen a day, the Hero Association would receive billions of yen in a single day.
The Association's executives would probably drool at the mere thought of it.
Of course, that was nothing more than wishful thinking.
No matter what, Sylvia was under no obligation to join the Hero Association and help it make money.
At least, if the Main Quest were not involved.
"So?"
Sylvia sought Fang Li's opinion.
"Should I accept the invitation?"
She handed the decision-making authority over to Fang Li.
However, Fang Li looked directly into Sylvia's eyes and said with an amused smile,
"Haven't you already made up your mind?"
"...As expected, I can't hide anything from you."
Sylvia smiled bitterly.
"I just think that if my joining can help expand the Hero Association's influence, then perhaps the disasters caused by Mysterious Beings can be reduced, even if only a little."
It seemed that the previous incident had still left some impact on Sylvia's heart.
That, in turn, helped Fang Li make up his mind.
Originally, Fang Li had not planned to let Sylvia join the Hero Association under her real identity. He wanted to avoid unnecessary complications while carrying out their Quest and only reveal her true identity when necessary.
But now, he had changed his mind.
Granted, Fang Li had no intention of letting Sylvia become a money-making tool for the Hero Association.
The Association had its own executives and management. There were undoubtedly some parasites among them who cared only about the profits Sylvia could bring rather than the safety of the public.
Nevertheless, regardless of what those people were thinking, an increase in the Hero Association's influence would indeed help curb disasters more effectively.
If that was Sylvia's wish, Fang Li naturally had no reason to object.
However...
"We don't have any reason to let other people take advantage of us for free."
Fang Li smiled slightly.
"We should still get what we're entitled to."
For example, simply having the World-Famous Diva join them would already require an appearance fee, not to mention various other expenses. There was no reason not to earn what they could.
Furthermore, if the Number One Hero in A-Class could possess such significant influence within the Hero Association, then Sylvia's position certainly could not be any lower.
"You..."
Sylvia could not help but laugh.
"You're really petty."
"This is called taking the advantages that should rightfully be taken."
Fang Li replied with a grin.
"Just like this."
The moment he finished speaking, Sylvia let out a startled cry as Fang Li directly pulled away the bath towel wrapped around her body.
The next instant, he forcefully pressed the alluring World-Famous Diva beneath him.
"...Mmm..."
Soft breaths began to rise and fall.
The headquarters of the Hero Association was actually located in A-City.
It was a massive structure resembling a skyscraper constructed from black, semi-transparent metal.
The building towered far above all the surrounding structures in A-City. Like a giant standing amidst a cityscape, it overlooked the entirety of A-City.
Moreover, the Association headquarters itself was an extremely sturdy fortress. Even a nuclear bombardment would be unable to shake it. In that respect, it was somewhat similar to the Windowless Building in Academy City's District 7.
Even so, the area in front of the headquarters was crowded today.
Rows of Hero Association personnel dressed in neat suits and formal attire stood lined up outside as though they were awaiting the arrival of some distinguished guest. The atmosphere was rather tense.
Especially the somewhat overweight middle-aged man standing at the front. He kept wiping away sweat while repeatedly checking his watch, his expression showing a trace of anxiety.
It was not until a stretched luxury limousine slowly approached from the distance that the man's eyes lit up and he hurriedly straightened his posture.
The limousine drove over and finally came to a stop before the neatly lined-up crowd.
Click...
The car door opened.
Everyone immediately turned their gaze toward it.
Shortly afterward, they saw a man and a woman step out together.
At once, led by the middle-aged man, all the members of the Hero Association respectfully bowed.
"Welcome to the Hero Association, Your Highness the Diva."
The greeting echoed throughout the area.
Fang Li and Sylvia exchanged glances before stepping forward together.
The middle-aged man at the front immediately came forward to greet them.
"Hello, Sylvia-san." He addressed Sylvia politely and respectfully. "I am Sitch of the Hero Association. Please take care of me."
"Hello."
Naturally, Sylvia did not put on any airs. She smiled warmly and said,
"Sitch-san, thank you for coming to receive me."
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all."
Sitch hurriedly replied,
"The fact that Sylvia-san accepted our invitation is truly our honor. Doing this much is only natural."
"But making such a grand fuss over me makes me feel a little embarrassed."
Sylvia shook her head and said,
"Please don't be so formal. Just treat me naturally."
As she spoke, Sylvia smiled gently.
That smile was like a flower in full bloom, causing the faces of all the Hero Association members present to flush red.
Clearly, there were quite a few Sylvia fans among them.
Even Sitch appeared somewhat overwhelmed. Looking slightly excited, he stepped aside and said,
"T-Then, let's talk inside first. The sun is quite strong out here."
Sylvia nodded.
At that moment, Sitch finally noticed Fang Li standing beside her and spoke with some surprise.
"You must be the Hero who dealt with yesterday's disaster together with Sylvia-san, correct?"
Hearing Sitch's words, Fang Li raised an eyebrow slightly.
"I'm surprised you even noticed me, Sitch-san."
Spreading his hands, Fang Li said,
"However, I'm only Sylvia-san's bodyguard at the moment. I'm not a Hero yet, so you can just call me Fang Li."
"I understand, Fang Li-san."
Sitch showed not the slightest sign of neglect as he replied,
"In that case, please come inside, both of you."
Thus, Fang Li and Sylvia entered the headquarters of the Hero Association.
(End Of This Chapter)