Zombieman reached into his pocket, fumbled around, and produced a small bead, about the size of a marble. He handed it to Kaito Ren.
This was…
Kaito Ren stared at the bead, his eyes widening. It was a monster core, and larger than the one he'd obtained from the Tiger-level Lower boar monster, with a much denser energy. This meant it was from at least a Tiger-level Middle monster.
Zombieman, using his incredible regenerative abilities and stamina, had somehow worn down a Tiger-level Middle monster or stronger!
Kaito Ren's mouth twitched; he was speechless.
"Oh, almost forgot. Give this to Hellish Blizzard in your dorm."
Zombieman then produced a letter from his pocket and handed it to Kaito Ren.
Seeing the Hero Association seal, Kaito Ren facepalmed. The letter had come full circle, back to him. He couldn't escape it, could he?
Before, he would have ignored it and walked away. But now…
Kaito Ren's gaze fell upon the monster core. He really wanted it! It meant no more bloodsucking from Little Black, and Little Black could work for free.
To take it, or not to take it?
Kaito Ren quickly chose the former. Delivering the letter to Hellish Blizzard would at worst result in a scolding, but this monster core was like a summoning charm for Little Black, allowing him to summon it for battles. It was a worthwhile trade.
"I'll take it."
Kaito Ren accepted the monster core and the Hero Association appointment letter.
Back at the dorm, sitting on the sofa, he pondered how to give Hellish Blizzard the letter. She walked in, and as she passed him, she casually took the letter.
That was it?!
Kaito Ren couldn't believe it. He'd expected a scolding, maybe even a fight. It had been unexpectedly easy.
"Aren't you going to say something?"
Kaito Ren surprisingly asked before Hellish Blizzard closed her door.
"Hmph!"
Hellish Blizzard merely glared at him, then slammed the door shut. She'd initially refused because she hadn't decided yet. Now, she'd made up her mind.
To improve, she needed to fight monsters. Joining the Hero Association wasn't a bad idea. Plus, her sister, Tatsumaki, was an S-class hero in the Association. Surpassing her sister in the rankings would be a great goal.
Kaito Ren, exhausted after a busy day, returned to his room to rest, anticipating a similarly fruitful tomorrow.
The next day, while still asleep, Kaito Ren was awakened by Saitama.
"Teacher, Teacher, you need to see this!"
"What is it?"
Kaito Ren yawned, groggily getting out of bed.
"Teacher, it's the school's first test! We'll be late! Being late means failing!"
Saitama explained while getting dressed.
"What?!"
Kaito Ren jolted awake. Failing meant expulsion. The Reserve Hero School was a unique place offering free food, lodging, and training. He didn't want to leave. He grabbed his clothes and threw them on.
"Teacher, wait for me!"
Saitama hurried to catch up as Kaito Ren rushed out.
They arrived at the testing ground just as the bell rang. A temporary platform stood in the center of the field, with Reserve Hero Association instructors lined up, including Kawana.
"You've been here a while, and your strength has improved. The test will now begin. Those who pass remain; those who fail, must leave.
This is for your own good. You will eventually face monsters and protect people. Those lacking strength or potential should leave now to avoid injury later."
The Hero Association's vice-president and Reserve Hero School principal, Kawana, addressed the nearly one thousand students.
After a while, no one chose to leave. The food and lodging were too good to pass up. The test, they figured, couldn't be that difficult.
Kawana nodded, satisfied with their determination. However, their continued stay depended on passing the test.
Those who passed could stay; those who failed would be expelled. The rules were complex but ensured the strongest remained. Those who lost due to bad luck could have another chance.
Each student received a number. Number 1 fought number 998, and so on. Winners passed; losers entered a second round, until one hundred were eliminated.
"Teacher, what's your number?!"
Saitama showed Kaito Ren his number.
"200."
Kaito Ren checked his number.
"I'm 18."
Saitama was disappointed; he'd hoped to fight Kaito Ren.
"Kaito Ren, you're number 200?"
Asaka Hanako, nearby, looked at him in shock.
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