An unknown research institute.
The light was dim. The air was filled with a strange smell.
Invisible infrared and ultraviolet security beams swept rapidly across the hall. The security measures here were even stronger than those of the Hero Association.
Boom!
A loud crash echoed from deep within.
In the shadows, a furious roar burst forth.
"Damn it! Bruce Banner, that bastard! How dare he ruin my plans!!"
It was a middle-aged man in a white lab coat, with four prominent buckteeth. Thin, hollow-eyed, his appearance carried a disturbing unease. Behind him stood countless mechs—one of them identical to the Metal Knight unit that had been destroyed.
This was the real Metal Knight!
Hidden for years, he was a mad genius scientist, consumed by obsession.
His bloodshot eyes glowed like those of a restless beast.
Looking further back, the transparent incubation pods revealed shocking contents. Inside were mech replicas of S-Class heroes—Genos clones with identical height, proportions, and even hair—just missing their heads, microchips flashing faintly.
There were Drive Knight robots.
Atomic Samurai robots.
Silver Fang robots.
Even Hulk robots.
And—Cyborg Saitama robots.
Except for Tornado and Blizzard, every S-Class hero had a counterfeit mech version here.
The man was insane. Using his position, he had acquired precise data on every S-Class hero—their combat abilities, fighting styles, and strengths. His intentions were treacherous.
...
In City A, reconstruction progressed in an orderly fashion.
Originally, the Association planned to hire Metal Knight, but he had vanished without a trace. No surprise. He often ignored disasters unless they served his weapon experiments.
Thus, the rebuilding fell to Bruce Banner and Dr. Genus, both geniuses in their own right.
With their genetic technology, plus Special Sale Saturday's advanced robotics, they built mechanical construction crews: Mechanical Octopus, Demolition Husky, Blasting Piggy, and Mechanical Giants. Progress soared.
The Association's funding secured Banner and Genus's research budgets, saving Saitama, their broke boss, from working odd jobs.
The new Hero Association HQ was rebuilt on the old site, massively expanded.
A colossal pyramid-like structure, suspended above an artificial lake on alloy foundations. Multiple alloy runways stretched outward, connecting to major cities, ensuring heroes could respond to disasters faster than ever.
...
The rebuilding took about two or three months.
During that time, Saitama basked in the care of Blizzard, Special Sale Saturday, and Mosquito Girl. Once a man who preached fitness and willpower, he was now pampered into true laziness.
Tired? Use a lap as a pillow.
Dark? Let headlights light the way.
Hungry? Meals and fruit platters were served.
A salted fish king indeed.
"Ha ha ha! Saitama, you'll love me for this! I, Bruce Banner, am a true genius!"
"And me too, Dr. Genus! Oh yeah!"
Their idiotic laughter blasted from the phone.
Saitama, sitting with Mosquito Girl kneeling beside him in a white dress, looked bewildered. Blizzard pouted beside him, glaring like she'd explode if ignored.
"Oh… what is it? If it's nothing, I'm hanging up."
He was about to end the call when Banner shouted:
"Genetic Evolution Serum! T-type reagent! It unlocks the genetic limiter. Right now, it's unstable—linked to Chromosome 7, sequence 67 of the humerus gene—"
"Uh… so basically, the gene medicine's finished?" Saitama scratched his head. He understood the first half, the rest lost on him.
"Yes! First-stage only, numbers limited. You better come over, Saitama!"
"…Fine. I'll come. Blizzard, Saturday, Tina—you stay here. I'll head out."
Since he had invested heavily, he wanted to see the results.
Blizzard, Saturday, and Mosquito Girl looked at him with faint resentment. If he stayed out overnight… City A might not survive their wrath.
For peace and safety, Saitama had to promise he'd be back soon.
...
On his way, rain and wind swept the streets. Citizens whispered, pointing fingers at him. Some admired him, especially many young women. Others scorned the bald hero.
Saitama didn't care. The insults slid off him, but the fan support left him secretly pleased.
Soon, he arrived at the House of Evolution.
(End of Chapter)
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