The House of Evolution had completely changed.
Gone was the crude underground bunker. Now stood a fortress of futuristic metal, massive alloy gates, towering walls, countless mechanical guards, and hidden weapon systems designed by Special Sale Saturday's super-intelligence.
With alloys stronger than anything Metal Knight had ever built, the base was already more terrifying than the Hero Association itself.
Still, few people knew of its existence, for no one had dared to attack. To outsiders, it was just a slumbering steel beast, harmless on the surface.
Another reason: the base's official owner was Bruce Banner, the genius scientist and close-combat fighter who had redesigned the Association's new HQ. His scientific brilliance was no less than Tony Stark's, and combined with Dr. Genus and the occasional aid of Special Sale Saturday, his tech level now rivaled or surpassed Marvel's Banner. Add in the terrifying might of the Hulk, and Bruce was now the most famous super-scientist in the One Punch world.
Dr. Genus and the others remained well hidden.
Strict security—pupil scans, double DNA checks to prevent clones, genetic verification—guarded every level. Yet for Saitama, who held highest clearance, the way was open. Banner and Special Sale Saturday held second-level access.
"T-type Gene Potion—high chance to unlock human potential, causing a genetic awakening. Success rate: above 75%. And the strengthening lasts a long time."
Banner's expression was unusually solemn as he handed Saitama two silver vials, starlight glittering inside. Genus had arranged monsters like Ashura and Django to guard the lab.
This was the world's first true genetic medicine.
"Oh? And the other 25% chance?" Saitama asked curiously.
"Death. Cells collapse under the unlocked energy. The body disintegrates. But it won't create viruses or infections—I've optimized it as much as possible," Banner answered firmly.
"In simple terms, think of it like Captain Steve's serum, only with higher success rates. But production is the problem—output will always be limited, results vary by individual."
In less than half a year, Banner and Genus had created the impossible.
"These two vials are yours, Boss. Genus and I will continue developing the next batch, but even monthly production will stay in the single digits." Banner patted his chest, emphasizing "Boss." By agreement, they belonged to Saitama.
Looking at their burning determination, Saitama felt uneasy. Would these two mad scientists… spark something strange between them? With Genus's cloning and Bruce's brawny Hulk form, the vibe was… unsettling.
After a short briefing, Saitama left with the vials.
Now came the real question—sell them? Use them? He was low on cash.
Special Sale Saturday and Mosquito Girl both worked to support him, handing over their entire paychecks to this salted fish. Blizzard, though, refused to hand in her salary, but she and her sisters—Tornado included—made it clear they'd share Saitama and keep him from straying. "Why let outsiders profit?" was their unspoken motto.
Supporting a household was hard work. Maybe selling the potions was best. But how much were they worth? Saitama didn't know if Banner and Genus's hype was real.
As he pondered, a loud crash split the air.
"Help!"
"Run, the rail is collapsing!"
"Call the Association! Get heroes here!"
"Damn it—where's Tanktop?!"
Screams and panic filled the street. A four-story building crumbled as a monstrous figure emerged—a hulking, bull-like beast nearly three stories tall.
Its skin was black and steel-hard, twin horns gleaming sharp, eyes glowing blood-red as it bellowed. The building had been toppled with a single charge.
Several professional heroes arrived—B-class. But faced with the towering monster, their faces turned pale. They only herded civilians, none daring to fight.
"Hey! Stop right there! Fight me instead!"
A small figure stood beneath the beast, blood staining half his face, his right arm broken, his helmet crushed at his side.
Yet he still charged forward on a battered bicycle, even as the wheel bent and the frame collapsed.
The monster paused, glaring at him with savage eyes.
"I am License-less Rider! I won't let you pass!!"
Though bloodied and broken, the man roared, throwing himself once more against the giant's advance.
(End of Chapter)
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