"Monsters are everywhere lately, even targeting officials. But my son wanted to try 'commoner food,' so I have to trouble you, Metal Bat."
The fat tycoon Narinki doted on his boy.
"Wow, Dad, the pudding's spinning too!" the son exclaimed, wide-eyed.
They usually ate meals cooked by top chefs, served by servants. This rotating sushi was their first time experiencing ordinary dining.
"Only ten thousand yen for all-you-can-eat? I thought it'd cost more. Not bad," the tycoon mused.
"What the hell? This is torture! Hey! Don't put the plates back! They count for billing!" Metal Bat barked, glaring as both father and son reached to return their dishes.
"Leaving them feels uncivilized," the pair muttered, clueless about the point of the plates.
"Anyone puts one more plate back, and I'll bash him!" Metal Bat snapped, scowling.
Just then, his phone rang.
His little sister.
He rushed out to answer—her temper was unpredictable. If he came home without a gift, he'd be in trouble.
Rumble!
The moment he soothed her, a massive crash shook the restaurant.
"Dad!" the boy screamed.
"It's here... but not the one I thought," Metal Bat muttered darkly, storming inside. It wasn't the centipede he knew.
Out burst a giant red centipede, three to four meters tall, a human face on its body. Beside it stood a green monster.
They grabbed the tycoon's son, demanding confirmation from the sushi chef.
"Yes, it's the official's son," the red centipede said.
"You dirty my clothes and think you can leave? You haven't paid yet! Bastards!" Metal Bat spat in his palm, gripping his bat.
"Save my boy! Please!" the tycoon begged.
Then—
Through the rubble drifted a graceful figure.
A white, form-fitting robe like a holy nun's habit, yet laced with allure. Perfect features, calm eyes.
"So these are monsters? They're weaker than Marvel's beasts," Vision Helen remarked, examining the centipede and green creature.
"You?!" Metal Bat froze, staring, momentarily entranced.
"Hello, S-Class rank 18 hero, Metal Bat. Your sister is adorable," Helen smiled.
"You... how do you know about my sister?!" Metal Bat stiffened.
"This isn't the time. Why don't you release the boy and quietly surrender?" Helen said mildly.
"What?"
The centipede holding the boy laughed, joined by the green monster.
"A joke! She thinks we'll surrender? Monsters and humans can't coexist! You both die here!" the centipede roared.
It was the child of Elder Centipede, arrogant and violent, seizing officials' families for glory.
"Spit! I'll crush you both!" Metal Bat charged, bat raised.
"Wait a moment. It'll be quick."
A sweet voice whispered in his mind.
Suddenly, his rage melted like snow. His violent temper quieted.
He froze, confused. Why did he just want to stand still?
Impossible!
"Kill me? Then die yourself, human!" the centipede lunged at him.
"Look out, Metal Bat!" the tycoon shouted.
His son fainted in terror.
Squelch!
Green blood sprayed.
The centipede's eyes widened. A sharp green limb pierced its chest—from its ally.
"You... you betrayed me?!" it gasped.
The vine monster (Carnivorous Plant) stared at its own claws in shock. "I... I didn't...!"
"RAAAHHH! I'll kill you!"
The centipede went berserk, turning on its ally.
The two monsters tore into each other savagely, blood flying, leaving the boy forgotten on the floor.
Metal Bat stood dumbstruck. Then he looked at Helen.
Her eyes glowed strangely. She noticed his gaze, and smiled.
Their eyes met.
A chill ran through him. He recoiled in alarm.
"Too late," Helen whispered.
(End of Chapter)
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