Reconstruction in City M began at a blistering pace under the Hero Association's thunderous command.
Swarms of engineering robots and workers flooded the wasteland, racing to restore order in the shortest time.
But information spreads faster than concrete cures.
Within an hour, "The strongest man on the surface, KING, single-handedly one-shot a Dragon-level calamity—Vaccine Man" crashed across the Association's network like a Category-12 online tsunami.
It snowballed and headlined every news outlet.
Attached were several grainy long-shots snapped by surviving heroes.
In them, slabs of meat spattered the plaza, and the man—KING—stood in the middle of the blood and gore.
His broad back was speckled with dark red, as if he'd just finished a trivial hunt.
The three fearsome scars slashing his face were cold and implacable, proclaiming that any monster who threatened humanity would meet the same end.
The internet exploded.
"God! So this is an S-Class in waiting? He's too strong!"
"One-shot? Did you hear? A one-shot! The monster that turned City A into hell—KING put it down in a single move!"
"Look at those eyes, that aura—that's the strongest man on the surface! I feel so safe!"
"Finally something the Association did right! Promote him to S-Class now!"
The public's worship, shock, and elation converged like streams into the sea, forming an invisible wave and surging toward one place—KING's apartment.
But at the eye of the storm, all was peaceful.
"Ooh! As expected of Lily-chan—twin tails really do suit you best!"
In KING's apartment, Lin Mo wore headphones, eyes glued to the TV.
On screen, Heartbeat Sisters' CG was peaking. His muttered commentary and the crisp clack of buttons made the atmosphere strangely… heated.
He had no idea what was happening outside—and didn't care.
Saving the world couldn't compete with dating a virtual heroine.
Just as he was about to choose the key option that would decide Lily-chan's affection—
"Ding-dong—"
The doorbell rang, cold water on his burning heart.
"Who is it!" He yanked off his headset and paused the game, annoyed.
Being interrupted at that moment ignited a nameless fire in his chest.
He slid into slippers, grumbling his way to the door. He peeked through the peephole.
A middle-aged man in a suit with a freakishly large nose stood outside, two similarly dressed aides behind him.
Lin Mo's memory rifled—wasn't that Xiqi, a senior officer of the Hero Association?
"What's he doing here?" His heart thumped faster.
Instinctively, he drew a deep breath and smoothed the wrinkles on his slept-in tee. When he opened the door, his face was cold and indifferent.
"What is it?" His voice was low and hoarse. Paired with the three scars, the pressure was intense.
The instant the door opened, Xiqi's heart seized.
He clearly heard, from within, a heavy thudding like a colossal engine roaring to life.
It radiated power and majesty—like an ancient beast stirring from slumber.
The King Engine?! The rumors are true!
The official speech he'd prepared crumbled under that invisible aura. He stammered:
"G-KING-sir—hello! I'm Xiqi, head of the Association headquarters. I apologize for the intrusion!"
He offered a gilt document. "We're here to inform you of something."
"Speak." Lin Mo kept it short, while his heart muttered: Don't be some troublesome assignment—Lily-chan is waiting!
Xiqi swallowed and, braving the Engine's pressure, solemnly declared:
"In view of the overwhelming power you displayed in the City A incident, and your outstanding contribution to protecting the public, the Board of Directors has voted unanimously. We have decided—"
"To formally promote you to S-Class Hero, initial rank: sixth."
"In addition, the Association is awarding a bonus of thirty million yen in recognition of your merits. The funds will arrive in your account within three minutes."
S-Class rank six? Thirty million?!
Lin Mo's pupils widened—barely.
He'd known this was coming, but hearing it himself—especially that string of zeros—still made him waver.
That tiny shift read very differently in Xiqi's eyes—
The strongest man on the surface seemed… dissatisfied with rank six?
Fair. With power to one-shot a Dragon-level, that rank might indeed undersell him.
Thinking of the top S-Class—BlAST, who's practically a phantom; Tornado of Terror…
No problem with Blast; his contributions are huge. But Miss Tornado… that might get ugly.
Master Bang wouldn't mind, but we can't chill KING's heart; and Atomic Samurai is no pushover either…
Sigh… better keep KING steady for now…
With that, Xiqi bent even lower. "Mr. KING, the ranking is only provisional. With your strength, you'll soon—"
"Got it." Lin Mo cut him off, taking the file.
He only wanted to send them away and get back to his game.
With thirty million coming, he could even spring for top-shelf gaming gear.
Far from resenting his coldness, Xiqi was surprised—and moved.
Not only is KING mighty, he's considerate… perhaps he understands our difficulties.
From the heart, he bowed. "Then we won't disturb your rest."
Door closed, shutting out the world. Lin Mo leaned back against it and exhaled, his calves going a little weak.
Dealing with bigwigs was more exhausting than any game.
Just then, cold system prompts poured down like a waterfall, filling his vision.
[From Citizen A: worship! Energy +1!]
[From Citizen B: shock! Energy +1!]
[Detected extreme awe from Association officer "Xiqi"! Energy +30!]
[Detected fighting spirit from S-Class Hero "Superalloy Darkshine"! Energy +150!]
[Detected scrutiny from S-Class Hero "Atomic Samurai"! Energy +200!]
[Detected scorn mixed with curiosity from S-Class Hero "Tornado of Terror"! Energy +300!]
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