Chapter 208 : S-level meeting
Inside the strategy meeting room at Hero Association Headquarters.
The S-Class Heroes were arriving one after another.
Most of them had relaxed, even nonchalant, expressions on their faces.
Many of them hadn't taken the Association's notice of an "emergency summons for all S-Class Heroes to discuss a battle plan" seriously.
"Why are all S-Class Heroes being summoned again? Did something big happen?" It was Tanktop Master, S-Class Rank 15, who spoke.
Beneath his iconic tanktop were bulging muscles.
"That's right, the frequency of Monster appearances has been increasing lately. It's a good chance for my Tanktop Power to really shine!"
"Hmph, simple-minded musclehead." A cold voice came from the corner.
Flashy Flash, S-Class Rank 13, was holding his beloved sword and resting with his eyes closed, not even bothering to lift an eyelid.
"I hope this time's enemies have a bit of speed, otherwise, it'll be too boring."
The fact that these top-tier powerhouses, with their vastly different personalities, were gathered together was enough to indicate that the Association was facing no ordinary event this time.
The meeting room door was pushed open, and Sitch, the Association's highest-ranking official, along with a group of high-level executives, walked in with solemn expressions.
Walking beside Sitch was a tall man.
He wore a well-tailored black suit, had a resolute face, and sharp eyes. Although he was a high-level executive of the Association, he possessed a unique temperament.
He was Zekinger, the Hero Association's Chief of Operations.
"Is everyone here?" Zekinger's voice was deep and powerful.
He scanned the meeting room, seeing the few empty seats, but merely nodded slightly, not showing any dissatisfaction.
He knew the temperaments of the S-Class Heroes well; it was already quite something that so many had come.
"Reporting, Chief Zekinger," a secretary beside Sitch quickly stepped forward and replied.
"Atomic Samurai is currently in the uninhabited area of Z-City, performing a large-scale dragnet search mission, and should return very soon."
The secretary paused, then added with a heavier tone:
"Metal Bat, S-Class Rank 16... is currently receiving treatment in the Association's affiliated hospital's intensive care unit and will be unable to participate in any combat operations for the short term."
"As for Mr. KING and Mr. Saitama... we have sent out notifications, but have not yet received a response."
"Understood." Zekinger responded calmly, "No need to wait, time is urgent. Let's begin."
He walked to the center of the meeting room and bowed slightly to all the S-Class Heroes present, performing a gesture of respect.
"To all S-Class Heroes, thank you for coming despite your busy schedules."
He spoke humbly, his words full of sincerity, "I'm sure you've all noticed. Recently, Monster activity has become increasingly frequent, and their organization and destructiveness have reached unprecedented levels."
He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over each face, ensuring everyone's attention was on him.
"Based on the comprehensive analysis of the Association's intelligence department, and crucial intelligence provided by Child Emperor, S-Class Rank 5, we have confirmed that all of this points to a common source—the Monster Association!"
"Child Emperor?"
The S-Class Heroes present subconsciously glanced at the empty seat belonging to the genius boy, then nodded in understanding.
They had considerable faith in Child Emperor's wisdom, which far surpassed his age, and his intelligence-gathering abilities, which were unparalleled in the Association.
Zekinger extended his finger and lightly tapped the air, and a holographic projection of Z-City's 3D map immediately appeared.
"We have confirmed intelligence that the Monster Association's lair is located deep underground in Z-City, within a vast, abandoned underground labyrinth!"
"There, an incalculable number of massive Monster legions are entrenched. According to Child Emperor, there are at least several Dragon-level disaster-class executives among them!"
His voice, at this moment, became resonant and decisive.
"Therefore, after careful deliberation, the Association has decided to launch an unprecedented surprise attack operation against the Monster Association!"
Upon hearing his words, the S-Class Heroes present also shed their nonchalant attitudes, their expressions gradually becoming serious.
"Oh, a full-scale assault! It's about time!"
Tanktop Master stood up excitedly, his muscles rippling.
"It seems it's time to unleash my Tanktop Power!"
"Just a bunch of rabble." Flashy Flash opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in his pupils.
"As long as I find them, I can finish them with one strike."
Seeing the heroes' instantly ignited fighting spirit, a hint of relief appeared on Zekinger's face.
But that hint of relief vanished in an instant, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.
"We have unwavering faith in your abilities," he said gravely, "but please, do not let your guard down!"
"A few days ago, Drive Knight ventured alone into the Monster Association located deep underground in Z-City, but... we have lost contact with him."
Zekinger took a deep breath, saying with a grim expression, "We have reason to believe... he has been sacrificed."
All the heroes present were startled. Although they had rarely seen Drive Knight, his abilities as an S-Class Hero were beyond question.
But, he was sacrificed so silently...?
Everyone finally fully realized the gravity of the situation.
Just then, the meeting room door was pushed open again.
Atomic Samurai, S-Class Rank 4, walked in, accompanied by his three proud disciples—Iaian, Okamaitachi, and Bushidrill—looking travel-worn.
"Apologies, I'm late." Atomic Samurai's voice was steady and powerful. He walked to his seat and sat down.
"The search in Z-City yielded nothing. It seems their lair is hidden deeper than imagined."
"Mr. Atomic Samurai, thank you for your hard work." Sitch nodded, about to explain the situation to him.
However, a voice, tinged with coldness and sarcasm, came from the meeting room doorway.
"Heh heh, how pathetic, Atomic Samurai."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see a handsome man leaning against the doorframe.
A slight smile played on his face.
Sweet Mask, A-Class Rank 1.
Although only A-Class, his status and influence within the Association were no less than any S-Class Hero.
Because he was not only a household name as a superstar idol but also the spokesperson for the Hero Association's image.
At the same time, he also held the "veto power" over A-Class Heroes' promotion to S-Class.
His appearance instantly made the atmosphere in the meeting room tense.
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100 POWER STONE = BONUS CHAPTER
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