Chapter 216 : Name change successful
Tornado's declaration, full of fighting spirit, broke the heavy atmosphere in the corridor.
The remaining S-Class Heroes watched her petite figure disappear at the end of the corridor, their expressions varied.
Finally, all eyes converged once again on the silent man—KING.
The emotions in their eyes grew more intense.
Even the arrogant Terrible Tornado showed such strong competitive drive when facing the strongest man on earth.
This in itself was the highest form of recognition.
Looking across the entire world, the only one Tornado considered a target she absolutely had to surpass, besides the legendary S-Class Rank 1, Blast, who had long since vanished without a trace, was probably just KING, who was hailed as the strongest man on earth.
"It seems the upcoming battle won't be as easy as before."
A steady, slightly hoarse voice spoke as Zombieman emerged from the conference room.
He wore his worn-out trench coat, his expression as grave as ever.
He walked up to the others, scanned them, and continued, "An enemy that can't be killed no matter how many times you try, just thinking about it gives me a headache."
His words carried a hint of self-mocking weariness, a double entendre.
He was referring to both himself and the "God" in the mural.
"However," he paused, looking deeply at Lin Mo with eyes that betrayed little emotion.
"With you here, at least it makes one feel that this fight... still has a chance."
After speaking, he said no more, hands in his pockets, and walked towards the elevator with steady steps.
"Then, I should also depart."
Atomic Samurai nodded slightly to Sitch and Zekinger of the Hero Association, a gesture of farewell.
His calm demeanor, characteristic of a master swordsman, was fully displayed at this moment.
He turned to his three disciples—Iaian, Bushidrill, and Okamaitachi—who followed his every step, and spoke in a decisive tone:
"Iaian! Okamaitachi! Bushidrill! Follow me! Let us use the swords in our hands to cut down all evil in this world!"
"Yes, Master!" the three disciples responded in unison, their voices clear and loud.
The master and his three disciples then departed, full of fighting spirit.
Soon, the corridor, which had been somewhat crowded due to the gathering of S-Class Heroes, became spacious.
Flashy Flash's golden eyes, in the instant they met Lin Mo's, flashed with a glint of insight, the mutual probing between top-tier powerhouses.
Tanktop Master, with his powerful posture, gave Lin Mo a firm nod and a thumbs-up, everything unsaid.
Even Pig God, who usually only cared about food, as he slowly moved his massive body away, gave Lin Mo a rare, deep look.
Without exception, they all gave Lin Mo either a direct or subtle salute before leaving.
It was as if, after witnessing the shock brought by that mural, KING's image in their hearts had quietly undergone a profound qualitative change.
He had transformed from a "powerhouse with unfathomable strength" into a "lonely pioneer who single-handedly carried the world's destiny."
Lin Mo stood in place, taking it all in.
He understood.
It seemed that Child Emperor not only informed the Association about the information regarding "God" but also... added a lot of "drama" for him.
Lin Mo couldn't help but feel a bit amused and helpless, but he didn't say much.
"What is it, a bunch of people acting strangely for no reason?" A slightly lazy voice broke Lin Mo's thoughts.
Saitama let out a long yawn.
With his hands in his pockets, he was completely unable to empathize with the atmosphere of mission-driven purpose just now, only feeling that everyone had suddenly become very strange.
He leisurely walked up to Sitch, scratched his smooth bald head, and said,
"Ah, hello, I think you're like the person in charge of the Association, right?"
He showed a very amiable smile, "I came to tell you that I want to change my hero name."
"Oh?"
Sitch was about to say something to Lin Mo, but being interrupted by Saitama, he paused for a moment, then showed a gentle smile.
"Of course, Mr. Saitama. In fact, we were just about to discuss this with you."
"Your previous title, 'Caped Baldy,' was indeed... inappropriate. Do you have any new ideas?"
"Hmm." Saitama nodded, put his hands on his hips, puffed out his chest, and in a pose he considered very cool, solemnly announced:
"From today onwards, just call me—One-Punch Man!"
"One-Punch... Man?" Sitch chewed on the name, a glint flashing in his eyes.
This title perfectly matched the battle report of Saitama's one-punch defeat of Elder Centipede not long ago!
Simple, direct, yet incredibly imposing!
"An excellent name!" Sitch did not stint on his praise.
"I will immediately have the relevant department register and update it. I believe soon, the name 'One-Punch Man' will resound throughout the world."
"Oh, that's good." Saitama nodded with satisfaction, a huge weight lifted from his heart.
He felt he had accomplished a major life event, finally getting rid of the title that had embarrassed him so much.
Satisfied, he prepared to turn around and show off his new name to KING, but found that KING was no longer there.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Saitama." Sitch called out to him, "There's one more thing."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Given your outstanding contribution in the Elder Centipede subjugation battle, after a unanimous resolution by the Association's high-ranking officials, your S-Class ranking will be promoted."
"Oh? Promoted to what?" Saitama asked casually, not particularly concerned about it.
"S-Class, Rank 14," Sitch said in a deep voice.
"Oh, Rank 14... Alright then." Saitama nodded, not thinking much of it.
Rank 14 or Rank 18 made no difference to him.
He waved his hand, acknowledging it, then turned back again, but still didn't see Lin Mo's figure.
"Hmm? Where did KING go again?"
Saitama looked around in confusion, and finally, his gaze passed through the corridor and landed on the adjacent conference room.
There, he saw KING's figure.
— — — — — —
While Saitama was talking to Sitch about his hero name, Lin Mo's attention had already been drawn to the small figure in the conference room.
He hadn't followed the main group out, nor had he participated in any discussions; he was just sitting alone at the huge conference table.
Under the lights, Child Emperor's youthful face looked exceptionally haggard.
He had dark circles under his eyes, his lips were chapped, and his mental state seemed extremely poor.
His eyes, which should have been full of liveliness and curiosity, were now filled with gravity and an unshakeable worry.
His small body seemed to be carrying an invisible mountain.
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100 POWER STONE = BONUS CHAPTER
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