"Boss, two urgent matters," said Aizen calmly.
"What is it?"
"The first concerns the newly appointed S-Class hero… King."
Aiden Cross raised a brow.
He had not told Aizen that King was a "pseudo S-Class." The fewer people who knew, the better. King's reputation was meant to function like a walking nuclear deterrent.
"Julian Kane's strength is unquestionable," Aizen continued, "but King… feels off. I can't explain it. So I invited him to the training hall for a spar."
Direct. Efficient. Very Aizen.
From a distance, Aiden Cross already heard it—
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Like an engine idling.
King walked in, followed by Child Emperor.
Blond hair. Scarred face. Intimidating build. Arms folded. Eyes sharp.
To anyone else, he looked terrifyingly powerful.
Only Aiden Cross knew the truth:
A homebody with near-zero combat ability.
The legendary "King Engine"? Just his heart pounding from sheer panic.
"Challenging King is reckless!" Child Emperor declared. "Aside from the President and Vice Presidents, King is the strongest man on Earth!"
Gareth Ironblade and Tony, who had been about to leave, instantly stayed.
S-Class combat? Front row seats.
Aizen adjusted his glasses, a faint gleam flashing.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Child Emperor puffed up proudly.
"Let me tell you King's feats!"
"He once carried a bomb that could destroy the solar system into space and threw it into a black hole!"
"He traveled back in time and destroyed a meteor shower before it hit Earth!"
"Every myth in history has traces of King's actions!"
"He uses the Moon as a punching bag—that's why it has craters!"
"And no matter the monster, he defeats it with one punch!"
Aiden Cross resisted the urge to facepalm.
Where did this kid even hear this stuff?
Aizen's smile widened slightly.
"Now you've piqued my interest."
"Even Tornado isn't as strong as King!" Child Emperor added confidently.
Aizen's long-dormant battle spirit stirred.
Among S-Class heroes:
Tornado — missing somewhere on EarthJulian — refuses meaningless duelsDoraemon — not combat typeAiden Cross — suicide to challenge
And now—
A perfect candidate.
King.
Meanwhile, King stood there, arms folded, silent.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The King Engine grew louder.
Inside, he was screaming.
I'm just a gamer! I can't even beat a D-Class hero! Why is an S-Class monster staring at me like that?!
Child Emperor's nonstop praise made it worse.
King's only hope right now?
That the gentle-looking man in glasses would go easy on him.
Preferably… not hit him at all.
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