Out of reverence for the lightning, the surrounding Monsters instinctively backed away, clearing a wide berth.
Beside the female Monster, a catfish Monster with human legs was reluctantly thrust into the spotlight. He wasn't large, but he was undeniably sturdy. His muscular limbs and jet-black catfish body occasionally crackled with silver electric currents, lending him an imposing air.
These two were none other than the renowned lightning duo among Tiger-level Monsters—
Plasma Dancer and Electric Catfish Man.
"What's wrong, Dancer? Why the sudden interest in this kind of thing?" The catfish Monster turned to his partner, genuinely puzzled. "Didn't you say before that you didn't like joining factions?"
"Times have changed." Plasma Dancer—whose form was indistinguishable from a human woman's—spoke softly. "Lately, there's been talk that 'that certain individual' intends to hold a Monster convention. I suspect… a full-scale war isn't far off."
She paused, her gaze thoughtful.
"When that happens, we'll all be deployed against the heroes. Great Eyes' strategic planning can maximize our advantages, but there are human heroes out there who can't be underestimated."
The catfish Monster blinked his round eyes. He trusted his partner's judgment implicitly. "So you're saying…?"
Plasma Dancer's expression grew serious. "We don't have the qualifications to approach the high-and-mighty 'Executives.' If we could secure the protection of this Bug God… that would be excellent."
The catfish Monster nodded slowly. "Then… let's give it a try."
Bug God's Territory
The originally spacious area now felt noticeably cramped. A group of Tiger-level Monsters, led by Ox-Head Man, shouted orders and worked to organize the chaos, barely managing to form a ragged line of low-level Monsters who had come seeking refuge.
"An armored Monster mutated from an ancient undead? Interesting. Report to the Third Squad."
"Yes, Bug God!"
Seated upon the massive stone throne, Jack used the system's viewing function to scan the information of the Monsters below him, interviewing the Tiger-level applicants one by one.
As for the Wolf-level Monsters? There were simply too many. If he interviewed them all, he'd likely still be at it when the Hero Association came knocking to wipe them out.
So Jack waved his hand and established the "Bug God Thirteen Squads." Captains and members were all Tiger-level Monsters already under his command. Any Wolf-level Monster who could last more than half a minute against a member of the Thirteen Squads would be promoted and personally interviewed by the boss himself.
This immediately reduced the workload by ninety-nine percent—almost no Wolf-level Monster could meet such a protagonist-tier, utterly unreasonable requirement.
"Next… Hmm?"
Tap, tap, tap…
Nearly overlapping footsteps echoed through the hall. Jack's gaze swept over the newcomers, and he paused, mildly surprised.
Two hot girls with a few scattered scales and long lizard tails stood before him. Their combination of sexy bikinis, mesh tops, fishnet stockings, and high heels fully displayed their fiery figures. Even the interviewers—who had been practically yawning—couldn't help but sit up and take notice.
"Bug God. I'm Reptila." The taller sister's gaze was bold, uninhibited. "And this is my younger sister, Laptila."
The younger sister clutched her dagger and short blade—both stained with some dangerous-looking liquid—and adopted a pitiful expression.
"We sisters have traveled a long way specifically to pledge our allegiance to you~~"
"Please, please—you have to accept us~~"
Almost simultaneously, information about the two sisters' abilities popped up before Jack.
[Monster: Reptila | Disaster Level: Tiger (Upper)
| Abilities: 1. 'Potent Poison Sac (SR)', 2. 'Poison Spray (R)', 3. 'Potent Poison Pierce (R)'…]
[Monster: Laptila | Disaster Level: Tiger (Upper)
| Abilities: 1. 'Virulent Poison Sac (SR)', 2. 'Poison Mist (R)', 3. 'Virulent Poison Combo (R)'…]
Jack recalled these two sultry lizards from the original Monster Association arc. Great Eyes had deployed them to intercept the S-Class hero Puri-Puri Prisoner. Unfortunately, the Prisoner had recently powered up, and the sisters struggled to break through his defenses.
According to the ability descriptions, both were poison specialists. Practical experience had shown that their venom was largely ineffective against stronger opponents—but its hallucinogenic, paralytic, and hemolytic properties were still formidable. They had their uses.
"So it's the famous Poison Lizard Sisters." Jack's tone was calm, unhurried. "I happen to need talents like you here."
He waved a hand.
"You two, report to the First Squad. Ox-Head Man will handle your placement."
"Oh~ I passed just like that?"
"I thought Bug God would give us sisters a thorough examination~~"
"Bug God… he's a good person~~"
('▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
Jack glanced at the two lizard girls—clearly in need of a proper lesson—and his mouth curved into a faint smile.
"You want an examination, do you?" A pause. "Just wait."
A sliver of Demon-level peak aura leaked from Jack's form.
The effect was immediate. Every Monster in the underground space—including the two sisters—shuddered almost simultaneously. When they looked again at the dark figure on the throne, their gazes had transformed into either fear or fervent adoration.
Fear, because such terrifying aura rivaled that of the Association's Dragon-level executives. The second-generation Bug God's strength was truly well-deserved.
Adoration, because they had the opportunity to serve under such a rare, powerful Monster. My boss is too strong!!!
The Poison Lizard Sisters, who had been preening moments ago, were now frozen stiff.
As the ones closest to the source, they clearly sensed the astonishing power contained within that majestic, towering dark figure. They'd only meant to tease their new boss—handsome, cool, unsmiling. But now…
We're screwed!! ×2
The two lizard girls couldn't suppress a shiver. Their eyes met. Sparks practically flew.
What?! Sister, you agreed too!
(ꐦ ಠ益ಠ)
What if Bug God goes berserk? We… we'll die, right?
(ᗒºั╭╮ºัᗕ)
…Definitely dead!!!!
(ಥ ཀ ಥ) ×2
Jack's eyes were like torches. He could clearly see the silent, conspiratorial exchange happening through their winks. He narrowed his eyes.
"…You two. Hurry up and report."
"Y-Yes…!"
· · (＞﹏＜) · ·
Tears welling, dreams crushed, the two lizard girls dejectedly shuffled away.
Jack was about to call the next Tiger-level Monster forward when a disdainful sneer cut through the air from afar.
"Hmph. So lively." The voice dripped with contempt. "I thought something important was happening—but it's just a gathering of low-class trash."