An hour and a half later, Genos stepped out of the testing grounds, his mechanical eyes shining with unmistakable excitement.
"Senpai, my results are out!" He rushed toward Sol Mirek, holding his evaluation report out with both hands, the enthusiasm in his voice almost boyish.
"Full marks in the physical test. Full marks in the written test." Genos straightened instinctively as he spoke. "I've been ranked as a B Class Hero."
Sol took the report, scanned it once, then gave a relaxed nod. "As expected. Perfect scores on your first attempt, you really don't know how to disappoint."
"Just like when I started," he added casually.
A flicker of happiness passed through Genos's glowing eyes. "This is all thanks to your guidance and Master's teachings." He bowed deeply, almost too deeply.
Sol sighed and grabbed Genos by the shoulder, lifting him back up. "Easy. You'll wear the floor out if you keep bowing like that."
He gave Genos a light pat. "I've got something to take care of. Head back first."
"Yes, Senpai. Take care." Genos replied before leaving the branch.
Afterward, Sol made his way to Bang's dojo. He intended to request an extended leave.
He slid open the wooden doors and immediately saw Bang correcting Charanko's posture during basic training.
"Master Bang, I'm here," Sol said, bowing respectfully.
Bang glanced over, amusement lacing his voice. "Oh? My most talented disciple finally shows up. Let me guess, you came to train today?"
Charanko wiped the sweat from his brow and eyed Sol curiously. This junior had barely joined and already taken multiple days off. He braced himself for the scolding that was surely coming.
Sol scratched the back of his head and smiled lightly. "Actually, Master, I'm here to request a longer leave."
"What?" Bang's beard bristled instantly. "You little brat! You finally get accepted, and now you want to disappear again?"
"What do you think this dojo is?" Bang lunged forward, raising his hand to smack Sol on the head.
Sol slipped aside effortlessly, the motion smooth and practiced. He grinned. "Master, relax. This one's serious."
Bang stopped, glaring. "What could possibly be more important than training?"
Sol's expression sobered. "The Hero Association detected abnormal energy fluctuations in City Z. They want me to investigate."
Bang's playful anger vanished at once. He recalled the violent tremors that had shaken the area the previous night.
"So that's what it was," Bang muttered, stroking his beard. His gaze turned heavy. "If they're sending you, then it won't be simple."
Despite his harsh demeanor, Bang cared deeply for his disciples. His strictness toward Charanko was born from concern, not cruelty.
After a moment of thought, he sighed. "I didn't expect them to assign this to you."
"Sol, listen carefully. Whatever caused that disturbance is likely a Dragon Level threat. If things turn bad, do not force a fight. Notify the Association immediately. Recklessness gets people killed."
Sol nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Master. I'll be careful."
Dragon Level.
Instead of fear, excitement stirred in his chest.
Sol turned to leave, but Bang's voice stopped him.
"Wait."
Bang stepped forward and raised his stance. "Let me see if your Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist has dulled. This won't take long."
Sol exhaled slowly and mirrored the stance. "Please guide me, Master."
The instant their arms collided, Bang's expression changed.
This wasn't right.
The impact echoed with a dull thud. Sol's arm barely budged.
Bang's eyes narrowed. "Impossible… You weren't this solid two days ago."
He pressed harder, testing again and again. Sol met each strike calmly, blocking with fluid precision.
"What exactly have you been doing?" Bang demanded.
Sol pulled his arm back, grinning. "Just normal training."
"Normal?" Bang scoffed and shifted his movements. The Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist flowed like a rushing river, relentless and precise.
Sol followed without panic. Though he had only practiced the style briefly, his instincts, understanding of combat principles, and overwhelming physical strength allowed him to keep pace effortlessly.
Bang grew more stunned by the second.
Two days ago, Sol had still relied on technique to disperse force. Now, he barely bothered. Even direct hits failed to faze him.
Charanko watched in silent disbelief, envy filling his eyes. If only he had even a fraction of that talent.
He remembered hearing that registration for the 22nd Super Fight Tournament had opened. Perhaps that would be his chance to grow stronger.
Bang finally stepped back, nodding slowly. "Good. You haven't slacked off."
Sol relaxed his stance, wiping the light sweat from his brow. Even with his growth, Bang still applied immense pressure.
"I'll be going now, Master," Sol said.
"Wait." Bang reached into his robe and pulled out a worn, yellowed notebook. "These are my personal notes on the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. Read them when you can."
Sol accepted it with both hands. "Thank you."
He waved once to Bang and Charanko before leaving the dojo.
Bang watched him go, emotions stirring quietly. Growth like that in two days… S Class was no longer a question of if, but when.
Then Bang froze.
"Hah." He slapped his forehead. "I forgot to remove that page."
There was still a section detailing the Exploding Heart Release Fist, a technique from his reckless youth.
"It should be fine," he muttered. "One page won't be enough for him to grasp it… probably."
Still, unease lingered. With Sol's talent, even fragments could become something dangerous.
But Bang shook his head. Sol was different. More controlled. If he learned it, he would use it against monsters, not heroes.
He hoped this disciple would walk a better path, unlike him and Garou.
"Master…" Charanko spoke hesitantly.
"Train," Bang snapped, returning to his stern tone. "Or are you also asking for leave?"
Charanko stiffened, shook his head frantically, and immediately resumed his stance, training harder than before.