"First, an introduction. I am Sitch, director of the Hero Association's Earth Is Doomed Emergency Response Team," Sitch said, leaning slightly on the table as he scanned the room.
"I want to thank those of you who usually operate in the shadows. You answered our summons, and for that, you have my appreciation."
He paused briefly, maintaining eye contact with several of the criminals.
"I hope we can establish a degree of trust. This is not a trap. The heroes present are only here as security."
A loud laugh broke the formality.
"Then why not take over this place right now?" Kahn the Butcher said, grinning widely.
For a moment, the room went still, then laughter erupted.
"Not a bad idea."
"I wouldn't mind killing a few heroes while I'm at it."
"Hah, now that sounds fun."
Another voice cut through the noise, sharp and dismissive. "Why should we help you instead of siding with this 'demon' Sol Mirek you keep talking about?"
The speaker had an explosive-shaped hairstyle and a cross scar on his face, his tone dripping with contempt.
Sitch's expression hardened.
"Because Sol Mirek has no use for weaklings," he said coldly. "He only values strength. And all of you," his gaze swept across the room, "are nothing more than insignificant fodder to him."
The laughter vanished instantly. Faces turned grim.
Garou leaned back in his chair, watching with clear interest.
"Don't rush to anger," Sitch continued, pressing a button. The projection shifted, displaying more data.
"Sol Mirek intends to destroy the current order and establish a new one under his control. Do you really believe someone like that would tolerate unstable elements like you?"
Medusa narrowed her eyes. "Sounds like a threat."
"It's a fact," Sitch replied evenly. "He has already aligned himself with the Monster Association. If he succeeds, you think he will spare former criminals?"
Powder Keg Jack let out a low scoff. "You make it sound like the Hero Association is righteous."
"At least we operate within structure," Sitch said. "Sol Mirek has abandoned that entirely."
A new voice spoke from the side.
"What exactly are you planning by bringing criminals, assassins, and escapees into headquarters?"
The speaker wore a distinctive black top hat wrapped with a silver band. His face was partially hidden behind a mask, revealing only his chin. A-Class Rank 7 hero, Magic Hand.
Another voice followed immediately, filled with irritation.
"Why are we even tolerating this?" Heavy Tank Fundoshi crossed his arms, his muscular frame tense. "We're letting criminals walk freely in front of us over a single traitor?"
Blue Flame leaned forward slightly, flames flickering faintly around his hands. "Just give us Sol Mirek's location. I'll burn him to ash."
Sitch glanced at the three A-Class heroes beside him. Their presence alone was enough to suppress most troublemakers.
He felt a bit more at ease.
"Then I'll proceed to the main point," Sitch said, turning his attention back to the room.
"Wait."
A cold voice came from the doorway.
"Where is Sol Mirek? Give me the coordinates."
Every head turned.
A man in a black bodysuit leaned against the doorframe, long black hair framing his face as he casually spun several shurikens between his fingers.
Sitch narrowed his eyes. "We will address that shortly. Identify yourself."
The man stepped forward, putting away his weapons.
"Speed-o'-Sound Sonic. I have unfinished business with Sol Mirek."
His gaze swept across the room, lingering on the criminals with visible disdain.
"You expect this group to deal with him? That's laughable."
Powder Keg Jack slammed his hand on the table and stood. "Who are you calling weak?"
Sonic vanished.
In the next instant, he appeared behind Jack, a shuriken pressed against his throat.
"Trash that can't even follow my movements."
The room froze.
Garou's eyes sharpened, interest rising as he watched the exchange.
"Enough!" Sitch snapped. "This isn't the time for internal conflict."
Sonic clicked his tongue, pulling the shuriken away before turning back.
"So, Sol Mirek's location?"
Sitch wiped a trace of sweat from his forehead. "We don't have precise information. We only know he is connected to the Monster Association, possibly at a high level."
"Monster Association…" Sonic muttered, eyes narrowing slightly.
He recalled the Monster Cell he had once been offered. Recruitment.
So Sol Mirek might be involved in that as well.
A faint smile formed on Sonic's lips.
"Seems he has good judgment."
He tapped the table lightly with his finger.
"Then I'll go there myself. Give me the Monster Association's location."
Sitch hesitated. "We… don't have confirmed intelligence on that either."
Sonic scoffed. "Useless. You can't even provide basic information, yet you talk about eliminating him."
Powder Keg Jack spoke up again, unable to hold back. "You think you can infiltrate the Monster Association alone?"
Sonic didn't even look at him. "Still more capable than someone who can only play with explosions."
Jack shot to his feet, anger flaring, but Medusa grabbed his arm.
"Relax," she said with a thin smile. "Let him go get himself killed."
Garou, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke.
"This is getting interesting. Sitch, did you call us here just to watch this mess?"
Sitch forced a composed expression. "Of course not. We are currently forming a precise plan."
"A plan?" Garou let out a short laugh. "With this group?"
Tension filled the room again.
Magic Hand tapped his cane lightly against the floor. "Everyone, focus. Sol Mirek is the common enemy."
Heavy Tank Fundoshi snorted. "Honestly, a few A-Class heroes should be enough. Why involve criminals?"
Blue Flame nodded in agreement. "No matter how strong he is, he's still just one man."