In A-City, in the multi-purpose hall on the seventh floor of the Hero Association headquarters, dozens of figures were moving about, seemingly discussing something.
"I am Sitch, the director of the Hero Association's Great Prophecy Emergency Countermeasures Team." A booming voice drew everyone's attention.
Sitch, on the podium, looked at the crowd with a calm gaze. "First, I want to thank you all for responding to our summons."
"I will repeat this once more: the Hero Association will not pursue the crimes you have committed or the deeds you have engaged in, and this is not a trap we have set. The heroes present here are merely my bodyguards."
Sitch's gaze shifted to the few people standing beside him.
"Hahaha, heroes? Let me kill a few for fun."
"A bunch of trash. Should we just take over the Hero Association headquarters right now?"
"That's true. Recently, we've been hearing news about heroes being defeated by monsters. Moreover, A-City has been destroyed by monsters, which only goes to show the incompetence of the Hero Association."
The crowd below instantly erupted, and a group of people began to clamor wildly.
"Wanted criminals, top-tier assassins, and even prison escapees. What on earth is Sitch planning by gathering all these people at headquarters?" A man dressed like a magician, wearing a black eye mask, suddenly spoke up.
"Who cares what they're planning? A bunch of trashy criminals daring to appear before us so brazenly—they must be tired of living."
A burly, well-built man beside him made a rough sound, a trace of disdain on his face.
"The moment there is any suspicious movement, burn them all to ashes."
A youth in green clothing had a calm expression, seemingly unconcerned by the clamoring crowd below.
King thought, 'A-Class Rank 7, Magic Trick Man. A-Class Rank 5, Heavy Tank Loincloth, and A-Class Rank 6, Blue Fire. Bodyguards like these are enough to suppress ordinary Demon-level Monsters.'
But his expression was very serious, because the people below were not just some ordinary criminals.
Blue Fire saw King's expression and, mistaking it for nervousness, spoke up to reassure him, "Hey, newbie, relax. The other side isn't some monster. We represent the Hero Association, dealing with these people is a piece of cake. If you're nervous, just watch from here. I can crush them all by myself."
'These three high-ranking A-Class heroes are on par with S-Class in terms of combat power. As for the newcomer, B-Class Rank 5 Hero, Dark Mask, it is said that he even has the record of slaying a Dragon-level Monster. With the four of them here, no idiot would dare to act presumptuously.'
Sitch was unconcerned about the crowd below because with these heroes present, even a Demon-level monster would struggle to escape.
"Now, I will get straight to the point."
"Wait a minute!"
A voice suddenly rang out.
Sonic said, "This meeting is because you are trying to cope with the prophecy of the Great Seer Shibabawa, and thus you are disregarding good and evil, even accepting criminals to fight in the defense of humanity together, right?"
Sonic looked at the flyer he had obtained from who knows where and sneered incessantly, "I don't want to play any hero house-games with you. Dark Mask, once I'm done with Saitama, you're next."
Sonic looked at King with eyes full of rage, but then turned and left.
"Is what he said true? Are you really accepting the aid of this bunch of scoundrels for the sake of power? Is this the Association's decision?" Blue Fire's angry voice rang out.
He didn't even try to stop Sonic, who had left on his own accord.
"That is correct. Now, all of humanity must unite as one to overcome this crisis. Relying solely on the current number of heroes is far from enough. As long as you defeat the monsters, the Association will pay you the corresponding rewards."
Sitch's voice spread to every corner of the hall, but the heroes on the side could no longer stand to listen.
"Save it. When the critical moment comes, this bunch of trash won't be of any use."
"Who are you calling trash?"
Boom!
A blonde man who stepped forward was sent flying by a punch from Heavy Tank Loincloth.
"That's right, because they lack conviction."
Several heroes stood out at the same time, and Sitch did not know what to do at this moment.
"Is the legendary God-level threat about to descend? This uncle is right. Relying on this bunch of trash won't be enough to defeat the monsters, and that includes the heroes as well."
With gray hair and an extremely arrogant expression, King couldn't help but feel excited when he saw this person, but he quickly forced it down.
"Huh? Who are you?"
Sitch looked at the man below the stage with an expressionless face. To dare to speak such wild words in front of so many heroes was simply suicidal.
"My name is Garou. I worship monsters and have wiped out countless dojos. Do you all want to come at me together?" Garou revealed a smile, waving his hand with a mocking expression.
"Enough, you can leave." Sitch said impatiently.
In his view, this person most likely had a problem with his brain.
"Leave? Is this the attitude your Hero Association has toward guests?"
"I've decided: evil must be upheld, and trash must be punished. The slaughter party is about to begin."
A bloodthirsty killing intent appeared in Garou's eyes.
Sitch silently took off the microphone. "Everyone, sorry, it's time to work. Throw him out."
"Gladly."
Magic Trick Man rushed out first, waving the magic wand in his hand.
Bang!
In just one exchange, Magic Trick Man had his throat tightly gripped by Garou.
"Die!"
A massive figure appeared behind Garou. Heavy Tank Loincloth threw a punch, but it only hit an afterimage.
"Hey, uncle, your conviction isn't firm enough." Garou teased.
Only then did Heavy Tank Loincloth realize that one of his arms had been twisted like a pretzel, and then he was swept to the ground by a kick from Garou.
"Hahaha, you're pretty strong."
"I told you this bunch of heroes are all trash. Well done, keep going!"
The crowd below was in high spirits, jeering one after another, but Garou slowly turned around.
"Huh? What are you pieces of trash talking about? You're getting beaten up too."
"Brat, what did you say?"
"Aren't you on our side?"
"Heroes are always late, monsters always strike, and you are humans, while I am a monster. Of course I have to wipe you all out." Garou displayed a proud expression.
"To dare to call yourself a monster... I will cremate you right now."
Boom!
A stream of fire shot out from Blue Fire's hand but Garou's figure vanished in an instant.
Just as Garou was about to snap Blue Fire's arm, a gust of wind struck.
Bang!
Caught off guard, Garou was knocked back, and Blue Fire was saved by King.
"You?"
Blue Fire was breaking out in a cold sweat. If King hadn't stepped in just now, he would definitely be dead or crippled.
"Oh? It seems the Hero Association isn't entirely trash, someone worth looking at has finally arrived."