"Jess-san, please look at this!"
At the Hero Association headquarters, Maria played a video on the large screen.
After watching it, Jess's brow furrowed deeply. "He's the A-Class Rank 35 hero, Dark Mask."
Maria nodded. "Yes. By the time this video surfaced, it was too late to intercept. It's spreading everywhere now."
Jess smiled. "I didn't expect him to actually have such guts."
For some reason, looking at Dark Mask's back reminded him of that man.
"But he actually attacked ordinary citizens. This impact on the Hero Association's reputation..." Maria hesitated.
Although she internally agreed with King's actions, protecting civilians was a hero's duty. His actions this time had touched the Association's bottom line.
Jess waved his hand. "It's fine. With him making such a scene, the gossip outside has clearly lessened. People have started learning to think for themselves."
"But the Association's higher-ups..."
"It's alright. I will go and explain it to the Association's higher-ups."
"By the way, have you contacted King yet?"
"King-san said he is currently tracking the trail of a monster and doesn't have time."
"In that case, commission the S-Class hero Metal Bat to carry out the protection mission. Include Dark Mask this time as well. Call and notify him, I will explain it to Minister Sitch."
After Jess finished his instructions, he headed to the multi-purpose hall, where the Hero Association's higher-ups were currently waiting for him.
"Jess, you're here."
"Yes, everyone. I was just handling some matters, so I'm late. Please forgive me."
"You should give us an explanation for this incident. As a hero, Dark Mask actually attacked ordinary citizens. Although no lives were lost, the blow to the Association's reputation is too great."
Jess spoke with conviction, "I believe you all know that since the Monster Association declared war, there has been constant gossip outside. While Dark Mask's methods were improper, they knocked some sense into those restless individuals. I believe the benefits outweigh the disadvantages."
"But he touched the Association's bottom line. Punishment must be meted out so we can give the general public an explanation."
"I've already considered it. First, demote his hero rank to the bottom of B-Class. We'll decide on further disposal once the rumors have died down."
"This..."
Sitch spoke up, "The current situation is grim. We are about to face a battle with the Monster Association. Dark Mask's strength is obvious to all, he is an indispensable combat asset. I think Jess's handling is just right."
For this great war, he was willing to even recruit criminals to participate, let alone a combatant like Dark Mask whose strength was comparable to an S-Class hero.
"Fine, then we'll wait until after the final battle to decide his punishment. Speaking of which, even the Association's consultants have been attacked recently. How is the investigation into that going?"
"The investigation is complete. The attacker is not a monster, but the hero hunter we've been hunting, Garou."
"Garou? You mean that human who calls himself a monster? Honestly, the Monster Association just popped up, and now he's here to cause trouble too."
"His targets aren't just heroes? He won't even let the Hero Association's consultants go. I suspect it won't be long before it's our turn."
"We must step up the hunt for him and immediately strengthen the protection for the Hero Association's higher-ups."
"Especially Narinki-san and his son Waganma. He is one of the Hero Association's biggest financial backers."
Jess nodded. "Yes, we have already dispatched the S-Class hero Metal Bat to handle the security work. Additionally..."
"What is it, Jess?" Sitch asked in confusion when he saw Jess's hesitant look.
Jess said, "Because of the Monster Association and the hero hunter, I feel that Narinki-san and his son should be listed as high-priority protection targets, so I want to send additional personnel to handle the security work."
"Mm, you've been very thorough. So, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?"
"I recommend Dark Mask."
"What?!"
A group of Hero Association higher-ups immediately began whispering among themselves, seemingly finding this decision quite controversial.
Sitch stood up again to speak on Jess's behalf, "Everyone, Dark Mask's combat power is obvious to all. He once defeated Garou head-on at the headquarters."
"Furthermore, he has a record of slaying Dragon-level monsters. His strength is definitely comparable to an S-Class hero. I believe he is fully capable of handling the escort work."
In fact, he had always thought highly of Dark Mask and fully recognized his combat power.
"Fine, let's just consider it an opportunity for him to atone for his mistakes. It's decided."
—
Ring! Ring!
King was resting at home when his phone rang.
He had caused such a big commotion earlier, and the public's resentment toward heroes hadn't completely subsided yet. He was planning to disappear for a few days.
"A call from the Hero Association?"
"Hello, this is Dark Mask."
King was already mentally prepared. After all, for a serious issue like attacking civilians, the Hero Association would definitely take action. In a severe case, they might even kick Dark Mask off the hero list to restore the Association's reputation.
"This is Jess. The Association currently has a mission we need to commission you for."
"A mission?" King was stunned.
He thought it would be a notification of his punishment, he didn't expect Jess to call him personally to commission a mission.
"Yes, I hope you can take on this mission."
"Then... alright."
Hearing Jess's tone, King instantly understood that Jess must have done his best to fight for this mission for him within the Hero Association.
"By the way, there's another notification from the Association. Your rank has been temporarily demoted to the bottom of B-Class. I hope you can understand." Jess's tone was somewhat apologetic, which moved King a little.
"Isn't this punishment a bit too light?"
King said jokingly.
"You rascal." Jess couldn't help but laugh as well.
Knowing that King didn't mind, he felt much more at ease.
"Back to business. This mission is to guard the safety of Narinki-san and his son Waganma. The Association's higher-ups take this very seriously."
"Narinki? The Association's high-ranking executive?"
"Correct. He is also one of the Hero Association's biggest financial backers and the largest investor in our annual hero activity funds. So, you understand, right?"
"Okay, I'll do my best."
"But you don't need to worry too much. S-Class hero Metal Bat will also be on the mission with you. You just need to assist him."
Hanging up the phone, King began packing his gear. He knew what setting out this time meant.
"I thought I could hide for a couple of days, but I didn't expect to clash with the Monster Association again so soon."
King felt a bit helpless, but this would also allow him to kill the last four Demon-level monsters for the Monster Slaughter Order.
"And Garou... we'll be meeting again very soon."