"Chief Bear…"
Turning around, Jason looked at his superior with pleading eyes.
Chief Bear let out a faint sigh and waved his hand impatiently.
"Go, go. I'm just the middleman here. You don't need to worry about my opinion on this."
"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!"
In the end, Jason signed his name on the documents brought by Bucky.
The Hero Association was still in its early stages. Besides mass recruitment, they also actively approached individuals who showed talent, offering quite generous treatment.
This was the most frustrating part for Chief Bear. Before Bucky even arrived, higher-ups had already issued orders for full cooperation. On top of that, it affected the future prospects of his subordinates, so he had no desire to play the villain here.
"Mr. Jason, my task is now complete!" Bucky said, taking back the documents and handing them to his subordinate. "However, according to the Association's regulations, you'll need to visit the Z City branch to complete a few simple ability assessments. This will determine your hero rank, starting placement, and other details. I hope you understand."
"A hero test?" Jason nodded. "No problem. That makes sense."
"Thank you! Looking forward to working with you."
"Likewise."
…
A hero, huh.
Carrying the "golden spirit" inherited from the Jo family, Jason had always held some admiration for that kind of role.
No matter how things developed in the future, those pure and noble souls would always remain unchanged.
Then I'll join.
That was the conclusion of his thoughts after speaking with Bucky from the Association.
Before heading home, he even stopped by Chief Bear's office. The usually stern Chief Bear simply patted his shoulder wearily and told him, "Do your best," before sending him off.
Jason naturally took the advice and left.
The first thing after work was going to the convenience store.
As his physique became increasingly inhuman, Jason's appetite had grown accordingly.
Just like a high-displacement engine consumes more fuel, his body was no different.
After restocking daily necessities and filling his fridge, he walked out carrying bags in both hands, almost completely buried under them.
Finding a quiet corner, Jason activated his Stand ability and stored everything into cards.
Instantly, the weight of life felt much lighter.
When he turned around, a harmless-looking face appeared behind him.
"Good evening, Officer."
Saitama, now with a noticeably simplified art style, greeted him with a smile and scratched his head, completely unaware that two precious strands of hair drifted down from his fingers.
"What you did just now," he gestured vaguely, "was that telekinesis? You're a psychic, right?"
Jason: "..."
He's pretty curious. Training clearly isn't there yet.
[Fantasy Card: Fragment of the Limiter] +1
Huh? Another one?
Jason silently stored the suddenly acquired N-rank card and made a decision.
"Yaare yaare, so I've been found out, huh?"
Saitama's expression turned serious upon hearing Jason's deliberately lowered voice. He clenched his fist, even preparing for a fight.
"So it's the classic scenario… are you going to silence me?"
Jason walked up and patted his shoulder.
"Of course not. Since you've seen it… come along."
"Huh?"
…
Gurgle gurgle…
Bright red chili oil bubbled violently. Thick slices of discounted beef were dropped into the pot one after another. After a few rolls, the raw meat was instantly cooked, releasing an irresistible aroma.
Two sweating men sat around the hotpot, eyes locked intensely on the boiling meat.
"Ready!"
"I won't hold back!"
In that moment, their chopsticks moved like swords. At the instant the meat was ready, their gazes clashed midair like sparks.
Clang clang clang.
Like master swordsmen exchanging blows, both struck simultaneously. Each managed to claim their share.
They dipped the sizzling meat into spicy sauce and shoved it into their mouths.
"Hot, hot, hot… wait, spicy!"
Compared to Saitama, who was completely overwhelmed by the heat and spice, Jason remained calm and composed.
With his enhanced physical attributes, he tore through the meat effortlessly while his opponent was still desperately fanning his mouth and reaching for beer.
"Ah… unfair!" Saitama looked on in despair as Jason finished off the remaining beef, tears of injustice forming at the corners of his eyes.
"Hmph. In the art of hotpot training, you still have a long way to go, Saitama-kun."
Jason wiped his mouth elegantly and gave a smug grin.
"Next time, maybe."
"Next time? That's embarrassing…" Saitama scratched his head, more hair falling out without him noticing. "Thanks for inviting me. I really appreciate it."
"No big deal. Just an extra pair of chopsticks."
Jason waved it off casually, quietly storing away another Limiter Fragment card.
"You see, the true essence of hotpot…"
Saitama straightened up.
"Oh? What is it?"
"You have to fight for it." Jason patted his shoulder. "Hotpot without competition has no soul."
"I see! That's a very insightful idea!" Saitama nodded seriously. "I've learned something new."
"Then as tuition, wash the dishes."
"…Ah, okay."
They ate until late at night. By the time Saitama left, it was close to midnight.
Jason stored the remaining ingredients into the fridge using his Stand and opened the balcony window. The cool night breeze cleared the lingering smell of food, refreshing his mind.
[Fantasy Card: Fragment of the Limiter] x10
[Can be fused!]
"Hm?"
Jason raised an eyebrow as the special N-rank cards floated out of his deck on their own.
Although his Stand usually responded intelligently, it rarely showed emotion.
But now, he could clearly feel it.
A strong emotional signal.
Hunger.
Then… fuse.
With his will, the ten fragments burst into light, merging together. When the glow faded, a new card appeared.
[Fantasy Card: Limiter Breakthrough ACT 1]
[Card Type: Special]
[Rarity: N]
Description: A conceptual force formed from unknown fragments.
Effect 1: Release the Limit
Break the growth limit of any chosen target once.
Still an ordinary N-rank card. Even the face of the grinning, dead-eyed bald man on the card hadn't changed.
But the effect it displayed made Jason's heart skip a beat.