After discovering they had struck gold, the Z City branch of the Hero Association began operating like a fully fueled engine running at maximum efficiency. Jason and Bang changed back into their own clothes in the locker room and were invited by Lani to the reception room for tea.
At this point, the Hero Association had not yet introduced written examinations like it would in the future. Once all physical tests were completed, the evaluation was considered finished.
According to Lani's explanation, the Hero Association currently only had three ranks: A, B, and C. Evaluation was based mainly on four factors: monster defeat record, combat ability, social contribution, and public popularity. Each category accounted for 25 percent of the total score, and rankings were updated on a weekly cycle.
In other words, being strong alone did not guarantee you an A rank.
Jason and Bang, who had joined through invitation, would receive initial bonuses due to their overwhelming strength. After that, their ranking would depend on hero activities, fan popularity, and other factors as they competed with other heroes.
"Rankings do not matter. This old man is not here to steal jobs from kids," Bang said casually.
"I feel the same. But if you ever run into a monster you cannot handle, you can contact me," Jason replied.
"Good…" Lani sighed internally, slightly disappointed that neither of them cared much about rankings. Still, she quickly regained her professional energy.
"The results from this morning's tests have already been reported to headquarters. The association will discuss your official ranks and positions. You should receive a decision within about three days."
"So we are done here? My old back can finally rest," Bang said while painfully rubbing his lower back, then stretching his shoulders as if he were about to fall apart.
This old man is really something. He is clearly acting.
Jason watched his performance silently and then said, "How about we go to my place instead? I can cook a few dishes, and I even have some premium beer I have been saving."
"Ah? Jason boy, you can cook? Then I would love to try it," Bang replied.
"But what is this premium beer thing you mentioned?"
"Just a useless joke," Jason said.
"I see…"
Lani: …
Before she could even join the conversation, the two newly appointed heroes had already left the reception room.
There was no intention of staying any longer.
Maintaining her professional duty, Lani quickly followed them and escorted the two all the way to the entrance of the building, handing them her business card.
"If you need anything, please contact me anytime. This is my number."
"Got it," Jason said.
"Understood," Bang replied.
After giving out her cards, Lani watched as the figures of the old man and the young man slowly disappeared around the corner.
She took a deep breath.
In an instant, the warm enthusiasm on her face vanished, replaced by a calm, professional expression. She adjusted her wine red glasses and walked briskly back toward the branch building.
She still had to process their ranking applications as quickly as possible.
On the way back, Jason stopped by a convenience store with Bang.
Watching Jason calmly pick out ingredients and fruit, Bang could not help but remark, "It is rare these days for young people to cook for themselves. Jason boy, you are quite versatile."
"Mainly because my job is not busy. And I also have a tiny bit of superpower. Office workers already suffer enough. They probably do not have the energy to cook," Jason replied.
After leaving the store, he casually turned the bags of groceries into cards. In an instant, his hands were empty.
Bang: …
Watching the items disappear into thin air, Bang's mouth twitched.
"I have to admit, your ability is really convenient."
"I think so too," Jason said casually.
The two continued chatting as they walked, when suddenly two dark figures passed through a nearby alley in pursuit.
Shouts followed.
"Stop right there."
"Do not run."
Jason raised an eyebrow. His sharp senses immediately identified one of them.
Black hair. Around 175 centimeters tall. Wearing an old blue tracksuit.
It was Saitama.
And the thing he was chasing was humanoid as well, wearing a green jacket, with blue skin and a strange aura that was clearly not human.
Bang also sensed something off.
"Jason boy, those two just now…"
They exchanged a glance.
No words were needed.
"Let us follow them."
Both said at the same time.
Inside a dead-end alley.
"You still think you can escape?"
A cold voice came from above.
The blue-skinned monster, Frogman, was sweating heavily as he pointed upward in frustration.
"What is wrong with you? Why are you still chasing me? Who are you?"
"Me?" Saitama stood on the rooftop railing of a four-story building, looking down. "I am a hero for fun."
Sunlight poured behind him, turning his silhouette into something almost majestic.
Then he bent his knees and jumped down.
After months of training, he still had not fully adapted to his insane workout routine, but his body had clearly grown stronger than before.
A four-story drop was nothing.
RIP.
A sharp tearing sound echoed.
Saitama landed safely, but immediately felt a chill down below.
He looked down.
His already heavily patched training pants had torn completely from the back, leaving his pink boxers exposed.
So that was the cold feeling.
"…Ah."
He instinctively covered his backside, his dramatic entrance ruined in an instant.
On a higher rooftop:
"Slap." Both Jason and Bang covered their faces at the same time.
Jason had originally been excited to introduce Saitama to Bang. Now…
"Jason boy, do you know that guy down there?"
"Do not ask me. I do not know him."
"…"
"Hahahaha!" Frogman, who had been terrified just moments ago, suddenly burst out laughing. "So this is the hero chasing me for three blocks? What a joke. I thought you were something impressive…"
His laughter suddenly stopped.
Saitama was looking at him very seriously now.
Something in Frogman's heart tightened.
Bang bang bang.
"Aaaah, help! Please spare me!"
After a brutal beating, Frogman collapsed unconscious. The stolen discs in his pockets scattered across the ground, covered in green monster fluid.
"They are ruined. I cannot return them now," Saitama said, looking down at them with disgust as he shook the slime off his hand.
Then he frowned slightly and looked up.
"Who is there?"
"Nice fight, young man. Interested in learning martial arts?"
"Long time no see, Saitama. Jumping down was cool, but the landing was really lame."
Saitama: …