"I am the Ancient King! I have waited a long time for this moment, humans. The Subterranean King and the Deep Sea King are no more; it is time for the Dinosaur Clan to rule the surface once again!"
A gargantuan dinosaur awakened from within a glacier, shattering the ice as it emerged. Leading a horde of prehistoric beasts, it began its march toward human civilization.
However, they didn't make it very far.
Tatsumaki floated in the air, looking down at them with a look of pure disdain. "Trash that nearly went extinct once should stay hidden. Wouldn't it be better to just crawl back into your hole?"
"A human? And a tiny brat at that? You dare speak such insolence before the Ancient King? The only natural enemy of the Dinosaur Clan is a meteor from the heavens. I don't give a damn about you humans." The Ancient King let out a mocking snort as he looked at Tatsumaki, who was smaller than one of his claws.
"Tiny brat? Who are you calling a tiny brat?! How rude!" Tatsumaki stomped the air in fury. "So you say a meteor is your only enemy? Fine. Let's go with that."
She beckoned toward the sky with a flick of her finger.
"Are you trying to summon a meteor? You're making me laugh! Hahahaha..." The Ancient King's grating laughter echoed through the valley. "Sorry, we don't have time for games—"
The laughter died in his throat. Sensing something, the Ancient King looked up. Dozens of glowing red dots were descending from the atmosphere, hurtling toward their position.
"Is that really..."
Before he could finish, dozens of crimson trails streaked across the sky. After a series of world-shaking impacts, the Dinosaur Clan collectively checked out.
"Hmph. Go back to sleep for another three hundred million years." Tatsumaki flipped her hair with an arrogant huff.
Seeing the threat neutralized, a crowd of media personnel who had been hiding in the distance swarmed forward, surrounding her with cameras and microphones.
"Tatsumaki-sama, what are your thoughts on the increasingly popular Title Hero election?"
"Tatsumaki-sama, do you plan to participate? Which of the Seven Heavenly Virtues do you have your eye on?"
"Tatsumaki-sama..."
The cacophony of voices made her snap. "Stop bothering me! Who would waste time on such a boring event?"
With a huff, she took to the sky and vanished, leaving the reporters disappointed.
"Well, we still got something," one reporter said with a smirk. "Headline: 'Tatsumaki Rumored to Be at Odds with Hero Association High-Ups, Publicly Boycotts Title Election.'"
"But the public knows her personality. That story doesn't have a twist," the photographer argued.
"True. How about: 'Tatsumaki Refuses to Participate in Title Election, Suspects Rigged Outcome'?" Spreading rumors was a mandatory skill for this reporter, and he was a pro.
"Won't she hold a grudge if she sees that?" Remembering the charred remains of the dinosaurs, the photographer was hesitant to cross her.
"Probably not. She's a hero; she won't hurt humans like us." The reporter felt a twinge of fear but, lured by the prospect of a promotion, decided to risk it.
If he were facing a vicious criminal, he wouldn't dare breathe a word. But heroes were different, and most of the time, they wouldn't talk back even if you insulted them.
"Let's go. We need more scoops."
…
"Do you have any idea how hard I work? I once stood guard with a fever of 105 degrees! I've patrolled for days without sleep just for everyone's safety! Even when a monster broke my leg, I kept fighting with my mangled body for hours... Tell me, don't I deserve the title of Diligence?"
On a street corner, Tanktop Black Hole was preaching to a group of reporters, his face a mask of dramatic exhaustion. As the "Seven Heavenly Virtues" campaign gained steam, more and more heroes were getting cornered for interviews.
"Absolutely! I'll fight anyone who says otherwise!"
"I'm so moved... Are all heroes this selfless? I'm a fan now!"
"Tanktop Black Hole, you've got my vote!"
"Thank you, thank you!" Tanktop Black Hole couldn't hide his smug grin.
However, a voice of doubt cut through the praise: "But I just checked the Hero Association website. Your attendance record isn't 100%, and your mission completion rate isn't even in the top fifty. How do you explain that?"
"Uh, well, you know, official statistics are occasionally wrong." Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he looked for an exit. "Sorry, I have a mission to finish. I'll take more questions next time I'm free!"
"Are you questioning the accuracy of official data? When is 'next time'? What date? What time?" the person pressed relentlessly.
Is this kid a plant?! Tanktop Black Hole forced a smile, ignoring him. "Remember to vote for my big brother, Tanktop Master! Who else but him can carry the banner of Justice? Thanks for the support, bye!"
As he fled, the reporters dispersed in search of new targets, and the crowd vanished instantly. Only one man in a tracksuit remained, standing there like a statue.
"Hey... I'm a huge target right here. Why are you all ignoring me?" Saitama felt a bit slighted. He looked down at his tracksuit and muttered, "Is it because I'm too low-key? Usually, heroes have special uniforms, like Spider-Man or Superman. Maybe I should get one custom-made? I've got a bit of extra cash lately."
Before, it was fine because Glasses wore tracksuits too. But now, Glasses' transformation was so flashy—he was the coolest kid on the block. Saitama would be lying if he said he wasn't a little jealous.
"I wonder if Mumen told Chairman Aomori about me yet." Saitama sighed, rubbing his head. "I'll go check out the tailor's place first."
The "Tailor" was the owner of a small shop. Since Saitama was always tearing his clothes during monster fights, he frequently came here for repairs and was considered a regular.
"Boss, morning," Saitama called out as he entered.
"Oh, Saitama. Did you break your clothes again?" The owner, a middle-aged man on the verge of balding, asked out of habit.
"No, not this time. I want to commission a whole outfit."
"Heh, you finally saw reason? I told you wearing the same thing all the time is inconvenient. Saving money is good, but you need a change of clothes."
"It's not quite like that." Saitama hesitated before explaining the truth.
"So you want a hero uniform! Great idea, no need to be shy." The tailor got excited and pulled out a sketchbook filled with costume designs. "These are some of my inspirations. See anything you like?"
"Oh."
"This one is my favorite. Elegant, right?" The owner pointed to a lavish kimono.
"It's nice, but it looks hard to move in. I have to fight monsters, you know," Saitama pointed out.
"True. How about this? Very lightweight."
"A bit too plain. No real flair."
They flipped through page after page, but nothing clicked for Saitama.
"Sorry. Am I being too picky?" Saitama felt a bit bad for taking up his time.
"Nonsense. There aren't any other customers anyway. A hero uniform represents your identity; it can't be rushed," the owner said kindly. "Tell me your requirements, and I'll design one specifically for you."
"Well... something cool, flashy but simple, and comfortable to wear. If possible, maybe a cape?" In the comics, Superman always had a cape, so Saitama wanted one too.
"Is that all? No problem." The tailor stroked his chin in thought.
"Thanks a lot!"
"Don't thank me yet; I'm charging for this! Hahahaha."
"I... I know," Saitama said awkwardly.
"Come back in two days. I should have the design ready by then."
…
While the world was in an uproar over the title election, Aomori was hosting a very special guest in his office.
"You are Dr. Bofoi?" Aomori asked, looking at the small robot in front of him.
"Why? Do you need proof?" The robot's single red eye glowed as it spoke in a synthesized electronic voice.
"If you have some, that would be for the best. We recently closed a case involving rogue robots, so I'm naturally wary of your... current form."
"Caution is a virtue," the robot nodded. "Perhaps this will represent my identity and stance." It placed a file on Aomori's desk.
"What's this?" Aomori scanned the document and raised an eyebrow. "Technical blueprints?"
"Correct. These are three technologies created solely by me, Bofoi. No one else knows them. Consider them a gift to the Hero Association, my entry fee."
The robot's eye stared directly at Aomori. "If you doubt the authenticity, show them to your scientists, the ones who aren't total idiots. They will understand immediately."
"That won't be necessary." Aomori set the file down, stood up, and extended his hand. "On behalf of the Hero Association, I welcome Dr. Bofoi's partnership."
"Thank you." The robot stood and briefly shook his hand.
"As for your rank, I'll start you as an A-Class hero. Given your talent, S-Class is well within your reach, but jumping straight there might cause friction. Once your performance proves your worth, I'll move you to S-Class. Does that work?"
"Accepted."
"Have you decided on a hero name? Or will you go by Dr. Bofoi?"
"Use 'Metal Knight'."
"Understood." Aomori took a smartwatch from his drawer and offered it. "This is a Hero Watch. It functions as a communicator and is standard equipment for our heroes."
Metal Knight didn't take it. "Apologies, I don't have the habit of accepting things from others. I will build my own version later; it won't interfere with missions."
"Also, this robot will stay here alongside the blueprints for your research. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Aomori smiled. "By all means."
The robot nodded, and the remote connection was severed. It went limp, the red light in its eye fading to black.
"Hmph. Wary indeed," Aomori murmured.
When they shook hands, he had planted a trace of dark energy, and the Hero Watch had been tampered with as well. He hadn't expected Bofoi to simply abandon the robot and leave without a single opening.
"Does this guy have a persecution complex?"
Since the subtle approach failed, he would have to wait for Bofoi to expose himself. In time, the doctor would learn who the true savior was.
After finishing his work, Aomori logged onto the official Hero Association website to check the election status.
"Over 300 applicants already? This really is a hit."
Whether for fame or profit, everyone was thinking the same thing: What if it's me?
Interestingly, Darkshine was the only S-Class hero to sign up so far. The others likely felt it was beneath them to compete with lower-ranked heroes—their participation would be a "dimensional strike" against everyone else. The drawing power of an S-Class hero was in a league of its own.
Therefore, the main battle was occurring among the A-Class heroes.
Under the Hope category, Suiryu was far ahead, with nearly double the votes of the runner-up. Saitama was sitting comfortably in the middle.
It wasn't as low as expected; it seemed his daily monster-slaying routine was being noticed. If he had signed up for Diligence, he likely would have ranked higher.
The battle for Justice was the most intense. Mumen Rider, Amai Mask, and Tanktop Master were all vying for this symbolic title. Their vote counts were neck-and-neck with no clear winner.
Diligence was the top choice for commoner heroes. More heroes considered themselves "hardworking" than expected. Glasses was currently in the top three, boosted significantly by the popularity of his new "Azure Rider" form.
The other titles were quieter but still had dozens of contenders; there were no easy wins here. Darkshine held a firm lead in Humility, while Integrity and Tolerance were led by nice guys like Pig God.
Meanwhile, thanks to a tip from a "concerned citizen," the story of how Fubuki became the Ironclad Warrior (and her subsequent transformation into the Verdant Rider) was leaked. The public loved the narrative of her redemption and growth, giving her the highest total vote count of any category. Her victory seemed guaranteed.
"Sensei, that 'concerned citizen' wouldn't happen to be you, would it?" Fubuki called Aomori, her tone certain. "Didn't you tell me to stay low-key before? Why now...?"
"Before, your mindset was flawed. Under my guidance, you've turned a new leaf. There's no need to care so much about those things anymore. Besides, you don't want to spend the rest of your life pretending to be the Ironclad Warrior, do you?"
"Sensei, you're the best! Does that mean I don't have to wear that armor anymore?"
"Yes. Focus on mastering the synergy between your Rider transformation and your psychokinesis. Your future is bright."
"Yes, Sensei!"
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