"Mumen Rider, please wait! Could we get an interview? Just a few quick questions."
As Mumen Rider finished thanking the heroes who had come to his aid and prepared to leave the field, he was intercepted by a reporter.
"Sure, no problem. Go ahead," Mumen Rider said with a smile.
"Thank you," the reporter replied politely before asking: "First, I want to ask: how did you think of inviting other heroes into the arena to help? Ordinarily, these challenges are tacitly understood to be completed alone."
"Actually, I didn't think too much about it. At the time, I realized that with my own abilities, it would be difficult to rescue the people inside safely. I instinctively wanted to reach out to my friends for help. I knew that with their assistance, the probability of saving the hostages would increase significantly," Mumen Rider answered, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"So, in your daily life, whenever you encounter a difficulty you can't solve alone, your first instinct is to seek help from others?"
"Yes," Mumen Rider nodded firmly.
"Aren't you afraid people will look down on you or think you're useless?"
"As a hero, the difficulties we face often involve the lives of the public. No matter what, I will always put the safety of the people first. If it means saving them, I'm willing to give everything. Therefore, asking for help isn't something I feel I need to worry about."
"You are truly incredible!" The reporter said, struck with respect. "From now on, count me as a fan. I hope you win this title."
"Thank you!" Mumen Rider nodded solemnly.
…
"Our thanks to Mumen Rider for setting such an excellent example. In the Hero Association, there are many outstanding heroes just like him," the host remarked emotionally after the interview.
"Indeed. And the next person to take the stage possesses equally noble qualities," Goldie-sensei said, instantly shifting into 'fanboy' mode. "He is the A-Class Hero who possesses both talent and strength—Sweet Mask! Audience, please enjoy his magnificent performance!"
Despite Mumen's unprecedented high score, Goldie-sensei remained brimming with confidence in Sweet Mask.
"Sweet Mask! Sweet Mask!"
The handsome and elegant Sweet Mask arrived at the venue to a mountain of cheers. He wore a confident smile, waving to the fans in the stands.
Walking onto the central platform with a leisurely gait, he looked at the rules and smiled. "Too simple. So, I just have to rescue them all, right?"
Without hesitation, Sweet Mask bent low and sprinted toward the Blue Cube. Without stopping for a second, he reached the cube and thrust his arms, sharp as twin spears, directly into the reinforced structure.
THOOM!
The audience heard a thunderous bang that nearly pierced their eardrums, causing many to cover their ears.
"Beautiful! With his indestructible hands, Sweet Mask has shattered the cage holding the hostages!" Before most spectators could even process what happened, Goldie-sensei was already shouting.
Alerted by his cry, the audience saw that Sweet Mask's hands were already embedded in the cube. With a powerful outward tear, he ripped a massive hole in the structure.
Moving at high speed, Sweet Mask pulled everyone out before the "poison gas" could even begin to disperse. More than a minute still remained on the countdown.
"Do you see that? This is the strength of a true hero! The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, as if no difficulty could stand in his way. Given such a spectacular performance, I'll congratulate Sweet Mask on his victory in advance!" Goldie-sensei was overjoyed; his hair was finally safe.
Moreover, this successful showmanship would bring him massive popularity. At the thought, Goldie-sensei couldn't help but chuckle.
"Wait! Sweet Mask hasn't pressed the button to end the challengem he just threw away the remote!" the host suddenly shouted, startling Goldie-sensei.
Looking back at the screen, they saw Sweet Mask discard the remote and charge toward the other cube.
"It seems he wants to save everyone through his own strength." Goldie-sensei felt a twinge of unease at such a risky move, so he tried to explain: "Perhaps he believes the remote is untrustworthy and wants to ensure the hostages' safety personally."
"Indeed, that is a thorough consideration."
The audience was stunned by Sweet Mask's actions, and they began to cheer for him even louder.
If I'm going to do this, I'll do it perfectly! Justice belongs to me! Sweet Mask wasn't aware that the others had struggled; he wanted to use this method to cement a decisive victory.
With the same technique, he pierced the second cube even faster than the first. However, the final rescue hit a snag. The ten elderly people, not as nimble as the youngsters, slowed him down. Two of the seniors clearly inhaled the "poison gas."
Goldie-sensei's heart leaped into his throat. He scrambled for an excuse: "Considering the remote might have been rigged, losing only two people is still an excellent result."
"Well... like I said, it's up to the judges," the host said, now feeling pessimistic about the fate of his own hair.
On the judges' panel, Flashy Flash spoke up. "I mentioned earlier that I believe in results. This outcome is certainly not satisfactory to me."
"I also trust my own strength more than anything left behind by an enemy. If it were me, I would have made the same choice. However, I would have saved everyone safely," Atomic Samurai said fairly.
"If there hadn't been that blunder at the very end, I would have highly approved of Sweet Mask's choice. A pity..." Nichirin shook his head.
In the final scoring, Sweet Mask's rating was actually lower than Tanktop Master's.
Upon learning the results, Sweet Mask walked coldly to the reporter, took the microphone, and said: "I have no regrets. If I had to do it over, I would do the exact same thing. This time, my strength was insufficient, and I failed everyone's expectations. I am truly sorry. Next time, I won't lose."
With that, he handed back the mic and left without a second glance.
"A pity, truly a pity," Goldie-sensei lamented. "With Sweet Mask's strength, he really could have outperformed everyone. Alas, luck was not on his side."
"Goldie-sensei, is it time to fulfill your promise?"
"Fine!" Goldie-sensei knew he couldn't escape. "Tomorrow, I'll live-stream myself shaving my head. Remember to tune in!"
…
The title of Justice was bestowed upon Mumen Rider. Aomori personally announced the result and gave a speech: "Justice is the most fundamental requirement of a hero. I believe every hero in the Association possesses this quality. However, few have mastered how to best execute that justice."
"In my view, when we are weak, there is no shame in relying on comrades until we have the strength to solve problems alone. By then, you will become the one others rely on. My original intention in founding the Hero Association was to allow all heroes to work together, resist evil as one, and grow together. I hope that in the future, everyone can set aside their prejudices and strive together for the happiness of all mankind!"
After the moving speech, Aomori invited the title winners onto the stage for recognition and rewards.
"Congratulations to Justice Mumen Rider, Courage Gale Rider Fubuki, Tolerance Pig God, Humility Superalloy Darkshine, Diligence Iaian, Integrity Smile Man, and Hope Suiryu for becoming this year's titleholders. In addition to a 500,000 bonus, they will receive certain S-Class Hero privileges, the right to participate in Association management meetings, and a 20% monthly Point bonus."
"Most importantly, they will each have one opportunity to make any request to Chairman Aomori. Of course, try not to make anything too outrageous, or the Chairman might have to arrest you," Oomoto joked.
This series of benefits stunned the other heroes, many of whom kicked themselves for missing out on such a golden opportunity.
Oomoto added timely: "For those who didn't win a title, don't worry. We plan to hold this event annually. So continue to work hard and become the best version of yourselves."
"YEAH!" The heroes were instantly revitalized with excitement.
The event had ended, but the venue remained filled with people caught in a revelry that showed no signs of stopping.
After a long day of work, Aomori quietly returned to his office. Resting on the sofa for a moment, he saw a hesitant Fubuki push open the door and walk in.
"Fubuki? Why are you here instead of celebrating?" Aomori asked curiously.
"I... I..." After stuttering for a while, Fubuki finally gathered her resolve. "Sensei, I wanted to ask... what kind of girls do you like?"
"Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
"Oh, don't worry about that! Just answer me."
Aomori took a sip of tea, looked at the strangely behaving Fubuki, and said, "I refuse to answer."
"Then I'll use my privilege to make a request! Tell me what type of girls you like," Fubuki insisted.
"I refuse."
"Wait, didn't you say 'any request'?"
"Any request that I approve of."
"Isn't that cheating? Sensei, you big liar!" Fubuki puffed out her cheeks in anger.
"Heh. I can tell you what kind of girls I dislike: those who are willful and don't listen." Aomori shifted his gaze from Fubuki to the computer in front of him. He really didn't want to deal with his student's sudden odd behavior.
Dislikes willful girls who don't listen? Isn't he basically describing my sister by name? I knew it! Sensei would never like someone like her; he must prefer someone gentler. The weight on Fubuki's heart finally lifted, and a brilliant smile broke across her face.
Why is she suddenly happy again? Lingering effects of the nightmare? I'll have to ask Darkrai what happened later. Despite his cold exterior, Aomori genuinely cared for his only student.
"If there's nothing else, go back and celebrate with your friends."
"But I'd rather celebrate with you, sensei," Fubuki said playfully. "Besides, you haven't praised me yet."
"I gave you a thumbs-up. Didn't you see it?"
"That's not enough! I want you to say it."
"Fubuki, you did great!" Aomori said, intentionally emphasizing his tone.
Fubuki sensed the shift; she shrank back slightly, not daring to push her luck further. "I'm satisfied! I won't disturb you anymore, sensei. Back to work!"
With that, she flew out of the office and shut the door behind her.
"This girl is getting more and more bold. Seems I need to find time to re-establish my sensei's authority," Aomori shook his head and returned to his paperwork.
…
Late that night.
In the underground secret room, Absol, Pidgeot, Darkrai, and Ditto stood in a line before Aomori.
"Darkrai, did you find anything strange after returning to the Monster Association?" After playing the role of the Mirror of Fear, Darkrai had been ordered by Aomori to return to the Association to gather intel.
"Nothing for now, but I feel a heavy atmosphere there. No matter where I go, I feel as though I'm being watched by someone powerful," Darkrai replied.
"No. 17 is likely staying at the Monster Association. Be careful from now on."
"Understood."
Aomori looked at Ditto. "And you? How is the situation on your end?"
"I've already recruited over a hundred monsters. Most are Wolf-level, with seven Tiger-levels. No Demon-levels yet," Ditto said.
"That many in less than a month?" Aomori was surprised.
"Yeah, maybe my 'right-hand men' are just very capable."
"At this rate, we'll be able to harvest a batch soon." In Aomori's eyes, they were just walking Points.
"Aomori, can we leave some alive? Some of the monsters are actually quite loyal to me." Ditto was a sentimental Pokémon and couldn't quite match Aomori's ruthlessness.
"Fine. Just kill the ones you want to kill."
After finishing the briefing with his two "agents," Aomori looked at his system panel. After killing No. 18, his Points had reached 234,467. To prepare for the upcoming enemies, he unhesitatingly opened a 10-pull of High-Level Treasure Chests.
Skipping past the common items that were of little use to him, Aomori looked at the one orange and one purple item glowing brilliantly.
[Name: Golden Fragment (Orange)]
[Description: Collect seven fragments to synthesize a Golden-quality item.]
[Note: WAH! GOLDEN LEGEND!]
…
[Name: Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan: Great Peng Form (Purple)]
[Description: From One Piece. A Devil Fruit. Consuming it results in being cursed by the sea.]
[Note: Eat a Human-Human Fruit and become a 'human among humans'!]
…
The Golden Fragment was a total trap; it wouldn't be useful until he collected seven, so it was no help for now. As for the Devil Fruit, it looked powerful, but the sudden addition of a weakness made Aomori abandon the idea of eating it himself.
"A Great Peng, huh." Aomori looked at Pidgeot, who was growing larger by the day. "If even a gun can 'eat' a Devil Fruit, a Pokémon should be able to as well."
Moreover, as a ruler of the skies, Pidgeot's inability to swim wouldn't be an issue at all.
"Pidgeot, open up," Aomori said.
Pidgeot obediently opened its beak, and Aomori stuffed the brightly colored fruit inside.
"Gah!" Pidgeot coughed. Before it could even register the taste, Aomori recalled it into the system. This secret room wouldn't be able to withstand the bird going wild.
"Absol, we're going back to your world soon. Are you excited?"
"Sol!"
"Good. Let's go." They were also recalled by Aomori.
The next moment, a black hole emerged, and Aomori's figure vanished.