Chapter 169: What Did You Do to Me!!
Hearing King's confusion, Zombieman let out a weary, bitter chuckle.
"Mr. King, you might not know, but the signal in this entire region is almost completely dead. I had to redial dozens of times just to get through to the Hero Association. The rescue teams are on their way, but it'll take time."
"I see..."
King glanced at the only three S-Class heroes still able to move. A flicker of respect passed through his eyes.
The S-Class heroes present were all powerful individuals, yet they were willing to fight to the death to protect humanity. That kind of spirit was truly commendable.
"You've all worked hard."
King's deep, baritone voice rumbled near Zombieman's ear. The detective froze mid-inhale, the cigarette dangling from his lips falling to the ground and sending up a few sparks.
A wave of warmth flowed through Zombieman's heart. He smiled, his red eyes looking at the man who had just saved the world.
"Mr. King... you really are a man of immense charm."
In Zombieman's eyes, a hero like King—possessing god-like power while still deeply empathizing with the people—was a rare breed.
He wasn't a normal human; he was an immortal experiment who had escaped the House of Evolution, a literal humanoid monster. Because of this, Zombieman held those with noble character in the highest regard.
His words were meant as the ultimate validation of King's character.
However, upon hearing this, King's expression became slightly unnatural.
That... sounds a bit ambiguous...
Whatever. I'm sure he didn't mean it like that.
These S-Class heroes had just risked their lives to save Earth. King felt he shouldn't be maliciously misinterpreting their words.
Just as King was about to reply, Zombieman spoke again. He lit a fresh cigarette, his smile as warm as a spring breeze.
"Kind, domineering, and powerful... If I were a woman, I might have actually fallen for you, Mr. King."
King: "...."
What the hell is wrong with you?
They chatted for a few more minutes, mostly exchanging info on what had happened on their respective battlefields.
Suddenly, King noticed that the life signatures of several fallen heroes were beginning to fade further. He waved a hand to end the conversation.
He stepped forward and crouched in front of Tatsumaki. Looking at the petite, broken girl, he placed his hand over her forehead.
"Based on the situation in City Z, it'll be a while before the medics arrive. I'll handle the stabilization."
As he spoke, King's palm began to glow with a deep, crimson light. Vitality-filled Aura erupted from his hand, flowing steadily into Tatsumaki's body.
Zombieman, watching from the side, was stunned.
As someone who died and resurrected for a living, Zombieman had an extraordinary perception of life force. He immediately noticed that the moment the red light appeared, Tatsumaki's breathing stabilized, and her condition began to take a turn for the better.
Mr. King even knows healing arts...? What a mysterious man. Just how many secrets are you hiding...?
Ignoring Zombieman's inquisitive gaze, King focused entirely on Tatsumaki's condition, projecting his will into her body.
Brain trauma is significant—backlash from psychic overload. The body is mostly fine, just superficial wounds, but her small frame couldn't handle that much blood loss.
After a full diagnostic scan, King began the treatment.
His Aura surged through her system, bringing a torrent of life force wherever it went. Tatsumaki's torn tissues began to knit together, and the pained, tightened expression on her face—caused by the agonizing mental feedback—started to relax.
The treatment lasted for about a minute. Tatsumaki's breathing was now deep and steady. Her exquisite face was calm, the lines of agony finally smoothed away.
"Done. She should wake up soon. I've healed the physical damage."
However, life is full of unexpected timing.
King hadn't expected her recovery to be so rapid. Or rather, Tatsumaki had already been on the verge of waking, kept under only by the sheer exhaustion of her mind.
While King was still crouched over her, hand on her head, leaning in close to check for any residual "sequelae" (after-effects) in her nervous system...
A certain green-haired loli's fingers twitched. Then, she slowly drifted back to consciousness.
Her long lashes fluttered, and her emerald eyes blinked open. Tatsumaki felt as if she were soaking in a warm hot spring. She felt cozy and safe.
What's going on...? Did I die and go to heaven...? What happened to that monster wreathed in gold flames...?
During the previous battle, Tatsumaki had passed out before King arrived. She had no idea he had saved the day.
Wait... why does it feel like there's something pressing against my forehead?
Because she had just woken up, her brain was still foggy. She instinctively tried to shake off whatever was touching her head.
King noticed the movement and thought something was wrong. Is she having a seizure? Is the psychic backlash recurring?
Thinking this, King leaned in even closer, pouring his will into her to find the source of the problem.
Tatsumaki shook her head twice, realized she couldn't shake the pressure, and frowned.
What is it...?
She snapped her eyes wide open. The first thing she saw was the sunlight piercing through the dust clouds. The second thing she saw was a fierce, scarred, domineering face—mere inches from her own.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
In an instant, Tatsumaki shrieked in terror. Driven by raw reflex, she used a burst of psychokinesis to rocket herself dozens of meters away.
She stared blankly at Zombieman, who was watching the show with amusement, and then at King, who was still crouching there, looking genuinely confused.
Her face turned a violent shade of red. It was a mix of embarrassment and explosive fury.
"YOU DAMN SCARFACE! YOU LECHEROUS, PERVERTED, SEXUALLY FRUSTRATED CREEP! WHAT WERE YOU DOING TO ME WHILE I WAS ASLEEP?!!"
King: "?????????"
Zombieman: ლ(^o^ლ)
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