"Please forgive us! We're so sorry!"
"We apologize for visiting without prior appointment! We're truly sorry!"
When King didn't react immediately, the two men in black suits were drenched in cold sweat. Their legs went weak, and they dropped to their knees on the spot.
"We're so sorry to have troubled you!" ×2
King stared blankly at the two men who'd suddenly prostrated themselves. In reality, the scene had changed so quickly his brain hadn't quite caught up.
What were they saying just now?
Hero Association?
Is the service from this organization really this intense?
Seeing that the two didn't look up for a while, King felt somewhat helpless. He asked tentatively in his usual deep voice, "So... what do you want from me?"
"Yes! Here's the thing... uh, well, it might be complicated to explain. May we come in and discuss this with you?"
"Let's talk inside..." King was about to make way when he suddenly remembered the TV in the living room was still paused on the dating simulation game interface. "Actually, let's talk right here at the door!"
"We understand completely!"
"That's what happened..." King said with a worried expression over the phone. "I finally managed to deal with them, but they still insist I defeated the octopus monster. They say I'm now some kind of 'specially invited hero' of the Hero Association, and they even gave me a hero name—'King.' What am I supposed to do?"
Jordan picked up the baseball cap that was placed beside him, never expecting things would unfold in such an absurd way.
Ultimately, the credit for Saitama's defeat of the octopus monster had gone to King. Unlike in the original timeline, he'd also received his future hero name ahead of schedule.
The so-called "specially invited hero" status would be kept secret until enough battle records were collected to push King into S-Class tier in one step.
The plan devised by the Hero Association's M-City branch was clearly a blatant copy of Lanny's previous successful case, which meant...
Did I somehow cause this?
Jordan couldn't help but scratch his head.
Fortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the process had changed, but the result remained the same.
It could only be said that King's incredible luck in this world was as invincible as Saitama's fist.
"If you ask me, this should be a good thing. Setting aside the facts, hasn't the Hero Association already given you a stipend in advance, treating you like an S-Class hero? You can't possibly give it back, can you?"
King paused, recalling the confusing string of numbers in the payment notification, and realized he was indeed reluctant to part with it.
"What should I do? Mr. Jordan, can you help me?"
"Of course, no problem." Jordan laughed. "I happen to have a guy here who wants to challenge you in games. Why don't you come over now, King? You can also try Z-City's special late-night hot pot."
"Hmm... if it's about playing games, this seems... feasible!" King thought for a moment, suddenly feeling somewhat tempted. But then he realized the crux of the matter. "But, Mr. Jordan, what... did you just call me?"
Jordan replied matter-of-factly. "King."
"Hey, isn't this a bit much?" King's expression fell. His naturally fierce and powerful features instantly filled with worry, making him look somewhat comical. "After all, I'm not a real hero!"
"Hey, you get used to it." Jordan's tone was casual. "It's common professional etiquette for heroes to address each other by their hero names."
"Oh, is that so?" King, thoroughly convinced, scratched his head and sighed before making a decision. "Then please wait for me a moment. I'll pack up and take the high-speed train over!"
"Okay. Remember to bring your game console too."
Saitama put down the remote control and ran to open the door.
Wearing a baseball cap, carrying a backpack, and holding two large bags, King appeared at the entrance looking travel-worn.
"I'm sorry to have kept you both waiting."
King displayed what he considered a "gentle" smile—which was actually terrifying. "When the taxi driver heard about this address, he refused to drive any further. I had to walk in myself, which caused a delay."
Saitama scratched his head and took King's luggage. "Ah, I live in a rather remote place. Come on in."
"Thank you for having me."
"King, you're here." Jordan walked over. The entryway, with three people standing there, suddenly felt cramped. "Have you had dinner yet? We're planning to have a late-night snack. Let's eat together."
"I'm a little hungry." King opened one of the packages, which was filled with seafood and dried goods. "I heard we were having hot pot, so I brought seafood I bought in J-City. I hope you'll like it."
"You're a guest—no need to be so polite." Saitama's eyes lit up as he naturally took the package. "Then let's have seafood miso broth hot pot today! Wow, what a huge piece of kelp..."
As he spoke, he'd already entered the kitchen with practiced ease.
Saitama's cooking skills were pretty good—a skill developed through many years of single life. This was one reason Jordan usually brought his own ingredients to freeload.
I'm just too lazy to wash dishes.
"Come in and have a seat." Jordan led King into the living room. Seeing his nervousness, he poured him a cup of hot tea. "Don't be shy. Make yourself at home."
Saitama's disgruntled voice emerged from the kitchen. "Hey, hey, hey! Isn't this my house? Shouldn't I be the one saying welcoming words to guests?"
"Aren't you busy? I'll handle this small thing."
After a brief exchange of banter, King—chronically socially awkward—gradually relaxed. However, thoughts of the Hero Association's plans immediately brought a frown to his face again. "Jordan-san..."
"Okay, don't say any more."
Jordan abruptly interrupted. "I know what you're worried about, King. But don't rush. I have devised a plan to make you stronger, but it needs a trigger before it can be implemented. As for the immediate future..."
As he spoke, Jordan pointed to Saitama, who was busy in the kitchen.
"You know how strong Saitama is, right?"
"Ah, of course." King nodded instinctively. "After all, it was Saitama who saved me from the monster."
"You'll be doing your daily workouts with Saitama from now on!"
King shivered for no apparent reason, as if he'd had a premonition that something terrible was about to happen.