The data model transmitted by Child Emperor appeared on the main screen, showing a red mass representing the Monster army steadily advancing toward the blue defensive barrier of the heroes.
"What are they waiting for?" Zombieman lit a cigarette, his tone analytical. "Or maybe the real question is, what is Sol waiting for?"
That question brought a brief silence over the command center.
Everyone was thinking the same thing. The man who once fought beside them had yet to act. Whatever he was planning, no one could predict it.
"No matter what he's waiting for, we can't afford to sit still," Sitch said, breaking the silence. "Drive Knight, Metal Knight, have all long-range units fire at full capacity. Reduce their numbers before they reach us."
"Understood," Metal Knight replied coldly. "All automated turrets, missile systems, and energy weapons have locked onto targets. Awaiting authorization."
Sitch inhaled slowly. "Fire. Show them the Hero Association is not something they can ignore."
The moment the order was given, the abandoned industrial zone came alive.
Missile silos hidden beneath the ruins opened one after another. Dozens of surface-to-surface missiles launched into the sky, trailing flames as they arced toward the Monster army.
Laser cannons disguised as industrial structures fired searing beams, vaporizing everything in their path.
Automated gun emplacements rose from underground, unleashing a relentless storm of bullets.
The first wave of missiles detonated within the Monster ranks, massive explosions swallowing dozens of low-level monsters. Limbs scattered, and their screams echoed across the battlefield.
But the situation quickly turned unsettling.
The cadres were prepared.
Hellfire Flame ignited his body, causing incoming missiles to explode before reaching him. Gale Wind redirected the shockwaves with controlled air currents. Gouketsu simply punched an incoming missile apart, the explosion barely slowing him down.
"So it barely matters…" Sitch clenched his fist. "Keep the suppression fire going. Do not stop."
On the battlefield, the vanguard of the Monster army was now fully visible.
Grotesque creatures charged forward through the gunfire, roaring without fear.
"Prepare for contact," Bang's voice sounded through the communication system. "Close-range fighters, take position. Ranged units, maintain fire support."
Tatsumaki floated at the very front, her green hair drifting slightly. "You're all too loud. Let me handle this."
She thrust her hands forward. Invisible force surged outward, lifting hundreds of monsters into the air before slamming them into the ranks behind them, clearing a wide path instantly.
Metal Bat grinned. "Not bad, shorty. Guess I'll get moving too."
He leaped straight into the horde, his bat swinging with brutal precision. Each strike crushed bones and sent monsters flying.
Atomic Samurai and Flash moved at the same time.
Blades flashed, and the monsters before Atomic Samurai were cut apart instantly. Flash darted through the battlefield like a streak of light, leaving fallen enemies in his wake.
Yet the numbers did not decrease.
For every group that fell, more surged forward, endless and relentless.
"These things just keep coming," Tatsumaki said with irritation, hurling another cluster of monsters aside.
On the left flank, Muzan stood atop a bridge support, quietly observing the carnage.
Kokushibo's six eyes shifted slowly, his hand resting on his sword. Akaza maintained his stance, casually eliminating any monster that approached too closely.
"Muzan!" an Association liaison officer rushed over. "The frontline is under heavy pressure. Director Sitch requests that your group advance and assist."
Muzan turned slightly, his crimson eyes scanning the battlefield. "Inform Director Sitch that we are handling a more important task. We are ensuring no enemy slips past to attack headquarters. This position will not fall."
The liaison hesitated but did not dare argue, quickly retreating.
Back in the command center, Sitch listened to the report, his expression tightening.
"Will not fall…" he muttered, watching Muzan's composed figure on the screen. Doubt flickered in his eyes.
He turned to Drive Knight. "Continue monitoring the left flank. Focus on Muzan's group. I want confirmation they are actually committing their strength."
"Understood. Energy monitoring has been increased. Current readings show no abnormal fluctuations."
Bang stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Muzan is unpredictable. Even as an ally, we should not trust him completely."
Sitch nodded. "I know. But right now, we don't have the luxury of choice."
At that moment, Child Emperor's voice rang out again. "Director Sitch, based on current data, the main force of the Monster army is still five kilometers away. Gouketsu's unit is advancing steadily, but not at full speed. That behavior is unusual."
Then, Gouketsu moved.
He stepped forward with immense force, ignoring the explosions and the fallen monsters around him. Like an unstoppable war machine, he charged straight toward the most fortified section of the defense line.
"He's moving," Child Emperor warned immediately. "All units, concentrate fire on Gouketsu."
Artillery and energy beams converged on him, but his body endured the barrage. Most attacks only left shallow marks or slowed him slightly.
"He's coming," Bang said, narrowing his eyes. "Atomic Samurai, Flashy Flash, with me."
Three figures shot out from the defensive line, moving like arrows toward the towering enemy.
Bang led the charge, already in stance, his technique flowing like water.
Atomic Samurai followed, his blade partially drawn, cutting fine cracks into the ground as sword energy gathered.
Flashy Flash closed in from another angle, his speed clearing dust and debris from his path.
Gouketsu locked onto all three at once. With a deep roar, he threw a punch powerful enough to crush everything in front of him.
Bang stepped forward without hesitation.
His palms met the attack, his technique redirecting the force with precision. The impact exploded outward, splitting the ground beneath his feet, yet he stood firm, absorbing the full force.
At that exact moment, Atomic Samurai struck.
"Atomic Slash."