Ethan Cole stood on his balcony, quietly replaying the earth-shattering scene from earlier in his mind.
Saitama's punch had looked effortless, almost casual, yet it carried power that defied all logic.
He took a deep breath and felt the dark internal energy flowing through his body.
Beyond "dark force" lay the realm of "transforming force," a stage where power permeates every part of the body, from bones to internal organs, from meridians to the smallest capillaries. It reaches a level where not even a feather can be added, not even a fly can land.
In legend, masters who reach transforming force can unleash terrifying strength with every movement, and their internal organs far surpass those of ordinary humans.
Ethan Cole had only just begun to grasp dark force. He was still far from that next realm.
Ding dong.
The doorbell pulled him back to reality.
Outside stood two men in black suits. Each wore a blue snowflake badge on their ties.
Ethan frowned. "Who are you?"
"We are members of the Blizzard Group," one of them said. "We have been sent by Lady Fubuki to invite you to join our organization."
Ethan searched his memories from his previous life.
The Blizzard Group was a hero organization founded by Fubuki, the Rank 1 B-Class hero. It held significant influence among B-Class heroes.
Rumor had it that they often pressured other B-Class heroes into joining to strengthen Fubuki's control over the rank.
Now that Ethan Cole had risen into the B-Class ranks, it was only natural that they had taken notice.
"I am not interested," Ethan said bluntly.
The two men exchanged glances.
"Please reconsider," one of them tried again. "The Blizzard Group is…"
"I said no," Ethan interrupted firmly. "You can leave now."
He reached for the door.
One of them quickly stuck his hand into the gap. "Wait, this is Lady Fubuki's kindness…"
Ethan pushed lightly.
A surge of dark force flowed through his arm, and the man was instantly blasted several steps backward as if struck by an invisible wave.
The two men had no choice but to leave.
Two days later, in the evening, Ethan Cole was watching the "City Disaster Emergency Channel" in his living room. The screen displayed the latest monster reports.
Suddenly, the door was thrown open.
A beautiful woman with long emerald hair stepped inside. Behind her stood seven or eight men in black suits.
Her sharp gaze scanned the room before settling on Ethan.
"Why did you refuse to join the Blizzard Group?" Fubuki asked directly.
Ethan set down the remote. "Why must I join?"
"Teamwork is far stronger than fighting alone," she said as she sat gracefully on the sofa.
"A lone wolf cannot survive in this dangerous world forever."
Ethan replied calmly, "A flock of sheep cannot defeat a lion."
Fubuki's expression darkened instantly.
She took it as an insult. To her, the Blizzard Group was not weak. They were a powerful force in the B-Class ranks, having subdued countless monsters.
"How dare you call us sheep?" she said coldly, standing up. "Do you even understand who you're talking to?"
"I didn't refer to anyone specifically," Ethan said. "I'm just stating my position."
Bang.
Fubuki slammed her hand on the table.
In an instant, the table floated into the air. Cups, remotes, and other objects rose with it, spinning slowly under her psychic power.
"Do you understand what level of power this is?" she said coldly. "No one in the entire B-Class dares to reject me."
This was her warning.
But inside, she thought, Now then. Have you seen my psychic power? You should be submitting already.
Ethan looked at her. "Miss Fubuki, I have no interest in your organization."
Fubuki's pupils contracted sharply.
This was the first time someone had rejected her so directly.
"Ethan Cole, don't be ungrateful. The Blizzard Group is not something just anyone can join. This is your last chance. Submit, or suffer the consequences."
"Miss Fubuki, please take your people and leave. I really have no intention of joining."
Ethan had no desire for such a group. In the world of One Punch Man, a B-Class organization was nothing more than small scale activity.
Fubuki grew furious.
She thrust both hands forward. All the floating objects shot toward Ethan at once.
Ethan stepped forward in a blur of motion.
Before she could react, he lightly tapped her shoulder.
Her body suddenly lost strength and she collapsed onto the sofa.
Her subordinates rushed forward.
Ethan placed his hand gently on Fubuki's neck.
"If any of you come closer, your leader will die here."
They froze in place.
Fubuki's face turned red with anger and humiliation.
"You let go! I was just careless! Let's go again!"
One of her subordinates, a man named Mountain Ape, immediately stepped forward, veins bulging. "Let her go, or you'll regret it!"
The others also surrounded him, shouting in agreement.
But before they could act, another member called Eyelash grabbed Mountain Ape's shoulder and said quickly, "Stop. We're leaving now. We will not cause further trouble."
Ethan did not loosen his grip. His gaze remained fixed on Fubuki.
"Careless? When you fight monsters, do you also say you were careless? Try again?"
"That's just twisting words!" Fubuki snapped. "I only wanted to scare you!"
"Scare me?" Ethan smiled faintly. "Admit it. You are not strong enough."
That sentence pierced her heart.
Not strong enough?
Her mind flashed with the image of her older sister Tatsumaki, always looking at her with contempt.
"Fubuki, are you still playing these childish games?"
She had always wanted to prove herself, to surpass her sister, even just a little.
Was she really wrong?
No. The problem was this man in front of her.
"Let go!" she shouted. "I don't need you to lecture me!"
She forced her power, and this time Ethan released his grip.
"Ethan Cole, you will regret this. The Blizzard Group is not someone you can look down on. A mere Rank 53 B-Class hero!"
I didn't look down on you at all, Ethan thought helplessly.
Why am I the bad guy now?
I just refused an invitation. Are all organizations this unreasonable?
Also, I'm Rank 45, not 53.
Mountain Ape also shouted, "Just you wait!"
At that moment, the emergency broadcast on the television began.
"Urgent notice. A monster has appeared on Aoki Street. Civilians are advised to evacuate immediately. Disaster level: Tiger. Repeat, disaster level: Tiger. Nearby heroes, respond immediately."
Fubuki turned sharply.
"Let's go," she said. "Let's show this arrogant fool what the Blizzard Group is really capable of."
"Yes, Boss!" her subordinates replied in unison.