"No need to make a big deal out of it," Blizzard said, her voice returning to its usual calm. "The situation was urgent just now. Ethan Cole saved me. From now on, he'll be the vice leader of the Blizzard Group."
The group exchanged glances.
"I see…"
"Then thanks in advance, Vice Leader."
Wild Bear's expression was especially complicated. He stared at Ethan Cole for a few seconds before reluctantly saying,
"Thank you for saving Miss Blizzard."
"Don't thank me yet," Ethan Cole replied with a wry smile. "That monster will be here any second. Get ready."
"No problem!"
"We'll take it down for sure!"
Just as Ethan Cole predicted, the acid monster was lured into the pit they had prepared in advance.
The pit was filled with water. The moment it fell in, its surface began to boil violently, releasing sharp hissing sounds.
The acid monster struggled in panic, trying to climb out, but an invisible force pressed it back down. It was Blizzard's remaining psychic power.
At the same time, members of the Blizzard Group brought over a massive rock using a vehicle and sealed the pit.
"AAAAAH!"
The monster roared as its acid was diluted by the water. Its body began to break apart.
[Congratulations. You have defeated a powerful opponent using ancient martial arts.]
[Reward: Constitution +0.3, Bajiquan proficiency +30%]
Blizzard walked up to him, a hint of pride on her face.
"See? This is the power of teamwork."
Ethan Cole smiled faintly.
"This time, we really did rely on everyone."
The acid monster finally dissolved completely in the water, losing all ability to fight.
The Blizzard Group cheered. Another successful joint victory.
Blizzard turned to Ethan Cole, pride still lingering in her eyes.
"Now you understand, right? No matter how strong one person is, it can't compare to coordinated teamwork."
Ethan Cole shook his head.
"We won this time because the enemy was only Tiger-level. But what if it were something stronger? What if it were Dragon-level?"
Blizzard frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"If it were Dragon-level, your members' attacks wouldn't even work. They might be wiped out instantly." Ethan Cole met her gaze. "At that point, the team could become a burden, because you'd have to split your focus to protect them."
Blizzard's expression darkened.
"You're saying our group is too weak?"
Ethan Cole didn't answer directly.
"I'm just stating a fact. A truly strong hero must first be able to protect themselves."
Blizzard fell silent for a moment, then stubbornly lifted her chin.
"No matter what you say, we still won this time. So you have to join the Blizzard Group!"
Ethan Cole blinked.
"Why are you so set on me joining?"
"Because you're strong. With you, the group's combat power will increase significantly!" Her tone grew more urgent. "What do you want? Money? Status? I can give you anything!"
Ethan Cole looked at her serious expression and couldn't help but smile.
"I don't have any special demands."
Blizzard bit her lip.
"Then what will it take for you to join?"
Ethan Cole was about to refuse again when Blizzard suddenly covered her chest and took a cautious step back.
"T-this is not allowed!"
Ethan Cole froze.
"…What?"
He stared at her, completely confused.
Did she think he was about to make some inappropriate request?
"You misunderstood." Ethan Cole sighed helplessly. "I never planned to join any organization."
Blizzard's expression wavered.
"Why?"
"Because my goal is clear. I want to become the strongest hero." His voice was calm but firm. "That's not something you achieve through teamwork."
Blizzard stared at him, searching for hesitation in his eyes.
But there was none.
For some reason, that irritated her.
"Then wasn't your injury for nothing?" she suddenly said.
Ethan Cole raised his right hand and glanced at it. The wound had already scabbed over. It still stung slightly, but he didn't care.
"It's not important."
"It is to me!" Blizzard's voice rose. "You saved me today. I won't leave that debt unpaid."
Seeing her stubbornness flare up again, Ethan Cole sighed.
"In that case…"
He paused, then said,
"I can be your friend. And I'm willing to treat the Blizzard Group as allies. If you need help, I'll do what I can."
Blizzard stared at him for a few seconds, then finally nodded reluctantly.
"…Fine."
Even if she couldn't recruit him, at least she secured his support.
Three days after the battle, the Hero Association updated the rankings.
To Ethan Cole's surprise, his rank jumped from B-Class Rank 45 to Rank 16.
In the fiercely competitive B-Class tier, even moving up one spot was difficult.
"Did you deliberately give me the credit?"
Inside the training room, Ethan Cole set down a dumbbell and wiped his sweat as he looked at Blizzard standing by the door.
She wore her signature dark green dress, casually brushing her hair back as she lifted her chin.
"Hmph. Don't overthink it. I just reported the situation truthfully."
Ethan Cole studied her for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me!" Blizzard suddenly looked flustered. She dropped the bag she was holding onto the floor. "I just brought you some nutritional supplements."
With that, she turned to leave.
"Wait," Ethan Cole called out. "This training room isn't cheap, is it?"
"That's none of your concern!" Blizzard quickened her pace without looking back. "The Blizzard Group rents it for team training all the time!"
The office door slammed shut.
Ethan Cole bent down and picked up the bag.
Inside were various high-protein foods and supplements. Each package had neatly written instructions attached in elegant handwriting.
…
Late at night, the training room was empty except for Ethan Cole.
"Hah!"
With a short exhale, his fist slammed heavily into a specially made steel plate.
A deep hum echoed as the plate vibrated. At its center, a shallow dent appeared, while his knuckles remained completely uninjured.
This was the result of achieving minor success in hidden force.
Ethan Cole withdrew his fist and regulated his breathing, feeling the surging energy within his body.
His blood coursed through his veins like a roaring river, a sound only he could hear.
His current status panel:
[Name: Ethan Cole]
[Skill: Bajiquan (Hidden Force 42%)]
[Note: 30% = Minor Mastery, 90% = Major Mastery]
[Constitution: 3.9]
[Combat Power: 120]
In this system, an average person had a combat power below 5.
A value of 120 was enough to easily crush ordinary Tiger-level monsters.
If he went all out, he was confident he could even hold his own against a Demon-level threat for several minutes.
Ethan Cole took off his sweat-soaked shirt and stood before a full-length mirror, examining himself.
After this period of intense training, his muscles had become more defined. Not exaggerated like a bodybuilder, but sleek and efficient, built for real combat.
The most striking change was the sheen of his skin.
Under the light, it carried a smooth, subtle glow, a sign of his vitality reaching its peak.
Beneath that seemingly lean frame was explosive power capable of shattering steel with bare hands.