"Spend three thousand traversal points to purchase the Ghoul World?"
The prompt hovered before Sol.
Without confirming it, he opened the system panel and selected a different exchange.
Boros's core ability.
Ultimate Sun Being.
"Spend 3000 traversal points to exchange for Ultimate Sun Being?"
Current traversal points: 11759.
Exchange successful.
Ability acquired: Ultimate Sun Being.
An indescribable heat surged through Sol's body.
The red markings across his skin lit up, moving like molten currents. Every cell in his body seemed to awaken, reorganizing and evolving. Vast power stirred from deep within, ancient and violent.
Two hours passed before the transformation ended.
Sweat soaked his clothes.
His crimson eyes gleamed brighter than before.
He flexed a hand.
The air cracked in his palm.
Sol looked at his fist, amused by the sheer force running through him.
For a moment, exhilaration almost pulled a grin from him.
Then he suppressed the unstable surge threatening to burst free, and the strange phenomena faded.
"As expected of Boros," he murmured.
He tested the power.
Faint blue markings surfaced, intertwining with the red across his skin, forming intricate patterns.
The two energies fused perfectly.
Power and vitality moved through him with effortless harmony.
It felt almost luxurious.
Like sinking into a hot spring.
Then Gyoro Gyoro's voice echoed through the chamber speakers.
"Mr. Sol, report to the main control room immediately."
The system panel vanished.
The markings receded.
Sol pushed open the stone door and made his way through winding tunnels until he reached the control center.
Screens covered the room.
Gyoro Gyoro's giant eye rotated on the central display.
"We have news. The Hero Association and Martial Arts Association have jointly announced the first Martial Arts Tournament. It begins in Z-City in three days."
A mechanical arm brought up satellite images.
A massive arena was under construction.
Hero Association defenses around headquarters had visibly thinned.
Gyoro Gyoro sounded almost eager.
"This is an excellent opportunity. Most of the Association's strength will be concentrated there. Z-City will be vulnerable. We can strike and declare war."
Sol studied the data in silence.
"What's your plan?"
A 3D projection of Z-City appeared.
"The tournament will take place in the main stadium. At least ten S-Class heroes are expected."
Mechanical arms highlighted routes.
"Three attack paths."
"The first, Monster executives lead a direct assault with lower-level monsters to draw attention."
"The second enters the city center through underground tunnels."
"The third…"
Gyoro Gyoro hesitated.
"We need someone powerful enough to pin down the heroes stationed at the arena."
Its eye fixed on him.
"If you lead that front, no hero can stop you."
Sol folded his arms.
"Targets?"
Several images appeared.
Silver Fang Bang.
Atomic Samurai.
Flashy Flash.
"All expected to be present as judges."
"We need you to contain them, cause enough chaos to buy time."
Sol smirked.
"Just contain them?"
Gyoro Gyoro rotated faster.
"If some S-Class heroes happen to die, that would only improve our chances."
"When do we move?"
"During the finals."
A countdown appeared.
71 hours.
Sol nodded.
"Fine."
Gyoro Gyoro trembled with excitement.
"With you leading, victory is assured."
Sol glanced at it.
"You're celebrating too early."
His tone sharpened.
"The Hero Association isn't stupid."
"They've considered the possibility of an attack."
"We have countermeasures," Gyoro Gyoro said quickly, displaying more schematics.
"Simultaneous strikes to split their forces."
Then another image appeared.
A silver-haired man.
Garou.
"Latest intelligence places him in Z-City. With his personality, he may disrupt the tournament."
Sol's gaze lingered.
A grin touched his lips.
"He's mine."
Gyoro Gyoro froze.
"You intend to handle Garou personally?"
Sol looked almost offended.
"Problem?"
"No, none at all."
It hurried on.
"There are rumors Garou has had contact with the Hero Association. Some arrangement may exist."
Sol gave a dismissive snort.
"Whatever game they're playing won't change the outcome."
Silence settled.
Then Gyoro Gyoro spoke again.
"One more matter."
Intercepted communications appeared.
"The Hero Association recruited special talents recently."
"Underground fighters. Wanted criminals."
"They may also appear."
Sol barely reacted.
"Noise."
Gyoro Gyoro changed screens.
A familiar ninja appeared.
Speed-o-Sound Sonic.
"He has been asking about you."
That drew Sol's attention.
A faint, amused look surfaced.
"Sonic."
"He's at least more entertaining than the others."
"Should we treat him as a priority?"
Sol shook his head.
"If he shows up, I'll deal with him."
Gyoro Gyoro hesitated.
Then another proposal.
"I can assign Phoenix Man to assist. He knows Z-City well."
Sol turned toward the exit.
"No need."
"I work alone."
"But…"
He stopped and glanced back.
Half playful.
Half warning.
"Do you know Z-City better than I do, former S-Class hero and all?"
Gyoro Gyoro's eye tightened.
"N-no. We'll proceed as you wish."
Sol walked away.
His footsteps faded into the tunnel.
Only when he disappeared did Gyoro Gyoro release a long breath.