Inside the command center, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could drip water.
Sitch stared intently at the last flickering light on the main screen, which represented Centipede Elder's signal disappearing, his fingers unconsciously tapping the control panel, producing a dull clicking sound.
A Dragon-Level Monster that had vanished was far more threatening than an army of thousands pressing down from the front.
"Not to mention, Allen himself still hasn't appeared," Sitch said, almost gritting his teeth, voicing everyone's heaviest concern.
His voice, sharp with urgency, continued, "Allen was able to single-handedly repel the siege of ten S-Class heroes, able to directly confront and even defeat Boros. He has now integrated the power of the entire Monster Association. We must use every available resource!"
He took a deep breath, as if having made up his mind, and said in a low voice to the control panel, "Notify all forces to immediately converge on City A! Repeat, immediately converge on City A!"
The moment the order was given, it was as if even the air in the command center solidified.
Some of the more senior staff members looked horrified, clearly understanding what this decision meant.
Tatsumaki floated in the air, her green curly hair gently swaying. She pouted, "Hmph, overreacting." But her gaze involuntarily drifted towards the rolling smoke and dust in the distance on the screen, her fingertips slightly curled.
Metal Bat slung his bat over his shoulder, his brows furrowed, "Hey, hey, is there really a need to make such a big deal out of this? That kid might be…"
"Metal Bat!" Sitch interrupted him, his tone more severe than ever, "This is not a game! What we are facing now is a former hero with the power to destroy the world, and he is clearly no longer on our side! Any wishful thinking could lead to the demise of all of City A, and even the world!"
Metal Bat clicked his tongue and turned his head away, no longer refuting. He couldn't be bothered to argue with the dead.
Atomic Samurai's toothpick bobbed up and down, his eyes sharp, "Since we're getting serious, then stop holding back. This old man wants to see just how many trump cards the Hero Association is still hiding."
Flash nodded silently in agreement.
Child Emperor rapidly operated the computer on his wrist, his young face full of seriousness, "This means we can deploy all weapons still in the experimental stage and special combat forces not yet integrated into regular units. I will immediately attempt to access the command links for these units and optimize our defenses."
Zombieman exhaled a smoke ring, calmly analyzing, "Centipede Elder is gone, Allen is hidden, and Black Sperm's underground forces are also of unknown whereabouts. Our main force absolutely cannot be entirely drawn in by Gouketsu's frontal forces. We need a sufficiently strong reserve team to respond to any sudden emergencies at any time."
Bang slowly nodded, "Zombieman has a point, Sitch. Who will be in charge of the reserve team?"
Sitch's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on King, who had always had little presence, but then quickly moved away. It was better for such a powerful being as King to stay here and protect the high-ranking officials.
He finally looked at Superalloy Darkshine, "Darkshine, you will be in charge of commanding the reserve team, with Genos and Tanktop Master assisting. Mr. King, please protect us."
King let out a low, expressionless "hmm," and the "King Engine" in his chest seemed to hum faintly and deeply in response, inexplicably bringing a sense of reassurance to the nervous staff around him.
Saitama scratched his bald head and looked at Genos, "So what exactly are we supposed to do?"
Genos replied seriously, "Teacher, we need to protect this city and prevent Senior Allen from going further astray. Please stay by my side at all times."
"Oh." Saitama nodded, half-understanding.
Just then, a communications officer suddenly reported, "Minister Sitch! The military has sent a communication. Their high-speed interception fleet has arrived in the airspace at the edge of the battlefield and requests instructions!"
A split screen on the main display immediately switched to a fighter jet cockpit view, showing the Monster army spreading like a black tide below.
"Authorize intervention!" Sitch immediately ordered, "Command them to conduct warning shots, attempting to impede the enemy's advance, but not to get too close! Pay attention to the movements of Gouketsu and those cadres!"
"Understood!"
In the sky, several sharply designed fighter jets screamed as they dived down, fire flashing from their underbellies. A volley of high-explosive ordnance accurately landed several hundred meters in front of the Monster vanguard, erupting in a series of huge fireballs and smoke columns, forming a temporary Barrier blocking zone.
The Monster army's momentum clearly stalled, and some commotion arose within their ranks.
Gouketsu raised his massive arm, signaling the entire army to halt their advance.
His four eyes coldly scanned the circling fighter jets in the sky, letting out a dull snort.
Hellfire Flame's flames around him flared up a bit, as if he was getting restless.
Gale Wind, on the other hand, vigilantly observed the surrounding terrain.
"Just a warning?" Gouketsu's deep voice echoed through the ranks, "It seems the Hero Association is still the same, timid and hesitant. Continue to advance, maintain formation, ignore them, unless they actively attack."
The Monster army began to move again, their speed increasing rather than decreasing, carrying a brutal momentum that seemed to crush everything in its path, directly passing through the lingering smoke.
Inside the command center, Sitch clenched his fist, "As expected, it's useless. Metal Knight, maximum power! All long-range firepower units, open fire! Target the Monster army's front and flanks, reduce their numbers!"
In the abandoned industrial district, the already prepared heroes and Hero Association armed forces immediately opened fire.
Heavy cannons roared, tearing through the air, raining down on the Monster army like a torrential downpour. The explosions instantly engulfed dozens of low-level Monster at the very front, sending severed limbs flying everywhere.
However, more Monster charged forward, roaring wildly, enduring the artillery fire.
Some Monster with long-range attack capabilities or hard carapaces even began to retaliate, firing fireballs, acid, bone spikes, and other projectiles at the heroes' defensive line, creating ripples as they exploded against the energy barriers.
The battle instantly escalated to a fever pitch.
"Left flank secure!"
"Right flank under piercing attack, requesting support!"
"Frontal pressure is immense! Request reinforced firepower output!"
Reports from various locations came in one after another over the communication channel.
Tatsumaki snorted, her green light flaring brightly. Her Psychokinesis grabbed dozens of tons of discarded steel beams and giant rocks, hurling them like a trebuchet at the densest areas of the Monster, instantly clearing a large section.
Metal Bat roared, leaping directly from the defensive line and charging into the midst of the Monster. His bat swung with fierce power, each strike accompanied by the sound of cracking bones and the Monster' screams.
Atomic Samurai's blade flashed, and a dozen Monster in front of him were instantly sliced into neat pieces.
Flash, meanwhile, transformed into a streak of light, weaving through the Monster ranks. Wherever he passed, Monster fell to the ground.
Bang did not rush to make a move. He stood on the rooftop, his gaze sweeping across the entire battlefield like a hawk, paying particular attention to the movements of Gouketsu and the other cadres.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"