Medical personnel quickly rushed out from the circular stone tower, carrying the unconscious Yujiro on a stretcher back to the medical room.
The host's voice rang out excitedly, "Due to Oliva's voluntary surrender, the last participant from the Japan-America Alliance Team is disqualified!"
"I hereby announce, the ultimate winner of the Great Raitai Tournament is Sol Mirek and his team!"
"Let us congratulate Sol for achieving the unprecedented feat of defeating five opponents in a row!"
The arena erupted instantly. Fans shouted Sol's name so loudly it seemed the roof might lift off.
"Sol! Sol! Sol!" The chants echoed throughout the circular stone tower.
Retsu Kaioh rushed into the arena, embracing Sol. "You did it! You really did it!"
Kaioh Kaku wheeled forward slowly, relief washing over his face. "Well done, Sol."
In the Japan-America Alliance Team's prep area, Baki watched from afar, fists clenching and unclenching unconsciously. "He did it again… Has he really become this strong?"
Doppo Orochi's lone eye gleamed with a complex light. "Perhaps I should step down…"
The host's excitement peaked. "Ladies and gentlemen, let us cheer for this young martial artist who has made history! Not only did he defeat five opponents in a row, but he also showed us what the pinnacle of martial skill truly is!"
Sol stood at the center of the arena, checking his system panel amid the crowd's adulation:
Main World: One-Punch Man
Current World: Baki (Time remaining: 5 days)
Host: Sol Mirek
Traversal Value: 500 (Can be used to traverse to other worlds by changing the plot's direction)
One-Star World Traversal Value Acquisition Limit: 500 / 500
Talents: Super Evolution Ability, Combat Intuition, Fighting Genius, Hanma Bloodline (Upgradeable), Demon Back (Upgradeable), Ghost Brain, Principles of Boxing, Extreme Flexibility, Weapon Master, Hidden Weapon Master
With his Traversal Value full and only five days left in the Baki world, it was time to return.
Sol scanned the cheering crowd with a slight smile. The Hanma Bloodline evolution was complete.
"Goodbye, everyone." He waved lightly, his body gradually becoming transparent, finally dissolving into countless particles of light that scattered in the wind, as if he had never been there.
"Di-disappeared?" The audience rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
Retsu Kaioh froze. "This… this is…"
Kaioh Kaku's eyes glinted sharply. "Sol Mirek is no ordinary fighter. Perhaps he was sent to save this world of martial arts."
Baki and Doppo Orochi rushed toward the spot.
"Where did he go?" Baki asked anxiously, sweat beading on his forehead.
Doppo Orochi mused, "Perhaps… this is the secret to his strength."
The host quickly regained composure. "Ladies and gentlemen! Though Sol has vanished, the legend he leaves behind will forever be etched in martial history. Let us give him the warmest applause!"
A thunderous ovation filled the venue. Even though he had disappeared, everyone felt in their hearts that when a fighter of such power returned, the legend would follow.
In a dimly lit room, particles of light coalesced, forming Sol's body once more.
"Do you want to spend 500 Traversal Value to purchase the Baki world? If not purchased, time flows at a normal rate. Upon purchase, time can be adjusted manually, and any point in the timeline can be accessed."
Sol looked around the unfamiliar yet familiar surroundings. The system panel floated before his eyes, flickering softly.
He wasn't in a rush to confirm. Traversal could wait—he would save the 500 value for later.
Stretching, he felt the surge of new power in his body. The Hanma Bloodline upgrade had begun. This time, instead of pain, it was a pleasant, invigorating sensation, like soaking in a hot spring.
Every inch of his muscles shifted subtly. The system panel indicated that the upgrade had reached 70%, nearly complete.
He flexed his fingers, satisfied. While his strength in the One-Punch Man world wasn't yet unmatched, he could now handle most threats.
Although his destructive power hadn't reached the Demon-level Monster threshold, in combat against humans, he now surpassed it. Next, he would elevate his overall power to Demon-level, preparing for the challenges of monsters, not heroes.
"Time to rest." Sol lay on the soft bed, closing his eyes, drifting into a deep sleep.
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. Sol stretched, his body cracking crisply. Muscle definition was sharper, and the Demon Back's markings were clearly visible.
He pulled on a loose hoodie that barely contained his frame. The Demon Back couldn't be deactivated during the upgrade, a minor annoyance.
Stepping outside, sunlight made him squint.
"Thump, thump, thump." Sol arrived at Saitama's door.
"Click." The door opened. Saitama, in blue and green striped pajamas, blinked in surprise at Sol's more robust physique.
"Sol?" Saitama rubbed his eyes. "You look stronger overnight."
Sol inspected his new build, feeling a headache coming on. He scratched his head awkwardly. "I resisted the air conditioner last night, slept all night, and dreamt of the Pointy-Headed Immortal, who gave me the power of nine dragons. Woke up like this."
Saitama nodded thoughtfully. "Not using the AC in summer… brutal training. I see why the Immortal would bless you with such power."
He scratched his bald head. "Sol, did you come to see me for training?"
Relieved that Saitama believed him, Sol continued, "Do you want to register at the Hero Association together?"
Saitama tilted his head. "Hero Association?"
"It's an organization that pays heroes," Sol explained.
Saitama's eyes lit up. "Salary!"
"Exactly. Registered heroes get monthly subsidies, missions to eliminate monsters, and extra bonuses—enough to buy top-grade wagyu for grilling."
Saitama's eyes sparkled. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He grabbed Sol's wrist.