Sol Mirek and Saitama arrived at the supermarket. Saitama pushed a shopping cart, weaving between shelves. "Beef is 50% off! Eggs are buy one get one free!"
Sol watched him enthusiastically filling the cart and couldn't help but smile. He picked up a box of discounted beef and added it. "Saitama, tonight we feast."
"Perfect!" Saitama's eyes lit up.
They pushed their overflowing carts to the checkout counter when Sol's phone buzzed. A message from the Hero Association appeared:
Wolf-level Monster sighted on Third Street in Z-City's commercial district. Nearby Heroes requested to intervene.
Sol tucked away his phone. "Saitama, Monster spotted. You pay first; I'll be back soon."
"Eh? I'll come with you."
"No need. Just a Wolf-level. I can handle it quickly." Sol waved and sprinted out of the supermarket.
Saitama watched Sol disappear, rubbed his bald head, and muttered, "Better take care of these first…"
Sol ran along the street, the location on his phone guiding him precisely. Around two corners ahead, he saw a Minotaur Monster locked in combat with Licenseless Rider.
Riding his bike, Licenseless Rider relentlessly jabbed at the Minotaur's nose. The Monster roared, grabbed the bike, and flung it aside.
When Sol arrived, Licenseless Rider fell at his feet, grabbing Sol's pant leg. "Run! It might be Tiger-level!"
Though his combat experience was limited, Licenseless Rider, the top C-class Hero, had faced Wolf-level threats before. But this opponent's strength seemed far beyond the official report.
Sol helped him up, frowning at the roaring Minotaur. Its muscles bulged, white steam puffing from its nostrils. Clearly, it surpassed Wolf-level classification.
"Leave this to me. Rest," Sol said, positioning himself in front of the Monster.
The Minotaur beat its chest, voice like thunder. "Another Hero to grind! I'll crush you into meat!"
It charged, each step shaking the street. Sol stood still, having predicted every movement.
A massive fist approached Sol's temple. He tilted his head slightly; the punch whizzed past.
"What?" The Monster's eyes widened, unprepared for the effortless dodge.
Licenseless Rider pressed against the wall, heart racing. The Hero had seemed unnerved moments ago, yet now moved flawlessly, dodging each deadly blow.
"Concentrate! Its strength is insane! Don't get hit, or you'll be done for!" he shouted.
In the Hero Association's monitoring room, the operator's hands shook. "Supervisor! B-Class Hero Sol Mirek, rank 102, is engaging the Minotaur Monster!"
"Raise disaster level to Tiger! Alert nearby Heroes!" the blond supervisor ordered, sweat beading on his forehead.
The Monster swung its fists, rushing air howling with each blow. Sol dodged every attack with precise movements, almost dancing around the onslaught.
"How… how does he do that?" Licenseless Rider whispered, eyes wide. Each dangerous attack was countered with perfect timing.
The supervisor pushed up his glasses. "Zoom in!"
The operator obeyed, focusing on Sol's movements. Meanwhile, Sol glanced at his system panel. Hanma Bloodline evolution had reached 85%, though the growth rate had slowed.
"Kid, if you've got guts, stop dodging!" the Monster roared, nostrils steaming.
"Time to end this." Sol stopped moving. The Minotaur could die now.
The Monster's excitement flashed. "Finally! I'll smash you into paste!"
It leapt high, fists raised, muscles bulging, crashing down toward Sol with a whistling sound.
Licenseless Rider struggled upright. "Dodge! That hit could kill you!"
In the monitoring room, the supervisor slammed the table. "Contact nearby B-Class Heroes immediately!"
"A-Class Hero Snakebite Snek, rank 38, is en route! ETA: three minutes!" the operator reported.
"Too late…" the supervisor muttered, eyes glued to the screen.
The Monster's fists hurtled down, yet Sol remained motionless. He drew back his right fist, muscles coiling like springs.
His Demon Back, usually calm, emitted white steam as his power surged.
"Bang!"
The collision exploded, creating a visible shockwave. The Monster's thick arm twisted and shattered like a brittle branch, bones cracking audibly.
"How… how is this possible?" Its eyes widened in disbelief. Sol's next strike blasted directly through its chest.
The Minotaur froze, the furious light in its eyes dimming. It stared at the massive hole in its chest, blood gushing like a fountain.
"This… you…" it whispered with its last breath before collapsing, dust and debris scattering around its colossal body.
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Patreon = _Zeph