An advertisement for the Super Fight Tournament flashed across the television.
The host spoke with theatrical excitement. "The 22nd Super Fight Tournament is about to begin. The champion will receive a prize of 30 million yen."
Sol Mirek watched quietly, memories aligning with what he knew of the original event. The tournament would draw serious fighters. It would also attract monsters in human form.
He glanced sideways at Saitama. "You interested? Thirty million yen. Could be fun."
Saitama rubbed his bald head. "Thirty million, huh… That's a lot of premium wagyu."
Sol smirked. "So that's your motivation."
"Of course it is."
Sol leaned back casually. The Super Fight Tournament would gather names like Gouketsu, Bakuzan, and Suiryu. Strong opponents. Worthwhile opponents. His eyes sharpened slightly at the thought.
"Guess I'll sign up too," Saitama muttered.
Elsewhere, deep underground, a dim laboratory hummed with sterile light. A man stood before a glowing green screen displaying footage and still images of Sol and Saitama.
Dr. Genus adjusted his glasses, black hair shadowing part of his face. Founder of the House of Evolution, he studied them with fascination.
"Excellent specimens," he murmured. "Even if force is required, their bodies must be analyzed."
He turned slightly. "Send an envoy. Invite them to the House of Evolution."
Back at the apartment, a knock echoed against Sol's door.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Sol, still in his pajamas, opened it halfway, rubbing one eye. He blinked.
Genos stood outside.
"Is Saitama here?" Genos asked politely.
"He went to the supermarket," Sol replied, leaning against the doorframe. "What's up?"
"I detected abnormal activity during patrol."
Sol's expression brightened faintly. "Define abnormal."
"High-speed approach. Multiple signatures."
Genos tensed instantly, stepping forward protectively. With Saitama absent, he considered it his duty to guard Sol.
"It's here," Genos said quietly.
A sharp screech split the air.
A green blur descended from above, scythe-like forelimbs slicing through the corridor railing as though it were paper.
"My name is…"
Before the Mantis creature could finish, Sol's eyes glowed faint green.
Bang.
The creature burst midair into a spray of green fluid, splattering harmlessly against an invisible barrier.
The slime slid down Sol's Psychokinesis shield.
He stared at the mess on the floor with mild disgust. "That was unnecessary."
Genos blinked. The monster had not even completed its introduction.
"There may be more," Sol added calmly. "Stay alert. I'd rather not get distracted."
"Yes," Genos replied, studying him more carefully now.
Sol tilted his head slightly. "Two more outside. Go handle them. I need to change."
Genos scanned the area and detected two additional lifeforms below. Frog-like. Slug-like.
He jumped down to confront them.
But when he landed, both monsters were already embedded in a crater.
Saitama stood nearby, holding grocery bags.
"What's with smashing the railing? You know there's a front door, right?" he said flatly.
"Teacher," Genos said in relief.
Suddenly, claws burst from the ground, attempting to drag Saitama downward.
"Teacher, behind you," Genos warned, arm shifting into combat configuration.
The Mole creature was yanked out of the earth mid-attack, suspended upside down by invisible force.
Sol stepped out of the building, now dressed. He flexed his fingers slightly, maintaining the telekinetic hold.
"What's this supposed to be?" he said lazily.
The creature thrashed in midair but could not break free.
"You're with the House of Evolution," Sol stated.
Genos looked surprised. "You know their organization?"
"I can read minds," Sol replied evenly.
Saitama blinked. "House of Evolution? Sounds like a gym."
Sol ignored that and pulled the Mole creature closer. "Take us to Dr. Genus."
The creature's eyes widened. "How do you know that name?"
Sol's voice dropped a degree colder. "Didn't I just explain? I read minds. Try keeping up."
He tightened the pressure slightly. The Mole creature twisted in pain.
"Lead the way," Sol continued. "Or I'll compress you into something decorative."
"I'll lead you," it croaked desperately.
Saitama lifted his grocery bag slightly. "Can I put these away first?"
Genos straightened. "Teacher, we should prioritize eliminating the mastermind."
"My eggs will spoil," Saitama replied seriously.
Sol nodded. "He has a point. Priorities."
Saitama walked upstairs at a leisurely pace.
Genos watched the two of them, confusion flickering behind his mechanical gaze. The threat level was obvious, yet neither of them showed urgency.
"Shouldn't we move immediately?" Genos pressed. "This was a coordinated attack."
Sol took out his phone. "I'm calling Bang. Taking the day off training."
Genos paused.
Before he could speak again, a mechanical voice echoed behind him.
"High energy signature detected."
Boom.
The wall behind Genos exploded outward in a storm of debris and smoke.
Through the settling dust, a massive silhouette emerged, nearly three meters tall.
As visibility cleared, a heavily armored gorilla-shaped cyborg stepped forward, silver plating gleaming under the fractured light.
Genos lowered his stance.