The Hero Association Headquarters in City A was quiet, yet tense.
Twelve high ranking executives sat around a long conference table, each with documents and holographic screens open before them.
"Licenseless Rider remains C Class Rank 1," a staff member in a formal suit reported while reading from a tablet.
"Alright, contact him immediately," the switchboard operator replied with a soft sigh as she recorded the note.
"Honestly, why does he keep refusing promotion to B Class?" a bald executive muttered in frustration.
"Enough of that. Next item."
"For the 55th Hero Rating Test, the total number of applicants reached 11,684," reported a female executive wearing glasses. "That is a 22 percent increase compared to the previous session."
Several people in the room smiled at the figure.
"It is far too early to celebrate," the bald executive said coldly. "Numbers mean nothing if the quality is low. Weak heroes are still weak heroes."
The room quieted.
"This year's testing standards must be stricter," he continued. "Additionally, we need to re evaluate the rank of A Class Hero Sol Mirek."
All eyes turned to William, the blond supervisor who had originally discovered Sol.
William adjusted his glasses. "Everyone here is aware of the recent incident in City Z, correct? The Dragon Level disaster involving the meteor."
"According to reports from the scene, Sol Mirek, Silver Fang, and the Bald Cape Hero worked together to stop it."
William brought up surveillance footage. "Sol contained the majority of the meteor fragments, significantly reducing damage across City Z."
He paused before continuing. "Among civilians, he is already being referred to as the Z City Watchman."
William inserted a USB drive into the console. New footage appeared.
"Yesterday, this same hero completely erased the House of Evolution base, which we had been monitoring in secret. Nothing was left behind."
He pointed to the screen. "Investigators confirmed the entire facility was compressed into fine powder. This level of destructive capability exceeds A Class standards and rivals even some S Class heroes."
"So I formally propose promoting Sol Mirek to S Class, Rank 17."
"I agree," the bald executive said immediately, raising his hand.
"His strength is undeniable," another added. "S Class exists for heroes like him."
The woman with glasses nodded. "Public approval ratings in City Z place Sol at 87 percent. Promoting him will greatly benefit the Association's image."
William smiled briefly. "Then the decision is unanimous."
His expression quickly hardened.
"There is another matter. Last night, a massive energy surge was detected on the outskirts of City Z."
"Numerous civilians reported being awakened by the disturbance. This is another reason Sol's promotion must be announced immediately. Public confidence is already unstable."
A satellite image appeared, displaying a massive, bottomless crater.
"Energy readings confirm Dragon Level output at minimum," William said. "Additionally, investigators recovered traces of an unknown dark red substance with extreme corrosive and mental contamination properties."
He inhaled slowly. "Preliminary analysis suggests the emergence of a new Dragon Level monster."
The bald executive frowned. "City Z has been hit nonstop. The meteor, the House of Evolution, and now this?"
The woman with glasses spoke up. "Do not forget our earlier hypothesis."
William looked at her sharply. "You believe this is connected?"
"Yes. I suspect this energy surge was intentional. A warning."
"The Monster Association," William said quietly. "They may be attempting to claim City Z as their territory."
"Bang!"
The bald executive slammed the table. "Those monsters are declaring war."
William steadied himself. "Regardless, City Z's defenses must be reinforced. Once Sol's promotion is finalized, assign him to oversee alert operations in the No Mans Land."
"This investigation mission will also fall to him. Pair him with another S Class hero so they can support each other if contact is made."
He turned toward the silent old man at the far end of the table. "Chairman Sitch, I will need your coordination."
Chairman Sitch opened his eyes slowly and nodded. "I will inform him after the meeting."
"If there is nothing else," Sitch said, suppressing a yawn, "this meeting is adjourned."
At the Hero Association City Z branch lobby, Sol Mirek stood beside Genos at the registration desk.
A staff member smiled brightly as she handed them two forms. "Please fill these out. Once completed, you can proceed to the hero test."
Genos filled his out with mechanical efficiency and was soon escorted away.
Sol leaned back in the waiting area, arms crossed, boredom settling in as minutes dragged on.
Then his phone rang.
"Ding. Ding. Ding."
Sol glanced at the screen. A Hero Association number.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Mirek, this is the Hero Association," a calm female voice said. "Based on your recent performance, your hero rank has been officially promoted to S Class, Rank 17."
"We also have an important mission for you."
Sol's eyes lit up. "A mission? What level monster are we talking about?"
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line.
"Regarding City Z's No Mans Land," the operator continued. "Intelligence suggests it may be the source of recent monster activity. Since you are already stationed there, you are the most suitable candidate."
"Unusual energy fluctuations have been detected. Please report to Hero Association Headquarters to receive classified details."
"The situation will require on site investigation. Upon completion, the Association will provide a generous bonus."
"Got it," Sol replied, hanging up with a grin tugging at his lips.
Energy readings serious enough to alarm headquarters meant one thing. At minimum, a Demon Level threat. Possibly a Dragon.
Perfect timing.
He had been needing high energy materials for his Asura Mode evolution anyway.
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