"They're nothing but parasites."
Sol Mirek slammed his hand onto the table, his voice echoing across the conference room. "Do you really think Heroes are your bodyguards? Your personal tools? There are plenty of people eyeing your positions."
His gaze swept across the executives, sharp and unyielding.
"You're just leeches hiding behind the Hero Association. Without us, you'd be nothing more than livestock waiting to be slaughtered. You may have money, but power rests with us."
Silence fell instantly.
Chairman Sitch's forehead glistened with sweat. Zenil and the other executives looked pale, their composure cracking. Meanwhile, the Heroes present felt something stir within them, as if Sol's words had ignited a long-suppressed truth.
Metal Bat suddenly burst into laughter, slamming his bat against the floor. "Now that's what I'm talking about. I've been sick of these parasites for a long time."
Tanktop Master rose to his feet, arms crossed over his broad chest. "Sol is right. S-Class Heroes are not anyone's personal guards."
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses, surprise flickering in his eyes. Sol was usually composed, even easygoing. This outburst was unexpected, yet every word carried weight. Even he could not deny the truth in it.
Tatsumaki hovered beside Sol, her green hair swirling as her irritation grew. She tugged lightly at his sleeve and whispered, "Idiot… have you lost your mind?"
Sol did not respond. His cold gaze remained fixed on Zenil's projection. He was fully aware of the consequences, but that was exactly the point. If attention shifted to the corruption within the Association, his own position would no longer be the main issue.
Zenil forced a stiff smile, his facial muscles twitching. "Mr. Mirek, please be mindful of your words. Everything we do is for the people."
Sol's lips curled faintly. "What do the people have to do with you? While you sit comfortably in luxury, have you ever seen people freezing or starving in the streets? What gives you the right to speak for them?"
Sitch slammed his hand onto the table. "Enough. Sol, watch yourself. Your words are dangerous."
"My place?" Sol let out a quiet, mocking laugh. "I am a Hero, not your servant, and definitely not your tool for dirty work."
Tension thickened in the room.
Bang stroked his beard, his eyes moving between Sol and Sitch before he slowly stood. "This old man agrees with my disciple. The Association has indeed become… questionable."
The executives stiffened in panic. "Are you rebelling? Don't forget who pays you!"
Metal Bat scoffed. "Pay? You think I fight monsters for money? What a joke."
Tatsumaki's aura flared violently, shaking the room. "Shut up. If anyone dares threaten the Rookie again, I'll crush them."
Sitch's expression darkened, his fingers tapping against the table. "Everyone, calm down. We are here to discuss Sol's qualifications, not this nonsense."
"Qualifications?" Sol cut in smoothly. "Then let's vote. I'd like to see how many of you are willing to act like obedient dogs."
Sitch inhaled slowly, then looked around. "Very well. The vote on whether Sol Mirek retains his S-Class rank will begin now."
The process was silent, heavy.
When the results appeared, Sitch's expression worsened. "Twelve votes in favor, fifteen against, three abstentions."
He cleared his throat. "Given the outcome, Sol retains his S-Class position. We will now proceed to the next matter."
"No need."
Sol stood.
"I'm withdrawing from the Hero Association."
The room erupted.
"If anyone wants to join me," he continued casually, hands slipping into his pockets, "I guarantee funding. You won't receive less than what the Association offers."
With access to resources from two worlds, money was the least of his concerns.
Metal Bat shot to his feet. "Rookie, you serious right now?"
Sol glanced around at the S-Class Heroes. "I don't joke about things like this."
Bang's hand paused mid-stroke. "Think carefully, Sol."
Tatsumaki grabbed his arm, her voice tense despite herself. "Idiot, stop talking nonsense. Do you even know how much that costs?"
Sol simply smiled faintly, amused by her reaction.
Sitch spoke quickly, desperation creeping into his tone. "Mr. Mirek, please reconsider. The Association has invested a great deal in you."
"Invested?" Sol let out a soft chuckle. "Everything I have, I earned myself. Don't try to claim credit now that I'm leaving."
Zenil leaned forward slightly, maintaining his artificial smile. "Young people can be impulsive. Without the Association's support, building something new is not simple. Why not reconsider? Let's treat this as a misunderstanding."
He paused, then added, "If needed, I can even apologize on behalf of everyone. Let's move on as if nothing happened."
Sol studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let's pretend this never happened."
Relief flickered across several faces.
"But," Sol added lightly, his eyes sharpening, "you should compensate me for the trouble."
The room froze again.
Zenil's smile stiffened, though inwardly he sneered. So he still wants money after all.
"Of course. What compensation do you have in mind?"
Metal Bat frowned deeply. "You're backing down for money?"
Child Emperor shook his head, disappointment evident. Zombieman lit a cigarette, his expression turning cold.
Tatsumaki tugged at Sol's sleeve again, confusion filling her eyes. Something felt off. This did not match the Sol she knew.
Sol let his gaze pass over everyone before settling on Zenil.
"How about this," he said calmly. "Double this year's charitable donations, and allocate all of it to improving the treatment of lower-ranked Heroes."
Silence.
Zenil blinked, caught off guard. "What did you say?"
Sol tilted his head slightly, a faint, amused smile forming. "I said, double your donations and use it to support the lower ranks. Or is your hearing failing you?"
===
Send Powerstones for bonus Chapters <(￣︶￣)>
____
Patreon = _Zeph