Tatsumaki's pupils tightened, her green curls lifting slightly as her power stirred. "This is too absurd."
Sol slid his fingers across the tablet, his brows drawing together. "That's not even the worst part."
He tapped one of the files. "This executive has been using Hero missions as cover to secretly sell combat data."
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses, his young face unusually serious. "What's more alarming is that they've already begun raising their own private Heroes."
Tatsumaki's psychokinesis flared, scattering documents across the conference room. "Those bastards!"
Her voice shook with anger. "What do they think Heroes are? I'm going to confront them right now."
Sol quickly caught her shoulder. "Calm down. Charging in like that won't fix anything."
He had always considered himself impulsive, but Tatsumaki was on another level, ready to take on the entire Hero Association without preparation.
Child Emperor glanced between them, doubt creeping into his expression. He adjusted his glasses again. "We should think this through carefully."
"Think it through?" Tatsumaki's hair floated more violently as she grabbed Sol's sleeve. "The evidence is right here. What are we waiting for?"
Sol gently tapped her hand, signaling her to ease up. "He's right. If we act recklessly, we'll just alert them. And even if we remove those executives, someone still has to run things. Otherwise, the whole Association falls apart."
He turned to Child Emperor, voice lower. "You've gathered all this. I'm guessing you've got a plan too."
Child Emperor nodded and pulled out another document. "We start from the outside. Slowly weaken their influence, then replace key personnel step by step."
Tatsumaki hovered beside him, scanning the page. "Hmph. Not bad for a kid."
A knock suddenly came from the door, making all three turn.
Chairman Sitch's voice followed. "Child Emperor? Are you inside? The meeting is about to resume. One last item and we'll conclude."
Child Emperor quickly packed away the tablet. "Coming." He lowered his voice. "Only the three of us know about this. Don't tell anyone."
Tatsumaki snorted. "You should worry about yourself."
"Let's go, rookie."
When they returned to the main conference room, the atmosphere had clearly shifted.
Zenil had arrived in person, standing at the front with a polished smile. "Everyone, given the recent increase in monster activity, I propose forming a special task force under my direct supervision."
Metal Bat slammed his hand on the table. "What kind of joke is that? Since when do Heroes take orders from you?"
Zenil calmly displayed a document. "This is an official resolution from the board. The task force will report directly to them."
Sol narrowed his eyes, catching the signatures at the bottom. "That was fast."
So they were already moving, trying to pull S-Class Heroes under their control.
Tatsumaki floated closer to him, lowering her voice. "They're trying to take control of the S-Class."
Child Emperor's expression darkened. "Faster than expected. Looks like recent events pushed them into action."
Chairman Sitch wiped sweat from his forehead. "What are your thoughts?"
Zenil scanned the room with a smile. "All Heroes are welcome to join, especially someone like…"
His gaze settled on Sol.
"…a promising talent like Mr. Sol."
The room fell silent as every eye turned toward him.
Tatsumaki's hair bristled again. "What exactly are you implying?"
Zenil raised his hands slightly. "No misunderstanding, Miss Tatsumaki. I simply admire his abilities."
He looked at Sol. "I'd like to offer you the position of Vice Captain. Interested?"
Sol suddenly laughed, the sound light but sharp. "So the board wants me on a leash?"
"Just recognizing talent," Zenil replied smoothly.
"With your ability, staying a regular S-Class Hero is a waste."
Metal Bat shot to his feet. "Hey, rookie, don't fall for that crap!"
Bang stroked his beard, concern flickering in his eyes. "Sol, think carefully."
Tatsumaki stared at him, waiting.
Sol stood slowly, glancing around the room. "I appreciate the offer."
His tone remained calm.
"But I've got a bad habit."
He met Zenil's gaze directly. "I hate being used."
Laughter broke out immediately. Metal Bat even let out a whistle.
Zenil's expression stiffened. "Watch your words."
Sol shrugged. "Just being honest."
He turned to the others. "Are you really fine taking orders from people who can't even fight?"
Chairman Sitch hurried to intervene. "Everyone, please, let's calm down. This still needs discussion."
Drive Knight spoke up, his mechanical voice echoing. "I will join the task force. The Association lacks sufficient intelligence. I require support."
Metal Bat frowned. "Since when did you get so eager?"
Zombieman lit a cigarette, eyes narrowing through the smoke. "Interesting. Someone's making a move."
Flashy Flash leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Pathetic tactics."
King sat quietly in the corner, the low rumble of his presence filling the room, though sweat gathered on his forehead.
Pig God kept eating. "Sounds fine."
Superalloy Darkshine rubbed his head. "Intelligence is important, but why form a team for it?"
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses again. "Drive Knight, can you explain your plan in detail?"
Bang's gaze shifted between Drive Knight and Zenil. "Gathering intelligence is already the Association's job. Why involve S-Class Heroes in this?"
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