A wave of chatter instantly filled the conference room. Chairman Sitch wiped the sweat from his forehead, forcing a composed smile.
"Heroes, you've all worked hard. Today's meeting is adjourned. Please leave in an orderly manner."
Tatsumaki grabbed Sol's sleeve and quickly pulled him along, her green curls swaying with the motion. She lowered her voice.
"Rookie, we're going home."
Metal Bat approached with his bat resting on his shoulder.
"Hey, Rookie, that was good back there."
He slapped Sol's shoulder with force.
"Those old guys needed someone to talk back to them like that."
Tanktop Master stepped forward, arms crossed over his chest.
"Mr. Sol's performance was admirable."
His eyes briefly lingered on Tatsumaki's hand gripping Sol's sleeve, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
Silver Fang walked over slowly, stroking his beard.
"My disciple, I am pleased that you stood by your principles."
His tone softened slightly, though concern remained.
"But you must be cautious. Some people do not take such things lightly."
"Old man, you talk too much!" Tatsumaki cut in, clearly irritated. "We've got things to do. We're leaving."
She tried to pull Sol away, but Flashy Flash suddenly stepped in front of them, his golden hair shifting lightly.
"Tatsumaki, your behavior has been unusual lately."
His sharp gaze settled on Sol.
"Especially how you treat this Rookie. I want answers. Why is he refusing a physical examination?"
"That's none of your business!" Tatsumaki's psychic power surged, the air around her trembling. "Move."
Superalloy Darkshine scratched his head awkwardly.
"Everyone, maybe calm down a little."
Zombieman stood off to the side.
"I'm also curious how strong this newly promoted S-Class hero really is."
A low rumble echoed as King's Emperor Engine kicked in. He quietly stepped back, sweat forming on his forehead.
Pig God kept eating without pause.
"Chew, chew... are they about to fight?"
Atomic Samurai nudged his blade slightly out of its sheath, a faint gleam appearing.
"If you're going to fight, take it outside. Don't make a mess here."
Puri-Puri Prisoner clasped his face dramatically.
"Ah, little Sol looks cute even when flustered."
"Shut up, pervert!" Tatsumaki snapped.
Her psychic force slammed him straight into the wall.
Flashy Flash remained unfazed.
"Tatsumaki, you're overreacting."
Her power intensified, forming a visible distortion in the air.
"I'm overreacting? You're the ones acting ridiculous!"
Flashy Flash's fingers rested lightly on his sword.
"You've been protecting him since the meeting started. Now you refuse to let him be tested."
Metal Bat stepped forward, backing Sol up.
"Hey, what, you think the Rookie's possessed or something?"
Zombieman lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly.
"It is suspicious. Every time an Armored Monster appears, Sol is nowhere to be seen. Your speech was impressive, but there are still questions."
King's Emperor Engine grew louder. He took another step back, wiping sweat from his face.
"Enough!" Tatsumaki's psychic force crushed the cigarette in Zombieman's hand. "Are you all done talking nonsense?"
Sol gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Relax."
He looked at the group, calm and composed.
"If everyone has doubts, I'll take the test."
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses.
"Then let's head to the medical center for a full examination."
Darkshine nodded.
"That works."
Pig God swallowed his food.
"Chew... fair enough."
"Hold on." Silver Fang's voice cut through the room.
"Why should my disciple go through such an insulting process?"
Flashy Flash scoffed.
"Silver Fang, are you protecting someone suspicious?"
Silver Fang's eyes sharpened instantly.
"What did you say?"
The tension in the room thickened.
Sol exhaled softly.
"Teacher, it's fine."
He turned to Flashy Flash.
"But before the examination, I have a condition."
Flashy Flash narrowed his eyes.
"What condition?"
"Defeat me."
His voice was quiet, yet it silenced the entire room.
Metal Bat let out a whistle.
"Wow, the Rookie's got guts."
Zombieman smirked slightly.
"Now that's interesting."
King's Emperor Engine roared louder as he wiped more sweat from his face.
Tatsumaki tugged at Sol's sleeve.
"Sol..."
He patted her hand lightly.
"Don't worry."
Flashy Flash's lips curled faintly.
"I accept."
An operator stepped forward in alarm.
"Everyone, calm down! Fighting within the Association is prohibited!"
"It's not a fight," Sol said. "Just a spar."
"Then the training ground," Child Emperor said. "I'll referee."
Darkshine sighed.
"So much for harmony."
Pig God pulled out another snack.
"Chew... this should be entertaining."
Puri-Puri Prisoner clasped his face again.
"Ah, they both look so handsome when serious."
At the training ground, the heroes formed a circle. Sol and Flashy Flash stood opposite each other.
"The rules are simple," Child Emperor announced. "Point-based match. No fatal injuries."
Flashy Flash smirked.
"I'll go easy on you, Rookie."
Sol said nothing, taking the stance of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
"Start!"
The moment the word dropped, Flashy Flash vanished. In an instant, a blade rested against Sol's throat.
"Too slow. This is a speed test. Give up."
Sol's body blurred.
A flowing force redirected the blade away, and in the same motion, his elbow drove toward Flashy Flash's ribs.
Flashy Flash leapt back with ease.
"Not bad."
Their figures collided again and again across the field, steel ringing sharply with each clash. Sol's speed lagged behind, but his defense held firm, precise and controlled, with occasional sharp counters.
"The Rookie's gotten better," Metal Bat remarked.
Silver Fang nodded, pleased.
"As expected of my disciple."
Suddenly, Flashy Flash accelerated.
His blade came down like a storm.
Sol couldn't fully defend in time. His sleeve tore, and a thin line of blood appeared along his arm.
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