"It's not an illusion." Sol shook his numb arm, a faint smile on his lips. "Want to go again?"
He grinned, sweat trailing down his chin. "Maybe your punches got lighter."
"How is that possible?" Saitama scratched his bald head, confusion flickering in his otherwise blank expression. "I used the same force as before."
Sol felt power surging through him. The Armored Monster form was strong, but not something he could reveal openly yet. What he was building now was different, real strength he could use freely, power that truly belonged to him.
"Saitama, again." Sol raised his stance, eyes sharp with renewed intent.
Saitama rubbed his hands, clearly interested. "Alright, but..." His stomach growled loudly.
"Ah, I'm a little hungry."
Genos immediately straightened. "Sensei, I will prepare dinner."
"Wait." Sol stopped him. "I'll cook tonight. Call it a celebration for our reunion."
Saitama's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? Your barbecue is amazing."
The three left the rooftop and entered the apartment. Sol tied on an apron with practiced ease and began preparing ingredients. Saitama sat at the table, chin resting in his hands, watching like an impatient dog waiting to be fed.
"You've been gone a while this time. Did something happen?" Saitama asked.
Sol paused briefly while chopping vegetables. "Something like that. The Hero Association has been... complicated."
"Oh." Saitama nodded, only half following. "Need help?"
"Not for now." Sol slid the chopped vegetables into a pot. "I've got it handled."
Genos stood nearby, watching closely. "Sol-senpai, do you require assistance?"
"No, just sit and relax."
Before long, the aroma of food filled the apartment. Saitama's nose twitched repeatedly, anticipation clear on his face.
"It's ready." Sol set the final dish on the table. "Let's eat."
"I'm digging in." Saitama grabbed his chopsticks and started eating immediately.
"Mmm. This is really good."
Genos took a bite, a flicker of surprise crossing his mechanical gaze. "Sol-senpai's cooking is excellent."
Sol served himself a bowl of rice, smiling faintly. The three ate in a comfortable silence, the atmosphere easy and familiar.
"Oh right." Saitama looked up mid-meal. "You've gotten a lot stronger."
Sol swallowed his food. "Not bad, but still nowhere near your level."
"No, no." Saitama shook his head. "That performance earlier was impressive, especially your recovery."
Genos nodded. "Sol-senpai's recovery ability exceeds normal human limits."
Sol set his chopsticks down. "You could call it a special ability."
"That's pretty enviable," Saitama said. "If I had that, I wouldn't worry about going bald. My hair would just grow back."
Genos fell silent.
Sol also said nothing.
After dinner, Saitama and Genos handled the cleanup. Sol offered to help, but they turned him down since he had cooked.
"When are we sparring again?" Saitama asked from the sofa, rubbing his stomach.
Sol dried the last plate. "Anytime, but I'll be busy for a bit."
"Oh." Saitama sounded slightly disappointed. "Then we'll do it later."
Once everything was settled, Sol checked the time. "It's late. I should head back."
"Are you leaving, Sol-senpai?" Genos stood up.
"I'll walk you out."
"No need." Sol waved him off. "I'll manage."
Saitama sat up. "Next time, bring discounted groceries."
Sol smirked. "You really know how to ask for gifts. Fine."
He left the apartment and walked through the streets of Z-City. The night air brushed against his face, carrying a quiet chill. His figure moved alone under the dim lights.
Sometimes, he still felt out of place in this world.
A familiar notification surfaced in his mind.
Invincible Defense evolving, current progress 37 percent. Next stage locked until completion.
"Still a long way to go," Sol muttered.
His phone suddenly rang.
Several missed calls. All from Tatsumaki.
"Oh... right."
He quickly called back. The line connected instantly.
"Sol! Where have you been?" Tatsumaki's voice burst through the speaker. "You said you'd be back tonight."
Sol pulled the phone slightly away from his ear. "Got held up. Sorry."
"If you're going to be late, just say something. I'm not some kind of monster. I'm very..." Her voice softened for a moment.
"Very what?" Sol caught it immediately, amused.
"Nothing." Her tone dropped. "Just hurry back."
"Alright, I'm on my way."
He ended the call, a small smile forming. Whatever tension lingered in his chest faded.
Without wasting time, he used psychokinesis and shot into the air, heading toward A-City.
The city lights flickered below. He stopped briefly at an ice cream shop and grabbed one before continuing.
Turning a corner, Sol suddenly halted.
His nose twitched.
That scent again.
A demon.
Following it, he spotted a figure standing at the entrance of a nearby alley. Pale skin, crimson eyes barely visible in the dark.
Muzan.
"Lord Ancestor." Muzan bowed deeply, voice low.
Sol frowned. "I told you to avoid contacting me unless necessary. Why are you here?"
"There is important information." Muzan glanced around carefully. "We discovered an organization called the Monster Association. They have shown strong interest in the Hero Association, especially you. They have also attempted to recruit us."
Sol's gaze sharpened. "Go on."
"They are monitoring the Hero Association closely, particularly the S-Class heroes." A hint of excitement crept into Muzan's voice. "This could be an opportunity. We can..."
"Don't act without thinking." Sol cut him off. "Continue helping civilians. Wait for my orders."
Muzan lowered his head. "Understood."
His figure vanished into the darkness.
Sol adjusted his collar and continued walking.
The Monster Association.
So Psykos had already noticed him.
Risky.
Interesting.
Sol smiled slightly as he took another bite of his ice cream and headed home.
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 80 | 100 chapters ahead on [email protected]/_Zeph