"Enough," Sol said, his fingers tightening slightly.
"People like you don't deserve to live in a world protected by heroes."
A sharp crack echoed.
Zenil's neck snapped, and his body dropped lifelessly to the ground.
Bang's hand froze mid-motion, his expression shifting with unspoken thoughts.
Silence fell over the battlefield. No one spoke. No one moved.
"Sol…" Bang stepped forward slowly, his aged eyes filled with concern.
"You acted too rashly."
"Sensei, I'm sorry," Sol replied, lowering his head slightly, his tone sincere.
"But I don't regret killing someone like him."
Sitch's face turned pale.
"You… this is murder! Guards, arrest him!"
Dozens of armed guards raised their weapons, but none of them dared to step forward.
Sol glanced around, his gaze passing over every S-Class hero. It paused briefly on Tatsumaki and Bang before he spoke.
"Everyone, until next time."
In the next moment, he vanished, leaving only a faint breeze behind.
"Damn it!" Sitch kicked a broken device on the ground.
"Issue a warrant immediately! Sol has murdered a high-ranking official. This is a serious crime!"
Tatsumaki hovered in the air, her green eyes flickering with conflicted emotions. She understood what Sol was trying to do. Without saying a word, she turned and flew away, refusing to take part in the pursuit.
As night fell over City A, several figures gathered quietly among the ruins.
Tatsumaki, Bang, Tanktop Master, Metal Bat, and others arrived, along with Muzan and his demons.
"Sol, why did you call us here?" Bang asked.
Sol stepped out from the shadows, moonlight illuminating his tired face.
"I'm here to tell you the truth."
He explained everything, his investigation into the corruption within the Hero Association, and the reason he killed Zenil. As he spoke, their expressions shifted from shock to seriousness.
"So this is your plan?" Bang stroked his beard.
"You want to tear down the current Hero Association?"
Sol stood on a broken slab of concrete, the moonlight outlining his figure.
"Not tear it down. Rebuild it. The current system is rotten."
Metal Bat grinned, resting his bat on his shoulder.
"That's wild. I like it."
"Have you lost your mind?" Child Emperor adjusted his glasses, clearly shaken.
"This could throw society into chaos."
Genos's mechanical eyes glowed faintly.
"Senpai, I support you. But this means you'll carry all the blame."
"It doesn't matter," Sol replied.
"As long as those parasites are removed."
Saitama scratched his head.
"That sounds like a lot of trouble…"
"You idiot!" Tatsumaki snapped, suddenly furious.
"Do you think taking everything on alone makes you impressive?"
Sol looked at her, his expression steady.
"It's the most efficient way."
"No!" Tatsumaki's power surged, lifting debris into the air.
"If there's trouble, I'll face it with you. I won't let you carry everything by yourself!"
Muzan's voice came from the shadows.
"The Ancestor's decision is not to be questioned."
"Shut up!" Tatsumaki lashed out, her power flinging Muzan backward.
"I wasn't talking to you!"
Kokushibou's eyes narrowed, his hand moving to his sword, but Sol raised a hand to stop him.
"Enough."
Bang let out a quiet sigh.
"Sol, once you start this, there's no turning back."
Tanktop Master clenched his fists.
"We could find a more moderate solution…"
"It won't work," Sol said, shaking his head.
"The problem runs too deep."
Zombieman lit a cigarette.
"So what's your next move?"
"I'll apply pressure from the outside," Sol said, his gaze sweeping across them.
"Muzan and the others will help civilians and build trust."
Atomic Samurai scoffed lightly.
"It's extreme, but effective. For Bang's sake, I'll support you."
Puri-Puri Prisoner clasped his hands dramatically.
"My dear Sol is becoming a dark hero."
Tatsumaki suddenly moved in front of him, staring straight into his eyes.
"I'm coming with you."
"No," Sol said immediately.
"You need to stay with the Association."
"Why should I listen to you?" Tatsumaki snapped.
"Because you're one of its pillars," Sol replied quietly.
"The public needs you."
Tatsumaki's lips pressed together as she looked away.
"Idiot…"
Bang shook his head slightly.
"You've made up your mind."
"Yes," Sol said.
"Teacher… I'm sorry."
Bang waved it off.
"You're choosing your own path. That's all. Just don't lose yourself along the way."
Metal Bat laughed loudly.
"You've got guts. Call me if things get rough."
"I'll help too," Child Emperor added.
Genos stood straight.
"Senpai, please allow me to assist."
Sol shook his head.
"No. Stay with the Association. Act like you know nothing."
Saitama raised a hand.
"So I just keep doing what I've been doing?"
Sol smiled slightly.
"Yeah. Just keep things normal."
Tatsumaki suddenly turned and flew off.
"Do whatever you want!"
She disappeared into the night sky.
A brief silence followed.
"She's worried about you," Bang said quietly.
"I know," Sol replied.
Muzan stepped forward.
"What are your orders?"
"Continue the plan," Sol said.
"Help people. Earn their trust."
Muzan bowed.
"As you wish."
Kokushibou spoke next.
"Targets to eliminate?"
"Not yet," Sol answered.
"Observe first."
Akaza stepped forward eagerly.
"Let me follow you."
Sol placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No. You're more useful where you are."
Daki tugged on Gyuutarou's sleeve.
"We'll keep helping humans."
"Good," Sol said with a nod.
He looked at everyone one last time.
"It's late. Go back."
Bang sighed.
"Take care."
Metal Bat waved his bat.
"Don't die before the next fight."
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses.
"Stay safe."
Genos bowed deeply.
"Senpai, take care."
Saitama waved casually.
"Let's get barbecue again sometime."
One by one, they left.
Soon, only Sol remained among the ruins.
The next morning, headlines across City A dominated the news:
"Hero Association Repels Alien Invasion, S-Class Heroes Praised"
"Mysterious Demon Group Assists in Rescue Efforts"
"Former S-Class Hero Sol Commits Murder, Removed from Association"
There was no mention of Sol's battle against Boros. The credit went entirely to the other S-Class heroes and the demon group.
Sol Mirek had already been erased from the story.