The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft light across the apartment. Sol Mirek sat on the sofa, a freshly delivered newspaper in his hand.
The front page carried a bold headline: "Former S-Class Hero Sol Mirek Publicly Murders Association Executive," alongside a clear image of him gripping Zenil by the neck.
"Not bad," Sol said, glancing at the picture with mild amusement.
From the kitchen came the clatter of cookware. Tatsumaki was preparing breakfast. Since their talk the previous night, she had been distant, but this morning she still made food for two.
"It's ready," Tatsumaki said, floating toward the table, her tone stiff.
Sol joined her. On the table sat toast and a slightly overcooked egg. He looked up and noticed the dark circles under her eyes.
"Didn't sleep well?" he asked.
Tatsumaki turned her face away, her green curls shifting slightly. "None of your business."
They ate in silence. The tension between them lingered. Sol noticed her glancing at him now and then, like she wanted to say something but held back.
"That…" she started, her voice quieter than usual.
"Are you really sure?"
Sol set down his fork and met her gaze. "Yeah."
Something flickered in her eyes. She hesitated, then muttered, "Idiot."
A communicator suddenly rang, cutting through the silence. Tatsumaki frowned as she checked it.
"Tch. Another meeting."
"It's about yesterday," she added.
Sol nodded. "Go. And don't try to defend me."
"Who would defend you?" she snapped, her hair lifting slightly. Then she paused at the door.
"You… don't go anywhere."
After she left, Sol got up and shut all the curtains. The room dimmed instantly. He closed his eyes and reached out through his mental link.
"How's it going?"
Muzan's voice answered immediately, respectful and composed. "Lord Ancestor, public reception is surprisingly positive. Thirty-seven people sent letters this morning, thanking us and calling us kind demons."
"The Hero Association has also invited us to attend today's meeting."
Sol smiled faintly. "Not bad. What about their side?"
"Sitch is leading an emergency meeting to address you. Tatsumaki has just arrived. Bang is there as well."
"Keep watching," Sol replied before ending the connection.
He walked to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain. Below, reporters had already gathered, cameras and microphones aimed at the entrance.
"Efficient as always," he murmured.
A flash of red caught his attention. A figure darted across the rooftop of the opposite building. Sol narrowed his eyes.
Phoenix Man.
"So they're already here."
He had expected interest from the Monster Association, but their speed was impressive.
Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang.
Sol checked through the peephole. A figure in an elaborate feathered costume stood outside.
He opened the door.
Phoenix Man stepped in with a slight bow, his costume gleaming faintly in the morning light.
"Sol Mirek, I've heard much about you. Our leader is very interested."
Sol stepped aside. "Gyoro Gyoro sent you?"
A brief pause. Then Phoenix Man nodded. "You're well informed."
His gaze swept the room before settling briefly on the two sets of tableware.
"It seems Tatsumaki cares more than she lets on."
A sudden chill ran through him.
Sol had moved behind him without a sound. A finger rested lightly against his neck.
"Get to the point."
Phoenix Man stiffened. "We represent the Monster Association. We'd like you to join us."
He produced a letter from within his costume.
"Given your strength and your current situation, we are your best option."
Sol took the letter, running his fingers along its edge.
"And what do I get?"
"You'll become an executive, with full authority to act independently," Phoenix Man said.
"More importantly, we can help you deal with the Hero Association."
Sol's lips curved slightly. "Tempting. But I have a condition."
Phoenix Man's eyes lit up. "Then you agree?"
Sol slipped the letter into his pocket. "I didn't say that. I'll think about it."
"…Of course." Phoenix Man straightened. "Time is limited. The Association has already begun a full-scale manhunt."
"You'll have your answer by tomorrow," Sol said, turning toward the window.
That was enough of a dismissal.
Phoenix Man moved toward the door. "I look forward to hearing from you."
The door closed behind him.
Muzan's voice returned. "Lord Ancestor, the meeting has begun."
Sol tilted his head slightly. "Tatsumaki?"
"She just arrived. Her mood is… unstable. Bang is trying to calm things down."
Sol chuckled. "Good. Let her vent."
At the Hero Association headquarters, the atmosphere was tense.
Sitch slammed his hand on the table. "We are addressing the murder of an Association executive by Sol Mirek. I propose immediate revocation of his S-Class status and issuance of an SS-Class arrest warrant."
"I second that."
"Agreed."
"Opposed."
The votes were cast quickly.
The motion passed by a narrow margin.
Sitch exhaled. "Next, we decide who will handle the pursuit."
"I will."
Tatsumaki's voice cut through the room, sharp and cold.
Silence followed.
Even Sitch looked surprised. "Miss Tatsumaki… are you certain?"
"I said I'll go."
Her psychic energy flared, lifting and overturning the chairs around her.
"Anyone got a problem with that?"
Sitch wiped sweat from his forehead. "No… none. Then we'll leave it to you."
After the meeting, Bang caught up to her.
"Are you really planning to…"
"Old man, don't interfere," Tatsumaki said without looking at him.
"I know what I'm doing."
Bang sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"That boy… I'm leaving him to you."
◇ 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