The training ground had become noticeably livelier. At some point, Gojo Satoru had also wandered over, stroking his chin as his Six Eyes analyzed the energy flowing beneath his blindfold.
"For pure physical strength to reach this density, it's interesting."
Sol, however, was oblivious to the discussions around him. After completing a set of squats, he steadily returned the barbell to the rack. The ground vibrated beneath the weight with a dull thud.
He then walked toward the nearby strength-testing pillar, a special alloy structure designed to withstand immense impacts while providing accurate measurements.
Sol did not use any flashy techniques or visibly wind up. He simply threw a straightforward punch at the testing pillar.
Boom!
A deafening roar erupted, far louder than any previous training sound. It resembled the impact of a meteorite striking the ground.
The entire training area trembled.
Numbers surged wildly across the testing pillar's display, instantly exceeding the instrument's preset maximum. After a rapid series of overload warnings, the screen went completely dark.
Silence descended over the training ground.
Even Saitama stopped eating his snacks and blinked at the ruined machine.
"Oh, it broke."
Genos immediately began recording his observations.
"Sol-senpai's regular strength test destroyed a highest-grade strength-testing instrument. I recommend that the R&D Department upgrade its technology and develop equipment capable of measuring greater levels of physical force."
Tatsumaki stared at the smoking testing pillar before looking at Sol, who wore an expression as casual as though he had just swatted a mosquito.
"You're so stupid. Control your strength! Do you think repairs are free?"
The corner of her mouth lifted almost imperceptibly, however, betraying a faint sense of pride at Sol's unintentional display of overwhelming power.
Sol shook his hand and looked toward her.
"Bill Psykos."
Just then, the training ground's main control system appeared to have suffered some damage from the impact of Sol's punch. The lights flickered several times, while the holographic projection equipment in the corner malfunctioned and began casting chaotic flashes of light and distorted shadows.
One of those flashes swept directly between Sol and Tatsumaki.
Tatsumaki was momentarily dazzled by the sudden burst of light and instinctively turned her head.
At that same moment, perhaps because Sol had just exerted a tremendous amount of physical force and his body was still highly energized, a certain energy within him unconsciously rippled outward.
It was not an attack, merely a natural emanation of his presence.
However, Tatsumaki was extremely close to him, and the telekinetic barrier surrounding her instinctively reacted to the sudden fluctuation.
Green light flashed.
The reaction was incredibly subtle, but it was enough to disrupt the balance Tatsumaki maintained while floating.
Her body involuntarily tilted toward Sol.
Everything happened too quickly.
Tatsumaki let out a startled cry and instinctively reached out for something to steady herself.
Sol reacted almost immediately. His hand rose and firmly caught her by the shoulder and arm, preventing her from falling into his embrace.
The two froze.
Sol's palm was warm from his workout, and its residual heat passed through Tatsumaki's thin clothing and reached her skin.
To maintain her balance, Tatsumaki's other hand unconsciously pressed against Sol's solid chest. Beneath her palm, she could feel the steady, powerful beat of his heart.
For a moment, time seemed to slow.
Every sound in the training ground disappeared.
Itadori Yuji stopped running.
Megumi Fushiguro stopped forming his hand signs.
Nobara lowered her hammer.
Metal Bat's mouth fell open.
Tanktop Master stood frozen.
Bang's hand stopped halfway through stroking his beard.
Gojo Satoru's playful smile froze.
Even Genos's recording pen stopped in midair.
Saitama simply blinked, looking from one person to the other.
Tatsumaki's face flushed almost instantly, the redness spreading all the way to her ears. Even her neck had taken on a faint pink hue.
She could feel the warmth and strength of Sol's hand, as well as the vibrant pulse beneath her own palm.
"There are still people in the training ground! They're not dead yet!"
She suddenly snapped back to reality like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
Her telekinesis erupted.
Tatsumaki instantly propelled herself several meters away, crossed her arms, and turned her face aside. However, her bright red ears betrayed her embarrassment.
Sol remained where he was, saying nothing.
His normally placid expression had barely changed, but a closer look revealed that his muscles had tensed. It was an instinctive reaction to suppressing a particular emotion.
The hand he had used to steady Tatsumaki slowly curled inward, almost as though it still remembered the sensation of touching her.
The atmosphere became so awkward that it felt almost tangible.
Itadori Yuji and Nobara might have missed those subtle changes, but the S-Class Heroes present, particularly those who knew Sol well, immediately noticed.
Bang and Metal Bat both caught on.
So did Gojo Satoru, whose Six Eyes made missing such details practically impossible.
"Hmph..."
Metal Bat muttered under his breath, a playful smile spreading across his face. He nudged Tanktop Master beside him with his elbow.
Tanktop Master's usually stern expression softened with understanding, and he gave a slight nod.
Bang stroked his beard again, his eyes flashing with relief as a warm smile appeared on his face.
Young people should be like this.
Gojo Satoru was even less subtle. Despite wearing his blindfold, his shoulders were already shaking violently as he struggled to contain his laughter.
Leaning toward Saitama, he whispered, "Did you see that? Did you see that? Saitama, the ice face is cracking!"
Itadori Yuji looked between Sol and Tatsumaki.
Although he sensed that something about the atmosphere had been strange, his thick-skinned nature quickly led him elsewhere.
"That's amazing, Sol! Is this the kind of weight you usually train with? I need to work twice as hard too!"
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara exchanged glances, both recognizing the situation and sharing the same hint of helplessness.
Megumi quietly muttered, "Idiot."
Nobara pouted and nudged Itadori with her elbow, silently signaling him not to make the situation any worse.
=≠=
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