"I didn't expect it to be so big in here."
King only just realized that the paths within the Monster Association were so intricate and complex. He had circled back to the same spot several times.
"I don't know how much longer Child Emperor can hold on. I hope I'm not too late."
King moved rapidly through the corridor when, suddenly, a figure on the ground caught his attention.
"This... Phoenix Man's corpse! It seems he encountered an S-Class hero not long ago and was killed."
"Wait a second!"
King lifted his foot, preparing to leave, when he suddenly thought of something.
"Isn't Phoenix Man's ability resurrection?"
Hum!
A light suddenly enveloped Phoenix Man's corpse, and a humanoid monster appeared before King.
"Surviving the hell of being on the verge of death is the secret to explosive growth for a monster."
"It seems I finally understand Gyoro Gyoro's words. Indeed, only by experiencing death can one continue to grow stronger."
King gazed solemnly at the reborn Phoenix Man before him. With each resurrection, Phoenix Man's strength underwent earth-shattering changes.
Resurrected Phoenix Man, Threat Level: Dragon.
Pfft... Pfft...
Countless bone spikes shot out from King's palms, heading straight for Phoenix Man's joints.
Searing Winds!
Whoosh!
Phoenix Man flapped his wings, and a powerful gust of wind blew the bone spikes right back.
A blue shield immediately appeared in front of King, blocking the high-temperature wind.
"Just by flapping his wings, he has such powerful force?" King was somewhat surprised.
The resurrected Phoenix Man's strength had not only jumped from Demon-level to Dragon-level in one go but also surpassed some of the Dragon-level executives. Even Fuhrer Ugly and Gums are probably weaker than him.
"Are you the human who challenged Orochi a while ago? Although I don't know why you are our enemy, it's your bad luck to have met me. Die!"
Beak Attack!
Swish!
Phoenix Man turned into an afterimage, his whole body engulfed in raging flames, as his sharp beak charged straight at him.
Bone Shield!
King's Psychokinesis barrier was instantly broken through, and he only managed to summon a Bone Shield to block at the last moment.
Rumble!
The violent impact, accompanied by an explosion, sent King flying dozens of meters, barely allowing him to stabilize his footing.
"This feeling of omnipotence! I am now invincible!"
Phoenix Man's confidence was overflowing at this moment, King was like an ant before him.
"Come on, I will let you properly experience the terror of a monster!" Phoenix Man looked at King provocatively, and a strange ripple quietly spread out.
"Hmm? Where is this!"
Suddenly, the scene before King's eyes changed, turning into a place filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers.
"This is my world, so it's useless to struggle."
Phoenix Man slowly walked forward and put his arm around King's shoulder.
"What the hell!"
"I know, you probably can't accept your identity as a monster for the time being. I am the same as you, I have never been understood by others. But now it's different, our mental worlds are connected."
"I understand you. You possess such great power, but you are not recognized within the Hero Association."
"Now the opportunity has come. As long as we join forces, eliminate all humans, we can create a world that belongs to us."
Phoenix Man's speech grew more profound, as if he had already peered into King's inner heart.
"That actually sounds like it makes sense."
King was speechless, though he was just curious about this so-called mental world.
"It's perfectly normal for excellent people to be attracted to each other. Join us, your power is indispensable. Admit your identity as a monster, kill all those invading heroes, and become the Fish Bone Monster."
Phoenix Man took King's hand, but he didn't notice the corner of the latter's lips twitching uncontrollably.
Boom!
In the corridor, King's punch sent Phoenix Man into the ground.
"That name is terrible. What kind of crap is 'Fish Bone Monster'? I am Bone King."
"Wait a second, we can discuss the name issue!"
Half of Phoenix Man's body was already buried in the ground, and his hands were still struggling to prop himself up.
"Discuss your sister!"
Swish!
A bone tail gleaming thrust toward Phoenix Man's chest. At the critical moment, Phoenix Man's body underwent another change.
Prominence Diamond Eagle Mode!
Phoenix Man's body swelled up, his power instantly surged, and he sent King flying with a single punch.
"I didn't expect you to be able to break free from the mental world with just your consciousness, but I didn't expect to persuade you anyway."
"Next, I will use force to make you realize the gap between you and me, and then you will obediently submit to the Monster Association."
Phoenix Man was covered in flames, his eyes revealing killing intent.
"A contest of strength?" King's lips curled slightly, and countless bone spikes emerged from his body.
Monsterization! Bone King Form!
Only now had King truly entered his complete Monsterization form, with his power and speed increasing explosively.
"Since you can use this power, you should clearly recognize your own identity!"
Phoenix Man pounced over. King was unafraid, and the two figures collided violently.
Boom... Boom...
Dozens of punches were thrown. King's offensive became increasingly fierce, and Phoenix Man was actually being beaten back step by step.
'Damn it! How could his strength exceed mine!'
Swish!
Phoenix Man turned into an afterimage and disappeared. King's punch missed, and a gust of wind struck from behind.
Bang!
Countless bone spikes surged out, blocking Phoenix Man's sneak attack.
"Transformed again?"
King looked at Phoenix Man, who had turned into the shape of an eagle, and raised an eyebrow.
Phoenix Fire Falcon Mode!
Bang... Bang...
Phoenix Man was extremely fast, constantly launching attacks while circling King.
"Noisy!"
Savage Tornado!
A tornado rose from the ground. Countless bone spikes emerged within the gale, shredding everything caught inside into pieces.
"Get over here!"
King's Fighting Spirit had already stacked to a terrifying level at this moment, and his speed could almost keep up with Phoenix Man.
"Tch! What a troublesome guy!"
Seeing that the situation was not good, Phoenix Man fled toward the wider area below the association. Only with enough space could he push his speed to the limit.
"Hmm? What's going on!"
Phoenix Man had just entered the plaza when he discovered he couldn't move his body at all.
Blue light spread out, and King instantly rushed in.
Psychic Crush!
Crack... Crack...
Phoenix Man's body began to twist. It seemed like he would explode and die the next second.
"Damn it!"
Phoenix Prominence Hawk Mode! Full Power 10000°C Prominence!
The high-temperature flames instantly spread out, and Phoenix Man broke free from the Psychokinesis binding.
Psychic Storm!
Rumble!
Countless blue lights covered the entire plaza, suppressing the flames and crushing toward the Phoenix Man within.
Phoenix Penguin Mode!