Over a dozen computer monitors of various sizes formed a semicircle around a lone man, their harsh light illuminating the space in flickering bursts. The room stretched no wider than a shipping container, its walls packed with thick cables, cooling vents, and armored panels. A majority of the monitors displayed drone footage, each of a different city under attack.
"Locating this monster group's base of operations won't prove difficult. I'll wait until they've accomplished their aims and then trail after them once they depart."
Bofoi's hands danced across a keyboard with machine-like precision. Lines of data scrolled past his eyes faster than most minds could track.
"The coordination of their attacks leads me to believe that they have an inside source within the Hero Association… Could it be them?"
Bofoi rolled back in his computer chair and rose to his feet. "It's too soon. My strength is still not enough to go up against them. With the Neo Heroes' grand emergence approaching, I'll gain access to a powerful force I can control when necessary.
No matter the cost or sacrifices…" His eyes sharpened as he passed through an automatic metal door. "…I won't rest until they are but ash in the wind."
Bofoi advanced down the narrow hallway until he reached an elevator. Inside, his fingers tapped a panel, inputting a layered passcode. A green light flashed upon the final keystroke, and the compartment began its descent.
After several seconds, the doors opened to an expansive room lined with armored panels. At its center stood a towering cylindrical glass tank, its surface beaded with condensation. Thick tubes snaked along its sides, slithering from ceiling and floor like industrial vipers.
He stopped before the tank, his breath fogging the cold glass. "How fortunate," he mused, "to find you curled in that alien vessel."
Dozens of tiny bubbles drifted through the thick fluid inside the tank's interior, glinting like scattered coins as they caught the glow of the yellow overhead lights.
Inside the tank floated a lofty creature, its massive, muscular frame covered in layered shades of green that ran across broad shoulders and a ridged torso. Its head lacked eyes, dominated instead by a gaping maw lined with rows of jagged teeth. On its neck encircled a spiked collar, appearing as some sort of restraint barely capable of holding back its unlimited potential. While on either side of its frame hung thick, claw-like limbs that ended not in hands but in snapping mouths, each resembling a crab's pincer.
"Your power alone may turn the tides."
¤ ¤ ¤
Garou traipsed through the shin-high grass separating the forest from the park's utility building. A bare concrete structure housing showers and toilets for those visiting or camping there.
He halted three meters from the blonde girl, eyes narrowing. "You're that idol Wavygyaza… I didn't know you could fly. And what's this about 'eradicating heroes?'"
"None of your business creep." Wavygyaza backed away from the picnic table, her gaze locked on his tattered, bloodied clothes. "Get. Lost."
Garou cocked his head to the side and said, "Forget it. How about you answer an easy 'yes or no' question for me instead?"
"And what question might that be?"
She's lowered herself into a combat stance. Can she sense my desire to battle? She may not be a defenseless Idol like the media portrays her.
"Are you a hero?"
"And if I am?" Wavygyaza's visage hardened.
"Yes or no."
"No…"
"Tch." Garou rolled his eyes. "You're a useless idol after all. Waste my time again and I'll make an exception."
Wavygyaza drew in a sharp breath through flared nostrils. "I wasted your time!? Don't think I will let you walk away." Her expression twisted into one of mockery. "You know I've seen clown wigs with more dignity than that mess on your head."
I'll end this bitch.
Garou positioned himself to strike, ready to bring about the conclusion of an idol's career.
His pupils dilated as an emerald aura ignited around her and he discovered that his body locked in place.
"I've seen enough." A woman descended between them, floating inches above the grass. Petite, clad in a sleek black dress.
What kind of shit luck is this? Did she recognize me?
"Y-You're the S-Class Hero, Tatsumaki. I don't understand. We've never met, so why are you doing this?"
I hope she teaches this bitch a lesson.
Tatsumaki scrutinized him before turning her sights on Wavygyaza. "You little slut."
Hah, look at her expression. This idol's gonna blow a fuse.
"What?" Wavygyaza asked.
"A deaf slut." Tatsumaki raised her chin. "This is how you repay him? By running off to another man? Before I stopped the two of you. I could see you were about to throw yourself at him."
Did I get caught in the crossfire of something weird?
"Quit calling me a slut! I don't know what the hell you're yapping about! And you calling me 'little?' Buzz off you nosey midget!"
Is the idol's brain short circuiting?
Tatsumaki floated higher, her hands crushing the fabric of her dress as she muttered under her breath. After several long exhales, she raised her palm toward the clouded-dappled sky, then aimed it directly at Wavygyaza.
"What are trying to do?" Wavygyaza realized her outburst came with consequences.
A sadistic grin emerged on Tatsumaki's face before she extended a finger and dragged it up.
Wavygyaza's skin shifted scarlet. "Y-You!"
I'll get to witness the power of the S-Class Rank 2 Hero.
Tatsumaki didn't relent, curling her finger into a hook before moving it back and forth in quick succession.
"Hnngh~!"
It's clear she won't last much longer. Look at how red her face is. A hypocritical hero snuffing out the life of a celebrity over a man. Scenarios like this won't happen once I'm finished.
Suddenly, the power binding the pair vanished as Tatsumaki pinched the air.
"Mhm~!"
Garou stayed motionless as the idol crumpled to her knees, gasping under the aftermath of Tatsumaki's assault.
"Hmph. I've proven my point." The Esper flicked her hand. "I'll let Caspian decide your fates." With that, she streaked into the sky, vanishing into the horizon's early haze.
I got lucky. Next time, she'll be the one powerless before me. If I cross paths with this Caspian fellow, I'd like to see how he'll decide my 'fate."
Garou chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "Kneeling suits you. But since you had to run that mouth..."
Wavygyaza's body went rigid. Her blush and panting vanished in an instant.
Garou's foot froze mid-step. A sharp jolt of realization struck him — his body wouldn't respond again. His gaze dropped to see a bright-pink energy coiled around him like glowing vines. When he looked up, Wavygyaza had disappeared. Ice-cold dread prickled his skin. Not a blink before a mighty blow connected.
His world exploded into pain as the punch launched him through concrete walls, tile, and plaster in rapid succession before finally smashing out the utility building's far side. Dust and debris rained down around his limp form as his consciousness slipped.
"…Not…again…" A cloud passed overhead. It was the last thing he saw before acquiescing to the darkness.