69novels Chapter 152 152: Garou Appears
Chapter 152 152: Garou Appears
Hero Association Headquarters Fortress.
Today, a group of underworld figures arrived at the fortress, but they weren't here to cause trouble. Instead, they had responded to the Hero Association's summons.
"I am Sekingar, appointed by the Hero Association as the leader of the Emergency Countermeasure Team for the 'Earth Is Doomed' prophecy."
Standing on the podium, Sekingar addressed the gathered underworld members. "I didn't expect so many of you to actually come. Thank you for responding to our call. Many here are wanted criminals… the fact that you dared to come must mean you're confident you won't be caught, isn't that so?"
After a smile, he continued.
"First of all, we will not investigate your criminal records, nor do we care about your wanted status. This is not a trap, so you can relax and listen to what I have to say. Although there are a few heroes present, don't let that bother you. As long as you don't act out of line, they won't make a move."
Sekingar's expression grew solemn as he finished.
The crowd before him looked anything but friendly. Almost all of them had criminal histories, yet they still dared to step into the Hero Association's headquarters.
Normally, this was no different from turning themselves in, but they clearly trusted in their own strength. None of them feared this might be a setup by the Association.
Most stood around carelessly, with a nonchalant air, though their eyes were sharp and hostile as they fixed on Sekingar.
Some sat directly on the floor, others lounged to the side, and a few even openly declared they would kill the heroes in attendance.
"Heroes? Perfect. I've been dying to try hunting heroes, hahaha!"
"I'm tempted to seize this whole fortress right now. Imagine claiming such a massive base for ourselves. That would be incredible."
"Those ones watching us in the back must be heroes, right? That one looks like Kamui, the S-Class Rank 2. That might be a bit tricky to handle…"
"What's there to be afraid of? We've got so many people. No matter how strong he is, he can't stand against our numbers!"
Criminals were criminals after all, none of them knew how to behave.
Behind Sekingar, four heroes kept a close watch on every move the underworld figures made.
They were: A-Class Rank 5 Heavy Tank Loincloth, A-Class Rank 6 Blue Fire, A-Class Rank 7 Magic Trick Man, and S-Class Rank 2 Kamui.
Originally, only the three A-Class heroes were assigned to this task. Shinji, however, had volunteered to join as additional security.
As Sekingar observed the villains, he felt that the three high-ranking A-Class heroes, whose strength was not far off from S-Class, in his estimation, should be enough to deal with them. With Kamui also present, there should be no fool daring to act recklessly.
Of course, this "not far from S-Class" was only Sekingar's personal assessment.
In his eyes, the top A-Class heroes could be considered close to S-Class. But reality was different.
Aside from A-Class Rank 1 Sweet Mask, only Ranks 2, 3, and 4, Atomic Samurai's three disciples, barely reached the level of low-tier S-Class.
From Rank 4 downward, the gap widened again. They couldn't truly be compared to the S-Class at all.
"High-bounty criminals, top assassins, arms dealers, and mad scientists… they all showed up," Blue Fire muttered, scanning the crowd.
"For Sekingar to gather this lot at headquarters… what was he thinking? None of them look remotely trustworthy," said Magic Trick Man.
Wearing a magician's tuxedo and top hat, with a pigeon perched on his shoulder, Magic Trick Man already had deep-seated prejudices against such people. And these villains fit those prejudices perfectly.
"Coming here to the Hero Association headquarters so brazenly as criminals… it's clear they're looking down on us."
Heavy Tank Loincloth, tall and muscular with bulging muscles, wore nothing but a loincloth, naturally the source of his hero name.
Only Shinji remained silent. His eyes were fixed on one figure within the crowd.
"Well then, let's get to the point. Each of you will be given a dossier. Please take a look first."
Behind Sekingar, a large rectangular screen lit up with bold words: Emergency Countermeasure Team for the 'Earth Is Doomed' Prophecy – Briefing.
It was obvious now. Sekingar had summoned these villains with some strength to persuade them to join the task force.
As the dossiers were handed out, he began his explanation.
"The recent god-level disaster, the Dark Matter Thieves' invasion of Earth, already proved that Madam Shibabawa's prophecy, 'Earth is doomed,' has begun to come true. However…"
Sekingar paused for a moment.
"Even after that incident, the Earth hasn't regained peace. Recently, the frequency of disasters above Tiger-level has skyrocketed. Just this month alone, the number has been six times the previous average. That's why I believe the prophecy is far from over. At this rate, with high-level disasters and powerful monsters appearing constantly, the heroes won't be able to keep up. Even S-Class heroes are rushing to respond one after another. The disasters are coming too frequently, and we simply don't have enough manpower… For at least the next half year, we cannot relax. We need reinforcements. It doesn't matter whether someone is good or evil, as long as they can fight."
Sekingar's tone was grave as he addressed the villains. Heroes were equally shocked.
"This… this is real? The Association is actually asking for help from those people?" Blue Fire, who had just learned of this decision, looked shocked.
"Yes. I know some of you will find it hard to accept, but humanity must unite now!" Sekingar's voice deepened. "With our current number of heroes, we clearly cannot handle large-scale disasters. The Association is not endorsing criminals, but the truth is that many in the underworld possess strength on par with heroes."
He then tried to persuade the villains further. "Don't worry. Every time we succeed in defeating monsters, you'll be paid accordingly."
"Give it up. These guys aren't reliable at all. When a real crisis happens, the best we can expect is for them to run away. More likely, they'll stab us in the back." Heavy Tank Loincloth sneered.
"What did you just say, old man? Looking down on us?"
"Don't think being a pro hero makes you special. I've killed more people than you've had meals!"
"You bastard! If you're not convinced, then step up! I'll tear you into pieces!"
Heavy Tank Loincloth's words instantly sparked the wrath of the criminals.
Just as the atmosphere was about to explode, a young man with silver spikey hair stepped out from the crowd, wearing a black bodysuit.
His hairstyle was striking and unique. He was none other than Bang's former top disciple, Garou.