The Disaster Shelter.
Located in every city, these shelters served as emergency facilities where civilians could take refuge whenever a crisis or disaster occurred.
From the outside, each shelter resembled a gigantic dome constructed from heavy metals and high-tensile steel. They were specifically designed to withstand all kinds of disasters and protect civilians to the greatest extent possible.
The outer walls could withstand extremely high temperatures and absorb tremendous amounts of impact. Even a direct missile strike would likely fail to penetrate the first layer. They were essentially impregnable fortresses.
The Hero Association was naturally responsible for constructing these shelters. Whenever a disaster occurred, the shelters would open as soon as an Emergency Evacuation Notice was issued, allowing civilians to enter and protect themselves.
At this moment, the Disaster Shelter in J-City was packed with people.
The atmosphere was unbearably heavy.
"Have they still not defeated the Mysterious Beings?"
"Are we going to be okay?"
"Dad…"
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine…"
The oppressive atmosphere hung over everyone. One person after another spoke in hushed voices, afraid to raise their voices as though making too much noise might somehow attract the Mysterious Beings.
With so many people breathing and sweating in the enclosed space, even the temperature inside the shelter seemed to rise. The heavy atmosphere continued to spread, and everyone's anxiety grew with it.
To prevent that anxiety from turning into psychological distress, panic, and overwhelming pressure, the Hero Association had taken certain measures. Sometimes they played calming music. Other times, they broadcast television programs.
Right now, a gigantic screen on the innermost wall of the shelter lit up and began broadcasting a program.
The crowd gradually turned their attention toward it, surprised expressions appearing on their faces.
"That's Sylvia-san!"
"It's the Diva!"
"And Sweet Mask, too!"
That's right. The program being broadcast was precisely the one Sylvia had mentioned earlier, the show she was supposed to attend.
The purpose of her appearance was to promote the new song she had been working on. As it happened, Sweet Mask had also just released a new song. Through the show's arrangements, the two had ended up appearing on the same program.
The host began with his opening remarks:
"The disaster currently unfolding in J-City is still ongoing. The Mysterious Beings calling themselves the Deep Sea Race have been defeated one after another, but their remaining forces continue to put up fierce resistance."
"According to the latest reports, an S-Class Hero has already been defeated, while a considerable number of other Heroes have suffered severe injuries and been taken to the hospital."
"In light of the current situation, we've invited two extremely popular Heroes to join us today."
The host then introduced the star sitting to his left.
"Sitting to my left is the famous idol who has remained in second place on the popularity rankings for twenty-eight consecutive weeks. A model, actor, and singer, he is also currently the No. 1 A-Class Hero, Sweet Mask!"
As the host finished his introduction, Sweet Mask opened his eyes.
"I'm Sweet Mask. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Sweet Mask gave a smile so perfect that many of the girls watching inside the shelter immediately screamed.
The host then turned to the star sitting on his right.
"And sitting to my right is someone I'm sure nobody here is unfamiliar with. She has held the top spot on the popularity rankings ever since her debut and has achieved worldwide fame as a singer. Known as a once-in-a-generation Diva, she is currently the No. 5 S-Class Hero, the unparalleled super-famous idol, Sylvia Lyyneheym!"
Even the host's voice grew more excited as he introduced her.
Sylvia waved toward the camera.
"Hello, everyone."
Her natural, graceful demeanor, combined with a dazzling smile as beautiful as a blooming flower, immediately filled the shelter with cheers.
"Now, let's hear from our two guests," the host said, turning toward Sweet Mask first. "Mr. Sweet Mask, what are your thoughts on the disaster currently occurring in J-City?"
Sweet Mask looked somewhat troubled by the question.
"Well, I came here today to promote my new song. I didn't expect to be invited as a Hero instead, so I'm honestly a little caught off guard." Sweet Mask turned toward Sylvia with a smile. "I'm actually more interested in hearing what Sylvia-san thinks about this disaster."
"Me?" Sylvia smiled faintly. "With everyone in J-City going through something like this, I don't think it's appropriate for me to casually comment on the situation. It would also be disrespectful to the Heroes who are still fighting for their lives. So if you ask me what I think..."
She paused briefly.
"There's really only one thing I can say."
"Oh?" Sweet Mask asked curiously. "And what would that be?"
"It's very simple." Sylvia smiled without the slightest hesitation. "No matter what happens, this disaster will be over very soon. So, everyone in J-City, please don't panic. That is all I want to say."
Her certainty left everyone inside the Disaster Shelter stunned. Even the host looked surprised, apparently unable to understand why Sylvia sounded so confident.
Only Sweet Mask smiled knowingly. "Could it be that the reason the Diva is so confident is because the person she has her eye on happens to be in J-City right now?"
His words caused everyone in the Disaster Shelter to widen their eyes. And it wasn't just the people inside this particular shelter, most likely, everyone watching the program around the world reacted the same way.
Sylvia simply smiled. It was an extraordinarily beautiful smile.
Then the world's unparalleled Diva spoke:
"Yes. If my man is over there, then there shouldn't be anything to worry about, right?"
Completely unconcerned about the worldwide uproar those words would cause, Sylvia maintained her usual gentle smile toward the camera.
"The disaster hasn't ended yet, but please don't give up. The person who can put everyone's minds at ease is already rushing toward you as fast as he can. So please don't panic. And don't be afraid. If you find yourselves in danger, then shout as loudly as you can. When that happens..."
"The Hero will definitely come."
One sentence after another. Slowly, the anxiety in everyone's hearts began to fade. Hope took root inside them, growing stronger with every passing moment.
Until, in the very next instant…
"BOOM!"
With a tremendous explosion, the ceiling of the Disaster Shelter suddenly burst apart, drawing screams from the crowd.
A gigantic black shadow descended from above and crashed heavily onto the ground.
Everyone stared at the scene in stunned silence.
"So this is where you were?" The enormous monster known as Deep Sea King laughed as he looked at all the living beings around him, his laughter filled with savage malice.
"Aaaaaaaaah!"
The terrified screams of the civilians rang throughout the shelter.
(End Of This Chapter)
You can read ahead up to 70 chapters on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/GGS6395