Seeing Agoni's flattering smile, Fenric only gave a faint, amused grin.
He still remembered how, not long ago, he had come to the Hero Association personally to request the title of First S-Class Hero, and how different Agoni's attitude had been then.
The contrast now was almost laughable.
Still, Fenric didn't take it to heart. Even when Agoni had been skeptical, he had at least been polite — and that was enough.
Besides, for someone at Fenric's level, it was hard for the words or attitudes of ordinary men to stir any irritation at all.
"Mr. Agoni," Fenric asked calmly, "am I qualified now to be the number one S-Class hero?"
Agoni's expression lit up instantly. Thinking back on his earlier doubts about this man, he wanted to slap himself for his shortsightedness.
"Mr. Mundo," Agoni said eagerly, bowing slightly, "the number-one S-Class hero could only ever be you. Apart from you, no one else is worthy of that position!"
"Good."
Fenric's gaze swept past Agoni to the officials behind him. The flattery in their eyes was almost painful to look at.
He could already tell what was coming next — endless attempts to network, flatter, and pull him into their political games.
That sort of empty talk bored him to death.
"Mr. Agoni," Fenric said plainly, "I'll leave everything here in your hands."
Without waiting for a response, he rose straight into the air.
BOOM!
A thunderous crack echoed as he broke through the sound barrier, vanishing into the clouds in a streak of light.
"!!!"
Onlookers below gasped and shouted, pointing skyward in awe.
The sight of Fenric flying effortlessly confirmed to everyone watching that this was, indeed, the man who had slain the monstrous Elder Centipede.
Some of the officials watching felt uneasy.
"Mr. Agoni," one of them said cautiously, "why did that man leave so suddenly?"
Agoni straightened his back, his usual businessman's posture returning. "Mr. Mundo," he said smoothly, "is not fond of crowds or strangers. But rest assured, he's a man of peace. With him around, no Kaijin or monster will ever threaten us again."
Privately, Agoni was more than pleased with Fenric's departure.
The less others interacted with Fenric, the better.
That way, he alone could act as the bridge between the Hero Association and its most powerful member.
The fewer people around him, the better my control, Agoni thought.
He even began to consider sending someone to accompany Fenric—someone beautiful, persuasive, and loyal to him.
But alas, both his daughters were already married.
It seemed he'd have to "borrow" a daughter from another prominent family.
…
Ten Minutes Later — Z City
Fenric landed gracefully outside his villa.
"Teacher!!"
Saitama, who had been training hard, rushed over excitedly.
Fenric nodded slightly. "Hmm. While I was away these past two days, you didn't slack off, did you?"
"No, sir!" Saitama said earnestly, his tone full of determination. "I've been training every single day!"
"Very good."
As Fenric spoke, his gaze paused on Saitama's forehead — and he almost chuckled.
The once thick and full head of hair that Saitama had was… thinning. His hairline had crept upward noticeably, and his bangs could no longer hide it.
If this kept up, it wouldn't be long before his disciple truly became the "Bald Demon" destined to shake the world.
Satisfied, Fenric patted him on the shoulder. "Keep at it."
"Yes, Teacher!" Saitama replied cheerfully, full of energy and innocence — still far from the emotionless, poker-faced hero he would one day become.
…
That evening, while Fenric and Saitama were eating dinner, Skynet came running in with a bright smile.
"Brother! You're all over the internet! Every major news channel is reporting about you!"
"Oh?"
Fenric raised an eyebrow and turned on the TV.
Sure enough, every station was broadcasting news about his battle.
"Dear viewers," the host's voice declared solemnly, "today marks a historic moment for humanity — an event that will be remembered for generations. Please watch this footage."
The screen switched to a video — one Fenric recognized immediately.
It was the same classified recording Agoni had once shown him: footage of the once-prosperous H City, being utterly annihilated by the Elder Centipede.
Saitama's eyes widened in shock and outrage.
"This… this is the monster that destroyed H City?" he murmured, his fists clenching.
It was his first time learning the truth behind the tragedy that had killed millions.
The video ended shortly, and the host returned to the screen, speaking passionately:
"This was the real cause of H City's destruction four years ago! For years, the government concealed the truth, unable to defeat such a creature and fearing the panic its existence would cause."
The host's tone shifted to one of triumph.
"But now, humanity has no need to fear! Earlier today, that same terrifying creature was completely obliterated — by a man known only as Mr. Mundo! Please, watch this next clip!"
The footage changed again.
This time, it showed the battle — the immense centipede roaring, and a single human flying through the air like lightning.
"Teacher…?" Saitama whispered.
He instantly recognized the figure.
There was no mistaking that stance, that overwhelming strength — it was his teacher, single-handedly facing a monster that had once destroyed a city.
As the video showed Fenric's punch obliterating the Elder Centipede's head, Saitama's jaw dropped in awe.
So this is… the true power of Teacher?
The broadcast ended, cutting back to the excited anchor.
"Did everyone see it!?" the host exclaimed. "This footage was recorded just today! The monster that once destroyed H City has been eliminated — by humanity's greatest warrior!"
"His name is Mundo, and according to official government recognition, he is the strongest human on the surface! He has now joined the Hero Association as its ultimate trump card — the first among the S-Class heroes!"
"Citizens, let us all cheer! Mr. Mundo — the savior of mankind!"
"With Mr. Mundo among us, no monster will ever again threaten human civilization!"