Outside the House of Evolution base.
Suiryu, having recovered some stamina, stood alongside Zeburou and the belated Drive Knight. The three had surrounded a trembling Frog Man, interrogating him for intel on the facility.
"Start talking, or I'll gut you!"
"I already told you, I'm just a low-level combatant! I really don't know anything!" Frog Man's face was filled with terror, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
Zeburou wiped the corner of his mouth and mused, "If you're useless, then there's no point keeping you around. I was actually craving a roasted frog dinner. Why don't we—"
At those words, Suiryu and Drive Knight both shot Zeburou a look that said, I didn't know you were that kind of leopard.
Zeburou responded with an "eyes-on-your-own-business" glare.
Frog Man nearly collapsed in panic. "No! Please! My meat tastes terrible! Wait, wait! I remember hearing Beast King mention a super-powerful monster locked in a secret underground chamber. He was frustrated because he was only ranked second!"
"A monster stronger than Beast King?"
"He did mention being ranked second when I fought him," Suiryu recalled. He shared a wary glance with Zeburou; if even Beast King was that powerful, the monster he spoke of must be a nightmare.
"Do you know why it was locked up?"
"That… I don't know."
Seeing that Frog Man truly had no more useful information, Zeburou tied him to a large tree. The three gathered to discuss their next move.
"What now? There's a powerful monster underground. Should we go support the Captain's team?" Zeburou asked.
"Don't look at me. I haven't even got ten percent of my power back. I'd just be a liability," Suiryu said, shaking his head.
"I don't think it's necessary," Drive Knight analyzed. "If the Captain's group can't win, we won't change the outcome much. But their safety shouldn't be an issue. Don't forget, the Chairman and Instructor Darkshine are with them."
"Good point."
Zeburou abandoned the idea of a rescue mission with a clear conscience. Looking at the ruined base, he suggested, "How about we search the rubble? There might be survivors to pick up."
"Agreed," Drive Knight replied.
"I'll pass," Suiryu sighed. "I'm beat. I'll stay here and keep an eye on our froggy friend."
"Fine."
…
Back to the moment the EMP bombs detonated.
All electronic equipment was destroyed, and the security measures restraining the House of Evolution's ultimate weapon, Carnage Kabuto, failed instantly. Within the deepest high-security chamber, Carnage Kabuto let out a chilling laugh.
Standing nearly five meters tall, he resembled a giant rhinoceros beetle but with a hideous human face. He stood on two legs, his brown exoskeleton appearing incredibly durable.
With a slight flex, Carnage Kabuto snapped his specialized handcuffs. He shoved the massive vault door open and stepped out.
"I'm finally out!" He cracked his neck, muttering curses. "That idiot Genus... I'm clearly the most perfect New Human he ever created, yet he kept me locked up. What a waste."
Suddenly, Carnage Kabuto glanced toward the ceiling. "Did someone just look at me? It seems an interesting group of intruders has arrived."
"No rush, though. I'll go have a little 'chat' with that moron Genus first. Killing a few hundred clones should be a nice way to kill time."
With a brain so advanced he possessed a photographic memory, he easily navigated the maze-like underground base to find Genus's hiding spot.
"Genus, how have you been? I missed you!"
When Carnage Kabuto's hideous face appeared before him, Dr. Genus's last hope vanished.
"Carnage Kabuto... it's been a long time."
"S-Stay back!" The loyal Clone No. 9527 and several others opened fire with machine guns, but the bullets didn't leave a single scratch on his shell.
"You fakes, don't get in the way of my heart-to-heart with Genus." He delivered a casual swat, smashing the clones against the wall like mosquitoes, leaving bloodstains that would never come off.
"Ah, sorry. Your fakes were too annoying; I used a bit too much force. Oh, right, on my way here, I slaughtered a few hundred more to celebrate. You don't mind, do you?"
"Carnage Kabuto, what do you want?" Dr. Genus asked, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. Faced with this capricious monster of his own creation, he felt nothing but dread. Even if he could be cloned back to life, his mind would eventually shatter after dying too many times.
"Relax, I won't kill you." Carnage Kabuto laughed mockingly, sensing Genus's fear. "I'm going to help fulfill your dream: wiping out the Old Humans so New Humans like me can rule the world. With intellect and physical power far beyond theirs, I am the perfected version of the New Human you dreamed of!"
No, you aren't. You're just a powerful failure. Despite your performance, you are mentally and morally defective. You are not the final product I wanted!
Naturally, Genus kept these thoughts to himself to avoid suffering. He unbuttoned his collar to breathe more easily and played along. "Fine. I agree. Let's collaborate. You kill the Old Humans, and I will create more of your kind to establish a new era of humanity."
"Should have said so from the start. Wasted all that time in the dark." Carnage Kabuto grinned broadly, looking like a multi-ton titan. "As a gesture of goodwill, I'll clean up the intruders for you."
"The intruders? I sent Beast King and Armored Gorilla. They should have handled it."
"Those two losers failed. The intruders are already in the underground base."
"What?! Even Beast King and Armored Gorilla..." Genus paled. "These intruders aren't weak."
Genus secretly hoped the intruders and Carnage Kabuto would take each other out, but seeing the disdainful look on the beetle's face, he shook his head. In this world, is there any human who could possibly be stronger than him?
"Let's go, Genus. I'll take you with me to deal with them. Watch how I crush them!" Without waiting for an answer, Carnage Kabuto snatched Genus up, unfurled his wings, and rocketed away.
…
"This place is massive."
Zombieman and the others, having entered the underground base, used portable lights to search for Dr. Genus. However, the passages were a labyrinth, and without a map, finding their target was difficult.
I miscalculated. I didn't expect the base to be this vast. The element of surprise is gone. We can't split up either, or we'll be picked off one by one. What should we do? Zombieman pondered.
"There was a lot of noise on the surface. I hope Suiryu and the others are okay," Puri-Puri Prisoner said worriedly.
"Don't worry. They are heroes capable of standing on their own," Tanktop Master replied. "We're the ones in trouble, getting lost in this dark maze means our target will likely escape."
They weren't particularly worried about their own safety; they could likely break through the ceiling and return to the surface if needed.
"I agree," Sweet Mask said. "If only we could catch a live one to give us directions."
Just then, Pig God, who had been snacking continuously, spoke up: "Something is coming. It's fast." He proceeded to dump the rest of his snacks into his mouth.
"Is it an enemy?" Everyone took a defensive stance, peering into the darkness.
Amai Mask tilted his head. "Do you hear that? The sound of wings flapping."
"What?"
"I don't hear anything."
Two seconds later, a loud buzzing sound filled the air. The source appeared instantly. A massive, powerful arm slammed Tanktop Master into the wall with such force he was pinned and unable to move.
"Tanktop Master!"
Puri-Puri Prisoner and Pig God moved to help, but Zombieman stopped them. "The enemy is too strong. Don't act blindly. Observe first."
Setting Genus down casually, Carnage Kabuto looked around and chuckled. "Genus, it looks like there are more than two intruders."
"I see that. It seems they used EMP bombs to paralyze our comms and snuck in. Clever," Dr. Genus remarked, smoothing his clothes and stepping back.
"Dr. Genus? So he's our target."
"That's him. I'd recognize that face even if it were burnt to ash," Zombieman declared. He began formulating a plan: That beetle guy is bad news. The best bet is to take Genus hostage and force him to stand down.
Zombieman shot a glance at Amai Mask, hoping he understood. He stepped forward and looked up at Carnage Kabuto. "Sneak attacks are for cowards! If you have the guts, let him go and face us head-on in a fair fight!"
Powerful types are usually arrogant. This provocation should work and get him to engage us directly, giving us a chance to snatch Genus! Zombieman smirked internally, feeling confident.
But Carnage Kabuto just laughed. "Genus, is this guy an idiot? 'Head-on'? 'Fair'? You think this is a tournament? I'm dealing with intruders here, you moron!"
Dammit, he's smart and strong. Can't trick him. Zombieman's expression stiffened.
"But, as a courtesy to the weak, I'll loosen the grip. Here, have him back!" Carnage Kabuto grabbed Tanktop Master by the head and hurled him at Zombieman.
Puri-Puri Prisoner and Pig God stepped forward to catch him, but the sheer momentum forced them back several steps before they could stop.
"Now, do your best to entertain me." Carnage Kabuto flashed his signature, unsettling grin.
"Tanktop Master, are you okay?"
"I'm fine... just a bit dizzy. Be careful, he's incredibly strong!" Tanktop Master's face was covered in blood.
"Yeah, I felt it just now." Puri-Puri Prisoner glanced at his trembling arms. "Tanktop Master, rest for a moment. We'll finish the mission."
He set Tanktop Master by the wall and stood with Pig God and Zombieman. "All at once!"
With a roar, Puri-Puri Prisoner and Pig God lunged. Zombieman drew his handguns and fired two shots at Carnage Kabuto's eyes. The monster tilted his head to dodge the bullets, but the delay allowed the two brawlers to grab an arm each.
Zombieman used Pig God's broad back as a springboard, leaping into the air to strike with his hatchet. "Amai Mask, now!"
"I don't need you to tell me!" Amai Mask had already bolted toward Dr. Genus while the monster's arms were occupied.
The distance was crossed in a heartbeat. Dr. Genus's panicked face was right in front of him. Amai Mask reached for his throat, a smile forming under his mask. Success!
Suddenly, Puri-Puri Prisoner and Zombieman slammed down on top of him. The impact shattered the floor, sending a shockwave that turned the area in front of Genus into rubble.
In that split second, Carnage Kabuto had used Puri-Puri Prisoner, who was still clinging to his arm, as a club, swinging him in a wide arc to knock Zombieman out of the air and slam them both into the unsuspecting Amai Mask. A triple kill.
The monster's face was a mask of mockery. "You guys are so predictable. Targeting Genus so obviously, did you think I was stupid? You're the only idiots here, morons!"
Suddenly, a surge of force from the left pushed Carnage Kabuto against the wall.
"Oh? You've got some strength." He looked down to see Pig God still struggling against him. He raised his right fist and delivered three heavy blows, finally beating Pig God into the floor. "But still not enough."
In just a few minutes, the five A-Class heroes were wiped out.
Carnage Kabuto turned his gaze toward the two figures standing behind them, silent and still like life-sized figurines. "Unlike those trash, maybe you two can actually make me break a sweat."
"This is quite a mess, Chairman. What should we do?" Darkshine asked Aomori, ignoring the monster.
"They've all been taken out, so the mission is officially a failure." Aomori wore his usual unshakeable smile. "I'll leave the big beetle to you. I need to treat the 'little ones' before things get really bad."
"Excellent! Watching that fight got my blood pumping," Darkshine said, cracking his knuckles. He looked at Carnage Kabuto. "My name is Darkshine. Let my beautiful muscles bring you to your end."
Carnage Kabuto's expression grew uncharacteristically serious. "My instincts tell me you're strong. A worthy opponent. It's too cramped here. There's a combat testing room nearby with more space. Let's settle it there."
"Fine by me."
Darkshine nodded and followed Carnage Kabuto. Genus, unable to stay behind, followed as well.
"Better heal you guys quickly," Aomori said to the downed heroes. "I don't want to miss the show."
In the next second, an endless Holy Light flooded the entire space.
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