A mere vessel thinks he can ignore me? However, now isn't the time to deal with him.
Psykos followed a trail of devastation, using one of her 'Spy Drones' leading her to the entrance of Pureblood's chamber. When doubt struck, she reached out to Orochi, only to be met with silence.
Her expression darkened. Who is this intruder? It shouldn't be possible for the Hero Association to have discovered our location so soon.
I cannot allow this unforeseen occurrence to derail my plans. What to do?
The Executives can't be sent away to deal with the intruder when there's a chance that the S-Class Heroes are on their way. Perfect, those two have returned. They can handle the intruder.
Psykos' 'Spy Drone' departed from the area and headed to the surface. With a horde of heroes potentially on their way, she couldn't allow them to sneak in because of her negligence.
She shifted in her seat, fingers tapping the leather armrest of the couch. Errors must not transpire if we're to achieve our three primary goals of the first act:
Strike fear into the human population through terrorizing their cities, kidnap Narinki's son, and finally transform many strong humans into monsters.
And even though the Super Fight tournament isn't until tomorrow, my scouts in C-City have confirmed the hotel where the prominent competitors are staying...
With each piece falling into place.
Nothing can halt the Monster Association's rise.
¤ ¤ ¤
"Ever think we'd be teaming up? You never told me about the special lady in your life? We could go on a double date someday… well, Caspian will have seven of us, but it doesn't matter if you only bring one date yourself. Is there a day that works best? Not tomorrow though because of the—"
"It would be easier if you asked a single question at a time," said Genos as he scanned C-City's streets.
Mosquito Girl strode beside him on the sidewalk. "Okay. Where are those glass tubes Caspian asked us to bring?"
"I have them kept secured on my person." His emotional state rippled. "And you're fine with Caspian stepping down such a demented path?"
Sniff
Genos cast a sideways glance at Mosquito Girl and observed her nose buried in the 'Oppai' hoodie adorning her, alongside a pair of baggy sweatpants.
I had wondered where master's hoodie and black sweatpants disappeared to. The culprit should've been obvious. Only master's scent could drive a woman this wild.
"Oops! It's been too long, so I end up distracted more often than not these days." Mosquito Girl lifted her head and asked, "Where's this big hotel? Our primary target could already be there. I won't allow them to strike first!" She cried and raced ahead at a speed Genos couldn't track.
"Wait!" Genos shouted, but she had already disappeared.
"Master warned me she may act unpredictably, but I fear he has underestimated her. She didn't even ask me for directions.
I must hurry to the hotel and fulfill the task. With or without her!"
¤ ¤ ¤
Caspian arrived in Z-City Ghost Town and spotted a big hole in place of a manhole cover.
"I planned on doing the same thing once I got here. Not sure why I bothered recommending that he search the sewer tunnels…"
He closed his eyes, activating his 'Sense' ability, projecting it downward. Focusing in on the hundreds of stars illuminating the void beneath him.
"One is sitting at the bottom of the base and the other isn't many floors above. Before I head to the first one, I think I'll vent my emotions a little first." As he drew back his 'Sense,' after having scanned through all the present monsters, he frowned. "Another difference? Did the monster raid party get dispatched immediately upon Boros' arrival? That seems a bit too fast. But then, if so, why is Pureblood still here?"
¤ ¤ ¤
Yuta's guard stayed poised while she defended Fubuki's left side. Suiko did the same from the right side and the Blizzard Group guarded from the rear as they all made their way through a posh upper district of S-City.
Her senses twitched when someone closed in behind Fubuki, but it turned out to be a young girl named Lily.
The young girl wedged her way in between Fubuki and Yuta herself, then said in a low voice, "Miss Blizzard, now's a good time to tell me all about the 'apprehension' you made."
A touch of red dappled Fubuki's cheeks. "No, I don't think it is Lily."
Yuta's brows knitted and asked, "What is this about an 'apprehension?' Are you holding onto a secret? I feel as sisters it is important we are open with each other."
"Not you too…" Fubuki mumbled.
"Sisters?" Lily tilted her head. "Miss Blizzard, what does she mean? I thought you only had one sister?"
Suiko hopped in from the right and bumped her shoulder into Fubuki's. "What's this about secrets? One sister? Is the 'Blizzard of Hell' ashamed of her new family?
Worried things are moving too fast? Does it matter? Do the opinions of others bother you? There's no reason to question it, or try to apply logic to it. It's not unheard of to fall head over heels in a day, you know.
Embrace it. Enjoy it. Love it. Like I have, and I'm sure Yuta does as well. Isn't that right?"
"Yes…" Warmth permeated through her.
She refused to deny her feelings. Even if their intensity and quickness startled her, given how briefly and rarely, she and Caspian had interacted.
Yet… her entire being was already his.
No overanalysis. No demanding logic for why it happened so fast. Rather, she surrendered to it: embracing, savoring, and loving the beautiful madness.
Lily's eyes widened as she asked, "Miss Blizzard, are you shari—"
"Enough questions. Why are the three of you trying to crush me?" Fubuki deflected, speeding up to put distance between them.
Yuta tensed as terrified cries for help echoed down the road.
Fubuki spun around, her embarrassment vanishing beneath a leader's stern mask. "Blizzard Group, are you prepared to use the move I taught all of you?"
"Yes!" they shouted together.
Her eyes flicked between Yuta and Suiko. "Why didn't either of you respond? I may not have taught either of you the move, but you are a part of my Blizzard Group."
"I do not recall agreeing to join."
"Yeah, what Yuta said." Suiko pulled her hands out of her pockets.
A devious grin emerged on Fubuki's face. "As my younger sisters, it's only right for you to join my Blizzard Group. Or are you ashamed of me? Worr—"
"Fine, we get it Fubuki, I'll join your group…" Suiko caved in.
But Yuta didn't. "How are you certain I am younger than you?"
"How old are you?"
"I am 22—"
"Oho, I'm 23, I win, welcome to the Blizzard Group!"
"Go Miss Blizzard!" Lily cheered.
I will not forget this grievance, Fubuki.
Eyelashes cleared his throat, snapping Yuta's attention back.
"Forgive the interruption, but shouldn't we hurry and deal with the monster attack instead of walking in a slow, casual manner? The screams have grown louder and more desperate…"
"Right." Fubuki flicked her wrist with theatrical flair. "Blizzard Group, S-City's salvation begins now."
-- -- -- -- --
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