Hero For Lust

Genos walked down a street lined with tall, varied buildings and small business shops. He wore a sleeveless, distressed vest with frayed edges over a high-collared shirt. In his right hand, he carried a box, and in his left, a full plastic shopping bag.

Beside him, Caspian strolled casually, dressed in a short-sleeved, open-button green shirt. Underneath, he wore a T-shirt with 'Oppai' printed across the chest, accompanied by a decal below it. Complementing the look were knee-length shorts and a pair of Crocs on his feet.

"Master, I refrained from asking before, but why exactly have you had me guide you through M-City for the past several days?"

"There's an important event we can't miss out on. No worries, you'll find out soon. This is also good for your training. Aren't you uncomfortable doing this over and over again?"

Genos smiled. "Not at all when I'm with you." Warmth spread through his core as he noticed Caspian shudder with joy.

They continued down the narrow street, the occasional passerby recognizing Genos as they walked.

Caspian broke the joyous silence between them. "Have you had any luck finding Wavygyaza's location?"

"I have been investigating the Neo Heroes' activities. And thankfully, I've avoided garnering suspicion from the members I've trailed.

However, it appears my activities haven't gone unnoticed by the Hero Association. As recently, I received a call from them questioning my actions, but I gave them the excuse that I was carrying out the important training you tasked me with — which wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth, either."

"That's good, but…"

"My apologies. I sometimes struggle to get to the point. I planned to wait until I had a definitive location before informing you, but I've uncovered two facilities where Wavygyaza is likely undergoing enhancements.

Also, during a recent call with the Hero Association, I learned that the meeting you asked about is scheduled for tomorrow at 11 A.M.

As for the two facilities, I'll go over the details I've uncovered once we return home."

"Good work. But if that meeting is tomorrow…" Caspian shook his head as he patted Genos on the shoulder. "Thank you. I know I didn't exactly help with the investigation."

"Your praise means the world." Genos had planned to compliment Caspian further, but when he glanced ahead, he spotted a familiar silhouette. "Master, that person seems to be King."

"That does seem to be the case." Caspian shifted the two bags he was carrying into one hand and pulled out his phone, tapping away. "Genos, I kept my word. Check your phone when we get back."

What could he have sent me? Never mind, he said to check it when we get back. I need to focus. Is King the reason we're here? But I still can't quite grasp why we had to wear the same outfits and carry the same items each time. Master's reasoning must be profound, so I shouldn't question it.

Genos muttered. "What is he doing at a place like this?"

"Kyaah!"

"A monster!"

"Protect the children!"

Panicked cries rang out nearby as people fled past Genos and Caspian.

"A monster?" Genos looked at Caspian. "Master could wipe it out… No, wait. T—"

Caspian interrupted. "Actually Genos, this is a fight you're going to want to take."

Genos tilted his head, unsure why he should fight instead of witnessing King in action. This would be a great opportunity, considering there's no actual battle data on King.

"Let's just stay awhile and listen." Caspian nodded toward King who stood up ahead.

Turning his attention back, he observed the towering machine monster, his sensors analyzing its structure. It loomed over King, a mechanical titan clad in polished black and silver plating, adorned with excessive gold embellishments. A crimson fur-lined cape billowed behind it, and atop its head sat a golden crown.

The huge humanoid robot's voice reverberated. "My name is G4. A machine god created by 'The Organization.'"

What?!

"You're the strongest hero, King. I have come to eliminate you!"

Genos wrestled with the intense urge to attack and immobilize G4, wanting to conduct a thorough interrogation. But he remembered that he promised Caspian he would keep a level head and not foolishly throw his life away.

"It's King! King's right over there!"

Further beyond where King and G4 stood, a large crowd began to gather, their confidence and sense of safety bolstered now that 'The Hero of Heroes' was here to save the day.

King stood with his hands tucked into the pockets of his light-blue hoodie, his head angled downward, his eyes hidden beneath the brim of his black ball cap.

"'The Organization?' I'm the strongest man on Earth. The S-Class Rank 7 Hero King. Do you know that?"

Genos watched intently as G4's single metal eye flared with a fuchsia-colored refulgence. A moment later, a golden light radiated from its back, materializing into a giant sword. At the same time, its hand snapped up, seizing the hilt in one fluid motion. G4 then drew and extended the blade — its edge gleaming as it leveled the weapon at King.

A powerful thumping sound thundered out.

So, he is finally using it.

A couple of people from the crowd reacted.

"What the heck's that noise?"

"You've never heard of the 'King Engine?' It's the sound you hear once King's in combat mode! It's said that there's been no monster that made it out alive after hearing that sound!"

G4's mechanical voice followed. "Listen well. This is also a test of my combat AI. I need you to fight at full strength so I can gather data."

"All right, but let me go to the bathroom first. I'll only be able to fight at about half-strength if I'm holding it in. That won't give you accurate data, will it?"

Who knew King had such a weakness!?

"I shall wait here for ten minutes." G4 pointed his sword at the nearby crowd. "For every minute after that, I shall kill ten people. If you try to escape, then this town will be history."

Genos followed behind Caspian, who moved closer, crouching behind a metal signpost.

"How does that machine stack up against your current strength?" asked Caspian?

"G4 is quite powerful. Its performance might be higher than mine. I estimate it's at least threat level Demon and will be quite a challenge for me."

Caspian remained crouched, his following words igniting Genos' intent to strive toward greatness.

"Well, in eleven minutes, you're going to get that challenge. This will be a great opportunity for you.

Remember Genos, don't underestimate any foe. If you think they're finished, then you must and I repeat must finish them off again."