Hero For Lust

A true monster in every sense.

This was Armored Gorilla's thought toward the cyborg named Genos' master.

Whatever lesson Kamakyuri got taught. He wanted no part in it.

Moments after the bald monster walked off with Kamakyuri in hand, a sudden, violent tremor rippled through everything. Armored Gorilla froze in terror, unable to fathom what could have caused it.

Following the tremor, he noticed something change from above—a shift he could never have predicted.

An unseen force tore apart the clouds that mottled the blue sky. Said force, like a wave, untold miles wide, parted them with a ghastly speed.

Armored Gorilla currently stared at the sky as the bald monster effortlessly carried him overhead. He had already given them the coordinates to the House of Evolution—there was no reason for him to tag along. Yet, the bald monster had insisted, 'He has to come. He plays an important role important role in the future.'

What the hell did that mean?

Unfathomable strength. Uncanny knowledge.

Dr. Genus, you've doomed us all.

¤ ¤ ¤

Meanwhile, at the House of Evolution…

"Why? Why was our entire elite force sent out as messengers?"

Dr. Genus stared up at a massive holographic screen, his many clones standing behind him. "They weren't messengers! Tell me, what did Armored Gorilla's report state?"

Clone 33 spoke up, "He never sent one."

Hearing this, Dr. Genus' mood turned somber.

"Armored Gorilla likely told him our coordinates. All our research, everything we've been working on, could be destroyed if we don't stop him."

"This is a serious matter." said Clone 78.

Sweat beaded on Dr. Genus' face as he reached a critical decision.

"The only option is to use our trump card."

"Begin preparations for the release of Carnage Kabuto."

A startled uproar erupted from the crowd of clones packed into the room.

"Be calm! He will be our last resort."

Clone 33 muttered, "But…"

"First, from the first to eighth floor, we'll activate all our traps."

The holographic screen displayed the eight floors, each one lighting up in sequence to indicate its armed status.

"If we're lucky, they will take care of the intruders. I'm fully aware of the worst-case scenario should we fail."

¤ ¤ ¤

Caspian stood outside the House of Evolution, Armored Gorilla in one hand and a boulder in the other. He dropped the boulder first, its impact sinking into the stone ground. Then, he propped Armored Gorilla against it.

"Here we are. Don't run away."

Realizing his attempt at humor had earned him a deadpan stare not only Armored Gorilla, but from even Genos, he awkwardly turned toward the House of Evolution.

"It's bigger in person. Hey Gorilla, where's your underground medical facility? You've got one, right?"

Armored Gorilla's expression didn't falter, apparently numb to Caspian's constant surprises. "Yes. S—"

Unfortunately, before he could fully respond, a sudden change occurred.

Genos, who stood beside Caspian, threw back his arms, his body lurching forward as both incineration cannons supercharged. A second later, his arms flew out, releasing the blast.

BOOM!

As the smoke cleared, it became visible that his attack had razed the House of Evolution, leaving no trace of its existence.

Caspian turned his head to face Genos.

"My man…couldn't you have waited until he finished answering my question?"

"I deemed it most efficient to eliminate them all at once, before they could resort to any tricks."

"Okay... Let's hurry and find the underground entrance."

Caspian had never been a patient man—a truth hammered home over the past week.

Did he really need to follow the plot so closely? Why not explore this altered Earth and gather his six beauties? Why not head straight beneath his house, confront the Monster Association, find the Mysterious Cube down there, and speak to 'God'? Should he deal with Garou now? As much as he admired Cosmic Garou, the thought of mass death and time travel left a bitter aftertaste.

Lamentably, his mind lagged behind the reality of who he'd become, trapped in cycles of worry—a phenomenon that had haunted him in his past life as well.

"Master!"

Caspian's body quaked. "Huh?"

Genos stood before him, a frown etched across his face.

"Are you alright? Your expression concerned me, and you weren't responding."

Caspian took a breath. "Everything's fine. There's just a lot on my mind."

"If it's something that concerns Master, then it must be of great importance. Please let me know how I can help."

A soothing wave passed over Caspian upon hearing those words. How long had it been since he had someone show concern for him?

Why am I overthinking this? How didn't I see it sooner? The only limits I face are the ones I shackle myself with.

Caspian placed his hand on Genos' shoulder. "Thank you."

¤ ¤ ¤

Dr. Genus dragged his battered body through one of his many underground tunnels.

After convincing Carnage Kabuto to capture the bald specimen, dead or alive, Dr. Genus found himself grabbed and could do nothing but watch helplessly as Kabuto blitzed through the underground tunnels.

It didn't take long to spot his target standing beside that cyborg.

Carnage Kabuto should've been able to handle the cyborg with ease, but right before he could smash him into the wall, the pair vanished.

The bald man reappeared behind, cyborg in hand, and asked them to lead him to the combat experimentation room.

Did that man actually possess such speed? He refused to believe it! There must be a different explanation.

As for how that man knew the information, Dr. Genus didn't dwell on it. He was certain Armored Gorilla had spilled everything. Cowardice had always been in his nature.

None of this mattered now.

Ahead of Dr. Genus, the blinding entrance to the combat experimentation room loomed.

I must see it through.

He pressed on, leaning against the cool wall for support.

Compared to my anguish back then, this physical pain I feel now is nothing.

"What's the hold up? Let's go! Bring everything you've got." Carnage Kabuto's voice boomed from up ahead.

Dr. Genus grinned at the sight of the defeated cyborg. Next, he will deal with the bald specimen.

Carnage Kabuto—a demon incarnate, the strongest and most brutal creation of the House of Evolution. Let's see how you, at your archaic stage of human development, fare against a monster that is the final form of artificial evolution. Or will you be the trigger for a new evolution? I can't wait to find out!

The bald man stepped forward. "You did well Genos."

Carnage Kabuto struck a pose and said, "Oh, I see it. I see it! You're supposed to be strong."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you." Step by step, the man approached Carnage Kabuto. "But this fight won't be enjoyable. Your lack of humanity, your instability—it's a shame I can't let you live. I could overlook a lack of humanity, but instability…"

Dr. Genus' grin faded. He could deduce Kabuto's greatest flaw in such a short period of time. Armored Gorilla wouldn't have been able to provide him with that level of information. There's something off about him…

Carnage Kabuto chuckled, his massive figure blurring as he flashed to the far wall and vanished. In an instant, he reappeared behind the bald man, arm drawn back, poised to deliver the final blow.

That's it! End it now Kabuto!

Said thoughts crumbled as Carnage Kabuto fled backward all the way to the distant wall.

"Hey. That's the perfect spot. I can solve two problems at once."

Dr. Genus cried out. "He just backed off? Carnage Ka—"

The caped baldy suddenly materialized in front of Kabuto, his movement so fast it seemed like teleportation.

"Bye Carnage."

Depthless strength. Illimitable knowledge. Two ideals Dr. Genus had pursued relentlessly through artificial evolution. Yet, the pinnacle of his creation had been expunged by a single, unremarkable punch.

Who the hell is this guy?

"As expected of Master Caspian. I knew he would stand no chance against you."

Dr. Genus beheld in shock as Caspian approached, a massive tunnel stretching behind him, revealing the bright evening sky beyond.

"I can't let my only disciple down now, can I?"

I think I'm done with evolution.

Caspian, with Genos trailing closely, stopped before him. His grim expression drained what little color remained in Dr. Genus' face.

"My Master has questions for you. Answer them or I will disable you as well." The cyborg raised his hand, palm facing outward.

Caspian glanced backward. "Woah, Genos, I think Armored Gorilla gave you the wrong impression of—actually, never mind…"

The tension thickened as Caspian locked eyes with Dr. Genus. "Where is she?"