Chapter 25: The Big Shiny Bald Head
The moment Genos realized that the falling kinetic energy of the Titan's head had been neutralized and was actually starting to rise, he made a split-second decision.
He cut off the [Overclocked Incineration Cannon], engaged all his thrusters, and shot straight up into the sky.
His mechanical arms extended and transformed into a structural support frame, pressing directly against the underside of the Titan's massive head.
Crushing weight pressed down from above, while the powerful thrust of his engines pushed up from below. Genos was like the meat patty in a burger, squeezed between two unstoppable forces.
His mechanical body began to fracture. Countless small parts broke off and fell away, and sparks exploded from various joints.
So heavy... My damaged body can barely withstand this pressure...
Cracks began to appear on Genos's faceplate, but he didn't let go. Instead, he slowly lowered the output of his thrusters, guiding the colossal head down toward the ground, inch by inch.
Only when he had gently placed the head onto the ruins did he finally release his grip.
Amidst the rising dust, electricity arced and sparks flew from Genos's body. Though his frame was on the verge of collapse, he stood straighter than ever. A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"I did it, King-sensei."
The moment those words left his mouth, his tense spirit relaxed. Genos could no longer control his overloaded body, and he toppled forward.
Just before he hit the ground, a large, warm hand caught him steady.
King looked at the immobile Genos and smiled, patting him on the shoulder.
"You did well."
Receiving King's praise, the fierce light in Genos's mechanical eyes softened. He nodded solemnly.
"Yes, King-sensei. I will continue to work hard."
Just then, the sound of shuffling footsteps approached from the nearby streets.
The survivors of City B, having witnessed Genos safely lowering the Titan's head, gathered around with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
When they saw the blood-soaked King standing there, they instantly connected the dots.
They had all seen the crimson dragon manifest out of nowhere and obliterate the disaster-level Titan in a single strike, turning it into a rain of flesh.
So... that crimson dragon was summoned by King!
"As expected of King! You saved us! You saved City B!"
"I knew it! What 'Titan'? It's nothing compared to the Strongest Man on Earth! Mr. King is the best!"
"Wow! It's the real Mr. King! Please give me an autograph! I'm a huge fan!"
The people were overwhelmed with excitement. Ignoring the surrounding ruins, they crowded around with joyful faces.
They hadn't expected the legendary S-Class Rank 7, King, to be the one resolving this disaster.
Someone in the crowd shouted a single word, and the people froze for a moment before joining in. The chant grew louder and louder until it became a deafening roar:
"HERO!!"
"KING! YOU ARE OUR HERO!"
Amidst the praise directed at King, a little girl struggled to squeeze through the crowd.
She was covered in dust, her cute face smudged gray. Clearly, she had narrowly survived the Titan's rampage.
In the noisy crowd, the little girl timidly walked up to them and opened her hands.
King and Genos looked down simultaneously. In each of her small hands, she held a little red flower.
Seeing both of them looking at her, the girl felt shy talking to strangers, but she mustered her courage and spoke:
"Um... Thank you, King-onii-chan, for saving us and beating the big monster. This little red flower is for you. My teacher says red flowers are for good people!"
Hearing this, King smiled. He gently reached out and took the flower.
"Thank you. I'll cherish it."
Genos lay in King's arms. His mechanical body had shut down due to the damage, but his sensory modules were still functional.
Looking at King's smile and hearing the endless praise from the crowd, Genos couldn't help but think:
King-sensei is truly beloved by the people. As expected of the recognized Strongest Man on Earth.
Just then, the little girl turned her head. She stuck the other red flower onto Genos's unbroken forehead and gave him a pure, innocent smile.
"And you too, Robot-onii-chan. Thank you. You really worked hard. Thank you for saving us!"
In that instant, the world seemed to go blank for Genos.
His eyes widened in disbelief. He wanted to raise his hand to touch the flower on his forehead, but his body wouldn't respond, so he could only lie there.
At that moment, he suddenly understood why heroes risked their lives to protect others.
It turns out... they are protecting this kind of beauty.
Meanwhile, City Z Streets
Saitama toyed with the new smartphone he had just received, his expression still a bit sour.
He had gone to the Hero Association wanting to change his codename, but everyone was busy dealing with the Titan disaster, so he felt bad about disturbing them.
Since no one was free, he had quietly gone to the logistics department, picked up his S-Class exclusive phone, and left the headquarters dejectedly.
Suddenly, a commotion in the crowd caught Saitama's attention.
The adjacent street was in chaos. Screams of terror and the sound of running feet filled the air.
People were fleeing in all directions, fear and panic written on their faces, wishing they had been born with an extra pair of legs.
In the middle of the road stood a monster, three to four meters tall, covered in yellow fur with the head of a lion and the body of a man. He waved his sharp claws menacingly.
"I am the Beast King, Rank 2 of the House of Evolution! S-Class Rank 17, Saitama, get out here right now! I know you're around here!"
Beast King glared with scarlet eyes full of bloodlust and tyranny. His powerful muscles twitched beneath his thick fur.
He swiped his claws.
Slash!
Three deep gouges instantly appeared in the concrete road beneath his feet. If that hit a human, they would be sliced in half instantly.
Watching the fleeing crowd, the Beast King—who had been cooped up in the House of Evolution for so long—laughed maniacally, his voice dripping with mockery.
"Hahahaha! This is humanity! So weak! You can only tremble before powerful existences like us!"
"Um, are you looking for me?"
A calm voice came from behind him.
Beast King's excited laughter cut off abruptly. He whipped his head around.
The first thing that entered his vision wasn't a human body... but a large, reflective bald head.