The Hero Association was failing. But to many people, this was not a surprise.

The organisation was corrupt, and heavily played favourites with the S Class heroes, neglecting their other heroes. They were even willing to forgive the sins of their more dangerous S Class heroes, despite how much destruction they caused. And this was not even mentioning the many, many failures under their belt, and the many heroes and civilians that had been lost.

The Hero Association was not sufficient to protect the public. A powerful young man had known this for a long time. And thus forth, this young man decided to form a new hero organisation that would outperform the Hero Association. A new group that would listen to the pleas of all its heroes.

But of course, this was not the only reason the young man was opening such an organisation. There was… something dangerous out there. The Hero Association naively believed it had been the Monster Association, but the young man knew it was something much worse. Something was out there, hell-bent on destroying the world.

It was connected to some kind of primordial force, the young man knew that. Some kind of being that had tremendous power over the universe. The power to destroy everything.

The Hero Association was incompetent. They would not be able to help. That was obvious as shown from their horrid performance against the Monster Association. They couldn't even protect their own heroes. So the young man decided to form a group that was sufficient. A group that would destroy the threat to humanity.

He called them… the Neo Heroes.

And he knew that with the Neo Heroes, he would finally stand up against his rival, Megami Saikou, that ridiculous Hero Association, and his useless father. They would finally be put in their place.


A group of powerful people sat around a large table, a screen overlooking them. The group of people were known as the Neo Leaders.

"Metal Bat has been put in jail, supposedly for killing a delinquent girl," said a man with messy black hair named Accel, furrowing his brow.

"Never knew the guy, but he didn't seem like a killer to me," Suiryu added, crossing his muscular arms. After his failed attempt at being a martial artist, he had decided to become a Neo Hero instead. And besides… he too knew there was something vastly dangerous out there, waiting for its chance to strike.

"Yeah," Inkyu Basu agreed, turning to her sister, teal eyes wide. "He wasn't a killer, right, sis?"

"We don't know that for sure, dear sister," Sakyu Basu agreed, brushing her purple bangs out of her face. "But we do know she was there."

Both the sisters were Akademi Students. Neither had shown interest in joining the Hero Association due to… certain qualities of theirs. To say the least, some rumoured that they were secretly monsters. But such a thing couldn't be true, right?

"Ah yeah, her," Raiden agreed. He was a former sumo champion who had decided to become a hero. "She's one of them, big boss says. One we should look out for."

Webigaza, a former pop idol who was also a cyborg, frowned. She wanted to hear more about the supposed case of Sweet Mask, especially since that girl had been involved. Ever since his arrest it had been on her mind.

Ryumon shrugged. "Well, what's important is figuring out if she was truly behind the crime."

As if you aren't also responsible for a few crimes of your own, Accel thought, giving Ryumon a suspicious glance. He was definitely some kind of gangster.

"Oh, she's definitely responsible," a new voice spoke up. Everyone turned and faced the leader of the Neo Leaders.

"Got any proof?" Accel made a face.

"Of course," the leader replied, furrowing his brow. "It's time I told you about a prophecy..."


Superalloy Darkshine, like many others, was tired of the Hero Association. Metal Bat had just been arrested for murder of all things. He didn't want to believe it. The kid was aggressive, but he was too soft deep down to be a killer. Despite that, all the evidence was pointing against him.

And Darkshine wasn't even going to think about all the deceased heroes. Child Emperor, Flashy Flash, Puri Puri Prisoner, countless other heroes…

There's too much drama with the Hero Association, Darkshine had decided. I can't be a part of them anymore.

In fact, Darkshine did not even want to be a hero anymore. His experience in the Monster Association had scarred him deeply. He hadn't expected the hero life to be so… traumatic.

Luckily, the upcoming Neo Heroes had offered him a new opportunity: they allowed him to become a trainer and sparring instructor. So he accepted.

Darkshine walked into the fancy new Neo Heroes building, surprised when he saw a young woman with orange pigtails, leaning on a pair of crutches, standing in the main hall. Alongside her was a young man with blonde hair and a camera around his neck, body covered in bandages, and another young man with spiky orange hair, and swimming goggles on his head. He, too, had crutches, but still wore a snarl on his face.

Akademi students…? Darkshine raised a brow.

"Uh, hi?" Darkshine waved at the teens.

The three turned to stare at him.

"Superalloy Darkshine?" the girl asked, raising a brow. "What are you doing here? I thought you were an S Class hero!"

"Was," Darkshine corrected. "I'm not a hero anymore. I'm a training instructor and sparring partner now."

"Oh," the girl nodded.

"Whoa, that's pretty cool," the boy commented.

"Whatever," the orange-haired boy shrugged.

"And you three," Darkshine raised a brow, staring at the girl. "You're Bang's old disciple, right? The Indestructible Rival?"

"Just call me Raibaru," she replied, smiling.

"And you're Fred, a B Class hero, right?" Darkshine stared at Fureddo.

"Well, not anymore," Fureddo shook his head. "I quit the Hero Association as well."

"And you?" Darkshine turned to Itachi. "I saw you in the Monster Association. What's your deal?"

"Look, thought I'd give this stupid hero thing a whirl," Itachi grunted. "But the Hero Association sucks ass, so I ain't going there." He tch-ed. "Name's Itachi, by the way. Itachi Zametora."

Darkshine tapped his chin. "So, that means you guys…"

"We're going to become Neo Heroes." Raibaru declared.

A man suddenly walked over, noticing the four standing around.

"McCoy?" Darkshine asked, recognising the man with the eyepatch and spiky hair. "You quit too?"

"Yes I did," McCoy responded. "That Hero Association is a complete mess. But I digress. I am an Executive and Human Resources Manager here." He beamed, wickedly. "And I would like to invite you four to become Neo Hero leaders."


Megami stared at Ayano's photo once again. She scowled, resting her hands on her office desk. Ayano had assured her that despite her delinquent mock-up, she had good plans for the school. Megami found that hard to believe, what with everything happening. She was almost tempted to expel the crazy girl, or just straight up kill her on the spot. She would've killed her a long time ago if her father hadn't forbidden it.

Plus, she is one of them, Megami thought. My father would-

"Miss Saikou."

Megami turned to face her deputy Kuroko, whose pose was formal as always.

"Miss Kamenaga," she greeted. "What is it?"

"I believe that you should allow Miss Ayano Aishi to join the Student Council." Kuroko said, calmly.

"Miss Aishi is very suspicious, Miss Kamenaga," Megami responded. "She seems to be good at covering up her tracks, but she isn't quite off the hook. She definitely has something to do with Metal Bat's imprisonment. Not to mention everything else. Why are you making such a bold statement?"

"Miss Aishi is suspicious," Kuroko agreed. "If you allow her to join the Student Council, you will be able to keep a close eye on her."

Megami realised that was a very good point.

"You are running out of supporters," Kuroko told her. "If you and Miss Aishi are on the same page, then people will have no choice but to support the both of you. Think of the unity. We could reignite the passion and hope of the other students."

"Very well," Megami breathed out. "I will discuss this with her."


Some time later, Megami invited Ayano to the Student Council Club room. The two sat at opposite ends of the long table, a tea set between them. There was a long, tense silence.

"Aishi-san," Megami greeted, staring down at Ayano. "I have an offer for you."

Ayano looked up in interest.

"I would like to offer you a place in the Student Council, and my hero group, the Guardians," Megami told her.

"You're not suspicious of me?" Ayano asked.

"I'm interested to see what you can offer," Megami told her, silver eyes flashing. "Your strength is admirable. Something my group could use. Now, I'm sure you are aware of all the responsibilities of joining my group. If you join, I expect nothing from the best from you. You're setting a role model not only for the students at this school, but for the entirety of all heroes." She breathed in. "Do you accept my offer?"

Ayano nodded. "Of course."

Megami extended a gloved hand. "Then welcome to the Student Council."

Ayano shook her hand, gazing into her eyes. They were both signing a silent peace treaty for the meantime, preparing to watch over each other. Until the doomsday came. Only one would survive.


Megami firmly believed that she had made the right choice, allowing Ayano to join her group. Her master had once told her that the key to success is to believe you are doing the right thing, no matter what. Even if the right thing did not seem right at all.

But to Megami, there was no need for such worry. Every choice she made worked out in her favour.

She forced herself to focus on her schoolwork, sitting in her grandiose bedroom, work placed on her large desk. She had been keeping up with it while she had been away from school, and had recently been given another assignment. She was well on the way to finishing it.

Until she heard a commotion from a security camera.

She peered at her computer's huge screen, noticing a young girl at the entrance of Saikou Corp. She was yelling at the security guards, waving her arms around.

Megami narrowed her eyes. Metal Bat's little sister. What is she doing here?

She decided to find out for herself.


"I need to speak to Goddess right now!"

"We cannot let you in unless you have an appointment."

"I don't have time for that crap! This is an emergency!"

"Please leave at once," the guards replied, sternly. Their faces were covered by sunglasses, but even still, Zenko guessed they wouldn't have been making very bright expressions.

"No!" she shouted, jumping up and waving her arms. "I'm not leaving until I see Goddess!"

"Then we will be forced to take action," the guards decided.

Just as they were about to move towards her, a voice called out, "What is going on here?"

The guards stopped as Megami approached, arms crossed.

"Goddess!" Zenko cried.

"Miss Saikou, our apologies," one of the guards bowed. "This child is causing a minor fuss."

"Goddess, you have to help me!" Zenko cried.

Megami sighed, slowly. She gave the guards a blank slate.

"Go," she ordered. "I will handle this."

The guards looked left and right. "But-"

"Did I make myself clear?" Megami asked, tone calm, but eyes cold. "Go."

The guards left immediately, leaving Megami alone with Zenko.

"Metal Bat's younger sister," Megami turned to Zenko. "What brings you here?"

"You have to help my brother!" Zenko cried. "He's not a murderer! He's innocent! He didn't murder Osoro! Yan-chan did!"

"Yan-chan killed Osoro?" Megami asked. She breathed out. "That accusation doesn't surprise me. I have been suspicious of Yan-chan for a while. And I also don't believe Metal Bat would murder someone. His personality and intelligence just doesn't demean it."

"Really?" Zenko asked. Her eyes lit up. "Then… then you'll help me?"

"Yes, dear," Megami nodded. "I will help you."


It was time for an investigation. If Yan-chan truly was to blame, then Megami could not go against her unless she had concrete proof. And once she did… she would tear that vulgar creature right off her high horse.

Megami, Kuroko, Zenko, and some bodyguards headed over to the warehouse where the murder had taken place. Blue police tape surrounded the warehouse, as well as policemen standing around with their guns.

Zenko shivered at the sight of the warehouse, but forced herself to stay calm. She was doing this for her brother.

The police turned and stared at Megami. "Miss, you cannot… oh, Miss Saikou. Why are you here?"

"To investigate this scene for myself," Megami answered.

The police moved the tape without question, allowing Megami and co. to get close to the warehouse.

"They let you right through?" Zenko asked Megami.

"We have connections with the police," Megami answered.

The group entered the warehouse. It was just how Zenko remembered: the chair, the blood on the floor, the daunting screams echoing through her ears. She whimpered, clinging onto Megami's skirt.

"Zenko," Megami stared down at the young girl. "You were blindfolded, yes?"

Zenko nodded.

"And you did hear what happened, correct?" Megami asked.

Zenko went pale.

"Beaten to death with a bat," Megami commented, staring at the dried blood. She stared at Zenko again. "Can you recall the exact events?"

"Well, Yan-chan kidnapped me, I think with sleeping drugs," Zenko said. "She brought me here, tied me up, and put a blindfold on my face. I was here for a while… and then Osoro came at some point. Then she and Yan-chan started fighting. Osoro was yelling stuff about Yan-chan betraying her. And then…" Her eyes watered. "Yan-chan killed her."

Megami crossed her arms. "I see. And we know that she killed Shidesu using Metal Bat's weapon, so she must've worn gloves, since only Metal Bat's DNA was on the weapon."

"But on the other hand, did Metal Bat not have a grudge to bear against Shidesu?" Kuroko asked. "They had a falling out."

"Perhaps," Megami replied. "However, I don't believe Metal Bat would kill someone. He is brash, barbaric, and crude, but he is not a murderer."

"You can't win on gut feelings alone," Kuroko replied.

"I'm aware of that," Megami said. "Of course, there is a slim, slim chance that Metal Bat did in fact murder Shidesu. I can't imagine it, but perhaps that's a side of him I don't know well. That being said, there is still a chance to regain his innocence. Yan-chan does reign suspicion. She is, after all, one of those vulgar creatures."

"She's Metal Bat's sister," Kuroko gestured to Zenko. "Of course she would be in his favour."

Zenko huffed. "Osoro would've been in his favour."

Megami glanced at the chair. "Yan-chan is an intelligent and manipulative person, unfortunately. To win against her we mustn't let her know what we're planning. So, not all hope is lost just yet. Perhaps there's something at the back of this warehouse."

Megami and co went outside, reaching the back of the warehouse. There was not much there, aside from an unconscious policeman, and other warehouses in the distance.

Megami hmmed. She made her way over to the policeman.

"A knife wound to the throat," she declared, observing his body. "That could only mean-"

She stopped, catching a knife that had been thrown at her. Her bodyguards appeared on either side. Kuroko brought out her shield.

"Protect Zenko," Megami told her bodyguards. Her bodyguards immediately stood protectively close to Zenko. Kuroko stood beside Megami, eyes narrowed. Megami glanced off into the distance, noticing a shadowed figure.

"Ah," she said. "I see. A sneak attack. Come out here."

The figure emerged from its hiding place. Megami was surprised to see it was none other than a deranged Taro Yamada.

"Senpai," she called. "What are you do-"

She was interrupted by Taro lunging towards her, a knife in his grip. Kuroko held out her shield, blocking him off.

"Taro Yamada," Megami demanded. "What is the meaning of this?"

Taro did not respond. Dark bangs covered his face. His skin was a sickly white, and his school uniform was beginning to tatter. His body twitched as if he was being controlled by a puppet master.

He looks half dead, Megami thought, narrowing her eyes.

"What happened to you, senpai?" Megami asked, her voice calmer.

Taro didn't reply, swinging his knife again. Megami waved her hand, knocking him unconscious with one blow. His body twitched, before lying completely still.

"Was he… the true killer?" Kuroko asked.

"No, it couldn't have been him," Zenko argued. "I've never seen him before!"

Megami narrowed her eyes. "I suppose we will have to find out."


Sweet Mask scowled, pacing around in jail. He had already lost control and slaughtered some of his inmates. His eyes glowed a dangerous red.

He was turning into a monster. No, he already was a monster.

It would not be long before an escape occurred.