Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here, and I'm back with another chapter!
But before you all begin, you must be aware that I posted twice for this story. That's because I'm speeding up with this story. But reassured, I will keep you all entertained with my story.
That is all I have to say for now, and Enjoy the chapter!
City - Z
As Nadia continues to spend her day off at the home, she couldn't help but reminisce about the events that occurred during her mission.
The first was the girl with the horn. Her condition was stabilized, but remnants of her transformation have become permanent. Therefore, she will be a target should she be seen by the public.
To keep this from happening, she decided to keep her in the library until she finds a way to resolve this situation.
The Second is her Egos' confrontation with notable Heroes such as Atomic Samurai, Amai Mask, and Blizzard. Each encounter ended differently with Red-Eyed earning Atomic Samurai's respect, Greed-Eyed ending neutrally against Fubuki and her Blizzard Bunch, and Purple-Eyed ending her fight with Amai Mask all while learning a certain truth behind his fame.
And lastly, her rank has gone up from 30th to 27th. Though all she did was partake in a few extermination missions, she must have earned it as her actions were seen by the public.
Nadia is now seen on her bed reading a book while Archer was playing a few board games with the other Egos to keep boredom away.
As for Kombu Infinity, she was watering some plants on the balcony. The plants in question were cultivated by Dr. Genus' research and Nadia's materials.
Once consumed it can strengthen her hair further than her original. But when she finished watering the plant, she couldn't help but stare before glancing her eye from behind as Nadia was paying no attention to her at all.
Then, a thought came into her mind. If Kombu Infinity had strengthened her hair further, she could stand against Nadia and tried to become the Monster of Ghost Town once more.
But thinking back to this idea, Kombu Infinity recalls certain parts of her life, there were certain memories that she wasn't fond of remembering.
Thus, she decided not to go against her for obvious reasons and remain by her side as she sees fit.
Nadia, on the other hand, finishes her book and turns on the television to find a good program to watch.
The first thing that appeared was the news channel and the reporter talked about the appearance of a monster belonging to a group known as Deep Seafolk.
Their arrival to the surface has been anticipated and they will come to attack City - J in full force.
However, the Heroes Association will prepare for this attack. Thus, Nadia isn't interested in joining since other Class - A Heroes were deployed to handle the incident.
Though, Kombu Infinity heard about the news and spoke to Nadia, "I think we should go there,"
"Why? There's a bunch of other Class - A Heroes that can go there instead of me and I've got no reason to go there whatsoever," Nadia told,
"I know, but I still want to go there," Kombu Infinity said, "After all, you said that I would be protecting people rather than fight them,"
Nadia groans at Kombu Infinity's argument and proceeds to get off of the bed. She then scratches the back of her head a couple of times., "Fine, let's get going..."
Nadia then prepares for departure by recalling all of her present egos into her body, orders Archer to follow her, and heads straight to the door.
Kombu Infinity was the last to leave, but she had a thought in mind before heading to the door, 'If I can't beat her, Maybe he could...'
City - J
Nadia and co. making their way through the streets. To top it all off, they have to make their way through the city with the rain pouring down on them.
"Great, who knew that it's going to pour in this city soon," Nadia complained,
"I hope you don't mind me asking this, but where are we going exactly?" Kombu Infinity questioned,
"We're heading to the Shelter," Nadia answered, "Cause I have a feeling that these Deep Sea Folk will go after the people first,"
"So we're not going to confront them? How boring," Archer commented,
"Let's just keep moving," Nadia said, "The faster we get there, the better,"
Nadia and Archer continued to make their way to the Shelter while Kombu Infinity is seemingly falling behind as she has a lot on her mind.
Most of which involves the kin of the Deep Sea Folk...
Flashback...
Somewhere deep in the abyss, A young Kombu Infinity was standing before several large silhouettes of monsters. Every last one of them mockingly looked down on all of them.
And most of them weren't holding on to insults as they berated her for being closely similar to humans.
Sometime later, Kombu Infinity spoke her mind in front of all of them, "Watch me,"
The monsters hummed in confusion and one of them questioned her intentions, "What are you talking about?"
"I said watch me! I'll go up to the surface and prove that I'm more of a monster than any of you!" Kombu Infinity yelled, "And when I proved my point, you will all be sorry!"
"Oh? So you're going to the surface of humans? Fine, but don't cry on us if you fail,"
Determined, Kombu Infinity turned her back to all of them and made her way to the surface. Though after she seemingly left, she can hear the roaring laughter of her kin as they mockingly doubt her capabilities.
End of Flashback
Reminiscing these memories in her, she was mentally scarred by their hurtful words and she would go as far as to go to City - Z to establish herself as a Ghost of City - Z.
When she succeeded in beating two Heroes, she had gain some level of confidence. But when she lost to Saitama and lost most of her hair, she fell into despair, and her plans to prove her worth had fallen apart.
Then Nadia comes around and gets her up on her feet.
Despite their differences, she felt somewhat normal around her compared to the life she had left from the depths of her accursed home.
Thus leading to a conflict on whether she could continue with her life alongside Nadia, or...
"Wait," Nadia commanded,
"What is it?" Archer questioned,
Archer turns in the same direction as Nadia and the two soon spot something in the distance. Apparently, it caused Nadia's eyes to go pink and she covered her eyes to avoid her staring to this guy standing out in the open in the nude.
"Who's that?" Kombu Infinity questioned,
"I don't know, but I do not want to know until he wears something to cover himself up," Nadia said,
"Hey," The man questioned as he suddenly appeared before the two, "What are you three doing here?"
Nadia still refused to answer while Kombu Infinity jumped a little after witnessing his speed. As for Archer, he kept his guard up but he wasn't surprised by his speed.
"Hey, I asked you," The man said, "Now tell me what you're doing here,"
"Shut up!" Nadia yelled with her eyes closed, "Wear something first before we talk something out!"
The man was caught off guard and Archer just shrugged his shoulders at that. In a matter of seconds, the man had found a nearby clothes store and wore some shorts.
"Is this good?" The man questioned,
"Good enough," Nadia responded, and her eyes, "But back to your question, We're making our way to the shelter,"
"Hmph, then you might as well forget it. Even if you stand against the only monster there, you have no chance of winning," The man discouraged,
"It doesn't mean we'll try," Nadia stated,
The man scoffed at them, "Have it your way,"
He then leaves as quickly as he came and the three watched him go at high speeds.
"Who was that?" Archer questioned,
"From his hairstyle, his speed, and the tone of his voice. I can say that that man we met was Speed o' Sound Sonic," Nadia deducted,
"You know him?" Archer inquired,
"I saw him fight Saitama and it ended pretty badly for him," Nadia explained, whilst recalling their first fight, "I also heard that he got himself arrested for causing trouble in City - Z. Guess he managed to get himself out,"
"So he's a criminal," Archer said,
"In a way, but he's more a ninja to be precise," Nadia elaborated, "But enough with this discussion, we need to get to the Shelter before whatever monster that's here gets there first,"
Nadia then pulls out two rune-inscribed crystals on hand and calls upon Assassin's aid.
"What is thy bidding?" Assassin questioned,
"Send the fastest counterpart to the Shelter and implant this crystal into the floor of the building," Nadia ordered, and hands the crystal to him,
"It shall be done," Assassin replied, materializing her fastest persona, and departs before the original reverts back to her spirit form.
"Let's go to an alleyway, the last thing is someone secretly spying on my tricks," Nadia instructed,
Nadia and co. went to an enclosed alleyway, and waited until Assassin's task was complete.
Hero Association Shelter
The Citizens that were unable to flee the city were gathered in the shelter and many were scared. Among the crowd were a few Heroes who chose to flee to the shelter rather than do their jobs.
But all of them were soon startled when Assassin arrived in the middle. At first, they were all terrified by his appearance, but some became confused as Assassin pulled out a crystal and implanted it in the center of the floor.
At the same time, the Deep Sea King had arrived at the shelter and towers before the citizens of City - J.
Back to Nadia and Co.
As soon as the crystal on Nadia's hand glowed, she nods once and strikes it into the ground as well.
Moments later, a magic circle was formed and the three of them were now in the process of being transported to the Evacuation Shelter.
Kombu Infinity glances at three rings of runes circling around them while Archer whistles at the sight of it.
Nadia then channels her mana into the crystal and twists it like a key. When the rings stood still, they simultaneously closed in on the three people at the center and everyone vanished in a split second.
Shelter
After the Deep Sea King defeated the heroes that tried to fight him. It turned its attention to the crowd with kill intent.
But hearing the arrival of Genos caught the Deep Sea King's attention and the former punches the monster straight through the wall without a moment's hesitation.
Once the hole was blown, Genos turns to the crowd and they all cheered for his swift victory.
As for the cyborg, he spots a certain someone within the crowd, 'That person...'
Before Genos could take a step further, a glow was produced and everyone near the glow had to shield their eyes while Genos waited for the light to die down.
Moments later, it reveals Nadia and her group arriving in the shelter.
Nadia looks at her surroundings and spots Genos standing by a hole in the shelter.
"Genos?" Nadia called out,
"Nadia? How did you get here so quick?" Genos questioned,
"Magic, but it ain't cheap though," Nadia replied and picks up the depleted crystal from the floor, "How about-"
Nadia widens her eyes as soon as she spotted something behind the cyborg, "Look out!"
Before Genos could turn, the Deep Sea King grabs onto Genos' arm and strikes him right across the face. Sending the cyborg straight into a wall with one less arm.
"Now I'm angry," The Deep Sea King stated, then straightens itself while revealing a large hole on its right cheek, "I will tear you to shreds,"
Nadia clicked her tongue and materializes a spear rather than a sword.
"Assassin," Nadia called out,
"Yes, Master," Assassin inquired as she appeared beside her,
"Keep the civilians out of this fight, and don't let them get near this fight," Nadia ordered,
"Understood," Assassin complied, and materializes into a few separate personas,
"Archer, You'll act my support. We need to keep this monster at bay from these citizens" Nadia ordered, and Archer nods in response, "The same goes for you, Kombu,"
"Huh? Uh... S-sure," Kombu stutteringly replied,
Nadia took notice of her behavior but focused on the current task at hand.
To this point, she and Genos know that this is going to be a tough battle to fight. But not one they could win easily...