FWOOSH
"That's good! Keep it up!"
FWOOM
"Are you alright?"
"Yes! Don't stop!"
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Four magma swords collided with and fizzled against a psychic barrier. The top-ranked B-Class hero, Hellish Blizzard, was sparring with the Subterranean King. These morning practice battles had become a routine ever since the regal non-human was mostly back to normal. Doctor Genus, who was his caretaker, permitted the idea so long as the fights never got too rowdy.
Since Zombieman also had to come here every day, Fubuki offered him a ride in her car, which he greatly appreciated. Fubuki was balancing her duties as Slugerous' mentor and keeping the Subterranean King company. As time went on, these two were forming a unique friendship. Sure, this relationship may have been born from unusual circumstances, but they genuinely enjoyed each other.
Funnily enough, that's why these newly formed friends were fighting. As the duo's conversations continued, more meaningful subject matter was explored. The Subterranean King expressed his guilt and disgust that he couldn't protect his people due to his weakness. Although Fubuki didn't agree with that perception, she fully understood how he reached that conclusion. When she looked at herself in a mirror, she couldn't stop from seeing a shallow recreation of her sister. Upon hearing that, the roles were reversed.
The pair went back and forth, trying to convince the other how wrong their mindset was. Eventually, the Esper and the King realized that they were essentially speaking to themselves. A heavy sigh and sad chuckle later, Fubuki had the idea that brings us to the present. What if they worked together to overcome their mental burdens and become more than they are now?
After witnessing the extent of Fubuki's power, the Subterranean King agreed. However, even if she wasn't the impressive psychic that she is, it's not as if he had anything to worry about. The Subterranean King wouldn't have attacked her with killer intent or something similar. While neither one pulled punches, they were still aware that this was sparring and nothing else.
"I...can't help...but feel as though...your powers...are a type of cheating..." The Subterranean King playfully remarked. The pauses between his words were due to his focus being taken by his swords as they pressed against the psychic shield.
"Heh...you're...one to talk...you're not back to normal just yet...but still...you have this much strength to give..." Fubuki replied, having the same issue of focus with her speech as she kept her opponent at bay.
The dualists stayed like this for several minutes. Whenever the Subterranean King pushed Fubuki back, she reclaimed the lost ground by exerting more power. It was a shoving match between two figures who despised the thought of relinquishing any number of inches. They also couldn't easily separate since the slightest opening would allow for several counterattack opportunities.
"...Stalemate?..." The Subterranean King suggested.
"...Yeah..." Fubuki agreed.
With a shared sigh, the match was over. So far, this is how each sparring session ended. Since neither participant wanted to win at all costs, they weren't going to use their strongest moves to obtain victory. Ultimately, it came down to a battle of the minds in which both sides were equal.
"I must say, you are impenetrable," The Subterranean King complimented, making her smile.
"Thank you. But if anyone deserves credit, it's you. You've shown me blindspots that I didn't know I had. The way you fight is like a hunter who is deliberately exploiting the vulnerabilities of its prey." Fubuki responded.
"Well, that is a core aspect of the Subterranean style of combat. As we are beneath all, ambushes and traps are most effective. But should the opening move fail to be a killing blow, then we must adapt and assess." The Subterranean King explained.
"Hmm, so studying every aspect of an adversary and the environment is crucial to you?" Fubuki pressed, eager to learn more.
"Absolutely. If you have achieved victory on a mental level, having considered all factors and outcomes, then you have already won." The Subterranean King stated, only to look away right after. "That is unless you don't consider the unexpected. As I have learned, imagination is the greatest tool at your disposal..." He whispered.
Gah! Damn it! Fubuki didn't mean to upset her friend with her questioning. She needed to keep his mind off that topic quickly!
"I wonder what the others are up to?" Fubuki pondered aloud, folding her arms. "When Zombieman and I got here, the clones whisked him away as fast as they could. It seemed important." She noted.
"True, it was odd," The Subterranean King agreed. Yes! It worked! "Before your arrival, there was a buzz in the air. From how I understand it, the good doctor sent Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity to do something." He shared.
"Huh, interesting..." Fubuki muttered. "Say, wanna get something to drink while we try to figure it out?" She proposed.
"A beverage does sound nice," The Subterranean King admitted as the duo headed for the combat room's exit.
Nearby, In A Secure Laboratory...
As much as he hated to admit it, Zombieman couldn't deny that watching Doctor Genus work was something special. Even by himself, the man was inhumanely efficient and swift. Doctor Genus had instructed the clones to go about their daily tasks and such to avoid making Fubuki and the Subterranean King suspicious. As of now, the only people who were allowed to know about what was happening were himself, Mosquito Girl, Kombu Infinity, the clones, Zombieman, and the world's strongest hero.
"I...appreciate you telling me about this..." Zombieman hesitantly said, standing remarkably close to his creator. Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity, also in the room, were amazed by the men's proximity to one another and that Zombieman would attempt any conversation.
"If I didn't, I'd be staring down a barrel. Or, maybe it'd be a glistening blade sharpened for dismemberment." Dr. Genus replied while typing. For a brief second, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at the undead hero. "That wasn't a jab, by the way. Just a statement of fact." He clarified, not wanting to incite tension or conflict accidentally.
"I know. You're good." Zombieman assured him.
Afterward, silence took the room again. Zombieman, Mosquito Girl, and Kombu Infinity were waiting for Doctor Genus to speak to them more directly or for something to happen. He was typing away at a terminal that was connected to a device that could be referred to as a "gene bath". It was the apparatus from which clones and genetic modifications were produced. It was also used to resurrect anyone who had been killed.
As of now, there was an undefined mass of musculature and bone within the machine's tube. Doctor Genus was preparing for the next stage of development. He'd studied the sample enough. Any missing components were easily replaceable. Doctor Genus assumed he'd have to rely on the resources his organization created. Instead, the aid in completing the damaged chunk of meat came from the samples collected from the remains of the Deep Sea King's loyalists. If there were any remaining doubts about who was being revived, that pretty much removed them.
Unfortunately, Mosquito Girl didn't get her chance to talk to Kombu Infinity. As Doctor Genus told them before they departed, Zombieman was already in transit. The window of time before he arrived as they were fulfilling their mission was incredibly small. So, it was only a disappointment, not a surprise, that when the duo returned, their mentor was waiting for them. And, as mentioned, the clones were in the process of telling him that he needed to speak to Doctor Genus about something important.
Mosquito Girl's concern for Kombu Infinity wasn't isolated to her. Doctor Genus and Zombieman, while supportive just as she was, were also worried about how the young Seafolk would handle the remade Deep Sea King. Rather fittingly, the geneticist and the undead hero provided a perfect example of what it might be like. Yes, it wasn't a one-to-one comparison, as Doctor Genus was trying to reform himself, his organization, and his creations. Comparatively, the Deep Sea King would still be the posh bastard he'd always been.
Even if Kombu Infinity was able to taunt and ridicule the former Seafolk ruler, which they would be, there's no telling how their emotions would react. They might act calm now, but when put into a scenario like that, it could cause them to lose their compos-
Suddenly, piano music filled the air. Everyone looked at Zombieman, who was just as surprised as them. He reached into his jacket, finding that it was, indeed, his phone that was the source. Yet, the undead hero wouldn't be able to ask who the caller was since they started speaking the instant the connection was established.
"Zombieman!" The voice of Metal Knight exclaimed. Immediately, that was a red flag. Metal Knight was one of the calmest people Zombieman knew, even in a crisis. "We need you to return to City Z! Bring the others as well! We're under siege by an unknown threat! I repeat, City Z is being attacked by a mysterious enemy!" He declared.
The proceeding actions were instinctive. Any questions and comments were issued while in motion. Doctor Genus remained in his lab since there was nothing he could contribute. Zombieman, with Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity in tow, hurried to find Fubuki and the Subterranean King. Regarding the latter, he'd only be expected to help if he agreed to come with them, which was likely due to his friendship with the former.
Meanwhile, In City Z...
"LAUNCH ME!"
FWOOSH
CLANG
A deafening metallic sound filled the sky. Tanktop Master had launched Metal Bat by allowing him to step onto his hands. This tag team resulted in Metal Bat being flung toward one of the many fragments of the falling meteors. When he reached it, he delivered a mighty blow to the rock with his weapon, successfully dealing damage to it.
Afterward, Kamakyuri arrived via his wings. He grabbed onto Metal Bat and returned him to Tanktop Master. The meteor fragment, although damaged, was still intact. But Metal Bat's role was only to damage it and the rest.
Once there was no risk of friendly fire, a powerful shot of artillery was given by one of Metal Knight's robots. Thanks to One Punch Man's approval of a new factory close by, Metal Knight and Child Emperor were able to call upon many mechanical marvels to assist with the meteors. Of course. Metal Knight was sending even more from his location since they needed all the help they could get.
However, Metal Knight's military might wasn't the only weapon employed. Carnage Kabuto and Beast King were actively attacking the meteors as they came toward the planet. Carnage Kabuto had wings, so he was able to start attacking the moment they arrived. Beast King could do the same but needed to be more careful. He rocketed into the sky with his powerful legs and then, after reaching a meteor and breaking it apart, leaped to another. Beast King's presence in the air depended on him not allowing himself to fall.
From the ground, Metal Knight's war machines weren't alone. Genos' blasts of intense heat could melt and disintegrate the debris. Pochi, who could fire terrifyingly powerful energy beams, was being guided by King, who stood on his back. If Saitama were here, he'd be proud of his best friend and how he not only directed Pochi but also how he coordinated and assigned roles to S-Class.
Everything that was happening was according to King's battle plan. All the man could rely on at a time like this was his extensive experience and knowledge of video games. Instantly, a classic arcade title that mirrored this situation surfaced in King's mind. He then ran through everything he knew about S-Class and how best they could be deployed.
Tanktop Master and Superalloy Darkshine were bound to the ground, but they could throw Metal Bat and Atomic Samurai at the meteors. The strength of the former and the swordsmanship of the latter could damage the meteors and their fragments. Carnage Kabuto and Beast King were given the same task since their physical output was the biological equivalent of what Metal Knight's machines were capable of. Kamakyuri and Child Emperor were assigned to support roles for Metal Bat and Atomic Samurai, ensuring that they had safe landings.
Drive Knight transformed into the combat mode named: Flying Chariot. He soared through the sky and prevented the debris from getting too close. King also requested that he prioritize assessing the situation as it unfolded. Drive Knight agreed with this and relayed all important information and updates to Metal Knight and Child Emperor, who could easily relay it to the rest.
Silver Fang, Flashy Flash, Pig God, Captain Mizuki, Mumen Rider, Armored Gorilla, Frog Man, and Ground Dragon were tasked with evacuating City Z. These individuals were chosen either because of their speed or because there wasn't much they could do to help, as hard as that might've been to hear. Slugerous was sent back to the apartments to gather the Blizzard Bunch so they could do the same. Obviously, the non-humans had to be accompanied by at least one hero to avoid scaring the civilians. Then again, every person in City Z was probably too busy panicking over the endless rain of meteors.
Watchdog Man had returned to his city after the morning meeting, so he wasn't here to assist. Puri Puri Prisoner would've been a great help, but, well, that one explains itself. Blast hadn't emerged, but it's not as if any of them expected him to. Thus, we're left with only one hero.
The Tornado of Terror was struggling. It wasn't the amount of meteors that overwhelmed her, nor was it the city-wide barrier she erected to protect everyone. When she tried her drill maneuver again, it was deflected. The Esper's power hadn't been suppressed, but it was actively being blocked whenever she tried to get involved directly.
Being met with constant resistance brought buried memories to the surface. A cold metal room. A facility filled with gadgets and gizmos. Men and women who conducted unregulated scientific experimentation. A frightened child who cowered in the corner, just wanting it to end.
Such recollections filled the Tornado of Terror with fire. She despised the past and everything it held. Whoever was responsible for this would feel her wrath. She'd repay this turmoil tenfold!
But...how? Nothing the Tornado of Terror attempted worked. She wasn't just floating in the sky doing nothing. She helped to obliterate the meteors' fragments after the physical powerhouses had done their thing. She also strengthened her barrier and empowered her allies to make their attacks hit harder.
Sadly, any other ideas or attempts from the Esper, no matter how strong, were met with the same conclusion. An incomprehensibly powerful force was guarding the meteors from her. By now, she was able to recognize it as psychic energy, but that didn't make any sense! How could there be an Esper this strong?! Furthermore, WHERE were they?!
The Tornado of Terror attempted to find the precise location of the energy's source. Of course, like with her attacks, that was prevented. Even so, she obtained a direction. Whoever the culprit was came from the infinite horizon of space. Did...that mean this was an alien or something? Could...it even be...something more?
There was no time to dwell on that. The meteors kept coming, and everyone needed to pull their weight. As time passed, it felt as though this would go on forever. How could there be so many rocks in space that were close enough for this celestial onslaught?! Where were they being pulled from?!
It didn't matter. There HAD to be a limit. The heroes would fight on until victory was theirs. When the rest of Metal Knight's weapons arrived, then they'd be able to secure an absolute defense. They just needed to-
FWOOSH
Within the blink of an eye, the situation changed. Every meteor, regardless of whether they were damaged or not, stopped moving. The same applied to any pieces that had been broken off, no matter their size. Then, before the heroes could react, all of the meteors and their pieces were pulled toward the highest point of the atmosphere.
BOOM
The meteors and their pieces violently exploded. The cause was a burst of psychic energy that had been detonated at each of their centers. When that was finished, all of the parts were brought together and made into an asteroid. The entire thing was being kept together by the power that had been responsible thus far.
The asteroid was a world-ending threat. If it collided with the planet, so much would be lost. The heroes couldn't form an estimate, but it wouldn't be outlandish to consider that a fourth of the Earth would be impacted. It might even be as horrifying as half.
However, just like the meteors that came before it, this newly-made asteroid didn't start plummeting right away. What were these periods of peace before the danger? Was the unknown entity being generous, or was it a type of taunt?
"EVERYONE!" King yelled at the top of his lungs, earning his allies' attention. "DON'T REACT! DON'T GET EMOTIONAL! WHAT YOU SEE IS A PROBLEM! EVERY PROBLEM HAS A SOLUTION! FOCUS ON THAT! FIND THE SOLUTION!" He ordered.
King was right. There was no sense in shouting, screaming, reacting, etc. When you broke down the situation, you had only a single obstacle and two potential outcomes. Either the asteroid was destroyed, or it wasn't. No one wanted the second ending, so every hero needed to think hard if they wanted to get the first.
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The asteroid descended. The clock was ticking. Every mind was busily working. There had to be an answer. Find it.
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"TORNADO!" Isamu cried out, eyes shooting open. "YOU NEED TO MAKE ANOTHER DRILL! THE BIGGEST ONE YOU CAN MANAGE!" He instructed.
"If I do, I won't be able to keep the barrier going!" Tatsumaki replied via telepathy.
"IT'S OUR ONLY OPTION! WE NEED ALL OF YOUR POWER TO PULL THIS OFF!" Isamu insisted, now looking at the heroes on the ground. "Metal Knight, Genos, and Pochi need to fire everything they have at Tornado once her drill is ready and spinning at top speed! Alongside her psychic power, she'll attack the asteroid with what you can provide!" He exclaimed.
"A combined strike. That's perfect." Metal Knight said, impressed by his younger peer. "TORNADO, CAN YOU ENSURE THAT MY PROJECTILES AREN'T DESTROYED AS YOU TRAVEL?" He asked. None of his machines were close to the Esper, hence the need to yell.
"Easily! The drill will draw in all of your attacks without me needing to do it actively. I'll just have to keep everything separated and intact, which isn't an issue!" Tatsumaki responded.
"By now, the others have secured most of the populace. The potential for casualties is unavoidable. Damage to the city will be inconceivable. The entire area might be reduced to dust, but it won't be made a crater. The Association's bunkers and shelters can withstand the impacts of the fragments. As Child Emperor stated, this is the most optimal course to take." Drive Knight told everyone.
"ALRIGHT THEN!" King shouted, folding his arms to look more authoritative. "FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO AREN'T PARTICIPATING, FOCUS ON KEEPING US AND YOURSELVES SAFE! DO NOT TRY TO PROTECT THE BUILDINGS! BY NOW, EVEN THE APARTMENTS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED! IT'S JUST US AND THE ASTEROID!" He told them.
"GOT IT!" The others replied in unison.
This was it. The finale of this ordeal. True to her namesake, the world's most powerful Esper created a tornado of psychic power around herself. When the surging energy and rambunctious winds were corralled, a neon green drill manifested.
Metal Knight locked on to the Esper and fired all of his most devastating munitions. Pochi inhaled deeply, dug his nails into the ground, and then unleashed the most powerful blast he could. Genos, knowing the stakes at play, ripped apart his shirt and opened his chest. From within, he removed the core that powered his body, inserted it into his arm, and used as much of its power as he was able to without killing himself.
However, before Genos fired, Drive Knight joined him at his side. Silently, he revealed his power core. There was no need to explain. Both of these cybernetic heroes worked together to create an even stronger output.
A fleet of missiles, bombs, rockets, and various other ballistics. A pillar of primal energy. A streak of fire that could burn the sun. Each of these things was capable of immense damage. Together, they could destroy multiple cities.
The Tornado of Terror accepted all of it. Combined with her psychic power, the attack that flew toward the asteroid was only surpassed by the strongest this world had to offer. Was this a suitable replacement for One Punch Man's strength? Could S-Class manage without him?
Every breath was held as the drill flew higher. No one dared to avert their gaze at the crucial moment. When contact was made, an explosion overtook the sky. Its blue hue was temporarily replaced with the darkest shade of black. There was no concern for the Tornado of Terror's safety since she'd obviously protect herself no matter what.
The smoke prevented anyone from seeing the result for a few seconds. Yet, it was rapidly dissipated by the drill and the winds it generated. The asteroid was damaged, but still together. The impact caused a multitude of cracks to appear across the contact zone.
The Tornado of Terror blocked everything out. The only thing that mattered was defeating this asteroid. No, wait, not the asteroid. Her foe was whoever kept her at bay. The mysterious entity.
"I...won't...let you..." Tatsumaki thought with gritted teeth. She stared at the asteroid with pure hatred. "I...don't know...who you are...what you are...but I...don't...care..." She continued. The drill was starting to dig into the asteroid. "I...won't...rely on him...I...can protect myself...everyone...Fubuki...I...am...not...WEAK!" She concluded.
The drill continued to burrow, but it was at a snail's pace. As it moved, so did the asteroid. The timer was ticking down. It didn't matter what it took; this battle wouldn't be lost!
The Tornado of Terror unleashed a guttural scream, but not of pain. She exerted everything she had, psychically and physically. The toll this took on the Esper was dangerous. Her bones started straining, and her heart was racing.
Soon, the taste of blood entered the mouth. Internal damage was happening, and all of it was felt. Despite that, the Tornado of Terror pressed on. The drill dug deeper and deeper and deeper. Eventually, she found herself at the center of the asteroid.
From all sides, the Tornado of Terror felt the crushing weight of the opposing psychic power. It wasn't trying to harm or kill her; that's just how imposing it was. It genuinely felt as though she was in an industrial compactor, the kind you'd see used on vehicles in scrapyards. Yet, like before, this was the weakest point.
All of the power was being used on the outside of the asteroid. Additionally, since it was an amalgamation of multiple things, the power was being divided among them. Simply put, each piece of the asteroid was encased in an isolated barrier, with a larger one being used to keep them close. The microscopic amount of space between these barriers could be viewed as unintended cracks, which the Tornado of Terror intended to exploit.
The drill disappeared as the psychic energy used to create it was pulled inward. Everything that the Tornado of Terror could give was concentrated at her core. When it was ready, she released the power. The resulting outburst pushed the asteroid's pieces apart, which, when combined with the outburst, broke through the barrier that held them together.
When that happened, the smaller barriers on the pieces also faltered. Before they could be re-applied, the Tornado of Terror's outburst obliterated them. Chunks or fragments, everything was damaged and reduced in size. There would still be massive collateral to the city below, but doomsday had been averted.
Unfortunately, it came at a cost. Consciousness was fading. Everything hurt. The scent, taste, and warmth of blood were all present. And, most alarmingly, there was nothing left to use. So, the plummet was underway.
The series of events that followed did so as a slideshow from the Tornado of Terror's perspective. Slide one, she saw the asteroid's remains above her as she fell. Slide two, someone, likely Kamakyuri or Carnage Kabuto, caught the Esper in their arms. Slide three, they were back on the ground, and loud noises came from every direction. Slide four, everything blurred before darkness arrived.
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"I'm sorry, sir. I underestimated the cleverness and strength of the opposition. Speaking of the majority, they ARE an unremarkable species. But it would appear as though the exceptions are far beyond expectation."
"It's alright. It wouldn't make sense for someone as supposedly strong as myself to exist within a world that has no notable life forms. Besides, this was a test, after all."
"Yes, but it was meant to be a test for our main target. That person didn't even appear, which is strange since this is where he lives. All of my reconnaissance has guided us to this location. Unless the entire population of the planet is cooperating in a lie, that fact is undeniable."
"I don't doubt it. But, if anything, this adds more credibility to the seer's vision. I would not bother with something as basic as an asteroid. I would have my elites, such as yourself, deal with it. Based on what we've observed, those who reacted to the asteroid must be this man's elites. Or whatever the equivalent to your position would be."
"Regardless if that is true or not, sir, what do we do now? We've essentially announced ourselves. Avoiding detection isn't a problem, but they will be on guard and constantly searching for the responsible party. I know that Esper could sense me, especially when I became more involved. What is our next step?"
"Continue observing the life forms who reside in the area. We'll keep our distance for the next few days, possibly a week. If we haven't seen our target in that time, then we'll make contact. However, it won't be with a different assault. These organisms have shown by overcoming this threat that they are not to be taken lightly. It will be a proper encounter."
"Understood. I shall inform Melzargard, Groribas, and the rest of the crew. Will that be all, Lord Boros?"
"Yes. Thank you, Geryuganshoop."