The sun's light began to peak over the mountains as morning arrived. During this span, there was a beautiful mixture of shadows and illuminated nature. Alas, for most people, this wasn't how their days started. But for the resident of a lone dojo that had been established among these earthly monoliths, it was a luxury he made sure never to take for granted.
Now, some folks might be concerned about this individual living a solitary lifestyle. The reason behind that worry was that the man was eighty-one years old. However, this wasn't a poor cripple whose mind was starting to sputter. He was a renowned martial artist and, more recently, had become one of the most recognized faces in the world of heroes.
Bang was his name, although the masses knew him as Silver Fang. For anyone else, the march of time would be an obstacle that could not be overcome. Yet, for Bang, it was merely an added incentive to keep himself as healthy as possible. When fully dressed, no one would be able to discern just how physically imposing this man was. But should his shirt come off, hoo, boy, the truth will reveal itself.
But that's not relevant right now. What is important is Bang's daily routine. He woke up early, did his usual exercises, had a nice breakfast, and waited for his student to get here. Yes, student, as in singular. Despite his fame and the respect of his peers, Bang didn't have a dojo overflowing with eager souls who sought self-improvement through martial arts. Was it because the dojo was in the mountains? Was Bang a strict teacher? Were his methods too severe for the average sort?
Again, that's not particularly significant at this time. Plus, that's diving a bit too deeply into Bang's life. Everyone deserves privacy, be they your average Joe or the third-strongest hero on the planet. Let's not make nuisances of ourselves by sticking our noses where they don't belong.
Anyway, Charanko, the previously mentioned student, came to the dojo not long after his sensei was ready to receive him. Charanko was...dedicated. Yeah, that's what he was. I mean, it is undeniably impressive that he is able to climb up the stairs that went from the dojo to the base of the mountain every day. So, he has that going for him.
Staying on topic, Charanko and Bang proceeded with their usual lessons. Occasionally, Bang might throw in a surprise or two to make sure his student was ready to adapt at a moment's notice. You could have all the training and physical prowess that there was to obtain, and none of it amounted to anything unless you could use it properly. That's what separated martial artists from thugs in the streets who throw their weight around to get what they want.
From the morning to noon, the only break in the training was for lunch. When the meal was eaten, and everything was cleaned, the mentor and his pupil resumed. By the time the afternoon was upon them, Charanko was fairly sweaty and tired, while Bang was no different. For the remainder of the day, the aspiring trainee would take it easy with some small chores before-
Ring...Ring...Ring...Ring...
A phone? Up here? In this dojo? Eh, yes and no. In the sense that what was ringing was a communication device, like a phone, that was true. However, to Bang's dismay, it wasn't something so simple and traditional. It was a complicated gadget that had been given to him by the Hero Association.
Unfortunately, whenever that gizmo rang, it was never good. After accepting the call, Bang was informed of an impending threat to City Z and the surrounding area. The mountain range that housed Bang's dojo was in the danger zone. Sure, he could abandon it, but that'd be disgraceful. Call it foolishness, but his pride and legacy meant a great deal to Bang, meaning he'd be willing to die to protect it.
After advising Charanko to seek shelter, Bang headed for the Association's office in City Z. To not waste time, he leaped across the rooftops of the buildings when he got there. If anyone were still around to see him, all they'd witness was a blur. The earlier emphasis on Bang's remarkable physicality was not done with exaggeration.
As expected, no one was there to greet Bang. He entered an abandoned structure and made his way to the roof. At the top, he came face-to-face with the disaster that had summoned him. A celestial mass that is known as a meteor.
Was Bang one of those martial artists? You know, the ones who claim they have techniques and skills but instead have superpowers and a laser light show? Was the great hero Silver Fang about to bend his knees and unleash a radiant beam that would shatter the flaming mass of rock barreling through the atmosphere?
No. Bang was not magical. There would be no miraculous transformation or perfectly timed deus-ex machinas. All he had was his strength and unique style known as: "Water stream rock smashing fist". Was that enough?
...
...
...
Bang closed his eyes. There was no point in being afraid. When your back is against the wall, and there's nothing left to do, all that remains is what you have to give. Here, at this moment, Bang was willing to fight and potentially die for the sake of the city, its people, and his dojo. Maybe, if luck is favorable, there could be some-
FWOOM
Suddenly, a deafening eruption of fire happened nearby. Bang opened his eyes and tracked the sound to its source. Ascending from below was a machine with a pristinely polished metallic body. Well, well, another hero answered the call.
This new face was Metal Knight. The simplest way to describe him was to imagine using a wrecking ball to hammer a nail. Every problem could be solved with enough excessive force. Why bother with any other method when overwhelming supremacy was always successful?
"Metal Knight," Bang called out, earning the robot's attention.
"Silver Fang?" A voice spoke from the mechanical marvel. Obviously, it was the man responsible for its creation. "What're you doing here?" He asked.
"I live close by." Bang answered.
"I know, but you could've escaped. Why didn't you?" Metal Knight questioned.
"And leave everything I have to be destroyed? Nonsense." Bang replied.
"You can rebuild your dojo, Silver Fang." Metal Knight said.
"There'd be no point. If I am not willing to defend it, even against insurmountable opposition, then I am not fit to have it at all." Bang explained.
"..." Metal Knight was silent for a second. Was he impressed? Or did he think his colleague's mindset was misguided? "Well, let's hope your involvement will be unneeded." He told him.
After that, the robot's head turned and focused on the meteor. A few noises came from its body, and then...
FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
An assortment of guided missiles were launched from Metal Knight's back. They spun through the air, each of them aiming at the same location on the meteor. When the missiles made it to their destination, they converged and caused a spectacle like no other.
BOOM
The detonation generated a sonic boom. The shockwave shattered multiple windows below. The sky was filled with a sprawling black cloud of smoke illuminated by fire. For ten seconds, it seemed as though the crisis had been averted. Sadly, after they passed, the smoke was pierced by the meteor. The missiles hadn't even dented it.
"Not potent enough..." Metal Knight muttered. "Or maybe it was the quantity? Possibly the point of contact..." He continued.
"Anything else, Metal Knight?" Bang inquired with a sideways glance.
"Afraid not. This was nothing more than a weapon test." Metal Knight responded, now looking at him. "You still have plenty of time to escape." He mentioned.
"As do you," Bang said, returning his attention to the meteor. "Go on, now. No sense in letting your expensive weapon get destroyed." He instructed.
Normally, Metal Knight was quite apathetic towards people, including his fellow heroes. But seeing someone like Silver Fang so casually throw away his life struck a nerve. How could anyone be so-
...
...
...
What just happened is difficult to describe. Without any warning, everything changed. The entire environment, be it on the ground or in the sky, was overtaken by a bright purple light. The cause of this illumination was a massive sphere of energy that had seemingly appeared from nowhere and hit the meteor. A more logical explanation is that the sphere had traveled at a speed that was so fast that its emergence was perceived as instantaneous.
All of that transpired in a single second. In those that followed, the meteor was consumed by the sphere. Its energy spread across the meteor, and then, poof. No, that word isn't being used for comical effect. Bang and Metal Knight witnessed that colossal celestial object be reduced to ash as though it were nothing. The particles wouldn't even reach the city as the wind carried them away.
Understandably, both men were shocked to their cores. Was that an act of God? Seriously, was it?! How else would you interpret that?!
Neither man could speak, blink, or think. Each of them was far too stunned. Maybe...that had been the Tornado of Terror? But...her energy was green, right? That was most certainly purple! So, it wasn't her...was it?
Without saying anything, Metal Knight blasted off. The man behind the machine set it to autopilot so he wouldn't need to deal with it. As for Bang, he remained where he was. It could be several minutes, possibly an hour or more, before this poor fellow was able to do something with himself.
Meanwhile...
The Subterraneans were astounded. Each of their jaws was open, and their red eyes shined brightly. Xiomara, while impressed, wasn't nearly as impacted as her guards. She'd already been exposed to Boros' power and Saitama's as well. Not much can really rattle you after a one-two punch like that.
"Wow. You weren't kidding. That was child's play," Saitama commented, hands in his pockets.
"It was still impressive, though!" Genos exclaimed, eyes filled with adoration. "I hope to achieve such power someday! If I do, then no enemy shall ever defeat me again!" He carried on.
"Easy there, Genos," Boros warned him, lowering her hand. "Being a powerhouse means nothing if you're an idiot. I faced many armies who had supposed super weapons or doomsday devices, and yet, they were swatted like any other insect. Simply put, Any mongrel can swing a big stick around, but only a warrior can sharpen it into a spear." She told him.
"Whoa, that's profound," Saitama said, impressed by her words.
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Boros asked with a squint.
"Because, Boros, you are the living equivalent of a battering ram." Saitama bluntly answered, making her gasp.
"How DARE you!" Boros exclaimed, putting a hand on her chest. "I'll have you know that Melzargard regularly trains me to better myself as a proper fighter. What about YOU, hm? Do YOU know anything other than punching?" She challenged.
"Yeah, I got some moves," Saitama confirmed. "But I'm not going to share them." He added.
"..." Boros squinted at him again. "...You're a liar," She accused.
"Nope. I just don't want to share them. A hero needs to have secret weapons." Saitama insisted.
"Understood!" Genos chimed in. He was eating this conversation up. Plenty of valuable mental notes were being obtained.
"Genos, don't listen to him," Boros said, getting closer to Saitama. "He just can't admit that he's more of a battering ram than I am." She argued.
"So claims the woman who tries to solve every problem with a beatdown." Saitama countered.
"Excuse us!"
That was a simultaneous shout from all of the Subterraneans, Xiomara excluded. When the trio looked at the men, they were staring at Boros, specifically.
"Please, Miss! Tell us your name!" One of the Subterraneans requested.
"Oh! Right, I've not been introduced properly," Boros realized. "I am known as Lady Boros. My title is Dominator of the Universe. I have conquered every notable section of the cosmos and have asserted myself as superior to all others." She stated before pointing to Saitama. "Except for this chrome dome here," She added.
"CHROME DOME?" Saitama questioned with widened eyes, slowly turning his head to look at her.
"Sorry, battering rams aren't good with names," Boros apologized.
"Miss!" Another of the Subterraneans interjected, preventing further squabbling. "When you say cosmos, do you refer to the lights in the sky? That infinite darkness that is illuminated by breathtaking colors and sights?" He inquired.
"Mhm. You got it." Boros confirmed with a nod.
Briefly, there was silence. Then, this happened:
THUMP
All of the Subterraneans, Xiomara excluded, fell to their knees and bowed before Boros.
"You are a goddess! You come from the heavens and grace us with your presence!" The same Subterranean declared with his head lowered.
"HEY!" Xiomara yelled in alarm. She could stay quiet no longer. "Have you forgotten about me?! I'm your queen, remember! You worship ME." She asserted.
"Of course, your majesty. But surely you recognize the grandness of this woman?" A different Subterranean responded as he pointed at Boros. "We have always dreamed of what lies beyond the planet. She has not only traveled through it but conquered it, too. We could never accomplish that! Only a goddess would be capable!" He reasoned.
"...Well...I...don't know about NEVER..." Xiomara muttered, trying to figure out a rebuttal. "After I defeated the other clans, we surely would've set our sights on the unknown..." She continued, not wanting to lose her status among her people.
"Hey," Boros spoke, getting the Subterraneans to look at her. "Listen to me. Don't interrupt. I want you to answer some questions." She told them, folding her arms. "Has your queen always gone above and beyond for you?" She asked.
"Yes! Always! Queen Xiomara ensured the prosperity of our civilization!" One of the Subterraneans answered.
"Has she proven beyond all doubt that she deserves to rule?" Boros pressed.
"Absolutely! Queen Xiomara singlehandedly faced all of the Subterranean warriors simultaneously and achieved victory. No one has ever come close to replicating that feat." Another Subterranean shared.
"Do you value her above everything else? If I were to command you to turn on her, would you?" Boros inquired.
"NEVER! You may be a goddess from above, but our loyalty is to our queen!" A third Subterranean replied.
BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM
Like a machine gun, Boros delivered swift blows to each of the Royal Guards' heads.
"THEN SHOW THAT, MORONS!" Boros barked, fist tightly clenched. "Do you know how much of an insult this is to her?! You're her security, right? Those who she has entrusted to be her shields. Yet, without any consideration for her, you're throwing yourself at MY feet! If I saw my elites do this crap, it'd be horrible! It'd make me question everything I thought about them and our relationship! So, you better start bowing to her and beg for forgiveness!" She ordered.
Everyone was taken aback, but it was Saitama, Genos, and Xiomara who were affected the most. None of them expected Boros to do something so nice. As for the Subterraneans, they took her scolding to heart. They immediately got to their feet and surrounded their queen.
"We're so sorry, your grace," The leader of the bunch apologized, followed by each of them kneeling. "We humiliated you. We dishonored ourselves and our positions. Please, deliver punishment." He said.
Xiomara was still trying to process Boros' kindness. It'd be a few more seconds until she addressed her guards and settled this mess. During that, Saitama and Genos focused on Boros.
"That was sweet of you," Saitama complimented her, which made her smile.
"Thank you," Boros responded, grateful for the praise. "Sincerely, though, I'd say that regardless of who is receiving it. I KNOW I'm boastful, but I would never want to steal someone's status or position. Yes, I'm aware of how ironic that is coming from the leader of a band of thieves, but we claimed treasures and technology. As for renown, I EARNED that. I worked hard for it. No one, be they Xiomara or otherwise, should have their effort undermined and made to seem lesser by comparison. That's just wrong." She stated.
"Is that why you're so passionate about Master's recognition?" Genos asked. Upon hearing that, Saitama shot the cyborg a startled expression, but it was unnoticed.
"That's correct, Genos. Saitama is the strongest person in the universe, not just in this world. There's no other way he could be my better where strength and power are concerned. He should be celebrated for his achievement, and yet, the populace of this planet is ignorant of him. Just thinking about it tightens my muscles and makes me curl my fingers..." Boros answered, sneering at the end.
"H-Hey! It's no big deal!" Saitama quickly exclaimed. "We're working things out with the Association! Soon, I'll have stuff like posters and fan clubs!" He assured her.
Thankfully, before the cat could get any closer to escaping the bag, Xiomara and her guards approached the trio.
"Pardon me," Xiomara called, ending that conversation. "May I suggest something to you three?" She requested.
"Huh? Uh, sure," Saitama permitted, accompanied by nods from Boros and Genos. All three of them were confused by this development.
"As I've been talking with my men, the idea of introducing you three to the rest of our species presented itself. I know we were meant to spend the day focusing on humanity's wonders, but it would mean a great deal to all of us if you were our first-ever honored guests." Xiomara proposed.
"Really? You'd take us to where you guys live?" Saitama questioned, admittedly flattered by the invitation.
"If we are to continue our relationship, such a thing is unavoidable. I'd prefer it to be on our terms where we can have a proper welcome for you." Xiomara said.
"Wow. I'm...kind of a at loss..." Saitama confessed. "What do you two think?" He inquired.
"A queen has invited us to her kingdom. I'm not one for stuffy social customs, yet I still acknowledge and respect them, especially if they come from someone I know personally. To me, it'd be incredibly rude of us to decline." Boros told him.
"In addition to everything Boros has expressed, I think this would be beneficial for all of us. Even though you do not need assistance in bettering yourself, Master, the Subterraneans could still have things that would pique your interest. Lastly, since this is coming from Xiomara, there's no risk of it being a trap. There's no reason not to accept." Genos told him.
"Well, I guess it's decided, then," Saitama said with a smile. "Thank you for the invitation, Xiomara. We'd love to visit your home." He told her.
"Wonderful!" Xiomara cheered, clapping her hands. "Men, please go ahead of us and inform everyone. When you're done, send someone back as our escort. I don't want to take our guests there until preparations have been made." She instructed.
The Royal Guards all saluted. Then, they hurried back into the store to use the tunnels they had already made. Saitama and the rest would keep themselves busy by pursuing the building's contents until the escort came. Next stop, the Subterranean kingdom!