I am a female swordsman.

"But these are just ordinary people who, through faith or skill, are able to defeat man-eating monsters. To me, someone far stronger than them, it's nothing short of a miracle." This was the message from Amon Kotaro, who had taught Mado Kureo how to effectively deal with ghouls, and who would never back down even if Quinque shattered.

Those distant memories have not faded with time.

Instead, it became a precious memory for the Yellow Springs.

"Saitama-kun, don't you think that people like me, who protect what they cherish, absolutely cannot allow anyone to desecrate it?" As the sun gradually set in the west, Yomi's exceptionally gentle face briefly overlapped with the face of the rookie investigator who had struggled in the ghoul world.

Perhaps, that initial and most precious thing has always remained deep within Huang Quan's heart, unchanged.

I don't know why...

Huang Quan always felt that this seemingly ordinary man, Saitama, might be able to resonate with her emotionally after witnessing this horrifying scene! How wonderful it would be if that sincere emotion could find a kindred spirit!

"Saturday is supermarket discount day!!"

Suddenly, Saitama's mournful cry rang in her ears. He lay sprawled on the ground, looking utterly devastated. A gust of cold wind blew by, and the smile on Huang Quan's face, which was radiating genuine emotion, began to crumble. So, all she had to say was that this guy was thinking about the price reduction day?

"If I rush over now, I should still make it in time?" Saitama grabbed his hair, trying to struggle. Because he lived in a dead city, he had to rely on his own two feet to go to other cities to shop. Saitama, who trained like crazy every day, considered going to other cities as part of his training.

But today is different! I was so engrossed in exercising that I completely forgot about the supermarket sale day!

"It's probably too late."

Huang Quan, somewhat confused, thought that if Saitama moved at the speed he had just used from the rooftop, he might be able to catch the supermarket before it closed, regardless of the impact. But wait, wait! Why was she, the behind-the-scenes boss of the super corporation Shinra, thinking about such a trivial matter?

"Looks like I'll only be able to eat vegetables from the fridge next week. Ah... I really want to eat meat."

Currently unemployed and with his income entirely dependent on luck, Mr. Saitama scratched his head vigorously, pulling out a large clump of hair...

This action made Huang Quan's eyelids twitch wildly.

At this rate, if he keeps pulling out his hair, this man will soon face premature baldness or male pattern baldness. Although it's impolite to think like this, Huang Quan's brain can't help but think about Saitama's hairstyle, as if it has a natural comedic element, which is quite comical.

But even if you pull it out, it will probably grow back.

A young man like Saitama shouldn't theoretically need to worry about hair problems.

"Mr. Mato, are you very rich?" Saitama suddenly looked up, looking like he was desperate and wanted to ask someone for some money.

"Huh! What do you want to do?" Startled, Huang Quan forced a smile.

"You..." Saitama grabbed Huang Quan's shoulder, his face raised, and gritted his teeth. "Can you teach me how to quickly get money?"

"Saitama-kun, while it's true that if you don't get caught, it's not a crime, I still hope you'll reconsider." Monsters, psychics, and martial artists. The world's order has collapsed to a certain extent; those who possess power yet remain content with poverty are always a minority, and those who uphold moral principles are even rarer.

Even within the areas controlled by Shinra, where Shinra warriors provide military protection, crimes committed by superhumans still occur from time to time.

A large portion are itinerant criminals, but it cannot be denied that some are those unwilling to put in the effort. It's not that Shinra is harsh; on the contrary, for freaks and superhumans, as long as they are willing to live peacefully, Shinra will provide excellent treatment, suitable job opportunities or research assistance projects, and create a good living environment within the community.

Even so, greed cannot be resisted.

"What are you talking about? I would never commit a crime! I want to find a job! A job! Don't you think someone like me would be suitable for a job?!"

Enraged by the questioning of his character, Saitama clenched his fist. Did he look like a criminal?!

Always on a completely different wavelength from Saitama, Huang Quan adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, unsettling flashes of white light reflecting off them. Looking for a job? Want to join Shinra? Five social insurances and one housing fund, paid leave, no 996 work schedule, gentle boss, good work environment!

Ahem, just kidding, just kidding. Shinra's work is still very hard.

However, Shinra's employees are mostly locals, and they know their efforts will improve their living environment. Therefore, they are exceptionally dedicated to their work, as it directly impacts their own and their families' interests. If they don't work hard at this, then they are truly hopeless. They need a firm hand to reform their bad habits!

Suddenly remembering the scene where Saitama claimed to occasionally enjoy being a hero, Yomi suggested something to him.

"How about becoming a professional hero?"

"Exams are too troublesome..."

"Nothing is easy, Saitama-kun."

"You're acting like a mother hen, Mado, you'll be disliked!"

And so, these two people of vastly different social standing chatted about trivial matters as they walked away, their backs to the flames burning away their sins. Hero? In this era, that's truly a word that's both cheap and luxurious.

Chapter Nineteen: The Struggle Between the Old and the New

Which squad will be on mission today?

Shinra Headquarters, Armed Forces Grounds.

In the cold, steel-toned grounds, the personnel responsible for providing logistical support for the Shinra warriors' patrols were whispering amongst themselves. Headquarters security was always a top priority, and the Shinra warriors on patrol were naturally elite soldiers.

The patrol missions at Shinra headquarters have always been carried out by No. 1.

Unless he's away on other missions.

Genesis, Shinra Corporation's strongest genius warrior!

The number of monsters and super-powered criminals he has killed is countless. Genesis's highest kill record, achieved at a young age, was against a super-fast regenerating mountain monster that destroyed several countries in the Middle East. As long as its feet touched the ground, it could regenerate indefinitely, earning it the title of the Immortal King of the Earth.

With their weapons countered, and in coordination with the Shinra garrison's Genesis, they managed to forcefully blast the massive amount of energy that the Earth King had converted from Mako Stone into the stratosphere.

So...

The nations of the Middle East were fortunate enough to witness a breathtaking spectacle of a vibrant blue-green meteor shower falling from the fiery red sky. Even the supposedly immortal monster has its limits; though its body is as solid as a mountain, it ultimately cannot withstand the energy surge of a sea of ​​Mako Stones!

This also earned Genesis the title of "Messenger of Ashes"!

One can imagine the honors and privileges such a powerful figure would enjoy within the Shinra. It's fair to say that Genesis was a hero of the Shinra!

"Wait, on the schedule, the team leader in charge of patrols today is..." The logistics support staff scanned the familiar control panel and suddenly noticed something different from usual.

"What's the difference?"

"Yes, yes, yes..." He stammered incessantly, staring incredulously at the patrol schedule for the week. The box that should have read Genesis's name instead bore a different, relatively unfamiliar name. This name had appeared on the lips of high-ranking officials multiple times over the past month.

Sephiroth!!

Just as the logistics staff were getting a little agitated, the brown-haired boy, who had walked into his familiar area as usual, saw the strange scene before him and snapped his poetry collection shut. The aloof brown-haired boy frowned; in his memory, Shinra employees wouldn't be this out of line.

"Lord Genesis!"

Someone shouted, and the employees, realizing what was happening, offered their respectful and admiring greetings. This familiar scene caused Genesis, dressed in a red leather trench coat, to overlook the earlier anomaly. The lack of perceived danger wasn't a big deal, and he didn't bother to investigate.

When Genesis approached the logistics team that was specifically there to serve him, he took out his ID card, but no one in charge took it from him for a long time.

what happened?

The strange feeling that had just subsided resurfaced, and Genesis raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion showing on his usually aloof face.

"What's wrong? If you keep delaying, the patrol mission will be delayed." He patiently reminded them to do what they were supposed to do, instead of standing there like fools.

"Um... Lord Genesis, have you seen the supervisor's information?"

"No."

Shinra Chairman Yomi, who also serves as the head of the armed forces, sends messages to No. 1 via the company's intranet, mostly reminding him not to overuse Mako Stones. Shinra warriors who have been soaked in Mako liquid can achieve legendary magical effects by using Mako Stones and physical models.

Genesis was somewhat addicted to the Magic Stones, so he naturally found Yomi's ramblings annoying.

But he couldn't very well ignore the Shinra Chairman, so he could only pretend he hadn't seen the message. This aloof, artistic young man had been somewhat troubled lately because of a certain silver-haired kid who had suddenly appeared; many people in the company were comparing him to that guy. Ha, what's there to compare?

"Excuse me, could you please move aside?"

Suddenly, a cold voice came from not far behind him. Completely unaware of when the owner of the voice had gotten so close, Genesis was startled and turned around abruptly, assuming a defensive stance! In his memory, apart from that talkative woman, there was no other person who could approach him so silently!

Holding a shoku sword almost as tall as himself, the handsome silver-haired boy stared expressionlessly at Genesis.

"Lord Genesis...your mission has changed..."

"Haven't you checked the notification yet? That's utterly negligent, No. 1. The Speaker personally conveyed this information to you, and you're already showing such disregard?"

Sephiroth interrupted him before he could finish speaking about logistics, his silver hair swaying slightly as he walked straight toward Genesis. Normally, Sephiroth wouldn't utter such provocative words, but knowing that Genesis, Shinra's No. 1, was so dismissive of news from Yomi, a strange feeling arose within him.

Impulsive, destructive, and reckless.

What is this feeling?

Genesis's deep blue-green pupils contracted slightly, exuding a dangerous aura. His clearly defined eyelids flashed with information, and a strange smile curved his lips as he reached out to stop Sephiroth.

"Of course I know about the notification, but I feel a little guilty if I don't hand over the work myself." A breath caught in his throat as Genesis' right hand slowly climbed onto the hilt of his weapon. His job had been taken by this brat! Before heading to that old woman's office, he had to teach that unruly cat a lesson. What kind of Shinra No. 1 was he?!

"So what?" Sephiroth had already noticed the obvious hostility.

"My dear junior, how about I give you some free guidance?"

The situation was threatening to spiral out of control, and the support personnel were retreating in all directions. The destructive power of the Shinra warriors was astonishing. Even the lowest-ranking third-class Shinra warriors, when fully armed, possessed the ability to wipe out an entire town area, and with systematic support operations, they were even more formidable.

Guidance? Anyone who isn't blind can smell the gunpowder in the air!

If a fight breaks out, wouldn't these logistics personnel, who have no combat capability, be the first to suffer? The slightly smarter logistics personnel, while backing down, quickly reported the situation to their superiors.

This kind of thing can be a big deal or a small deal.

It all depends on how the higher-ups handle it...

“I can tell you’re not someone who can refuse.” Sephiroth stared into Genesis’s eyes, which were similar to his own. He was also curious about the true strength of Shinra’s No. 1.

Chapter Twenty: The Ash God Envoy

Genesis and Sephiroth.

Both are warriors of Shinra.

He was equally strong, handsome, and possessed an extraordinary air about him. Such a masculine man was undeniably attractive, like a poison, irresistible. Theoretically, the two should be able to understand each other's feelings and circumstances.

But their relationship seemed to be inherently antagonistic, with a strong sense of tension even on their very first meeting.

The fight happened in an instant!

They drew their weapons almost simultaneously! However, because the distance was so close, Sephiroth's Masamune sword was drawn half a beat slower than Genesis's Western-style longsword. It was this half-beat difference that made Genesis reveal a hint of excited smile!

The red figure left trails of afterimages!

With an astonishing speed that could leave an illusion on the retina, Genesis instantly appeared above Sephiroth and stomped hard on the hilt of the Masamune sword that was about to be unsheathed!

Boom! ! !

With the force of a thousand pounds falling, the Masamune sword, along with its scabbard, was stomped into the ground by Genesis. The smooth steel plates laid out emitted a harsh, metallic scraping sound from the impact. Sephiroth, choosing not to forcefully grasp the Masamune, deftly dodged Genesis's attack, his hair fluttering as he evaded the blow.

Even after the weapons were put back in place, his cold and composed expression remained unchanged.

In fact, Sephiroth remained completely at ease, showing no intention of even glancing at Genesis. It was as if he were saying that this man was utterly unworthy of his respect!

Swipe!