My Ultimate Creation

"'Shield of Wisdom.'"

Great Philosopher braced as Faultless Marionette launched the luminous spear-shaped mass of thread toward him. The impact slammed into his raised book. Fortunately, the thread spear came to a halt before it pierced through to the other side. But the force still managed to send him sliding backward, his feet carving jagged trenches through the pavement.

Faultless Marionette's skeletal body then twisted, its torso rotating 180 degrees with unnatural puppet-like fluidity. From its other hand, yellow threads streamed from each fingertip, spiraling and coiling into a dense, saber-like blade. The blade lashed downward in a whip-like arc, aimed at Suiko as she darted in from the left.

She lunged sideways just as the blade struck, gouging a deep split into the ground where she had stood. Concrete erupted into dust, the saber of thread shredding the road like paper.

I cannot allow myself to be struck even once.

Great Philosopher reappeared beside her.

"Miss, I cannot defend from another strike. We had best go all out."

He was right. They had been on the defensive for too long, and exhaustion was catching up with them.

Faultless Marionette raised its arms. In an instant, the two weapons shaped from thread retracted back into its fingertips before its scorched wooden hands clenched into fists.

"You both… to achieve perfection... will remain whole."

Suiko exchanged a nod with Great Philosopher. Without hesitation, they rushed out in opposite directions.

She pushed her speed to its absolute limit, blazing toward her target. Before she could close the gap, she noticed the taut, luminous yellow strings above the puppet monster begin to dance wildly in the air. Undeterred, she continued forward, determined to stop the monster before it could finish whatever it was attempting.

"'Void Revolving Tortoise Fist!'"

Suiko unleashed a flurry of rapid punches and hand strikes, building such immense momentum that she began spinning like a tornado in mid-air. The force of her continuous blows kept her airborne, her body rotating with each strike.

To her shock, every strike hit nothing but air. The puppet monster twisted and dodged at impossible angles — its movements far too inhuman, unlike anything she had ever faced.

Great Philosopher leapt off a nearby car, propelling himself high into the air. "'3 Tons Philosophy!'"

Faultless Marionette effortlessly weaved through Suiko's relentless attacks. As Great Philosopher's strike descended, the monster timed its next move with supernatural precision, evading her backhanded fist strike and countering him in the same fluid motion.

It's wooden fist, a gnarled, splintered mass of charred timber, slammed into the airborne Great Philosopher with a deafening crunch. The blow hurled him backward like a ragdoll, his body tearing through an unknown number of buildings.

Suiko retreated backward, panting, her expression grim.

A powerful A-Class Hero defeated in a single punch! This level of strength was beyond her current capabilities. But retreat? No! No matter how foolish it seemed, she refused to run.

Faultless Marionette extended its hand toward her. "Can't you see? I can fix you. No… I will remake you. Cease resistance and embrace my offering of sublimity."

"Shut it, you crazy puppet. You're no better than the kindling I used for campfires with my grandfather and brother."

Faultless Marionette's violet eyes flared brighter, the hollow sockets glowing like twin lanterns. The yellow core at its chest's center pulsed rapidly, its radiance intensifying with each pulse that caused the surrounding air to hum and crackle.

Ba-dump

Both Suiko and Faultless Marionette snapped their attention toward the sudden noise.

Suiko felt a wave of relief washing over her as her eyes landed on the man standing outside the entrance of a small shop.

Ba-Dump

Faultless Marionette's arms shot skyward, its charred fingers splaying wide. "Yes! You! A being as close to perfection as possible. You will become my ultimate creation!"

BA-DUMP!

¤ ¤ ¤

What had King done to deserve this? Does he send out some type of signal, inviting powerful monsters to his location?

Today, he had made the trip to Y-City for one reason: an ultra-rare dating sim. After months of fruitless online searches, he had resorted to cold-calling retrogame shops in every city. Finally, he found a physical copy. Still in its original box, mint condition. The moment he learned of this, he rushed over as fast as he could.

Only for the emergency monster alarms to blare across the city not long after his arrival. At least he had completed his purchase first. As the shop clerk had bolted out the back in a flash, the moment the sirens went off.

He remained frozen in the shop, bag in hand, for what felt like an eternity. Should he make a run for it? Front entrance? Back entrance? It didn't matter... The monster would find him no matter what.

And, of course, the moment he stepped outside, there it was—a terrifying puppet-like monster towering ominously to his left. Next to it stood a young woman, her eyes lighting up with the dreaded look of hope he loathed. That unshakable, soul-crushing belief: 'Now that King's here, the day is saved.'

Well, it's not!

King didn't know what to do. The monster screeched about making him its ultimate creation the moment it laid eyes on him. But he didn't want to be anyone's ultimate creation. He just wanted to go home.

"Please help! The A-Class Hero Great Philosopher has already fallen to this puppet!"

The young woman's plea only made his panic worsen.

Just run, lady! I can't save you...

Faultless Marionette suddenly clutched its head, swaying wildly as if overcome with ecstasy. "Yes! Yes! Can you hear it? The 'King Engine,' it will be the crown jewel of my creation. Prepare yourself... I can no longer wait!"

A cold sweat drenched King from head to toe.

"Great job King! You've weakened this monster down to a Wolf-level threat."

That voice?!

Approaching from King's right was a man he hadn't forgotten — the bald guy in the yellow jumpsuit. The same one who had credited him with defeating Vaccine Man.

Do I know him from somewhere else?

The man's approach didn't go unnoticed by Faultless Marionette as he ceased his swaying and scrutinized the newcomer.

"You… are in need… of a fix. Yes! That reflective surface on your head is the greatest flaw I have ever perceived. You must have come of your own accord. Do not worry! I will allow you as well the opportunity to reach a faultless state."

King's eyes shifted to the bald man, who stepped forward, closing the distance to the monster with a casual, almost carefree demeanor that lingered in King's mind.

"How defective are you?" the bald man asked, pointing past the puppet. "That bronze beauty behind you is already faultless."

Nope. I definitely don't know him.