Masked In Flame's

"So, this is your plan, Master?" Zion asked, dressed in a black hoodie with a Z emblem on the back, a matching black mask, and black pants. Around him, a mart was engulfed in flames, criminals lying unconscious on the ground.

"Yes," Zero replied calmly.

Zion recalled the conversation they had earlier in a dark cave.

"So, what's your goal in using this technology, Master?" Zion had asked, curiosity in his voice.

"You'll use it to gain exposure. Once you become a hero, you'll attract alliances, earn the loyalty of strong individuals, and climb the hero rankings in Germany with ease," Zero explained seriously.

"I see," Zion grinned. "That'll be easy!" he said excitedly.

"I should also mention," Zero continued, "if you want to rise through the ranks faster, there are two key factors. First, the more dangerous missions you complete, the more likely you are to get promoted. Second, public recognition if the people acknowledge you, your rank will skyrocket even faster."

Zion smirked. "Wow, I see... but you're an F-tier in public acknowledgment! You're famous for arguing, even with your fans!" he said sarcastically.

Zero closed his eyes, a vein twitching on his forehead. "Haha... don't remind me of that." He sighed.

—Back to the present—

Zion glanced around the burning mart. "Anyways, how long until the heroes or the police get here?"

"They're always late. Don't expect anyone to arrive early," Zero said seriously.

"Wow, even in real life? I thought that only happened in movies," Zion remarked.

"It happens every goddamn time!" Zion added, frustration evident in his tone.

"Okay, I'll remember that!" Zion replied brightly.

Minutes passed.

"It's been ten minutes. Should we just leave to act mysterious or something?" Zion suggested.

Zero shook his head. "If you leave now, you'll either be labeled as an unknown force trying to steal credit from other heroes, or they'll see you as just another vigilante."

"Then what do we do?" Zion asked.

"Stay put. If they're recording, just say you're a student at Æ. That should be enough for them to acknowledge you," Zero replied seriously.

"Damn, things get complicated this fast..." Zion muttered, lowering his head in disappointment.

Zero stayed silent, lost in thought. "I know how you feel, kid. I'm lucky to have become this country's first SSS-ranked hero despite all the trouble I've caused."

After a while, the sound of an approaching vehicle broke the silence. A sleek, black Mask-Tank, an expensive and high-end car, pulled up in front of them.

"Huh?" Zion murmured in confusion.

Zero narrowed his eyes. "Hmm...?"

The car door opened, and a man stepped out. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, adjusting his gloves as he put them on tightly. His long black hair had side bangs that partially covered his left eye.

Fixing his glasses, the man spoke coldly. "So, you're the ones causing this trouble."

"Huh?" Zion muttered, his brow furrowing. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. This is literally my first time stopping a real crime… His confusion deepened as he studied the man before him.

"Don't play dumb," the man said, his voice like ice. "They all described you a guy dressed in all black."

Zion glanced at Zero, his mask barely concealing the uncertainty in his eyes. "Master, I have no idea what the hell he's talking about."

"Focus," Zero ordered, his tone calm but commanding.

Zion barely had time to process the warning.

A fist shot toward him.

"Shit—!"

The impact exploded against his face like a sledgehammer, sending him airborne. His body twisted midair before slamming onto the concrete with a bone-rattling thud. Blood trickled from his nose. His vision blurred for a second, but he shook it off, pressing a finger against his nostril to clear the crimson streak.

Then, he smirked.

"What the fuck?!" He chuckled, the pain only fueling his excitement.

The man adjusted his gloves, his expression unwavering. "Hmph. You're tougher than I expected. Thought you were just a loudmouth who only picks fights with weaklings." He pressed his boot down on the head of an unconscious criminal. "Pathetic lowlifes with no power."

Zion's grin twitched.

Then he moved.

No words. No hesitation.

His body became a blur as he surged forward, covering the distance in an instant. He launched himself at the man, right arm pulled back, muscles coiling like a drawn bow. The punch came fast, the air around it distorting from the sheer force—

but it hit nothing.

The man pivoted at the last possible second, his foot shifting with a smooth, calculated slide. Zion's fist whistled past his face.

He didn't stop.

With razor-sharp instincts, Zion followed up a left hook, a straight jab, a spinning backfist. His fists blurred as he unleashed a relentless barrage.

The man wove between the attacks like a phantom. Not a single hit connected.

"Tch—!" Zion clicked his tongue in frustration.

Then, a chill ran down his spine.

His eyes darted downward

The man's right foot was glowing.

Aetheris.

The air thickened with energy. In the next instant, a devastating kick rocketed toward him at an inhuman speed.

Zion barely had time to react.

"FUCK—!"

With a grunt, he crossed both forearms in front of him, bracing for impact. The force was monstrous like a wrecking ball colliding with a steel wall. The shockwave cracked the pavement beneath them.

Yet, Zion remained standing.

The man's cold expression faltered for a split second.

Then, Zion laughed.

"Wow!" He grinned. His own energy flared to life, swirling around his body like black flames.

"You have Aetheris too?" The man asked, intrigued.

Zion rolled his shoulders, shaking off the lingering sting. "Of course, dumbass. You're not the only one."

The moment the words left his mouth, he launched himself forward. His movement was sharper, faster.

This time, he didn't aim for a direct strike.

He leapt, flipping over his opponent's head, twisting his body mid-air. His right fist tensed, energy surging into his knuckles.

Using the momentum, he swung

A single, crushing blow aimed straight for the man's face.