Clang, clang, clang…

The sound of metal striking metal echoed through a dim space.

"Goryuganshup, how long until we reach Earth?" Boros asked his trusted subordinate.

They'd traveled the cosmos for twenty years, and their destination was finally near. Boros felt his battle lust surging, his blood burning. If the prophet was right, Earth harbored a warrior capable of matching him... a fight he'd long craved.

"Lord Boros, less than a day remains." Goryuganshup replied, checking the distance.

"Good." Boros said. "We're almost there. Notify Groribas and Melzargard. Prepare for combat."

With that, Boros left the cockpit. As leader of the Dark Matter Thieves, a conqueror of the universe, he never underestimated an opponent. Earth might be a small planet, but one that birthed a worthy foe deserved respect.

"They're coming…" Kaiser paused mid-sip of tea, sensing Boros's aura. Though distant, it was clear they'd arrive within a day. "Saitama, want to see the show? Check out the Hero Association's response."

"Huh?" Saitama replied, lounging like a salted fish. "Not really interested. I'm just wondering when we'll have our fight."

"Once this is over, we'll have our battle." Kaiser said. "After that, I'll likely leave Earth for a while. My return date's uncertain, but I'll be stronger when I come back. So, you'd better train hard."

Saitama's victory over Boros would further endear him to the world will. If he enjoyed the fight, Kaiser might secure enough world luck to take a critical step toward the eighth sense. Avoiding this battle was unthinkable.

"Alright!" Saitama perked up instantly. "I'm in!"

The two headed to City A, where less than ten hours remained until Boros's arrival.

Tatsumaki patrolled low orbit, her vantage point offering a vast view. She was confident she'd spot the enemy the moment they appeared.

"City A's impressive." Kaiser remarked, taking in the bustling city. "No wonder, with the Hero Association's headquarters here."

It was his first visit. The dense population moved without fear, trusting in the city's safety. City A boasted the highest real estate prices and population on Earth.

With Kaiser present, City A would not suffer the fate depicted in the original manga... obliterated in an instant by the Dark Matter Thieves.

Time passed, and Tatsumaki, stationed in low orbit, snapped her eyes open.

"They're here?" She muttered. "Such powerful telekinesis!"

From her vantage point, she locked onto a direction. Though nothing was visible, she was certain the enemy had arrived.

"This telekinetic wave… it's nearly as strong as mine." She thought, her mind racing. "Is this what a God-level being feels like?"

"No, that's not right. If they're only on my level, they can't be God-level."

After a moment's reflection, Tatsumaki sped back into Earth's atmosphere, issuing a warning.

"They're coming?" The Hero Association's S-Rank heroes grew solemn at Tatsumaki's alert. A monumental battle loomed.

Within the atmosphere, Tatsumaki tracked the Dark Matter Thieves' trajectory, calculating their landing site.

"There!" She spotted the spaceship, moving at incredible speed. "They're landing in… City A? Damn it! Prepare for battle!"

Tatsumaki hadn't anticipated they'd target City A. She swiftly relayed the message via telekinesis.

"Hm?" Boros and Goryuganshup both turned toward Tatsumaki's direction.

"Intriguing." Boros said. "A telekinetic master nearly as strong as you, Goryuganshup. I'm growing more excited about Earth."

A rare smile crossed his face. Encountering such a powerhouse before even landing was unexpected.

"Slow the ship." Boros ordered. "We must show respect to the strong."

The spaceship's speed dropped, coming to a gentle stop before Tatsumaki.

"Earth's champion." Boros's voice boomed, "out of respect, choose a landing site for our ship. We come to challenge the strong."

The fleeting glimpse of his aura made Tatsumaki's hair stand on end. He was strong... terrifyingly so.

Boros viewed the weak as ants, crushing them without remorse, a trait that made the Dark Matter Thieves notorious for cruelty. But he held respect for the strong.

"This way…" Tatsumaki hesitated, then gestured for them to follow, notifying the Hero Association to assemble S-, A-, and B-Rank heroes at a barren wasteland she selected as the battlefield.

"They changed the location?" Kaiser glanced skyward, sensing the shift. "Interesting."

The Association's heroes rapidly gathered at the desolate site.

"A God-level threat…" Sweet Mask, A-Rank 1, stared at the horizon, his expression grave.

"They're here!"

A massive spaceship appeared, descending smoothly. Its hatch opened slowly.

Tatsumaki hovered before the assembled heroes.

"I didn't expect my presence to create such a spectacle." Kaiser remarked, observing from a distance.

Boros emerged with his elite warriors.

"I am Boros, leader of the Dark Matter Thieves, overlord of the universe." He declared. "I come to challenge the strongest this planet has to offer. Who is your mightiest warrior?"

His introduction silenced the crowd. Boros's single eye held no emotion, yet his presence radiated overwhelming pressure.

"What a terrifying foe." Bang thought, his gaze sharp. He knew he was no match for Boros.

"What happens if we lose?" Child Emperor asked the critical question.

"I will raze this planet, slaughter all life, and plunder anything of value." Boros replied. "But if I fall here, I'll have no regrets."

The air grew heavy.

"We're in deep trouble." Child Emperor muttered, helpless.

***

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