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The elevator slowly descended in silence.
Within the confined space, the atmosphere among the four heroes was distinctly different.
Genos had regained basic mobility; he stood rigidly a half-step behind Saitama, his eyes constantly darting between Lin Mo and Saitama.
"Without a doubt, Saitama-kun and Mr. KING are both top-tier powerhouses in the world," Genos thought to himself.
Bang Gu, meanwhile, had his arms crossed and his eyes closed, resting.
But his slightly twitching eyebrows and the faint smile at the corner of his mouth betrayed his inner turmoil.
Not only was Mr. KING immensely powerful, but his control over his strength was also impeccable; with such a mindset and control, learning martial arts would likely hold little meaning for him.
But… thinking of this, Bang Gu secretly opened one eye, his sharp gaze cutting past Lin Mo and landing precisely on Saitama, who was staring blankly at the elevator wall.
"But this kid…" Bang Gu's mind became active.
"He shattered that enormous meteorite head-on, purely with strength and speed. If I could get him to join the dojo and learn the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist…"
Imagining the day he could train this bald young man into a martial arts grandmaster, Bang Gu couldn't help but curl his lips into a mischievous grin („ಡ ω ಡ„).
Saitama, however, was completely unaware that he had become the target of a martial arts master.
He was as relaxed as ever, checking his shiny bald head in the bright metal wall of the elevator for any dust.
Lin Mo, at the center of the storm, was currently undergoing a trial of both ice and fire.
He maintained his stern expression on the surface, but inwardly, he was in a panic.
The sense of exhaustion from being drained was receding, but it still made him feel a bit unsteady.
He discreetly observed the others from the corner of his eye, noticing that Bang Gu had his eyes closed, Genos was observing Saitama, and Saitama was looking at his own bald head—it was the perfect opportunity!
He stealthily reached into his pocket and swiftly retrieved a [Super Stamina Recovery Potion] from his system space.
The potion was sealed in an inconspicuous test tube; he used the action of adjusting his stance to bring it to his mouth and drink it in a flash.
Immediately, a clear stream flowed down his throat and into his stomach, then transformed into immense life energy that surged through his limbs and bones.
His body, which had been completely drained, was once again filled with strength.
With the complete recovery of his stamina, his heart, which had been pounding wildly from extreme weakness, finally calmed down.
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom…"
The sound of the Emperor Engine, like the roar of war drums, also gradually diminished until it completely disappeared, returning to a normal heartbeat.
"The effect is pretty good; I can stock up on more of these in the future," Lin Mo thought to himself… "Ding!"
The elevator doors opened with a chime.
The world outside was briefly silent, then erupted in a fierce cheer!
"Mr. KING!!!"
"It's Mr. KING!"
"Hero! The savior of our city!"
The crowd instantly boiled over, countless flashbulbs lit up at once, illuminating the entire exit hall brightly.
At the same time, countless microphones were desperately pushed forward through the gaps in the crowd, almost poking Lin Mo's face.
"Mr. KING! What kind of power did you use just now? Is that a secret weapon of the Hero Association?"
"How did you manage to precisely vaporize all the meteorite fragments? The damage to the city was almost zero!"
"Mr. KING, please say a few words to the citizens!"
Lin Mo's face still held that stern expression.
He walked out, step by step, facing countless fervent gazes.
His steps became steady and powerful due to his recovered stamina, but in everyone's eyes, this was undoubtedly the composure and calmness of a strong individual.
Facing the sea of people before him, Lin Mo merely nodded slightly, his deep gaze sweeping across the entire hall.
The crowd seemed to have been muted; everyone held their breath, waiting for their Mr. KING to speak.
However, Lin Mo said nothing.
He just looked at everything calmly, then turned, seemingly preparing to leave.
This posture of "accomplishing the deed, then leaving without a trace, hiding one's achievement and fame" once again ignited everyone's adoration, and also made the high-ranking officials of the association on the side break out in a cold sweat.
Such a heaven-sent opportunity for publicity, Mr. KING, why are you just leaving like this?!
Just then, Bang Gu stepped forward, subtly positioning himself next to Lin Mo, using his body to shield him from some reporters, and at the same time, quietly signaled him to follow him.
"Mr. KING," he said clearly, his voice not loud, yet it cut through the surrounding noise:
"For today's matter, we owe it all to you. My dojo was also preserved because of this, for which I am truly grateful."
Lin Mo turned his head, looking at this S-class Rank 3 martial arts master, and politely replied:
"Elder Bang Gu, you flatter me. Protecting the city is a hero's duty."
"Hahaha, well said."
Bang Gu laughed heartily, his laughter full of vigor, then his gaze turned to Lin Mo and Saitama, formally extending an invitation:
"If you wouldn't mind, would you do me the honor of coming to my dojo with Saitama-kun for a cup of humble tea? It would also give me an opportunity to express my gratitude in person."
"Go to the dojo?" Saitama scratched his head, being the first to react, "Sounds good, is there food?"
Bang Gu laughed heartily: "As much as you can eat! My collection of top-grade Wagyu beef and snacks will definitely satisfy you!"
Genos was standing behind Saitama-kun at this moment, and he believed this was an excellent opportunity.
He could not yet fathom the power of Mr. KING and Saitama-kun, but as a doyen of the martial arts world, Bang Gu's dojo must contain the essence of martial arts.
So, he stepped forward and bowed slightly to Bang Gu:
"Master Bang Gu, if you don't mind, may I also accompany Saitama-kun as his disciple? I also wish to express my respect to Mr. KING and you in person."
Bang Gu looked at the young cyborg, then at Saitama and Lin Mo, who showed no objection, and nodded with pleasure:
"Of course, you're welcome. I have always observed Genos-kun's determination and perseverance."
Everyone's gaze focused on Lin Mo.
Lin Mo's stamina had fully recovered, and his system's energy value had returned to its peak, so he was full of confidence.
Moreover, he himself had a good impression of Bang Gu, a respectable old hero.
So, he slowly nodded: "Okay."
Bang Gu immediately revealed a knowing smile, he quickly turned and said loudly to the reporters who were still trying to crowd around:
"Everyone, Mr. KING and Saitama-kun have fought hard and also need rest. Let's call it a day; the Hero Association will have an official announcement later."
With that, he calmly led Lin Mo, Saitama, and Genos away from the noisy area.