When all modifications were complete and Genos stood once again in the center of the laboratory, his entire demeanor had undergone a radical transformation.
His appearance was more refined, with distinct black metal bones and silver armor lines, exuding a powerful aesthetic.
Without testing the maximum power of the Incineration Cannon, he simply slowly raised his right hand and spread his five fingers.
No longer was it just a mechanical command of "maximum power output" as in the past.
He began to recall, recalling the resolve with which he first embarked on his journey for revenge, recalling the sense of responsibility when protecting innocent citizens, recalling the persistence of wanting to catch up to Saitama Sensei's back... Finally, all emotions converged into a single pure thought—[I want to become stronger]!
"Buzz—"
With a subtle yet incredibly textured hum, a blue energy orb the size of a human head silently floated in his palm.
It lacked the wild heat of the Incineration Cannon, yet it emanated a chilling stability and purity.
Genos could clearly feel an unprecedented connection between himself and this energy orb.
With a thought, the energy orb instantly stretched into a whip of light; with another turn of thought, the whip contracted into an indestructible energy shield.
It could be deployed and retracted at will, completely under his control.
"It succeeded..." Genos murmured to himself, he could feel that he had finally stepped onto the path towards true power.
Just as he was immersed in the shock brought by this new power, a communication request cut into his system, it was an alert from the Hero Association.
"Emergency alert! Emergency alert! Hero Hunter Garou has appeared in Z-City's abandoned district!"
"He is currently engaging multiple heroes, led by A-Class Hero 'Death Gatling'! The hero team is in a tough battle, requesting emergency S-Class Hero support!"
Garou!
"Doctor, I must take my leave."
Genos's voice was steady and powerful, and his turning movement was without the slightest hesitation.
"It's too dangerous, Genos! You've just completed your upgrade and still need calibration and adaptation, and that Garou..."
Dr. Kuseno was filled with worry.
"No, Doctor."
Genos turned around, the blue core in his chest glowing with increasing tranquility, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve.
"Precisely because of this, I must go. Whether it's my duty as a hero or to adapt to this new body in actual combat, I cannot stand by and do nothing!"
Before he finished speaking, Genos slightly bent his legs, and the thrusters on his feet instantly erupted with brilliant blue flames.
He had already transformed into a shooting star, directly smashing through the laboratory's specially reinforced dome, soaring into the sky, leaving a long trail in the night sky, and speeding towards Z-City.
Inside the laboratory, Dr. Kuseno watched the increasingly distant light spot on the screen, murmuring:
"Mr. KING... just what kind of existence are you..."
— — — — — —
In the vast sky, Genos's figure was like a golden comet.
The high-altitude air currents let out a sharp whistle as he passed, a testament to his supersonic speed.
The brand-new mechanical core ran smoothly within him, like a silent yet powerful heart, every pulsation perfectly synchronized with his will.
He could clearly "feel" the wind resistance, and "touch" the dust suspended in the air.
This was an unprecedented experience, as if this steel body had truly become an extension of his flesh and blood.
He was no longer just a pilot; he *was* this ultimate weapon named "Genos" itself.
Soon, he crossed the city and arrived at the coordinates reported by the Hero Association—
A suburban area ravaged by battle.
Genos slowly descended into the center of the ruins, his footfalls on the rubble making crisp sounds.
His electronic eyes scanned the surroundings at a rate of terabytes per second, and all battlefield information was instantly analyzed.
Eight heroes lay scattered among the rubble.
A-Class Hero number 8, "Death Gatling," his proud gatling gun twisted into a knot, hanging limply at his side... Each was a battle-hardened strongman, but now, they had lost all power to resist.
Genos's gaze finally settled on a figure standing in the shadows.
The person's build was not particularly burly, but their entire being exuded a dense, almost tangible aura of ferocity.
Silver hair gently swayed in the night wind, and the tattered martial arts uniform was covered in dust and blood, some from enemies, some his own.
He was slowly, unconcernedly flexing his wrists, making "crack crack" sounds of bones.
Garou.
As if sensing Genos's gaze, Garou slowly raised his head.
A cruel yet excited smile hung on his lips, and his eyes, in the darkness, gleamed with an inhuman, predatory light.
"Oh? Another one coming to die." Garou's voice was hoarse, with a hint of playfulness.
"S-Class Hero number 14, 'Demon Cyborg' Genos. What, do you also want to play this boring 'hero game'?"
Genos did not respond to his provocation.
He just stood quietly, the core in his chest emitting a calm blue light.
He was adjusting his state, temporarily shedding all unnecessary emotions.
He thought of Mr. KING's perpetually calm face.
No matter how terrifying the enemy, the strongest man on earth always maintained absolute composure.
The Doctor said that the power of the mechanical core came from emotion, but what controlled it must be an absolutely rational will.
A true strongman's heart must be a placid lake before the battle begins.
Only then could it clearly reflect every move of the enemy.
"Your 'hero hunting' ends here."
Genos's voice came out, cold and clear, devoid of any emotion.
"Ha!" Garou seemed to have heard the biggest joke, he suddenly stepped forward, and the ground beneath his feet cracked in response.
"You, a cyborg who only relies on parts and firepower? Don't make me laugh! You so-called heroes are just a bunch of hypocrites!"
"You don't protect justice at all, but your own interests! Let me, Garou, become absolute evil, and with these fists, smash your disgusting faces!"
Before his words finished, Garou's figure suddenly vanished!
In Genos's dynamic vision capture, Garou's body transformed into a blurry gray shadow, approaching at an abnormally high speed.
Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist!
This was the ultimate technique of martial arts master Bang, a style that integrated defense, force redirection, and counterattack.
But in Garou's hands, this fist technique was different from Bang's, seeming to have incorporated other styles, making it even more destructive and aggressive!
"Too slow." Genos shook his head, muttering inwardly.