After leaving the control room, Boros returned to his throne, awaiting the intruders. One, in particular, had caught his attention on that screen.
The sound of distant footsteps reached his ears.
"So, it was you after all."
KATOOM!
Straight ahead of Boros at the opposite end of the vast room, the grand entrance exploded into smithereens from a powerful strike.
As the dust settled, Boros saw the intruder clearly.
Endless streams of white, red, and orange aura radiated from his frame—beyond anything that Boros had ever sensed in any living being before.
This planet's finest warrior… I can sense no limit to his energy.
Boros rose from his throne.
"We finally meet," said the intruder.
"Wonderful. Before we fight, let us exchange names. I lead the pira—"
"I'm aware. Alright, I'm Caspian and you're Boros."
Interesting. I had not expected such abilities.
"Caspian…"
"Look. I know what you want with Earth."
"What I want with Earth?" Boros descended the wide stairs leading to his throne. But, before he could speak again, Caspian cut him off.
"You've come because of the prophecy. You traveled the universe ravaging everything in sight. But you were too strong.
Then there were none left that could face you. You came to know the torment of utter, all-encompassing boredom, something I've experienced the faintest hint of.
One day, a seer told you that on a faraway planet, a being exists who is your match. One who could rekindle your passion for battle.
That was nearly twenty years ago. And no, I don't know the distance you traveled to get here.
Your men thought the prophecy was a ruse, made up to lure you away. But now, after seeing me, you're certain. You wish for me to give simulation to your existence.
That's why you're here. Is that about right?"
Boros had already reached the bottom of the stairs and now stood before Caspian, his eye widened.
For a moment, silence filled the room. Then Boros burst into uproarious laughter. "If there is one thing I am certain of, it is that out of all the seers I have come across, you are innumerable times their superior" A grin spread across his face, sharp teeth gleaming.
Caspian shrugged. "I'm not the one. There is no need for us to fight here."
"You lie." Boros clenched his fists. "I am certain you can give me the fight I have been searching for."
"I can, but I'm still not the one from the prophecy, well your prophecy at least. Instead, I have a proposition for you."
Boros' initial impression of him had been incorrect. He had anticipated that Caspian would attack as soon as he closed the gap between them.
"And what would that be?"
"Simple. If you can capture her within ten minutes…" Caspian held out his hand, revealing a jar. "…then I'll fight you as much as you want."
Boros hadn't paid the jar any mind earlier, but now that he placed his focus on it. Inside sat a diminutive creature.
I cannot sense any aura… How is this possible?
"But if you can't catch her, you'll join me as my comrade. I promise you'll experience plenty of interesting fights if you follow me. Who knows? You might even find the one from your prophecy. Do we have a deal?"
Boros ruminated. Was Caspian truly not the one from the prophecy, or was this an attempt at manipulation? If not for the paradoxical creature in the jar, he would've attacked without a second thought. But two anomalies had appeared at once: one with limitless energy and the other with no aura, no life, as if the universe had forgotten it. With these two bits of information in mind, he arrived at a decision.
"Very well… What is this creature's name?"
Caspian gripped the jar's lid. "Heh, don't underestimate her now." He removed the lid and peered inside. "Remember those 'great things' I said we would do together? This is one of them. Ready, Little M?"
BZzZz Little M madly danced joyfully in the air in response.
¤ ¤ ¤
Genos stood at the highest point of a ruined building, surveying his surroundings.
Caspian had instructed him back in the meeting room: once he returned to the roof, he was to follow the other S-Class heroes down to A-City's ruins. There, he was to observe Bang and the others battle the alien his master called Melzargard. Every time Caspian revealed his uncanny knowledge of future events, it brought a proud smile to Genos' face.
Ahead, Tanktop Master hurled massive chunks of concrete debris at the ship in a futile effort. What puzzled Genos was Tanktop Master's behavior. After each throw, he glanced around with a proud expression, as if trying to outshine someone.
To his left, Child Emperor deployed four robotic spider legs from his backpack, allowing him to navigate the ruined landscape. On Genos' right stood Drive Knight, a figure who had piqued both his interest and suspicion.
Almost as if sensing his thoughts, Drive Knight turned and approached. "I will head out now. Things appear under control."
"Sure, go ahead. Some heroes have already left." Child Emperor replied, his facial expression one of disinterest.
Drive Knight walked up the ruined building toward him. "Before I go, Genos, have you got a second?"
Just as master predicted.
"There's something I wish to tell you."
Drive Knight stopped just past him, speaking in a low voice. "Listen. Metal Knight is your enemy. Be careful."
"Care to explain?" Genos turned and asked.
"You will know soon enough. But for now, stay away from him."
Master already warned me not to trust you, Drive Knight. You're single-minded and ruthless, willing to toss out your allies in order to achieve your goals. What are those goals? Are you part of 'The Organization,' and is Metal Knight onto you, making you try to divert my suspicions early? Or are you actually the good guy? Until I know for sure...
Genos pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the scene ahead. The S-Class heroes on the ground were wearing down the alien, Melzargard. From the looks of it, their victory was near.
Even though Tatsumaki's disappearance disrupted part of the plan, you adapted flawlessly and effortlessly to prevent the ship's bombardment. Remarkable.