Chapter 510 508: Quasi–S-Class Hero?“Out of the way! Move aside!”

"We're heroes!"

Two figures in brightly colored, eccentric outfits sprinted down the street toward the scene.

The moment the bystanders heard the word heroes, they immediately stepped back to make way.

"We received a report of a Kaijin attack on this street!"

"Where is it?"

An older man pointed toward the mangled corpse of the cockroach monster lying in the middle of the road.

"There!"

The hero on the left—his hair shaped like a red cockscomb—stared in surprise.

"Already dead? Who took it down?"

The crowd turned and pointed at Fenric in unison.

"It was this gentleman!"

"He killed that monster with a single punch!"

"We all saw it! He saved us!"

The two heroes blinked in disbelief.

The cockroach monster's carcass was massive, its carapace as thick as armor plating. Arthropod-type monsters were known for their strength and durability—ordinary C-class heroes couldn't even scratch one.

Yet this young man had killed it in one hit?

Their expressions turned from shock to respect. They immediately began to clear the area, guiding survivors to safety, before approaching Fenric again.

Among the evacuees, one high school girl in particular kept glancing back reluctantly—the same girl Fenric had saved earlier.

…

"Hello," said the man with the cockscomb hair politely. "We're heroes from the Association. I'm Mohican, C-Class Rank 167. This is my partner, Pineapple, C-Class Rank 159."

Fenric nodded slightly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Mundo."

"Mundo-san," Mohican asked curiously, "are you also a registered hero with the Association?"

Fenric shook his head. "No. I'm not."

Pineapple, dressed in a pineapple costume, scratched his pineapple head.

"No wonder we didn't recognize you. I thought I'd remember someone who could kill a monster like that."

Fenric tilted his head slightly. "Then why are you two still here? Surely the cleanup crew can handle the rest."

The two C-class heroes exchanged a quick glance. Finally, Mohican cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Well, actually, Mundo-san… your strength is impressive. We were wondering if you'd be interested in becoming a hero yourself?"

Fenric's brows lifted slightly. "A hero?"

Mohican nodded quickly, mistaking Fenric's tone for hesitation.

"Yes! As a hero, you'll receive a monthly salary—better than most office jobs! You'll also get fame, privileges, and plenty of free time as long as you maintain your region's safety."

He conveniently omitted the part about the constant danger.

Fenric found the situation slightly amusing.

"And why, exactly, are you two so eager for me to join?"

Mohican chuckled sheepishly but didn't hide the truth.

"To be honest, as your recommenders, your success would help us too. If someone we sponsor performs well, our own hero qualifications improve. It's a win–win!"

Fenric finally understood.

So they're trying to level up off me. How resourceful.

He remembered from the anime that candidates usually had to pass a Hero Association Assessment to join. This "recommendation" system wasn't mentioned in the original plot—perhaps a newer addition unique to this dungeon world.

"Wait," Fenric asked, "so you can actually recommend others into the Association?"

Pineapple nodded. "That's right, but even recommended candidates must pass the assessment. The next Hero Evaluation Test happens to be tomorrow—the fifty-fifth one, in fact. If we recommend you, you won't have to wait in line!"

Fenric considered it. Becoming a hero was part of his system objectives anyway, and this shortcut was convenient.

He smiled faintly. "All right. I'll join the test."

"Excellent!" Mohican and Pineapple grinned from ear to ear.

"Then, Mundo-san, we'll meet you tomorrow morning at the entrance of the Hero Evaluation Center!"

After confirming the details, the two heroes left happily to file their paperwork, while Fenric continued strolling down the street.

…

Billboards and holographic ads flashed around the city, all showing the same announcement:

[The 55th Hero Evaluation Test!]

[Registration Period: July 1 – September 1.]

Fenric checked the date. Today was September 1st—the final day of registration.

He chuckled softly.

"Heh. The Samsara System really has perfect timing. That saves me the trouble."

He found a luxurious hotel and checked in effortlessly using his Black Card, a special Samsara item with a credit limit of one hundred million dollars, usable in any modern civilization.

…

Night – City A, Hero Association Headquarters

In a vast conference hall, a late-night meeting was underway.

Rows of high-ranking officials sat around a long, polished table. Holographic screens projected data across the room.

A young officer stood at the front, giving a report.

"We contacted the Unlicensed Knight. He's declined promotion to B-class again."

Several executives frowned.

"Forget it," one said impatiently. "If he doesn't want it, we won't force him."

"Understood," replied the officer. "He'll remain the top-ranked C-class hero."

A pudgy middle-aged man grumbled, "Honestly, what's wrong with that guy? Refusing a promotion—doesn't he know what an honor that is?"

"Next topic," the presiding official interrupted.

The officer continued.

"Regarding the 55th Hero Evaluation Test—the total number of applicants has reached 11,697, across six testing centers. That's a 22% increase from the previous exam."

The room stirred with excitement. Smiles broke out across the table.

"That's excellent! More heroes mean more protection for the public."

"Indeed—interest in hero work is booming!"

But their optimism didn't last long.

An elderly man at the far end of the table cleared his throat and spoke gravely.

"Don't be too pleased."

The room fell silent.

"The number of candidates may rise," he continued, "but their overall quality continues to fall. Most of them can't even handle minor monsters. Without real combat ability, they're useless."

The smiles faded. His words struck a chord.

Monster appearances had become increasingly frequent—and increasingly destructive. Cities were being leveled, and even entire regions had fallen.

Low-level heroes couldn't keep up.

The number of elite fighters remained stagnant.

"That's why," the old man said firmly, "this year's testing must be stricter. We need elites, not waste."

The entire room nodded solemnly. No one dared to contradict him. His status within the Association was clearly extraordinary.

Then another executive spoke up.

"On that note—didn't that person also apply for this test?"

Heads turned.

"Yes," one official confirmed. "We've already received his file."

He passed out printed data sheets. Within seconds, the room filled with gasps.

"A quasi–S-class evaluation? Is that right?"

"Genos? The cyborg?"

"He's the one who destroyed the House of Evolution!"

"Amazing—our S-class hasn't expanded in years. If this evaluation holds up, we may finally gain another top hero!"

Excitement filled the room again.

The name Genos—the cyborg—was spreading fast.

And somewhere far away, Fenric, unaware of the meeting, was quietly preparing for the exam that would shake the entire Hero Association.