Thirst!
Then he would fuse them.
With a thought, the ten Limiter Fragment cards glowed simultaneously.
They stacked on top of each other and began to fuse.
When the white light dissipated, a brand new Fantasy Card appeared before Kenji.
[Fantasy Card: Limiter Breakthrough ACT1] [Card Type: Special Card] [Rarity: N] [Introduction: Formed from the fusion of unknown fragments.
The imperceptible power of concepts.] [Effect 1: Limit Release] [Target any entity and break through its racial growth limit once.] It was still an ordinary-looking N-tier card, and even the Saitama smiling widely on the card face hadn’t changed at all.
But the card effect displayed made even Kenji’s heart skip a beat.
As everyone knows, humans have limits.
But in front of this N-tier card, the so-called “limit” was total bullshit!
“Achoo!” On his way home, Saitama rubbed his nose vigorously.
“Weird, the weather isn’t cold.
Why do I suddenly feel like I’m catching a cold…
Whatever, I’d better hurry home!” …
At Kenji’s home.
The Fantasy Card conveyed an eager emotion once again.
Kenji curled his lips, knowing exactly how tempting the “Limiter Breakthrough ACT1” card in his hand was to his own Stand.
Considering that all his power ultimately stemmed from his Stand, Kenji stalled for a bit but eventually gave away this chance for a limit breakthrough.
Anyway, Saitama was right here in City Z.
At worst, he would just have to treat him to hotpot a few more times.
Receiving the authorization from its user, the Fantasy Card Stand materialized.
It eagerly “swallowed” the special N-tier card from Kenji’s hand into its deck.
Instantly, brilliant blue flames roared to life.
Kenji saw an oval of white light surround his Stand, as if it were transitioning from illusion to reality, ultimately leaving behind…
An egg.
“Holy shit!” Swearing under his breath, Kenji immediately activated his ability.
A dazzling ball of lightning appeared in his hand, transforming into a Chidori shuriken crackling with electricity.
‘Thank goodness, the equipped ability was still there.’ Kenji couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Evidently, after swallowing the “miracle pill,” his Fantasy Cards Stand had entered a state of metamorphosis.
It was just that the glutton ate it too fast, and he had no idea how long this molting period would last.
With a thought, Kenji aimed his hand at the teacup filled with hot tea in front of him and activated his Stand ability.
The skill channeling took nearly ten seconds longer compared to his previous card creation speed.
Finally, a brand new N-tier card was freshly minted.
[Fantasy Card: Celadon Teacup] [Card Type: Item Card] [Rarity: N] [Introduction: An ordinary teacup bought from a convenience store, filled with freshly brewed tea.] [Effect 1: Drink More Hot Water] [Can help maintain body temperature, improve circulation, alleviate symptoms of constipation, and relieve menstrual pain.] Glancing at the nonsensical card effect, Kenji released the teacup, held it in his hand, and took a sip.
Releasing a card didn’t have a ten-second delay, which meant his ultimate move, the “Eat My Road Roller Jutsu,” could still be used normally.
Then it wasn’t a big problem.
This was where the benefit of the body enhancement route showed itself.
Temporarily losing the ability to create cards rapidly on the spot had almost no impact on Kenji’s overall combat power.
The next morning.
“Yo, Kenji, I heard you got promoted!
Are you treating us to a meal?” “Where did you hear that?
How can you sully my innocence out of thin air?” “Still denying it?
Kyoko already told us!” “You’ve been running to the chief’s office every other day, and you still say it’s nothing!” …
Leaving the police station, Kenji had in his hand a special leave permit signed by Chief Kuma.
From now on, aside from essential duties, he could engage in hero activities during work hours without needing prior approval.
Of course, the price was receiving another glare from the chief.
Going home to change into casual clothes, Kenji rode his scooter all the way to the Hero Association’s City Z branch at lightning speed.
A grand entrance, imposing receptionists, and an area the size of a stadium—the first impression the Hero Association’s headquarters gave was one of immense wealth.
Although it was still early, a long line had already formed outside the gates.
Having watched the news, Kenji knew this was the line for hero recruitment.
It wasn’t that everyone had the heart of a hero; it was mostly because the Hero Association offered too much money.
Of course, becoming a hero wasn’t that simple.
The vast majority of the people present would be eliminated during the testing phase.
Take the future C-Class Rank 1 hero, Mumen Rider, for example.
His combat record seemed pathetic, as he suffered defeat after defeat.
In reality, he was capable of handling some Wolf or even Tiger-level monster disasters on his own, and could even survive a casual punch from the rampaging Deep Sea King.
That was roughly the ceiling for an ordinary human.
As an invited candidate, Kenji naturally didn’t have to wait in the long line outside.
He walked straight through the green channel on the side and into the City Z Hero Association branch building.
Entering the lobby, a staff member in a black suit immediately approached, acting professionally.
“Hello, do you have an appointment?” Before Kenji could answer, a woman with blonde, wavy hair wearing a tight, hip-hugging skirt hurried over with quick steps to stop her colleague from asking further.
“Kishi, I will attend to this gentleman.” “Ah, yes, Team Leader Lani.” From Kenji’s perspective, a captivating, fair-skinned beauty turned to him with a smile.
“You must be Officer Kenji, right?” “I am.” The blonde woman, wearing burgundy-rimmed glasses, smiled brightly.
“Welcome to the Hero Association.
Commissioned by Director Bucky of the Hero Recruitment Department, I will be fully in charge of your itinerary today.
You can call me Lani.” Feeling the overwhelming enthusiasm directed at him, Kenji nodded without changing his expression.
“Sorry for the trouble.” “Please follow me.” Hero Testing Facility.
According to Lani’s explanation, Kenji’s test would be conducted alongside the other applicants.
The difference was that the others were taking an exam that would determine their fate, while his test was merely a formality.
Of course, this was based on Kenji’s verifiable combat record; not just anyone could breeze through the process.
When they arrived at the testing site, the venue was already packed.
Being escorted by a staff member naturally made Kenji the center of attention.
The applicants were quickly blinded by the immense “assets” accompanying him, though surprisingly, no cliché dramatic conflicts broke out.
“Damn it!
Why does that guy get a personal beauty escort?!” “Yeah!
I want one too!
I want one too!” “Why him?
Just because that brat is slightly more handsome than me?” “…” Instead, complaints, shouts, and the sounds of drooling filled the air.
Lani, long accustomed to being the center of attention in various settings, gave Kenji a sweet smile.
“Officer Kenji, this is the men’s locker room, so it’s not convenient for me to enter.
I’ll wait for you at the first testing point.” “No problem.
Thanks for your hard work.” Kenji nodded and watched Lani’s swaying figure disappear into the distance.
At the same time, he received a barrage of “positive” comments from the other men.
“Bastard!” “Animal!” Upon entering the locker room, Kenji, like the other candidates, received a wristband similar to those used in bathhouses, which corresponded to a locker for storing his clothes.
According to the Association’s requirements, candidates could not use any equipment during the test.
Male candidates were only allowed to wear a pair of shorts provided by the Association.
As for female candidates, they were given an additional sports bra.
The proportion of female heroes had always been small.
Today, for instance, those who showed up for the recruitment were basically all guys.
There was no shortage of bodybuilder-type meatheads in the locker room.
They were gathered together, flexing their massive pecs and exchanging weightlifting tips.
The atmosphere was gradually becoming tense.
The testosterone level in the entire locker room was severely exceeding the limit.
Kenji ignored all of this and proceeded to take off his shirt.
“Oh, this kid…” The moment Kenji took off his shirt, a low exclamation came from a corner of the locker room.
His tall stature, smooth muscle lines, and exaggerated V-taper back were all the result of countless attribute cards forging this body of steel.
It had absolutely nothing to do with Kenji’s own hard work.
A remarkably energetic silver-haired old man widened his eyes, a strong gleam flashing within them.
“Perfect!
What perfect physical proportions, and visible martial arts talent.
This kid is a rare, unpolished gem!” Hiss…
On the other side, an intense Spider Sense warning struck him.
Kenji immediately noticed the gaze behind him.
Glancing back slightly, he saw an energetic old man who looked to be in his seventies smiling kindly at him.
Then, just like everyone else, the old man calmly took off his shirt, revealing exaggerated, rock-hard muscles that looked like blocks of granite.
Kenji: !!
“Holy crap, this old man!” Someone nearby exclaimed.
It was one thing for a young person, but how could an ordinary-looking park grandpa possess such an explosive physique?!
The kindly, squinting smile completely contradicted the ripped muscles that looked capable of crushing a man with one hand, creating a strong sense of dissonance.