Heroes Return

After all, the enormous object in the sky was none other than a gigantic comic. Upon seeing this gigantic comic, everyone except Xiao Zhan couldn't help but change their expressions.

"Was the comical god that Xiao Zhan summoned in the past really that big?" Dong Xiaoye couldn't help but mutter to herself.

"Who knows what this guy has been up to all this time?" Dong Xue'er said helplessly.

However, just as they were speaking, the giant comical creature in the sky turned its enormous face directly towards Xiao Zhan.

"I need a massive shower of comical absurdities from the sky!!" Xiao Zhan said calmly. Almost instantly, a large amount of comical absurdities began to fall from the sky.

That's right, it was a massive, comical rain. Accompanying this massive, comical rain was the terrorist attack on the Salvation Army's side.

The swordsman right in front of Xiao Zhan was smashed to the ground by a huge, comical object, and couldn't get up for a moment. Xiao Zhan didn't stand idly by either; he immediately unleashed a barrage of adhesive remover on the exposed parts of the swordsman's body.

Of course, this wasn't the end of it. Countless enormous, comical figures rained down from the sky across the entire battlefield. At this moment, the Salvation Army essentially became two different things.

The first scenario is actually very simple: you desperately try to dodge the giant comical object, only to be knocked to the ground. The second scenario is being knocked to the ground before you even have a chance to react.

……

Not far away, Bai Yu struggled to his feet. He had been prepared to be killed by Lin Qian's final blow. But thankfully, Lin Qian was instead smashed to the ground by a huge, comical object.

Seeing this, Bai Yu breathed a sigh of relief. But to Bai Yu's surprise, although Lin Qian, who had been slammed to the ground, was unable to get up after several attempts, a bright red and blue energy storm still erupted, directly protecting Lin Qian in the middle. For a moment, Bai Yu was unable to get close to Lin Qian and could only vaguely see the strange and comical figure in the storm.

Seeing this scene, Bai Yu's gaze couldn't help but fall on the other side, where the girl of fleeting light was silently watching Bai Yu.

"Looks like it's time for the two of us to make our move." Bai Yu coldly stared at the girl in the blink of an eye: "Why did you join the Salvation Army?"

"Because I want to become a hero like Zero," the girl in the instant said to Bai Yu with a smile.

"Can't we strive to become heroes like Zero in the Hero Association?" Upon hearing the words of the girl who flashes by, Shiraha couldn't help but show a helpless expression.

"Of course not! Because in the Hero Association, becoming a hero like Zero is just a slogan." The girl in the Flash retorted, "I've been trying my best to be a hero! But I've found that the Hero Association has turned being a hero into a profession, and after treating heroic acts as a profession, I've found that I've lost a lot of sense of accomplishment."

"Have you lost a lot of sense of accomplishment?"

"Yeah! It's that exhilarating sense of accomplishment you feel when you first become a hero. In the Hero Association, I feel like someone who just clocks in and out every day. And, haven't you noticed? The Hero Association is so superficial." The girl in the Flash said, her gaze drifting to the distance. "Actually, I've always been curious, do you guys really still have any heroic spirit in your hearts? Ever since heroes became a profession, it seems like this so-called heroic spirit has disappeared. Low-ranking heroes can stand by and watch someone die when their abilities don't work. People of any motive can stand on the glorious stage and use their violence. Every day we have to think about fans, management companies, image, public opinion, rankings, bonuses, how to get the most fame and benefits! With so many things to consider, why does it feel like we've lost our freedom? With so many things to consider, why does it feel like our beliefs as heroes are being forcibly distorted by all sorts of factors?"

Furthermore, why, as an SS-rank hero, do I have to act in a way that everyone else desperately wants? Why can't I swear? Why is my every word and action subject to scrutiny? Why do I feel like I'm gradually forgetting my original purpose as a hero?

"The Hero Association system has indeed had many problems since its inception. But our heroic ideals are not just empty slogans!" Bai Yu's expression turned cold: "Is this the conclusion you've drawn after becoming an SS-class hero?"

"You know what? I once saw a pro hero stand by and watch an ordinary person die!" Hearing Bai Yu's words, the girl in the instant suddenly brought up another incident: "I was really angry that time, and I privately taught those two heroes a lesson for not helping. But instead, I got criticized by my management company! Then my manager even went to those two heroes in a humble manner to apologize privately and suppressed the matter!! Saying it was for the sake of my image."

And those two guys who stood by and did nothing to save the man are still enjoying hero treatment in the Hero Association and are being praised by many people.

Is this really a good idea?

As she said this, the girl's eyes turned blue: "I rarely express my opinions in the association, just for things like maintaining my image. Pshaw! Who wants to care about all that?! If you're going to stand by and watch civilians die, why be a hero? That's a problem in itself! Why am I the one who's wrong for not standing up for them? Can a hero association like this really spread justice?"

After the girl finished speaking, her gaze went directly to the other group of people not far away. It was unclear when, but Leng Yan, Torus, and the Master of Miracles had appeared there.

"Now that you're here, Leng Yan, tell me, why did you allow scum like the Galactic Warrior to join the Hero Association? That kind of person is just a selfish bastard, right? And there are many selfish bastards like that! In the Hero Association, since you're a hero, you're supposed to uphold justice. Shouldn't you have prevented this kind of person from joining in the first place?"

"Hmph, then, what should we do with those Galactic Warriors? They're all superpowered! They're all unstable bombs." Leng Yan's calm voice rang out at this moment: "An overly idealistic sense of justice is nothing but foolishness! To uphold justice, sometimes we must make compromises! Giving those people the status of heroes at least ensures that their abilities won't be used to harm others! We can also use them to save others as much as possible. This is the best approach. Every rule of the Hero Association is based on reasonable considerations. Even if there are shortcomings, they will be gradually revised in the future! Maintaining lasting justice cannot be achieved with mere passion and belief."

"So you've given up on your beliefs? If you're going to fight for basic justice, abandoning your principles and morals, what kind of justice is left? You're just a dead machine." The girl's gaze turned cold again: "Heroes shouldn't compromise! Upholding justice forever, that's what makes a hero. So, I won't agree with you! Cold Flame! Indeed, in the entire Hero Association, you're the person I hate the most! I hate you the most! You're a cancer among heroes."

"I have no interest in arguing with you about these trivial matters. You're under arrest!" Leng Yan's expression remained icy. Cold flames began to ignite nearby, and with each blue flame, the temperature in the entire area began to drop. Snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

Faced with this scene, the girl in a flash showed no fear.

"Perhaps you have some dissatisfaction with the current Hero Association, but I think you shouldn't join the Salvation Army just for that." The Master of Miracles' voice rang out at that moment, and a magic circle lit up in front of him.

“That’s right, we can sit down and talk about any grievances we may have, but as a hero, you shouldn’t join a terrorist organization like the Salvation Army.” Torus slowly raised the greatsword in his hand: “It’s such a pity. I had high hopes for you, otherwise I wouldn’t have specifically recommended you to become an SS-class hero.”

"The Salvation Army? Actually, I think they're a pretty good bunch! At least they haven't killed any good people."

"What do you mean by good and bad in the eyes of the Salvation Army? Do you really think they have the right to judge other people's good or bad?" Leng Yan said coldly, "Many of them are just ordinary people who haven't committed any crimes."

"But without exception, those people are all scum," the girl in the blink of an eye said with dissatisfaction. "Besides, do you have the right to judge whether others are good or bad?"

"Laws were born for this purpose," Torus said, charging directly towards the ephemeral girl. But almost instantly, the red and blue energy storm in the distance erupted once more. The comical scene vanished, replaced by a beautiful girl with wings formed from red and blue energy. The red and blue patterns did not detract from her beauty; instead, they added a touch of alluring charm.

“Leng Yan, the Master of Miracles, seems like he can be killed.” Looking at the figure in front of her, Lin Qian said calmly.

PS: Second update complete. There will be a third update tonight.

Chapter 19

With Lin Qian's reappearance, an unusual battle finally erupted here. However, on the other side, where the fierce battle was in full swing, Xiao Zhan and the others seemed to be more relaxed.

Because after the comical figures overwhelmed the Saviors' experts, the battle became one-sided. After all, most of the heroes only had to subdue the enemies lying on the ground. As the enormous, awe-inspiring comic figure in the sky disappeared, most of the Saviors' experts were subdued in an instant.

"Wow, I didn't expect you to have such a trump card up your sleeve." Dong Xiaoye came to Xiao Zhan's side and excitedly patted Xiao Zhan's shoulder.

"Hmph! A real man always keeps a few trump cards up his sleeve." Xiao Zhan smiled confidently, then his gaze returned to the city.

“Let’s capture all these Salvation Army experts as soon as possible. Once Lin Jie has dealt with Zhao Lei, this Salvation Army problem should be solved permanently,” Dong Xue’er couldn’t help but say. “However, we should still be careful. After all, the Salvation Army doesn’t seem so easy to deal with. And don’t forget, everyone in this town seems to be a member of the Salvation Army.”

Upon hearing Dong Xue'er's words, Xiao Zhan and the others couldn't help but show serious expressions. However, just as Xiao Zhan and the others were thinking about these things, a heroic voice suddenly rang out.

"I'm sorry, it's a bit dangerous here right now. I hope you can leave first." Near Xiao Zhan and the others, a hero looked at a group of people not far away and said, "I don't know if you're here for tourism or what, but this town is very dangerous right now. It's better for ordinary people not to come close."

Upon hearing the hero's words, the group simply stopped calmly, saying nothing more. They just watched the heroes from a distance.

"Hey! This group of people seems a bit strange!" Xiao Zhan couldn't help but say. Just as he finished speaking, another group of people dressed as ordinary people appeared outside the town and were also stopped by the heroes.

On the other side, the group that was originally going to support Bai Yu stopped at this moment. Because right in front of them, a large group of people, nearly a thousand in number, appeared in front of these heroes. They stood directly in front of the heroes, but none of them spoke. They simply kept a certain distance and stared intently at the heroes.

His eyes seemed to be scrutinizing something.

"Who exactly are you people?" At this point, even the most simple-minded person would realize something was wrong: "Why are you here?"

“Is there even a question? They’re definitely from the Salvation Army.” One of the nearby heroes couldn’t help but say, “Since you’re here, just give up! We’ll arrest you all. If you don’t give up, don’t blame us for using force.”

Upon hearing his words, the crowd remained calm, with many even pulling out energy guns and pointing them directly at the hero.

"Judging from your appearance, you must be ordinary people! Put down your weapons immediately! Otherwise, we will consider arresting you!" The other hero's expression also changed.

Faced with such a large crowd, the expressions of all the heroes present changed. After all, there were only a few dozen heroes who had come with Bai Yu this time, and their strength varied greatly.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but swallow hard, and pointed to the other side. Right there, another massive crowd was moving towards them. The sheer number resembled a Spring Festival travel rush. As far as the eye could see, almost every place was packed with people.

At least in Xiao Zhan's opinion, the number of people present this time was at least four figures.

They remained silent, observing the dozens of heroes from a distance. Suddenly, everyone felt as if they were being watched by a massive army.

"Damn! Did we bring too few people this time? If these are all Saviors, I think we need to request government military assistance," one of the heroes said, struggling slightly. Almost simultaneously, at least three digits of energy guns were pointed at the heroes present.

"Hmph, what's there to be afraid of? Let's just fight our way out." A hero with a cold face said, then jumped up and his jetpack shot into the air. But just as he was about to fly over the crowd, he clearly saw someone from the army reaching out to him.

Immediately afterwards, a barrier appeared, and the hero was hit by it. Although he was not damaged, he was bounced back.

"Wait, should we make a move?" an S-class hero carrying a hand cannon asked his companion.

“Let’s assess the situation first. They don’t seem to intend to harm us, at least not yet. And it’s clear there are many ordinary people here! If we attack with all our might, those ordinary people will likely be affected. We need to deal with the ability users in the Salvation Army, not the ordinary people. Those people have simply been manipulated,” another hero said, frowning.

However, as they spoke, they were almost completely surrounded from all directions. The townspeople also stepped forward, watching these heroes from afar.

For a moment, all the heroes were at a loss as to what to do.

"Since they joined the Salvation Army, they're terrorists! Forget about civilians! Just attack! If we don't run, we're all doomed here!" A seemingly hot-tempered hero finally spoke up, "Being willing to join an extremist organization like the Salvation Army already makes them excessively extreme people!!"

Upon hearing his words, the heroes present all showed expressions of hesitation.

Unfortunately, this time they had no time to hesitate, because right in front of them, more and more footsteps began to sound, and in the distance, as far as the eye could see, there was a sea of ​​people heading towards them.

"Damn it! There are definitely over ten thousand people here this time!" A hero descended from the sky and couldn't help but exclaim, "I even saw mechs!"

"Holy crap! Isn't this incredibly troublesome!" Xiao Zhan couldn't help but exclaim from the side.

"Of course we know it's troublesome."

"Brother, check if my hair is messy! This is the first time I've been surrounded by tens of thousands of people like this! Help me see if there's anything strange about it." As he spoke, Xiao Zhan pulled out a mirror from somewhere and started combing his hair.

"What time is it! You're still in the mood to act silly!!" Seeing this scene, Dong Xiaoye finally couldn't hold back anymore. She gave Xiao Zhan a hard knock on the head!

"Never mind that for now! We have to get out of here as soon as possible." Dong Xue'er said to Xiao Zhan with a serious expression, "Is your giant comic still usable?"

"It's unusable! I only recently created a set of these Super Seven-Star Comical Balls that can clear the field. I've already used them all. Who would have thought they'd be so ruthless this time!" Xiao Zhan couldn't help but say, looking at the dense crowd surrounding them. These people came from all over the world, wearing various styles of clothing and working in all sorts of professions. But now, they had all gathered here, and what's even more terrifying is that this was just the beginning.

……

On the other side, Leng Yan and Lin Qian, who were preparing for battle, also stopped fighting. Even Leng Yan couldn't help but show a look of horror when he saw such a terrifying crowd.

"Is this the Salvation Army?" Looking at Lin Qian, Leng Yan said coldly, "Just how many civilians have you misled?"

“They just agree with the Salvation Army’s ideas,” the girl with the bright light replied coldly.

Neither side showed any sign of attacking, as a steady stream of people moved towards the town right beside them. It was as if they were on a pilgrimage, a continuous flow of people heading in that direction. Even Leng Yan Torus and his group dared not act rashly. After all, battles between SS-rank beings often defied common sense, and their destructive power was terrifying. If they were to attack now, it could very likely cause widespread casualties. The Salvation Army was indeed guilty, but those powerless civilians were at most deceived; at least they didn't deserve the death penalty.

Lin Qian and her group naturally had no intention of taking action. The reason was simple: these were all members of the Salvation Army. Compared to Leng Yan and his group, Lin Qian and the girl of Instant Light were even more reluctant to see such a thing happen.

For a moment, an eerie silence fell between the two sides. But Leng Yan was not idle. At least through the communicator, he had already contacted Fenrir and other SS-class heroes of the Hero Association.

At least Leng Yan had prepared for the worst. If a full-scale clash with the Salvation Army were to occur, the civilians within the Salvation Army would inevitably suffer heavy casualties. However, in order to stop the Salvation Army from continuing its actions, he also had to make some arrangements.

As for the ordinary people, they can only blame themselves for joining a clearly defined terrorist organization. If a conflict were to actually break out, they would undoubtedly be treated as terrorists as well.

"Cold Flame, perhaps I can try using magic. With your power, we might be able to freeze all the ordinary people temporarily. After all, their strength isn't that great." The Master of Miracles secretly transmitted a string of words into the minds of the others using magic.

“I agree, but we still need to be prepared for casualties. After all, once the battle begins, even we can’t guarantee that every frozen civilian will be protected. Moreover, according to satellite images, the number seems to have exceeded ten million. Can you handle it? Also, it seems that they have captured spacetime, which means they should still be hiding some kind of powerful trump card.” Leng Yan answered calmly in his mind.

"Millions? No problem. Don't underestimate me, a master of magic." The Master of Miracles shook his head helplessly. At the same time, a series of magical symbols began to float in his palm.

P.S.: Third update complete. Happy Children's Day!

Chapter 20

Just as Xiao Zhan and the others went to help Bai Yu, Lin Jie and the bespectacled man finally arrived at the small room where Yu Chu was located. It was a relatively ordinary-looking room, and a young man wearing glasses was playing an old-fashioned cartridge game.

"Huh? So mushrooms can grow here? I never noticed this when I was a kid!" Zhao Lei couldn't help but show an excited expression as he looked at the new discovery.

"Stop it! You must be Zhao Lei, right?" The bespectacled man's voice suddenly rang out. As the door opened, Lin Jie and the bespectacled man entered Zhao Lei's room at the same time.

"You're here! Please make yourselves at home." Seeing Lin Jie and the bespectacled guy, Zhao Lei greeted them with a smile: "Speaking of which, we've got the same persona!"

"There's no overlap in character settings at all!" The bespectacled man's face suddenly turned angry. "You are you, and I am me! We are completely different people! What character settings are you talking about?!"

"Back then, I also had a young and beautiful mother and a lovely sister! In that respect, our family members were pretty much the same. Our grades in school were also about the same! Our class status and popularity were similar, you could say we were practically identical! And I used to be called 'Glasses Bro' all the time." Zhao Lei pushed up his glasses and smiled as he said to Lin Jie, "Until the monster attacked my home. Unlike you! Zero arrived early that time, so your important family members were saved. But the only difference between us might be this. That time, Zero arrived late, so he only rescued me from my family! But of course, I won't complain about Zero like those idiots do, after all, there were too many people who needed saving back then. And there was only one Zero."

"What are you trying to say after all that?!" Hearing his words, the bespectacled man's face showed displeasure: "I'm not here to listen to your nonsense, I'm going to grab you now! And! Have you investigated me? Why do you know so much about my family?"

“There’s no other way, after all, I have to investigate Zero.” Zhao Lei said, his gaze turning to Lin Jie: “Finally, I’m seeing your true colors, Mr. Zero.”