Kazuto stood by the sink, meticulously scrubbing the last of his plates. His expression was calm, but his voice carried a weight of monotony.
Kazuto: "I've grown too strong. There's no sign that evil is disappearing... not even slightly. Since I became a hero for fun, nothing has changed. That means my actions... haven't made a difference in the world."
He placed the clean dish in the drying rack, drying his hands with a towel.
Kazuto: "But that doesn't bother me in the slightest. After all, I'm a hero just for myself. Fighting evil in the name of justice brings me pleasure and satisfaction. It's what's kept me alive even when I've lost the will to live."
He walked to the balcony, picking up a watering can to tend to his small collection of plants.
Kazuto: "However... there's a big problem. My emotions grow weaker day by day. I'm becoming cold. I don't feel fear or joy, excitement or anger anymore."
He gently watered a small potted plant as his gaze drifted toward the horizon.
Kazuto: "Have I lost my humanity in exchange for power? There was a time when I felt every emotion during battle... fear, panic, rage. But now, nothing. Every fight ends with just one punch. After that, I come home, clean my gloves, and the day passes."
He sighed, looking down at his hands.
Kazuto: "It doesn't matter what I face—mutants or Kaijins—they're no different from insects to me."
As if summoned by his words, a buzzing sound filled the air. Kazuto glanced at his arm to see a peculiar insect with shimmering wings and a needle-like proboscis.
Kazuto (apathetically): "Just like squashing a bug. I don't feel a thing."
He slapped his arm with precision and force.
Kazuto: "See? It's natural, I didn't feel—"
He froze. The insect was still there, unfazed and buzzing mockingly.
Kazuto (staring): "Oh, so you're one of those, huh?"
The next few moments turned into a comical whirlwind of hand-slapping, rapid dodges, and intense swipes. Kazuto darted around the room like a lunatic, his movements faster than the eye could follow, but the insect always evaded his attacks.
Kazuto (furious): "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I LET THAT DAMN THING ESCAPE! MALDITO—"
The insect buzzed mockingly as it slipped through an open window. Kazuto stared after it, his face dark with frustration.
Meanwhile, a news broadcast played across every television in Villa C.
News Anchor: "The overpopulation of Blood Stingers this year has caused chaos worldwide."
A montage of horrific scenes followed: animals and even some people lying shriveled and lifeless, their bodies drained of blood.
News Anchor: "The Blood Stingers' sting is fatal. Once they latch onto a victim, they drain them dry in moments."
Kazuto leaned against the wall, watching the broadcast with a raised brow.
Kazuto: "Blood Stingers? Plague? Sure, why not."
The broadcast was interrupted by a breaking news alert.
News Anchor (urgent): "We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news. A massive swarm of Blood Stingers is currently heading toward Villa C. Residents are advised to stay indoors. The disaster level has been classified as Demonic."
Footage showed the swarm, darkening the sky like a thundercloud.
News Anchor: "As you can see, the swarm moves like a living storm. Any contact with these Blood Stingers results in death. We urge everyone in Villa C to take immediate shelter."
Kazuto blinked.
Kazuto: "Wait. I live in Villa C. I should probably close the windows."
Elsewhere, a lone thief grinned as he ransacked an abandoned shop, stuffing his bag with valuables.
Thief: "Heh, idiots. Running away over some stupid bugs. A single sting can't kill anyone. I'll take my chances if it means free loot—"
THWACK!
His hat flew off his head as something zipped past him.
Thief (nervously): "What was that—"
Before he could finish, the Blood Stingers swarmed him. He screamed as they latched onto his body, their needle-like mouths piercing his skin.
Thief: "ARGH! STOP! SOMEBODY—"
Moments later, the swarm dispersed, leaving behind only a lifeless, shriveled husk. The thief's body crumbled, splitting apart as it hit the ground.
The swarm ascended into the sky, carrying the stolen blood to their master.
High above the city...
Insect King (disappointed): "Pathetic. This isn't nearly enough."
The swarm buzzed in unison, trembling as if in apology. The Insect King sighed before freezing.
Insect King (sensing something): "Hmm... some of my Blood Stingers were just wiped out nearby."
Below, a lone figure stood in the chaos, surrounded by the remains of incinerated Blood Stingers.
???: "So, you're the one controlling them. Using some kind of signal, huh?"
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young man with a mechanical arm, glowing faintly with power.
Cyborg: "If I take you out, your swarm will collapse. Makes sense."
The Insect King sneered, his wings flaring.
Insect King: "You think you're a match for me? Foolish human. SWARM, FEAST ON HIM!"
The Blood Stingers rushed toward the Cyborg, covering him entirely in a seething mass of wings and stingers.
BOOOOOOM!
A massive explosion tore through the swarm, obliterating every insect in its radius. The Cyborg emerged from the smoke, his arm glowing red-hot.
Insect King (shocked): "What... what was that?!"
Meanwhile, Kazuto stood by his balcony, finally cornering the troublesome Blood Stinger that had evaded him all day.
Kazuto (grinning darkly): "I've got you now."
He clenched his fist, preparing to end the insect's reign of annoyance.
SWAT!
The Blood Stinger buzzed away, completely unfazed. Kazuto's face contorted in pure, unadulterated rage.
Kazuto (yelling): "DAMN YOU!!!"
To Be Continued...