C2 Z City

Stepping out of the station, Cello Everett allowed himself a slight smile. He was well aware that if things progressed, a delightful narrative could unfold between him and Melinde. Yet, his journey to Z City wasn't for the sake of romance.

Z City—the most perilous metropolis in the ONE PUNCH-MAN universe. Cello knew all too well what lay ahead: swarms of mosquitoes, plummeting meteorites, and the terror of the Monster Association would soon engulf the city. Even the elite S-class heroes deemed it a no-go zone. But then again, if not for its dangers, why would he have traveled all the way from Q City?

With a firm grip, Cello clenched his fist. Seven days and a fusion of hundreds of abilities had propelled his strength to the pinnacle of human capacity. Yet, beyond that point, no matter how many ordinary abilities he acquired, his power hit a standstill. This was the limiter—the peak of human strength. To ascend further, he needed the powers of heroes or monsters. And where else but Z City to find them in abundance?

Before he could muse any further, panicked screams echoed through the streets. "Monsters!" "Run for your lives!" People of all ages were in a frenzy, scattering in every direction. A mutation had occurred; a monster was born. An elderly man, who moments before shuffled along with a cane, now sprinted with such vigor he even had the breath to warn Cello, "Hurry, young man!"

True to its reputation, the citizens of Z City were well-versed in the art of escape. Cello nodded in gratitude to the old man, but the thought of fleeing never crossed his mind. He had come a great distance for this very encounter with the monstrous.

With a wry smile, Cello advanced toward the chaos...

Meanwhile, in a nearby park, a grotesque Crab Monster with the torso of a crustacean and the legs of a human brandished its claws, cackling maniacally, "Anyone who mocks my looks deserves to die!" Facing it, a young man with lifeless eyes was drenched in sweat, pleading, "Was it worth killing over a child's taunt?"

The Crab Monster's rage intensified at the challenge.

"Joke?"

"That little devil scribbled all over me with a water pen. My crab hands can't scrub it off!"

It was at that moment.

Cello Everett finally noticed.

Lurking behind the youth was a mischievous kid with a butt for a chin.

"Anyone who tries to stop me will meet their end!"

The Crab Monster brandished its massive claws, its visage twisted in rage. It was clearly at its boiling point.

"Gulp!"

The youth with the dead fish eyes swallowed hard, his nerves stretched to the limit.

In that hair-trigger moment!

A handsome black-haired teenager suddenly came into view.

Hands in his pockets, a sardonic curve played on his lips.

Step by step, he approached the Crab Monster.

"Here comes another brat."

The towering Crab Monster cackled as it swung its claws.

"Are you looking for death, too?"

"Death? By your hand?"

Cello Everett let out a scornful laugh. "While I'm still in a good mood, beat it if you don't want to die."

In reality, there were two people and one monster present.

Cello Everett was familiar with all of them.

The young man with the vacant gaze was none other than the protagonist of the ONE PUNCH-MAN universe.

Saitama, the teacher!

This was three years before the story officially kicked off, when he was still just an average guy.

He hadn't grown stronger, and his full head of hair was still intact.

The troublemaking kid with the butt chin was no ordinary child either.

He was the grandson of the wealthy magnate, Akhil.

As for the Crab Monster.

It might have seemed formidable, but it was actually at the bottom rung of the weakest Wolf Level monsters.

Even without Cello Everett's intervention, Saitama would have taken it down!

Come to think of it, it was Saitama's rescue of Akhil's grandson from the Crab Monster that led Akhil to establish the Hero Association.

Thus began the Hero Era!

In a way.

This Crab Monster played an unexpectedly pivotal role...

"Brat, you're asking for it!"

The Crab Monster, picking up on the contempt and mockery in Cello Everett's gaze, became furiously embarrassed.

But as it geared up to strike...

Cello Everett made his move!

With no flashy gestures, just a plain, direct punch.

"Boom!"

A punch that reached the limits of human capability struck like thunder.

The Crab Monster rocketed away as if shot from a cannon!

Its shell splintered, spilling crab roe in all directions.

Just one punch!

The Crab Monster, finished!

Cello Everett sneered, leisurely pulling back his fist. "Still, even a mere monster shouldn't be taken lightly by humans."