As everyone knows, humans have their limits. But with this N Card, those so-called limits are meaningless!
Saitama, you and I are definitely going to be friends!
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Achoo!
On his way home, Saitama rubbed his nose vigorously, "Strange, the weather isn't even cold. Why do I suddenly feel like I'm catching a cold? Never mind, better hurry home!"
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At Johnson's house.
The Fantasy Card transmitted feelings of desire once again, and Johnson pursed his lips, knowing how tempting this "Limiter Release ACT1" Card was for his Stand.
Obviously, I really want to use it too!
"Hmm, let me think... Do you want it? You're looking at me with those puppy eyes, but I can't read minds! Just say 'yes' or 'no' — it's not rocket science! What's with the silent treatment? Are we playing charades now? sigh Fine, I'll do this the hard way... If you want it, blink once. If you don't want it, do a backflip. No backflip? Still just staring? Okay, let's try this one more time: Do! You! Want! The! Card! ...You know what? I'm just going to give it to you before we both die of old age here."
Fantasy Card: ...
{T/N: This is the name of his Stand, so he's talking with it right now.}
Since all his power ultimately came from his Stand, Johnson hesitated briefly but decided to give this opportunity for breaking through limitations.
After all, Saitama was in Z-City — worst case, he'd just have to treat him to hot pot a few more times.
After receiving authorization from its master, the Fantasy Card materialized and eagerly "ate" the special N-card from his hand into its deck. In an instant, azure flames blazed wildly, and Johnson saw an oval ring of white light surrounding his Stand. As it transformed from ethereal to solid, it finally left behind...
An egg.
Get Stunned, Bi…
"Holy crap!" Without hesitation, Johnson activated his ability.
A brilliant ball of lightning materialized in his hand, transforming into a Chidori shuriken wrapped in electric light.
Thankfully, the loaded abilities remained intact. He let out a relieved sigh.
After consuming the all-purpose supplement, Fantasy Card had clearly entered a metamorphosis state. However, since it had consumed the supplement so hastily, there was no telling how long this transformation period would last.
With a thought, Johnson extended his hand toward the freshly filled teacup of hot tea, activating his Stand ability.
Two thousand years later...
While card creation now took nearly ten seconds longer to complete, a brand new N-card eventually emerged, fresh out of the oven.
╔══════════════════════╗
FANTASY CARD: Celadon Teacup
CARD TYPE: Item Card
RARITY: N
┌─ SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ─┐
A regular teacup bought from a convenience store, filled with brewed tea.
┌─ PRIMARY FUNCTION — DRINK MORE HOT WATER ─┐
Can help maintain body temperature, improve circulation, help relieve constipation, and also help alleviate menstrual pain.
╚══════════════════════╝
After glancing at the nonsensical card effect, Johnson set down the teacup and took a sip.
Fortunately, releasing cards had no delay, which meant his Ultimate Move: Rolled in Heaven remained at full effectiveness. This wasn't a major concern.
This demonstrated the advantage of focusing on strengthening his main body — a temporary slowdown in card creation barely affected his combat abilities.
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The next morning.
"Hey, Johnson, heard you got promoted! Shouldn't you treat us?"
"No such thing — how can you all slander me like this?"
"Still denying it? Kyoko already told us everything! You're in the chief's office every other day, and you're saying it's not true!"
Leaving the police station, Johnson received the special leave permit signed by Chief Bear.
From now on, except for necessary duties, he could handle hero activities during work hours without needing additional permission. Of course, the price was getting twice as many glares from the chief.
After changing into casual clothes at home, Johnson rode his scooter straight to the Hero Association branch in Z-City.
Grand gates, impressive greeters, and grounds comparable to a sports stadium — the Hero Association headquarters exuded wealth at first sight.
Although it was still early, a long line had already formed outside the gates. Having seen the news, he knew this was the queue for hero recruitment registration.
It wasn't that everyone had the heart of a hero — mainly, the Hero Association just paid too well. Of course, becoming a hero wasn't simple; most applicants would be eliminated during testing.
Take the future C-Class hero king Mumen Rider as an example — while his record seemed pitiful with constant defeats, he could actually handle Wolf-level and even Tiger-level Monster disasters alone, and even withstand a casual punch from the rampaging Deep Sea King. That was probably the ceiling for ordinary humans.
Enough small talk.
Having received an invitation, Johnson didn't need to queue like the others and immediately entered through the VIP channel on the other side.
Walking into the lobby, a staff member in a black suit approached with precise movements, "Hello, do you have an appointment?"
Before Johnson could answer, a blonde bombshell in a tight pencil skirt hurried over to stop her colleague's questioning, "Thomas, I'll handle this gentleman."
"Ah, yes, Section Chief Lanie."
An alluring fair-skinned figure turned to face Johnson with a smile, "Are you Officer Johnson?"
"I am."
The blonde bombshell, wearing wine-red glasses, smiled radiantly, "Welcome to the Hero Association. On behalf of Recruitment Department Head Bucky, I'll be in charge of your schedule today. You can call me Lanie."
Sensing her overwhelming enthusiasm, Johnson nodded calmly, "Then I'll be in your care."
"Please follow me."
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Hero Testing Arena.
According to Lanie, Johnson would take his test alongside other applicants.
The difference was that while others faced life-changing examinations, his test was merely a formality. This special treatment was based on his verifiable track record — not everyone could skip the full evaluation.
When they arrived at the testing point, the arena was packed.
With staff escorting him, Johnson naturally drew everyone's attention, though the other candidates quickly looked away, intimidated by his overwhelming evil aura. No cliché confrontations ensued.
"Damn it, why does he get a beautiful guide all to himself!"
"Yeah! I want one too!"
"What gives him the right? Just because he's a thousand times better-looking than me?"
"..."
Grumbles and envious mutters echoed throughout the room.
Lanie, well-accustomed to drawing attention, gave Johnson a sweet smile, "Officer Johnson, this is the men's changing room. I'll wait for you at the first testing point."
"No problem, thank you for your help." Johnson nodded, watching as she swayed away till the end.
His fellow candidates immediately showered him with their "warmest" regards.
"Virgin!"
"Beast!"