As everyone knows, humans have limits.
But in front of this N-rank card, limits could only rely on defense.
Saitama, your friend and I have already made a deal with someone.
"Ah-sneeze!"
On the way home, Saitama rubbed his nose roughly.
"Strange… the weather isn't even cold, so why does it suddenly feel like I'm catching one? … Whatever, I should get back quickly."
…
At the Joestar residence, the Fantasy Card once again transmitted a sense of expectation. Joshiro curled his lips, fully aware of how tempting "Limiter Breakthrough ACT 1" in his hand was to his Stand. He wanted to use it himself.
Fantasy Card: …
Since all of his abilities stemmed from his Stand anyway, Joshiro decided to let it take the chance to break through its limiter. Saitama was in City Z; at worst he could invite him for hotpot later.
With the authority granted by Joshiro, the Fantasy Card appeared and immediately consumed the special N-rank card into the card library. Blue flames erupted, wrapping the Stand in white light as its body shifted from illusion into substance. When the light cleared, what remained before Joshiro was an egg.
He froze in shock.
"Holy shit…"
With a sharp smile, Joshiro activated his ability. A ball of lightning gathered in his hand before shifting into a Chidori-shaped shuriken. His shoulders relaxed when he realized the loaded abilities were still intact.
The Fantasy Card had clearly entered a transformation state. He didn't know how long it would last, but it had eaten quickly and completely. With a thought he activated his ability again, directing it at the teacup in front of him that was still filled with hot tea.
Ten seconds passed before anything happened. When the ability completed, a new N-rank card emerged.
[Fantasy Card: Celadon Teacup]
[Card Type: Item Card]
[Rarity: N]
[Introduction: An ordinary tea set purchased at a convenience shop, containing brewed tea.]
[Effect 1: Drink More Hot Water]
[Description: Maintains body temperature, improves circulation, relieves constipation, and reduces discomfort during menstruation.]
Looking at the unimpressive description, Joshiro sighed, picked up the newly manifested teacup, and drank from it. At least there was no delay when using normal cards. His finishing moves would still work as usual.
The next morning came quickly.
…
"Oh, Officer Joshiro, I heard you were recently promoted. Are you going to treat us?"
"How can you frame someone so carelessly?"
"Don't deny it, Kyoko already told us."
"You're in the director's office every other day and still say you're uninvolved."
…
Leaving the station later, Joshiro carried a leave form signed by Director Akari. It granted him official approval to conduct hero activities during working hours without repeated clearance requests. The price had been two sharp glares from his superior.
Back home, Joshiro changed into casual clothes and took his motorbike to the Z-City branch of the Hero Association. The facility resembled a gymnasium in scale and design, and its entrance emphasized wealth and prestige.
Although it was early, a long line had formed outside the gates. Joshiro knew from the news coverage that it was the recruitment queue for aspiring heroes. The Association offered generous pay and benefits, drawing applicants in large numbers, though few would pass the exams.
Take the example of the future C-class hero, the Mumen Rider. He seemed ordinary yet had proven himself in multiple battles, handling wolf-level and even tiger-level threats while withstanding attacks from the Deep Sea King. That was more than most humans could ever reach.
Invited ahead, Joshiro avoided waiting in the public line and entered through a side passage reserved for direct appointments. Once inside the lobby, a staff member in a black suit approached.
"Hello, do you have an appointment?"
Before Joshiro could reply, a blonde woman stepped forward in small but quick strides. "Nagato, I'll take care of this one."
"Ah, yes, Team Leader Shizuka."
The woman smiled brightly at Joshiro. "You are Officer Joshiro, correct?"
"That's right."
She wore wavy blonde hair and burgundy glasses, her expression warm and practiced. "Welcome to the Hero Association. I'm Shizuka, entrusted by Chief Bach of the Recruitment Section to manage today's schedule for you."
Joshiro nodded without outward reaction. "I'll be in your care."
"Please follow me."
…
At the test venue, Shizuka explained that Joshiro's assessment would be arranged together with other applicants though his own process was more of a technicality, since his record could be confirmed directly.
The venue was already crowded when they arrived, and Joshiro's presence drew a quick reaction. Attention fell heavily on him, though no direct confrontation followed.
"Why does that guy get his own handler?"
"Exactly! I want the same treatment."
"Is it because he looks better than the rest of us?"
The frustrated comments from others filled the air.
Shizuka ignored the complaints, smiling at Joshiro once again as they reached the changing area. "Officer Joshiro, this is the men's locker room. It wouldn't be proper for me to enter, so I'll wait for you at the first testing point."
"No problem, thank you for the effort."
Joshiro nodded as she walked away, the attention of countless applicants following her until she disappeared into the crowd.
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