### Chapter 12: Sweet Mask's Scrutiny
"How about I treat you..."
Fubuki just mustered the courage to speak.
"Thank you so much for what happened earlier!"
At this moment, a loud voice cut in.
It was Lightning Max, who had finished treating his injuries. Seeing Kouki, he immediately stepped forward to thank him solemnly.
Immediately after, as if a switch had been flipped.
Other heroes also gathered around—some to thank him sincerely, others out of pure curiosity.
After all, this newcomer was the exceptional case who had parachuted directly into S-Class Rank 14!
This honor and strength were enough to make everyone turn their heads.
Surrounded by enthusiasm, Kouki was a bit flustered for a moment.
Watching his slightly embarrassed look, Fubuki, who had been "interrupted mid-cast," wasn't angry. Instead, she let out a "pffft" and laughed, her eyes curving.
After finally dealing with his enthusiastic peers, Kouki returned to Fubuki with a hint of apology: "Sorry, Fubuki, it was too noisy just now. What did you say you wanted to treat me to?"
"I said, I wanted to treat you to a meal. I wonder if you..." Fubuki hadn't finished her sentence.
"A meal? Sure! Absolutely no problem!"
Kouki's eyes lit up, agreeing with crisp decisiveness.
Although the Association had just transferred the huge bonus for killing the Monsters to his account, being treated by a beautiful older sister?
Only a fool would refuse!
"Then let's go?"
Seeing him agree so readily, a brilliant smile bloomed on Fubuki's face.
Being on good terms with a newly promoted S-Class hero was a great opportunity to expand her network.
The two walked out of the Association building side by side. Under Fubuki's lead, they entered a luxuriously decorated restaurant.
"Order whatever you like, don't be polite!"
Fubuki pushed the exquisite menu in front of Kouki, her demeanor elegant and generous.
"Ha! You said it!" Kouki grinned, taking it unceremoniously, his eyes sweeping over the dazzling array of dishes. "Then I'm going to let my stomach loose!"
Fubuki was amused by his "hungry tiger pouncing on food" posture. She wasn't worried about him eating her out of house and home; instead, she asked curiously, "Where are you from, Mr. Kouki? Why did you think of joining the Hero Association?"
"Me? From Z-City." Kouki answered casually while quickly ticking items on the menu. "Joining the Hero Association was my Grandpa's request!"
"Your Grandpa?"
Fubuki was somewhat curious. Who was the grandfather of this powerful youth?
"Silver Fang Bang is my Grandpa!"
Kouki ordered the last dish, handed the menu to the waiter, and said with a hint of pride.
"Wha... ?!" Fubuki's beautiful eyes widened instantly, her face full of disbelief. "Mr. Kouki, you... your grandfather is actually Senior Silver Fang?!"
"Just call me Kouki!" Kouki continued to smile brightly.
After the shock.
Fubuki quickly accepted this fact, and her mind suddenly cleared.
No wonder his strength was so amazing!
So he was the personal disciple of that legendary master of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist!
Everything had a reasonable explanation.
"By the way, Fubuki," Kouki picked up his water glass and took a sip, naturally changing the topic. "I just became a hero and I'm not too familiar with things in the Association. Can you tell me about them?"
"Of course!"
Fubuki nodded without hesitation, immediately transforming into a dutiful "newbie guide."
She began to explain in detail the operation mechanism, ranking system, mission process, and some unwritten rules of the Hero Association.
However, as dishes full of aroma were served one by one.
Fubuki's elegant explanation was gradually replaced by surprise.
Her beautiful eyes opened wider and wider, her cherry lips slightly parted—Kouki's eating speed could simply be described as "sweeping away clouds in the wind"!
That appetite was definitely equal to several strong men!
The meal ended with Kouki satisfied and Fubuki dumbfounded.
Kouki's fondness for this beautiful and generous older sister skyrocketed.
"Thanks for the treat, Fubuki!" Kouki patted his solid chest, his tone sincere. "You are the first friend I made after coming down the mountain! If you need help with anything in the future, just ask! leave it to me!"
Hearing this, a heartfelt smile appeared on Fubuki's face, and she rejoiced secretly: "Establishing a friendship with a promising S-Class hero, this meal was too worth it."
She pursed her lips in an elegant smile: "Kouki is too polite. Between friends, helping each other is only right."
Just as the two were chatting happily and the atmosphere was harmonious.
"—You must be Kouki!"
A clear but unfamiliar male voice cut in abruptly.
Kouki and Fubuki looked towards the source of the voice, both with a hint of confusion at being disturbed.
They saw a handsome man with blue hair like satin and a face that could be called perfect, standing there with one hand in his pocket. His sharp gaze was sizing up Kouki meticulously like a scanner.
His whole body emitted a dazzling aura like an idol star.
Instantly becoming the focus of the entire square.
"I am A-Class Rank 1, 'Sweet Mask'," he nodded slightly, the corner of his mouth curving into a formulaic charming smile. "There are some things I want to talk to you about alone."
"Lord Sweet Mask?!"
"Ahhh! It's really Lord Mask!"
"Oh my god! Why is he here!"
...
The surrounding air seemed to be ignited, filled with gasps and screams of excitement.
The crowd became restless, countless scorching gazes focusing on this spot.
Kouki raised an eyebrow with interest—Ho, he hadn't even warmed the bench of his new official position yet, and the legendary "S-Class Quality Inspector" had already sniffed his way here?
As for the other party's purpose?
He could guess seventy to eighty percent of it even thinking with his toes.
Nothing more than examining the quality of him, this parachuted S-Class, weighing whether his strength was qualified and if his conviction was firm.
Thinking of this, a rebellious arc flashed across the corner of Kouki's mouth.
His way of the hero was always defined by himself. When was it ever someone else's turn to dictate?
"Speak quickly if you have something to say," Kouki simply crossed his arms, the muscles on his strong arms bulging, his tone carrying obvious impatience. "Don't waste everyone's time."
That posture was just like dismissing a salesman.
Sweet Mask's perfect smile seemed to freeze for a tenth of a second, his handsome brows furrowing imperceptibly.
The arrogant attitude of the newcomer before him was far from the image of a "hero" he imagined.
However, Kouki's record of single-handedly killing a Dragon-level monster and turning the tide in A-City.
Was an ironclad record within the Hero Association.
He himself had rushed over at full speed after receiving the Association's emergency call for help, only arriving a step too late.
Seeing Kouki's impervious appearance, Sweet Mask also lost interest in dealing with him and spoke coldly: "I heard you are an S-Class promoted by special exception. I want to remind you, hero is by no means a title with an undeserved reputation..."
...