"Never thought you'd be this strong," Shishen said, staring at Lin Jie.

"It's not that I'm strong. You're just weak," Lin Jie replied.

"Tch. You won. Say whatever you want," Shishen muttered, eyes still fixed on Lin Jie. "I'll just quit being a hero, that's all."

"Seriously? We don't even have a grudge," Lin Jie said, studying Shishen. "What you do shouldn't matter to me anyway."

"Is this how victors mock the defeated?" Shishen glared, voice tight with anger. "You've been suppressing me this whole time!"

"Are you insane?" Lin Jie shot back. "Why would I waste energy suppressing you? Zero benefit. Just trouble."

"Stop playing innocent!" Shishen snapped. "Crushing rivals at your rank is standard practice in the Hero Association. Without enough achievements, most heroes do this to climb higher."

"Hold up—I never heard about this!" Lin Jie frowned. "Is a rank really that important?"

"Don't act clueless," Shishen scoffed. "Higher rank means more power, perks, and prestige. A top-tier hero can bring massive profits to corporations."

"What?" Lin Jie stared, baffled. Back when he was a Super Hero, they were just vigilantes hiding in plain sight—no profits, no perks.

"So you became a hero for this nonsense?" Lin Jie sighed, shaking his head at Shishen.

"Don't tell me you didn't."

"I really didn't. My sister forced me into it."

"Save the act!" Shishen barked. "You beat me. No need to pretend you're some righteous savior. It's pointless."

"Ahhh!" A scream ripped through the air.

Both men whirled toward the sound. A pitch-black shadow creature was swallowing a girl whole.

"A-rank dangerous creature—Shadow Demon!" Shishen yelled. "Run! Alert the Association HQ!"

"You run," Lin Jie said, already pulling out his spike mace. He strode toward the demon.

"Are you kidding? You're just D-rank!" Shishen gaped in shock. "Heroes are allowed to flee enemies above their rank! It won't hurt your record!"

"If I run, she dies," Lin Jie said calmly. "Why obsess over ranks? Does a number define everything?"

"It's proof of a hero's strength. A measure of worth," Shishen whispered, legs trembling as Lin Jie advanced.

"Is rank really that vital?" Lin Jie pressed. "Can someone chasing profit and promotions truly be called a hero?"

"Stop preaching!" Shishen snarled. Every word made him feel like a clown. He refused to believe Lin Jie's ideals—everyone spouted noble lines in public, but behind closed doors? They'd smirk: *"Great power means great profits."* That was Shishen's truth. He didn't want to believe Lin Jie. Yet his feet stayed rooted, eyes locked on Lin Jie's back.

It reminded him of a black-robed silhouette from seven years ago—the lone figure who stood against an alien armada when humanity was on its knees.

"You can't save her! Call for backup!" Shishen shouted as Lin Jie closed in.

"You call. I can't watch her die." Lin Jie hefted his spike mace.

The Shadow Demon, annoyed at the interruption, lashed out. Dozens of black energy spikes shot toward Lin Jie.

Lin Jie simply swung his mace. A powerful gust shredded the spikes effortlessly.

In the next instant, he was at the demon's core, yanking the girl free from its shadowy body. He leaped back and casually tossed her to Shishen.

"No life-threatening injuries. Just unconscious," Lin Jie called.

Shishen caught her. "She's safe! Run now!"

But the enraged Shadow Demon unleashed thousands of black tendrils, engulfing them both.

"We're dead," Shishen whispered, collapsing to his knees.

"No big deal," Lin Jie said.

"Don't humor me. Since you showed up, nothing's gone right," Shishen muttered bleakly.

"I mean it." Lin Jie spun his spike mace. In three seconds, every tendril shattered under his blows.

"You..." Shishen choked, unable to form words. He'd actually taunted this monster.

Lin Jie appeared before the demon's core. One swing of his mace—and the shadowy mass disintegrated. A pitch-black humanoid flew out.

"That's its true form? Looks human!" Shishen finally approached, peering at the creature.

"It's a Black Demon. Lab experiment gone wrong. They hide inside humans—undetectable until they manifest," Lin Jie explained.

"Let's report this! Huge achievement!" Shishen's eyes lit up.

"You report. First, get her to a hospital."

"Wait! This is major credit! Don't you want it?" Shishen protested. "We can wait for Association inspectors. No life danger. Plus, we'll get media coverage—perfect PR!"

"Not interested." Lin Jie carried the girl toward the park exit.

*He meant it.* Shishen watched, stunned. Lin Jie had shattered his worldview tonight. He'd never believed heroes rejected profit—some avoided money but craved fame. Yet Lin Jie vanished after every victory, never seeking glory. And his strength... crushing an A-rank demon like trash. He could've been an A Rank Hero easily.

All that "suppression" Shishen imagined? A joke. Respect flooded him. Lin Jie was just like that black-robed hero from seven years ago—the one who inspired his path.

"Wait! I'm coming too!" Shishen sprinted after him.

---

At the hospital, the girl's parents thanked them profusely.

"My daughter wishes to see you both," her father said.

"She's awake?" Lin Jie asked.

"Yes."

"Let's go," Shishen urged.

Inside the ward, the girl sat bandaged on the bed, watching them.

"I'm sorry!" Her first words weren't thanks—but an apology.

"Why apologize?" Lin Jie frowned.

"I'm a reporter for *Hero Daily*. 'Exclusive Scoops' section," she admitted. "I was tailing Mr. Shishen in the park."

"What? You're that scandal journalist?!" Shishen paled.

"Yes. I've followed you for days. Planned to publish your conversation."

"What?!" Shishen flinched.

"Don't worry. I won't publish it. You saved me."

"*Phew.*" Shishen sagged in relief.

"But I have a condition," the girl said, locking eyes with Shishen. "When I'm discharged, you take me on a date. Or I leak the recording."

"Hell no!" Lin Jie exploded. "I saved you! Why date this loser? I crushed the demon! Ever heard of 'damsel in distress' tropes?"

"But Mr. Shishen is hot!" she chirped. "Handsome, rich, famous—and I've got his secrets. Taking him out would be so impressive!"

"Damn it!" Lin Jie flipped Shishen off. "Modern girls make zero sense." He stormed out.

---

Outside the hospital, Shishen caught up, having reluctantly given the girl his number.

"Wait!" he called.

"What now?" Lin Jie turned.

"Why stay D-rank with your strength?" Shishen pressed. "You didn't become a hero for the rank, did you? But you... are you an idol or a hero?"

Lin Jie walked away without answering.

Back at Xiao Tower, he scooped up the little loli already asleep on the couch. "Even walking the dog brings trouble. Bad luck." He carried her home.

---

Next morning, Shishen sprinted toward Lin Jie on the street.

"I've decided! I'd rather be a hero than an idol!" he panted. "Be my master! Teach me to get stronger!"

"Huh?"