Since Mumen Rider's combat ability was even lower than that of an average Wolf-level monster, Shinji only received 3 points for defeating him. The system notification didn't surprise him because of the low reward, but rather because it confirmed something new, defeating other heroes could also yield points.
Up until now, he had assumed only monsters would generate system rewards. Only now did it become clear that hero battles qualified as well. That was definitely a welcome discovery. It opened up new paths for earning points, adding flexibility to his growth.
"Victory confirmed. Shinji's challenge is a success," the review officer announced.
Shinji immediately stepped forward to check on Mumen Rider.
"I'm fine, really. Not injured at all," Mumen Rider said while waving off the concern. He got to his feet quickly, showing no sign of pain or strain.
That wasn't surprising in the least. This was the same man who had taken hits from the Deep Sea King and still managed to bounce back. His resilience was legendary, even if his strength wasn't.
"That's good to hear," Shinji said with a nod, finally at ease.
"Alright, Shinji," the review officer continued, "Tomorrow, please report to the Z-Branch for your promotion interview. At that time, you'll have the choice to either move into B-Class or take over Mumen Rider's position as the top of C-Class."
"Understood." Shinji gave a clear nod in response. But just then, an unfriendly voice interrupted.
"Hold on, hold on! Isn't this just plain cheating? This guy's seriously qualified to be a B-Class hero?"
That irritating voice belonged to none other than Tanktop Tiger.
This time, though, he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was a bulky man also wearing a tank top—Tanktop Black Hole, Tiger's older brother and a registered B-Class hero. Behind them trailed several others, all apparently summoned by the Tank Topper Army to back them up.
"Tanktop Tiger, Tanktop Black Hole," the review officer said in a flat tone, her expression unreadable. "Even if you disagree, you don't have any authority to interfere with the Association's promotion system."
"Oh no, we wouldn't dream of interfering," Tanktop Tiger replied with a smug, self-satisfied grin. "We're just here to make sure this cheater gets exposed. By the time the interview happens, the review committee will already know what kind of fraud they're dealing with. After that, they'll make the right decision."
The review officer fell silent. She clearly disapproved of what they were doing, but technically, the Tank Topper Army weren't breaking any rules. She couldn't show favoritism to Shinji, no matter how distasteful their tactics were.
"How could Shinji possibly be cheating? His strength and achievements fully justify a B-Class promotion!" Mumen Rider, who had been silent up to this point, finally spoke up in defense.
"Seriously? You, Mumen Rider?" Tanktop Tiger sneered at him. "You've got no right to talk here. You only ended up C-Class number one because of a few lucky wins. Everyone knows it."
His words were full of scorn, and the look he gave Mumen Rider was one of utter disdain.
Everyone knew that, in terms of combat strength, Mumen Rider barely qualified as a C-Class hero. What kept him afloat was his relentless dedication—daily patrols, tireless civic duties, and an unshakable sense of justice. But to Tanktop Tiger, none of that mattered. He saw it all as a joke. The idea that someone could top the C-Class rankings just by being a good person rubbed him the wrong way.
By comparison, Tanktop Tiger considered himself a real hero. And yet, looking at the rankings now... he had slipped to seventh. Shinji's sudden leap to second place had pushed him down another spot.
Worse still, Shinji had publicly humiliated him not long ago. That insult still burned. This time, he had dragged his older brother Tanktop Black Hole along specifically to cause trouble.
With his older brother behind him, Tanktop Tiger grew even more arrogant. "Shinji! You've only been a hero for seven days, and for the first five, you didn't do a single thing. You were dead last and nearly got kicked out!" he shouted, jabbing a finger at Shinji's face. "So explain this—how the hell did you jump from dead last to C-Class Rank 2 in just a day or two? If that's not cheating, then what is? Am I right, everyone?"
As he continued tossing out accusations, he stirred the crowd around them. It was obvious the people he'd brought along were just there to apply pressure; extras meant to shake the review officer and publicly humiliate Shinji. These weren't loyal supporters. They were low-ranking heroes promised small favors or opportunists simply looking for drama.
"Now that you mention it, yeah, that is weird. One day he's nearly delisted, the next he's up for B-Class?"
"I thought the same thing. That kind of promotion speed just doesn't happen."
"Strong heroes usually start in B or A-Class right out of testing."
"This really smells like cheating. If the Association lets it slide, it's unfair to the rest of us."
"Yeah, fuck Shinji… That came out so wrong."
With the murmurs of agreement spreading, Tanktop Tiger nodded in smug satisfaction.
"This is slander! You can't just throw accusations around without proof!" Mumen Rider said, stepping forward without a trace of fear, even in the face of the Tank Topper Army.
"I told you to shut your crap. Want me to knock your teeth out?!" Tanktop Tiger raised a thick fist threateningly.
But Mumen Rider had stood up to the Deep Sea King and didn't even blink. Why would he be intimidated by a loud bully? His eyes remained steady, locked on Tanktop Tiger with open contempt for the childish show.
"Shinji! What's wrong? You've gone quiet. Feeling guilty, cheater?"
Tanktop Black Hole finally spoke, arms crossed and voice heavy with menace. His presence was overpowering, and to the others watching, it looked like Shinji was being crushed by invisible weight.
But Shinji finally broke his silence, voice calm and eyes cold, treating the scene around him like nothing but background noise. "If that's how you want to play it... then I'll just crush the both of you. That should clear things up, right?"
His voice was smooth, almost casual.
"Huh? You think you can crush me, Tanktop Tiger?"
Tiger scoffed like he'd just heard something hilarious. "I'm no joke like Mumen Rider! I've got the power of an A-Class hero. I'm only stuck in C-Class because of bad luck!"
Shinji didn't even acknowledge the boast. His gaze sharpened slightly, and he said with cool finality, "Sorry, I meant the two of you. Come at me together."