Genos stood before a thick metal double door, waiting. Doctor. How much do you know about all this?
After defeating G4, he had gathered what remained of the melted machine god using his one remaining arm and hurried to his current location — Doctor Kuseno's Scientific Research Facility.
Several minutes passed before he heard the familiar electronic buzz, followed by the sound of intricate locks disengaging.
Genos stepped forward as the metal doors parted automatically. Once inside, the doors closed behind him, the heavy locks reengaging with a solid click.
Bright white lights illuminated the cavernous laboratory, packed with towering metal constructs and thick cables snaking across the floor. The lab hummed with the faint, ever-present drone of machinery. Cables wound beneath multiple suspended monitors, flickering with varied diagnostic data.
To him, the lab felt like a second home, a place of familiarity and quiet comfort. While the air carried the familiar scent of solder and machine oil, each whiff stirring memories of countless hours spent here.
"You returned missing an arm, again." Across the room, Dr. Kuseno waited, hands clasped behind his back.
Genos came to a stop on the textured metal floor, its diamond-like pattern glinting under the light. Where he dropped the remains of the machine god between them.
"Doctor Kuseno, these are parts from a robot calling itself the 'Machine God G4.' It was equipped with tremendous power and advanced artificial intelligence. Most of it has been scrapped, but if there's anything I can use, please incorporate it. I need to become stronger."
Genos kept his eyes locked on Doctor Kuseno's face, searching for even the slightest shift in expression.
Doctor Kuseno looked down at G4's parts, his voice unsteady. "Th-This is… Genos, where did you get this?"
Master's insight was spot on, it would seem…
"I understand. Let's give it a try." Doctor Kuseno glanced up at Genos, his brief lapse of composure gone without a trace. "I believe I can still make you stronger."
Genos remained silent as Doctor Kuseno continued.
"But Genos, while I know you became a cyborg for the sake of justice, you shouldn't push yourself too hard."
How should I ask him? The Doctor must have had a good reason for withholding this information.
"No, I have to push myself," said Genos as he pondered on the best method to breech the subject pressing on his mind. "Right now, I'm focusing on experiencing many different fights and training my willpower."
"That peculiar assignment your master assigned you? I figured you would say that." Doctor Kuseno's eyes sharpened. "More importantly, Genos, have you gathered any clues about 'The Rampaging Cyborg?' You seem to be completely focused on your hero activities lately."
Genos steeled his mind and said, "About that… Doctor, I have some questions I need to ask you."
¤ ¤ ¤
Caspian had worked himself up after leaving King's place, though his current mood had nothing to do with King. In fact, he had found a fast friend in King, discovering many shared interests. Caspian had even discussed King's dilemma thoroughly, advising him on how to handle it from now on. He explained that even if King tried to come clean, no one would believe him — or something would prevent his confession from being heard. King didn't find this line of thought absurd, considering everything he had experienced. However, Caspian assured him that he wouldn't let anything happen to him, giving King some peace of mind. Before leaving, the two planned a gaming night for the near future.
No, what had worked him up was the predicament of 'time.'
He didn't know how to handle what was coming. Should he bother trying to manipulate future events? No matter how he had tried to change things so far, the timeline kept snapping back into place. First with the Written Exam, then...
Could certain events like failing the Written Exam be universal constants, inevitable across all 'One Punch Man' parallel timelines? I should save these kinds of thoughts for the shower…
He had to stop blaming his failures on some unseen force. And start trying to change himself for the better.
And the first step in his change was how he had ended up in G-City. For Yuta, no doubt. If he wanted to bridge the distance between them, he would have to come to her himself. At least, that's what he believed.
Caspian traveled deep into the mountains of G-City. Traversing through the dense forest, past tall trees that groaned in the wind and over moss-cushioned roots, until he found the wide, weathered stone steps he sought.
For several minutes now, he had ascended the steps at an easy pace, soaking in the ancient atmosphere of the region. Taking a deep breath, he caught the crisp scent of pine and damp earth that saturated the air.
Getting to experience an environment like this when growing up would be nice. I look forward to bringing my future children here someday. Now that I think about it, the area around Suiko's dojo is also an excellent location. Going to both places is the correct answer. Actually, near Suiko's dojo, we could...
Caspian continued up the mountain stairway. Walking over patches of sunlight which filtered through the leaves, dappling the aged stone with pools of gold that shifted with the swaying branches on either side of him. His mind drifted, becoming lost in thought as he envisioned his ideal life. The future he dreamed of, peaceful, fulfilling, and surrounded by those he loved, felt closer with every breath.
As his red boots collided with the moss-speckled steps, they blended with the birdsong, cicadas, and the rustling of leaves. Allowing him to reach a state of peace and calmness he had almost forgotten. Nature's melody wrapped around him, soothing his mind and heart.
Eventually, he reached the top, where the Council of Swordmasters' nijūmon-style entrance gate lied ahead. Its broad, sloping roof curved upward, layered with weathered tiles. His gaze drifted downward, past the upper balcony enclosed by a wooden railing, to the ground where three familiar individuals stood.
Those three are here, which means…