Noticed by Both Sides

As Azar walked away from his intense sparring match with Bang, a faint whirring sound hummed overhead, unnoticed by either of the fighters during their exchange. Hovering above, almost invisible against the dimming skyline, a surveillance drone monitored their every move. The Hero Association's eyes were everywhere in City Z, and the sudden display of high-level combat had drawn its attention.

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Back at the Hero Association's command center, a live feed from the drone flashed across a large screen. Analysts and operatives crowded around, watching the replay of Azar and Bang's skirmish.

"Who's that guy fighting Silver Fang?" one analyst asked, zooming in on Azar's figure.

"Not on record as a hero. His style looks refined but raw, with an edge," another chimed in, analyzing the footage. "And his power level—this guy's no amateur."

Several supervisors exchanged concerned looks. Anyone that powerful who wasn't registered with the Hero Association was a potential threat. They called for a direct line to the higher-ups.

Moments later, the video feed was sent up to Sitch, the Hero Association's top strategist and coordinator, known for his cautious approach to unpredictable entities.

Sitch frowned, rewinding and playing back Azar's movements. "Silver Fang wouldn't bother sparring with just anyone," he muttered, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "If this individual is both skilled and unregistered, he could pose either a serious risk—or an invaluable asset."

One of the analysts turned to him. "Shall we escalate his profile, sir?"

Sitch nodded, his eyes still glued to the footage. "Absolutely. Make him a high-priority individual to track. If he's as strong as he appears, the sooner we get him on our side, the better."

The command center echoed with murmurs as analysts scrambled to mark Azar as a high-priority observation subject, not yet a threat but definitely not an ally. Yet.

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Meanwhile, in a shadowed part of City Z, hidden beneath the streets and within the twisted, dank halls of the Monster Association, an entirely different discussion was underway.

Phoenix Man sat perched in a dimly lit room, his gaze focused on a small monitor replaying the footage of Azar's clash with Bang. Behind him stood several lesser-known members of the Monster Association, watching the screen with interest and an undercurrent of caution.

"This human isn't with the Hero Association," Phoenix Man said, his voice thoughtful. "Yet he's powerful, and more importantly, he's unregistered."

The monsters in the room shifted uncomfortably, exchanging wary glances.

"Do you think he could be… persuaded?" asked Sludge Jellyfish, his gurgling voice expressing both curiosity and doubt.

Phoenix Man shrugged, a devious glint in his eyes. "Perhaps. We've lured many humans with potential before. This one is… intriguing, though. Bang didn't crush him outright, which means he has strength and perhaps room to grow."

"But he fought against a hero, not with them," Do-S mused, her whip thrashing around in anticipation. "If he's outside their ranks, maybe he doesn't care for their hero games. Perhaps he'd be interested in another way to gain power."

"Indeed," Phoenix Man replied, nodding slowly. "Keep an eye on him. The Hero Association is bound to do the same. If they can't bring him into their fold… we'll make our move."

The monsters around him nodded, understanding that Azar had become more than just a curiosity—he was now a potential asset. And if he didn't fit with the heroes, perhaps he'd be willing to entertain their way of thinking.

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In the days following the match, Azar felt the weight of increased surveillance around him, though he paid it little mind. The Hero Association's interest was rising, and the Monster Association was watching him too. Unaware of the tension he was brewing on both sides, Azar continued down his path, hungry for more strength and taking his next steps on a path where he would be pursued by both alliances in the shadowed war yet to come.