A Meeting with the Cyborg

Azar had been wandering through City Z's quieter outskirts, a part of town where monster attacks were becoming alarmingly common. He'd recently noticed an uptick in stronger foes, giving him a chance to test and hone his devouring abilities. The air was heavy with anticipation; he could sense another powerful being nearby, though this time, something about the energy felt… different.

Turning a corner, Azar came face to face with a tall, muscular figure with gleaming silver limbs and an intense gaze. The figure was unmistakably a cyborg, his body encased in advanced metal plating that looked both sleek and deadly. It was Genos, the S-Class Rank 17th hero, the Demon Cyborg, a name that even Azar had come across recently.

Genos' eyes narrowed as he studied Azar, immediately noting the air of confidence and strength in the stranger's stance. "You," Genos began, his voice calm but firm. "You're the one they call 'Phantom Slayer,' aren't you?"

Azar smirked, giving a slight shrug. "People call me a lot of things. I don't put much stock in it."

Genos' gaze didn't falter. "I've been tracking a recent string of monster incidents in this area, and you're the common factor. Reports say you appear out of nowhere, take down monsters effortlessly, then vanish. I assumed you were associated with the Hero Association, but… it seems I was wrong."

Azar crossed his arms, looking Genos up and down with casual indifference. "I don't work for the Association, if that's what you're asking," he replied. "I don't see any point in following their rules or taking orders."

Genos raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but also a bit irritated by Azar's dismissive tone. "The Hero Association has resources, connections, and a structured system to protect civilians. If you're truly strong enough to defeat monsters like they say, joining the Association would give you purpose—and make use of your power."

Azar chuckled, shaking his head. "Purpose? Look, I'm not interested in hero rankings, fame, or whatever purpose you think I need. I do what I want, and that's enough."

Genos clenched his fists, clearly unaccustomed to such an indifferent response. "People with your strength should strive to help others," he insisted. "With your skills, you could become one of the top heroes, a true asset to the world. Isn't that a better path than wandering aimlessly?"

Azar's expression hardened for a moment, his gaze piercing. "Help others, huh? Sounds like a lot of hassle." He let out a sigh, clearly unbothered by Genos' intensity. "I'm not here to play hero, and I'm not here to answer to anyone. My power, my decisions. Simple as that."

Genos' eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance, his patience waning. He wasn't used to such blatant disregard for heroism. Most powerful fighters he'd met shared his drive, his desire to use strength for something greater. But this stranger seemed entirely unmotivated by anything other than his own pursuits.

"Why waste such potential on nothing?" Genos pressed, trying one last time to appeal to reason. "With power comes responsibility. You could prevent so much destruction, save lives."

Azar sighed again, scratching his head. "You really don't get it, do you? Responsibility, saving people—those aren't my goals. Strength is my goal. Getting stronger, learning what I can, and… well, the rest? Doesn't really concern me."

A tense silence hung between them, broken only by the distant hum of the city. Genos' jaw tightened, clearly frustrated by Azar's nonchalance. It was almost infuriating, facing someone so gifted yet so detached from the responsibilities that came with power. But, Genos realized, arguing would be pointless. Azar's mind was clearly set.

Finally, Genos took a step back, keeping his gaze level. "Very well," he said, though his voice was tight with controlled irritation. "I won't force you, but I hope you reconsider. Power without purpose is just… wasted potential."

Azar smirked again, turning away with a wave of his hand. "I'll keep that in mind," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "Good luck with your monster hunts, 'Demon Cyborg.'"

As he walked away, Genos stayed rooted to the spot, watching Azar's retreating figure. He'd met his share of powerful people, but this "Phantom Slayer" was unlike anyone he'd encountered. Azar's disregard for heroism was unsettling, yet his strength and confidence were undeniable.

When Azar was out of sight, Genos finally turned, vowing to keep tabs on the mysterious stranger. Though their encounter had ended without a confrontation, he sensed that this would not be their last meeting. Azar might dismiss the path of a hero now, but sooner or later, his path would cross with others—and when it did, Genos intended to see what this "Phantom Slayer" was truly made of.

For his part, Azar didn't look back. As far as he was concerned, he'd said all he needed to. The Hero Association, with its rules, responsibilities, and rankings, was nothing more than an unnecessary distraction. He was here for power, for the thrill of growing stronger. And anyone who couldn't accept that was simply in his way.