Along the way, Kian, Ben, and Silvy couldn't help but ask questions about the group, the missions, and the purpose of everything they were witnessing.
However, they were met with a consistent response: "You'll know everything eventually."
With no other choice, they fell silent and continued following behind Apotheosis and Xuan. But their curiosity grew with each step.
The murmurs of the crowd also gradually faded into the distance as they entered the sprawling estate residence of the Imperial Vanguard Group.
The buildings exuded a royal, aristocratic charm and were unbelievably vast, with intricate details that spoke of both wealth and legacy.
"Haha, are you all impressed? Why wouldn't you be?" The giant, Xuan said, grinning proudly. "Our group has a rich history. It cost a fortune to build all this. The seniors of our group contributed immensely over the years. Perhaps one day, you will too..."
Kian and the others nodded in awe as they walked through the smooth, concrete-like hallways, the grandeur of the estate leaving a lasting impression.
Eventually, they reached the registration council.
They approached a desk where a receptionist sat lazily, her posture relaxed and indifferent, as though unimpressed by the grand setting surrounding her.
"Bang!"
"Aiya...!"
Apotheosis slammed her hand down on the hard desk, causing the lazy receptionist to jump like a startled cat, her heart nearly leaping out of her throat.
"W-Who is it? L-Lady.... Apotheosis?"
The woman stammered and quickly straightened her posture, her previous indifference vanishing in an instant as she scrambled to compose herself under the intimidating presence of the Ruthless Flower Queen.
"Hello..." Xuan crouched slightly, his massive frame leaning toward the desk as he made his presence known with a grin.
"Xuan...You are here too," the receptionist mumbled.
"The newbies are here. What are you doing, Lucy? Just lazing around as usual?" Apotheosis questioned calmly, her tone laced with subtle authority.
The receptionist, Lucy, adjusted her posture and smoothed her hair, feigning a professional demeanor before replying, "What else do I do, Lady Apotheosis? The criteria are so strict that we barely get any new junior members. It gets boring, you know..." She let out a long yawn, clearly unbothered.
From their casual conversation, it was evident the two knew each other well.
"Well, Lucy, now it's time to get to work," Xuan said, flashing a smile. "You've got three new members to register."
Lucy, a woman appearing to be in her early twenties, turned her gaze toward Kian, Ben, and Silvy, who stood quietly behind the legendary duo.
Her witty eyes quickly assessed the trio, her curiosity piqued by the unusual combination of recruits.
"Lady Apotheosis, you personally went to pick up the newbies? That's a surprise," Lucy remarked, raising an eyebrow as she shuffled through the papers on her desk.
"Whatever. I was free today, and the others seemed busy with their missions. That's all. Now, get to work so we can settle them quickly," Apotheosis replied nonchalantly.
Lucy scanned the documents in front of her, skimming through the details to identify the talents of the new recruits.
"Silverlina Goenia, oh wow! A Heaven-Grade Talent?" Lucy said, her voice tinged with genuine satisfaction as she glanced at Silvy.
Turning to the next page, her eyes widened slightly. "Benjamin Wilson with dual talents! That's incredible!"
Ben's chest puffed up with pride, and a confident smile spread across his face as Lucy's gaze lingered on him briefly.
"And finally..." Lucy paused, her brows furrowing as she scanned the documents more thoroughly. However, no matter how hard she searched, there was no information about the last boy in the recruitment records.
"Lady Apotheosis, is there some kind of mistake? Why is there no documentation or information about this boy on the recruitment list?" she asked in confusion.
"Haha... No need to look for him on those papers, Lucy," Xuan interjected with a hearty laugh. "Apotheosis is finally taking on her personal servant with that boy."
Lucy's eyes widened in shock as she glanced between Apotheosis and Kian. "You're taking on a personal servant, Lady Apotheosis? That's rare, isn't it?" she asked with curiosity and disbelief.
Apotheosis remained calm, her expression unreadable. "So what? I've decided to make an exception this time. He's... unique," she said after a pause.
Apotheosis wasn't even sure herself why she took a liking to the boy. Perhaps it was those innocent, big eyes, reminding her of someone dear from the past.
Lucy examined Kian's figure thoroughly, taking in his simple linen pants, plain shirt, well-groomed black hair, and innocent, calm black eyes.
"Unique? How? He looks pretty normal to me," Lucy mumbled.
"What's your name, Soul Force, and Talent, young man? I need them for documentation," Lucy asked cautiously, sensing Apotheosis' narrowed eyes, sharp as a sword, warning her not to question her authority.
Kian answered with some hesitation, "My name is Kian. Soul Force: 120. Talent: 1st grade. Do I need to say my Talent name as well?" he probed but noticed Lucy's mouth hanging open after hearing his answers.
Lucy then looked at the boy with pity.
"A Beyonder with first-grade Talent. What a waste..."
Kian was hurt by her sharp remark, but he didn't let it get into his head. He could do nothing about it either.
He accepted the reality.
Bang!
"Aiya..."
Apotheosis slammed the table once again, glaring at Lucy sharply.
Kian and the other two jumped in surprise at her unexpected outburst, except for Xuan, who was already used to her temperamental actions.
"Just do your damn work! There's no criteria for a servant, is there? So stop wasting my time!" she bellowed, her temper flaring.
Behind her irritation, why did Kian feel as if Apotheosis was angered on his behalf?
Why was she caring for him even though he was merely her servant? The thought left him in slight disbelief.
"Ah, yes, yes. I'll do it right away..." Lucy stammered as she switched into lightning-fast work mode, her hands moving with incredible efficiency.
"Here, take these emblems. They will serve as identification, marking you as affiliates of the Imperial Vanguard Group. With these, others will think twice before making a move on you," Lucy said, handing Ben and Silvy each a golden, circular emblem. The emblem bore an intricate engraving of a knight holding a sword and shield.
Kian, however, didn't receive the same emblem. Instead, he was given a simpler design, one designated exclusively for servants of official members.
With the registration process completed, Ben and Silvy were each assigned their own luxurious residences as a welcoming gift.
Kian, on the other hand, followed Apotheosis to her private residence, preparing himself to embrace his role as her servant.