The room remained still for a moment after the introductions.
Then Warden Minato leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze steady as it moved across the four of them.
"Good," he said. "Now that that's out of the way… we move to something more important."
His assistant stepped forward, holding a set of neatly folded uniforms.
Black.
Every single one of them.
Simple at first glance, yet there was something about them—something sharp, deliberate. Each piece carried a symbol engraved subtly into the fabric.
A wing.
Dark… and spread wide.
Minato spoke.
"These are your official GSSA uniforms."
The assistant began handing them out one after the other.
When Lucan received his, his eyes lingered on it for a brief second before going still again.
"Worn only when on duty," Minato continued. "Each uniform is assigned to your squad and carries your identification, rank, and insignia."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"You are now members of Squad Kurohane."
A silence followed.
The name itself carried presence.
Minato stood up slowly, walking around his desk.
"The GSSA operates under a ranking system," he said. "Seven levels. Each one represents your strength, your experience… and your value on the battlefield."
His assistant activated a display beside him.
"From the lowest to the highest—"
He raised a finger.
"Apprentice. Recruits still in training."
Another.
"Seeker. Licensed hunters. Active in the field."
A third.
"Sentinel. Elite fighters. Mission leaders."
His tone hardened slightly.
"Warden. Commanders. Strategists. Leaders of squads."
His eyes narrowed just a little.
"And above that…"
A brief pause.
"ISS. Iron Soul Sovereign."
Even the air seemed to shift at the mention of it.
"The highest rank attainable. Legends among hunters. Their presence alone is enough to turn the tide of war."
He turned back toward them.
"In the entire world… only four currently exist."
Lyra's grip on her uniform tightened slightly.
Reika's expression remained calm, but her focus sharpened.
Takeshi… smirked faintly.
Lucan said nothing.
Minato continued.
"Your rank is not permanent. It is earned."
His gaze sharpened.
"Power. Skill. Missions. Achievements. Survival."
Each word landed heavier than the last.
"That is what determines your rise."
He turned slightly, gesturing toward his own attire.
"You see this?"
A silver coat rested over his shoulders, marked with authority.
"When you reach Warden rank, you are given this. A symbol of command."
His voice dropped slightly.
"And if you ever reach ISS…"
A brief pause.
"You won't need to be told. The entire world will know."
The assistant stepped forward again.
"Each squad operates under a Warden," she added. "Squads typically consist of four to eight members."
Her gaze moved across them.
"However, formations may vary depending on mission demands. In some cases, high-ranking officials may form specialized squads."
Minato nodded.
"In your case… you answer to me."
A short silence followed.
"Training begins tomorrow," Minato said. "Missions will follow shortly after."
His gaze swept across them one last time.
"Until then… you're dismissed."
The tension in the room loosened slightly.
Lyra was the first to move.
"Well…" she said, turning to the others with a small smile. "Since we're a team now… maybe we should go out? Get to know each other properly."
Reika nodded lightly. "That would be efficient."
Takeshi shrugged. "I'm in."
Their eyes shifted.
To Lucan.
He had already turned toward the door.
"I have something to do," he said calmly.
No explanation.
No hesitation.
He simply walked out.
The door closed behind him.
Silence lingered for a second.
Then—
Takeshi exhaled lightly.
"…Yeah. That sounds about right."
He didn't look surprised.
Not even a little.
Outside, Lucan walked down the hallway alone.
Same calm steps.
Same distant gaze.
Same silence.
But beneath that silence…
Something burned.