Azure Dragon Academy — Headmaster's Office
"Headmaster, we've confirmed that the beast tides which struck both us and Azure City were orchestrated by an organization called the Burning Fire Clan," reported Haruki Tsukimura, standing before Principal Daisuke Watanabe.
Watanabe was sipping tea with a book in hand, looking quite at ease. Without lifting his eyes, he replied, "Burning Fire Clan? What's the full story?"
Haruki continued, "So far, we've only uncovered one of their small outposts in the City of Sin. It was composed mostly of second- and third-rank spiritual users. Their leader remains untraceable.
According to the captured members, the beast tide was launched specifically to assassinate Renji Takahashi and Yuna Hoshizaki."
Splat!
Watanabe sprayed his tea and immediately set down his book. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"You mean... the entire beast tide was aimed at killing those two students?!"
"Yes," Haruki nodded solemnly. "Headmaster, I believe this is a serious matter."
Watanabe's expression turned grave. "Indeed, this is no small issue.
Renji and Yuna are both double-S rank cultivators — the pride of our academy.
If the Burning Fire Clan is targeting them, it means they're trying to suppress the next generation of our strength.
I suspect their leader might be a former student, one who was expelled or turned rogue."
"Have you completed the investigation in the City of Sin?" Watanabe asked.
Haruki replied, "From our findings, the clan's presence there is shallow. They've only recently established a foothold, and their foundation isn't stable yet."
"The key now is to find their leader," Watanabe said, rubbing the few remaining strands of hair on his head. "If we don't, they'll remain a constant threat."
"Understood," Haruki responded.
"Haruki," Watanabe instructed, "Have the Execution Division gather intel on the Burning Fire Clan during their missions.
Spread word across our network. Make it clear: they are an enemy of the academy.
If capturing them is impossible — eliminate them. No hesitation.
No one is allowed to harm our students — especially not those two. Understood?"
Haruki saluted with resolve. "Yes, sir!"
After giving his report, Haruki turned and left.
Takahashi Residence
"Dad, I'm home!"
Renji stepped into the spacious villa and called out, as he usually did. You never knew if Ryoji Takahashi was in or out unless you yelled first.
"Oh! My brilliant son returns. How did the mission go this time?" Ryoji asked from the living room, where he was flipping through a few ancient books.
Renji noticed them and was a little surprised. "Dad… are you seriously still studying spiritual techniques?"
Ryoji shrugged. "You never stop learning. It's always good to brush up. So… back already? Finished your mission?"
Renji took a glass of water from the table, took a sip, and said, "Yeah. We traced the beast tide's origin to an organization called the Burning Fire Clan. We destroyed a minor base of theirs in the City of Sin — but we couldn't find their leader."
"Oh, so you went to the City of Sin too? What was it like?"
"One word: chaos," Renji replied bluntly.
"As expected of a place named after sin. Naturally, it'd be lawless."
Renji hesitated for a moment, then added, "Also… they didn't just cause the beast tide randomly. Their goal was to assassinate me and Yuna."
"Ohh. That makes sense now," Ryoji nodded calmly.
"…That's it? That's your reaction?"
Renji stared at his father, baffled. "Dad, someone literally tried to kill me. Aren't you at least worried?"
Ryoji scoffed. "Worried? Do you know how many people want me dead? Hundreds — maybe thousands! Do I look stressed?"
Renji: "…"
"You win, Dad."
As a powerful fifth-tier spiritualist and elite warrior of the Azure Dragon Academy, Ryoji had racked up quite a few enemies over the years — from beasts to exiled rebels. Most of the criminals chased out of Azure City hated him with a passion. If he weren't as powerful as he was, he would've long been hunted himself.
"Listen, son," Ryoji said, clapping Renji on the shoulder. "People don't mess with me because I'm strong. So you — you need to get stronger. Then no one will dare touch you either."
"…So what you're saying is, the Burning Fire Clan's leader might actually be your enemy, but he came after me because he couldn't handle you?"
Ryoji gave a sly grin. "Well, you are my son, after all. Might as well get used to this sort of thing. More people will probably come after you."
Renji looked at his dad, not sure whether to laugh or cry.
Ryoji suddenly perked up and pulled out a large red gift box. "Anyway! Enough about all that. It's your birthday today. And your old man got you something great."
Renji squinted at the box.
"…Isn't that the same box you used last year?"
Last year's birthday gift from Ryoji had been a stack of adult magazines — also in this exact box.
"It's called eco-friendly packaging," Ryoji said proudly. "Resources are scarce these days. Now quit nitpicking and open it."
Renji had little hope. But he still opened the box.
Inside, nestled within simple wrapping, were… stones?
Wait — not ordinary stones!
They were mid-grade spirit stones. Ten of them.
And more than a dozen monster cores — most of them third-tier!
Renji's jaw dropped. "Where did you get all these?! Didn't you say we were out of spirit stones and monster cores?"
"We were. But a few days ago, I cleaned out one of the older warehouses."
"This many? Seriously?"
Last time, Ryoji had only given him a few second-tier cores. This time, the loot was on a completely different level.
"Well, son, the Takahashi family is still the wealthiest in Azure City. I'm the first-gen founder — that makes you second-gen rich."
Renji was speechless.
"…I totally forgot I was a rich kid."
"Hah! Now that's the spirit. Enjoy your gift."
It was such a typical Ryoji Takahashi move. But for all the teasing, Renji couldn't deny it — this gift was actually awesome.
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