"Wait, what?! When did I ever say I wanted to join the Executive Department?"
Renji Takahashi stared at his father, Ryoji, completely stunned.
He hadn't even agreed to anything yet—so why was he already being told to report in?
"I've already submitted your information. Everything's been processed. Here—your Executive Department ID badge and mask."
Ryoji casually pulled a few items from behind his back as if this were all routine.
"Hey! Dad! Are you even listening to me?"
"I'm listening," Ryoji said matter-of-factly. "You say your piece, I say mine."
Renji was speechless.
"So what, you don't want to join?"
"Give me a good reason why I should."
Ryoji didn't hesitate. "The missions in the Executive Department pay way better than what ordinary students get."
"I even talked to Old Man Watanabe on your behalf. You'll get three mid-grade spirit stones and ten Tier-3 monster cores for every mission you complete."
Renji's eyes lit up.
"…Wait, seriously? I get all that just from one mission?"
With that kind of reward, Renji didn't need convincing anymore.
Ryoji nodded. "Of course. That's just for intern-level members. Once you reach Tier Three and become a full member, you'll earn even more."
"So, what do you say? You in?"
That wasn't even a question anymore.
"I'm in!"
If there were spirit stones and monster cores on the table, Renji would do just about anything.
"Just know this—the rewards are high, but so is the danger," Ryoji warned, his voice turning serious. "You'll be taking on missions that could cost you your life."
"Oh please. You already signed me up without my consent," Renji rolled his eyes. "You knew I'd say yes eventually."
"Ahem." Ryoji coughed awkwardly, then handed over the gear.
A sleek white combat coat with the Azura Dragon Academy Executive Department emblem embroidered on the collar—a crimson lightning bolt.
A white mask marked with a blood-red full moon design.
A spatial ring—crafted using space magic and rare spirit stones—used for storing supplies.
And finally, a silver iron badge: the key to entering and exiting Azura Dragon City and others. Normally, only one member of a group needed an ID badge for everyone to pass. But Executive Department members often traveled solo, so individual ID badges were standard.
The badge was engraved with four dark golden characters reading "Azura Dragon Academy" at the top, two vertical characters "Blood Moon" below, and the red lightning bolt insignia at the bottom.
"'Blood Moon, huh?" Renji read aloud.
"That's your codename," Ryoji said. "When on missions, Executive Department members never use real names—for your safety and your team's."
"So what's your codename, Dad?"
"I don't need one," Ryoji said, puffing out his chest. "Just hearing the name Ryoji Takahashi is enough to make enemies run."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it—you're amazing," Renji muttered, grabbing his gear and heading back to his room.
He hadn't really wanted to join the Executive Department… but for that kind of payout?
How could he say no?
Plus, there was one more benefit: the department could help him dig deeper into the the group that tried to kill him. He wasn't about to let them roam free.
Vengeance was non-negotiable.
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The Next Day – Azura Dragon City High Wall
Though Azura Dragon Academy was Renji's school, the Executive Department's base wasn't on campus.
It was on the city wall itself.
The massive, high-tech walls that protected Azura Dragon City were considered sacred. No outsiders were allowed up there, and only Executive Department members had clearance.
Renji donned his combat gear in the early morning. Mask in hand, he followed Ryoji up to the high wall.
It was Renji's first time walking the perimeter of the city, and it was breathtaking.
Standing dozens of meters above the city streets, the world below looked impossibly small. The wall was wide—ten meters across—and stretched around the entire city.
Roughly thirty Executive Department members were already assembled, each masked, each in full uniform. Though their masks were different, they all radiated the same silent authority.
Then Ryoji stepped forward.
"After discussions with the Headmaster, we've decided to expand our ranks," he announced.
"Until now, joining the Executive Department required one of the following: Tier Three, B-Class single-system ability, or C-Class dual-system."
"But starting today, there's a new entry route: anyone who's awakened within the last six months, reached Tier Two intermediate, and holds either a B-Class single-system or C-Class dual-system, may apply."
"And so—we welcome a new member today."
He looked at Renji. "Renji Takahashi, please introduce yourself."
Renji stepped forward, mask at his side, and bowed slightly.
"Hello, seniors. My name is Renji Takahashi. I'm Double S-Class. My abilities are Wood Element and Spirit Eye. I'm honored to join you."
Internally, members were allowed to share their real identities—it was necessary for teamwork and coordination during missions.
"Renji's codename is Blood Moon," Ryoji continued. " kanji, he'll be joining your squad starting today."
"Yes, sir," replied a slender figure in a bright, cloud-themed mask.
"Dismissed!"
kanji approached and gestured for Renji to follow. "Come on, Blood Moon."
Renji pulled his mask over his face and caught up.
"…You're Teacher Haruki, aren't you?" Renji asked quietly.
kanji paused, then chuckled. "How'd you know?"
"I recognized your voice."
kanji nodded. "You're right. But once we're in the Executive Department, we go by code names. Also, I'm not your teacher anymore. I'm your squad captain."
"Understood, Captain kanji!"
"Good. You came at the perfect time—we're heading out on a mission. Gear up."
With that, he led Renji toward the preparation wing to ready for their first mission together…
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