The clamor of the reporters was overwhelming, a cacophony of questions and flashing lights. Kenji, still covered in the gritty, black residue of demonic blood, felt himself being pulled in a dozen directions. He'd never experienced anything like this. His timid nature, though now bolstered by his newfound power, still struggled with such intense public scrutiny.
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the noise. "That's enough! Give him some space!"
Headmaster Hiroshi Sato, his face a mixture of pride and stern protectiveness, pushed through the crowd. Beside him was a young woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and vibrant blue hair, about Kenji's age. She was undeniably beautiful, with an aura of confident grace that seemed to effortlessly part the throng.
"He's been through a grueling trial," the Headmaster continued, placing a firm hand on Kenji's shoulder. "He needs time to digest all of this. The Academy will release an official statement in due course."
The blue-haired girl stepped forward, placing herself between Kenji and the most aggressive reporters. Her gaze was direct, almost challenging. "He's a new S-rank. Show some respect." She then turned to Kenji, her expression softening. "Come on, Kenji-kun. Let's get you somewhere quiet."
"This is my daughter, Aoi Sato," the Headmaster introduced, a proud glint in his eye. "She's an A-rank in our tactical division. She'll take care of you."
Aoi offered Kenji a small, reassuring smile, her blue eyes sparkling. She gently guided him away from the press, navigating the surging crowd with practiced ease. Kenji's teammates – Akari, Renji, Hiroki, Saki, and Goro – who had just emerged from the portal, watched the scene unfold with varying degrees of amusement and surprise.
Welcome to the S-Rank Life
Aoi led Kenji and his team through a labyrinth of private tunnels, eventually emerging into a sleek, futuristic hover-car. The ride was smooth and silent, whisking them away from the Academy grounds into a more exclusive part of the city. They pulled up to a magnificent luxury villa, nestled in a private estate, surrounded by lush gardens and high, reinforced walls.
"This is… for me?" Kenji asked, dumbfounded, staring at the opulent building.
Aoi nodded, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "It's the standard accommodation for an S-rank in residence. Think of it as your new base of operations." She gestured to the sprawling property. "You and your team will live here. It's fully equipped with training facilities, advanced medical bays, and anything else you might need."
She turned to Kenji, holding out a set of gleaming, silver keys. Her gaze met his, and a shy smile played on her lips. "Also, you guys need a team name. Now that the Thousand Warrior Challenge is over, your group is no longer just a temporary assessment unit. You are now a legal, registered Dungeon Team under the Academy's direct sponsorship."
She extended the keys further, her fingers brushing his as he took them. "And… well, even though your team is strong, every S-rank needs reliable backup. If you ever need a teammate, Kenji-kun," she said, her voice dropping slightly, "I'm an A-rank, and I'd be happy to be with you on any mission."
Aoi's eyes widened suddenly, realizing her Freudian slip. A deeper blush bloomed on her face, spreading to her ears. She quickly averted her gaze, clearing her throat. "I mean… to help you. Happy to help you in the field. As a teammate." She stammered, looking anywhere but at Kenji.
Akari, who had followed with Renji, Hiroki, Saki, and Goro, burst into a fit of giggles. "Well, well! Looks like someone has a crush, Aoi!" she teased, elbowing her friend playfully.
Aoi groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Akari! Not now!"
Kenji, for his part, felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with spiritual energy. He actually chuckled. The genuine laughter of his teammates, the unexpected awkwardness of Aoi, it all felt… normal. Human. Something he hadn't experienced much of in his life.
The Best Team Needs a Name
Inside the lavish villa, the team quickly made themselves at home. Kenji explored his spacious living quarters, his own private training room, and a massive balcony overlooking the city. He still couldn't quite believe this was his life now.
"Okay, so, a team name," Hiroki announced, flopping onto a plush sofa in the vast living room. "Something cool! Something that screams power!"
"How about 'Tanaka's Titans'?" Renji suggested with a grin, looking at Kenji.
Saki, ever practical, offered, "Or something to reflect our unity. 'The Unbroken Shield'?"
Yuna, after a moment of thought, proposed, "What about… 'Dawn Breakers'? We broke through the darkness of that dungeon, and Kenji-kun brought a new dawn."
Kenji smiled. That resonated. He looked around at his teammates, the ones he'd just fought to protect, the ones who now looked at him with genuine respect and friendship. "Dawn Breakers," he repeated, liking the sound of it. "I like it. It fits."
"Dawn Breakers it is!" Akari cheered, high-fiving Renji.
As the others settled in, claiming rooms and marveling at the villa's amenities, Kenji walked to the expansive windows, looking out at the glittering cityscape. He was an S-rank, living in a luxury villa, leading a team, and even had the Headmaster's beautiful daughter seemingly smitten with him. His life had truly flipped overnight. The bullies, his adoptive family… they had no idea.
He still had so much to learn, so much to face. But for the first time, Kenji felt a sense of belonging, a purpose that extended beyond mere survival. The weight of 'nothing' was gone, replaced by the exhilarating, terrifying weight of immense power and responsibility.