Arthur inquired, "Sir, why is the meeting tomorrow? Why not today?"
"Those fools need time to assess the situation. If we call them immediately, it will cause problems for us. They will present us with unrelated excuses. It's always better to give them time," Brog spoke in a deep, refined voice.
"Get some rest," Brog added.
"Yes, sir," Arthur replied diligently.
"Nuel, Ariko, you are off for today. You completed your mission; go get some rest," Arthur spoke in a lighter tone.
Brog sat in the back of his car, lost in thought, when suddenly his phone rang. He picked up immediately.
"Afternoon, sir," Brog saluted.
"Did you succeed in recruiting him?" the voice on the other end asked.
"We have tried, sir. We are awaiting his answer."
"Raise his wages to 100,000 runes per year. Recruit him at any cost."
"B-But that's the wage of a Category 1 Retainer! Why should we pay him so much?" Brog's expression darkened, his voice laced with disbelief.
"I am going to Staria for official business. I leave everything in Lumine to you," the voice replied, completely ignoring Brog's question. (Staria is one of the four Great Nations, neighbouring Lumine.)
"Understood, sir," Brog replied heavily. "There is an urgent issue I wanted to report."
"Is it about the C12 Forbidden Zone? I already received the report. Do what you must; I trust this matter to you."
"Beep. Beep. The call ended."
Brog's eyes narrowed. "I haven't even sent the report to the Chairman's office yet," he thought coldly.
The Next Day - The Meeting Hall
The hall was in chaos, high-ranking officials quarrelling among themselves. The moment Brog stepped in, silence engulfed the room.
"Settle down, everyone," Brog's voice echoed through the hall. Everyone took their respective seats, paying full attention.
"Today, we are here to discuss a critical matter. You all must have read the reports I sent yesterday," Brog stated. "I am here to devise a plan for the complete clearance of the Forbidden Zone Alpha-02." His voice was cold and determined.
A man raised his hand. As everyone's gaze turned toward him, he spoke, "This is a national-level threat, I believe. Vice Chairman Brog, where is the Chairman at this crucial time?"
Without hesitation, Brog replied, "He has left for Staria; an urgent matter there requires his attention."
"Does another nation's matter come above his own nation? The King will never allow such arrogance," another man interjected.
"The Chairman represents Lumine in the UNF. He must respond to calls from other nations," Brog replied calmly. "I, Brog, will take full responsibility as the Vice Chairman."
"So, what is your plan for the complete clearance of Forbidden Zone Alpha-02?" a man in the corner asked, his face partially hidden under a white cap.
Brog's eyes glinted with resolve. "We will annihilate all the Withered Ones inside Zone Alpha-02."
"That is too dangerous, Vice Chairman. the Withered Ones there managed to injure two members of Squad Magnus, we can't risk a frontal attack," a man in a black suit cautioned.
"Yes, he's right. They even overpowered Arthur. If their coordination improves, we stand no chance in a direct fight," another official added.
Brog remained unfazed. "We will attack from three different directions. The three strongest Ranger Squads will participate. Our focus is on eliminating all Withered Ones inside. According to reports, there are nearly eighty, with almost half of them roaming near the Withering Tree. All three squads will advance towards the tree, eliminating any Withered Ones in their path."
He continued, "Once we reach the tree, we launch an all-out attack. Two squads will remain on standby near the gates. If any attacking squad member is injured, they will retreat and switch with a standby squad."
"What if there's a miscalculation?" a voice questioned from behind.
Brog clenched his fists. His eyes gleamed with a metallic flame as he stood. Raising his hand, all the metallic objects in the hall lifted into the air. The room fell into stunned silence.
"I the one debuted, the strongest Retainer of Lumine, will participate in the mission myself! I will be the answer to any miscalculation. Not a single life will be lost on my watch!" Brog declared, his voice thundering with unshakable resolve.
The objects fell back to their places. His eyes returned to normal. "The mission will take place one week from today."
Trembling, no one dared to speak. Then, a laugh broke the silence.
"You're as tenacious as ever. Haha!" The man with the white cap chuckled.
Brog smirked. "I will be counting on you." He left the hall, leaving everyone in awe.
Later That Day
Brog contacted Arthur and relayed the mission details before driving off to an unknown destination.
Meanwhile, Kuro was peacefully reading a book when the doorbell rang.
"Coming," Ilya said as she walked towards the door. Opening it, she frowned. "What do you want?"
"Hello. You must be Kurozumi's sister. I am here to talk to him," Brog replied with a warm smile.
Ilya took him to the sofa. "Brother, someone's here to see you."
Kuro stepped out; his face unimpressed. "It's the old man again," he muttered.
Brog placed a stack of papers on the table. "Here is your contract. Read it and sign on the last page."
Kuro scoffed. "I told you; I am not a Retainer. I'm not signing this."
"Your pay will be 100,000 runes per year."
Silence filled the room. Kuro and Ilya were frozen in shock.
"W-Why would you pay so much for someone weak like me? What are you planning?" Kuro questioned, suspicion lacing his voice.
Brog had no words. He stood up. "I will be waiting for your answer." He left his contact details on the table and walked out without another word.
Ilya turned to Kuro; eyes heavy with concern. "Brother, will you accept the offer? If you do, please stay away from danger."
Kuro remained silent, deep in thought. Then, after a pause, he whispered, "Don't worry. I won't die."
He picked up the pen and signed the contract.
"I want to see what they are planning. Why do they want to recruit me? I want to know the truth."