Kuro dialled a number. As the line connected, he spoke, "Hello, am I speaking to the Chairman?"
On the other end, laughter rang out.
"Haha! Who told you that I was the Chairman?" Brog's voice was amused.
"W-What? You're not the Chairman?" Kuro stammered, his voice filled with shock and embarrassment.
"I am the Vice-Chairman," Brog corrected, his tone laced with amusement. "Your call came sooner than expected. So, have you made your decision?"
"Yes," Kuro admitted. "Unfortunately, I'll be joining the Rangers. I've already signed the contract."
"So, you've decided despite the dangers?" Brog mused. "Is it for the money?"
"You could say that," Kuro replied with a sly smirk.
Brog chuckled. "Come to the address on the contract any time after 4 PM."
Beep. Beep.
The call ended.
Brog leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. What are the Chairman's motives behind recruiting a powerless boy like him? His thoughts churned as he picked up his phone and made another call.
"Afternoon, Chairman," Brog greeted. "I've recruited the boy, just as you ordered."
"Good," the voice on the other end responded. "Take him with you on the next mission."
Brog's eyes widened in disbelief. His fingers clenched around the phone. "B-But sir, he is just an average human. He has no special abilities. It would be far too dangerous for him."
"Just do as I say," the Chairman commanded, his voice unwavering. "He is no ordinary human. I want to see his powers unravel."
Brog felt a chill run down his spine. "What are you planning…?" he muttered under his breath.
"Have faith in me."
Beep. Beep.
The call ended, leaving Brog sitting in silence. He exhaled heavily, rubbing his forehead. "This is absurd. What the hell is the Chairman thinking?" His gaze darkened. Is that boy truly that special…?
Later that evening, at precisely 5 PM, a knock echoed through Brog's office.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, revealing Kuro. He strode in, his face unreadable, and placed the contract on the table. "Here. I've signed it." His voice was as cold as ever.
Brog nodded, taking the contract and slipping it into his drawer. Reaching inside, he pulled out a silver badge and placed it on the table.
"This is your official Ranger badge, Mr. Kuro."
Kuro picked it up, eyeing it curiously. "Which squad am I assigned to?"
Brog smiled faintly. "For now, head to the testing centre behind this building and get yourself evaluated."
There was something off about his expression, as if he wanted to say more but chose not to.
Kuro gave a short nod and left.
As the door shut behind him, Brog clenched his fist, slamming it onto the table.
"I need to stop that boy. I can't let someone like him face such dangers. He'll die."
Kuro arrived at the testing centre, stepping into a vast, empty stadium. The arena stretched far and wide, eerily silent, save for the soft sipping of coffee.
In the center of the stadium, a man in a long white coat sat casually, enjoying his drink.
"Excuse me, sir. I'm here for evaluation," Kuro announced.
The man glanced up, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Ah, welcome," he said, setting down his cup. "So, you're here for evaluation? Step in. You can call me Doctor."
As they descended the steps, the Doctor casually explained the facility. But the moment they reached the stadium floor, something changed. the doctor looked at Kuro, his eyes glowing bright yellow,
"Are you ready, my friend" the doctor said, Kuro looked at him unknowingly, "For What?" Kuro asked,Before Kuro could react, a fist slammed into his abdomen.
KRAK!
His body was sent flying, crashing into a pillar with brutal force.
"Ughh—Kugh!" Kuro coughed violently, his vision swimming as he spat out blood.
"What… the hell…" he gasped.
The Doctor stood where he was, watching him with an unreadable gaze.
"Sorry," he muttered, "but this is important."
"F*ck you!" Kuro growled, gritting his teeth.
Another kick. This time, it struck his face, slamming him into the ground. His skull rattled. His mind swirled.
Before he could recover, a hand grabbed his face.
With terrifying strength, the Doctor hoisted him up—and hurled him into the wall.
KRAK!
Kuro gasped as his body went limp. Darkness swallowed his vision.
When Kuro finally woke up, his breath was ragged. His fingers trembled as he touched his body, expecting broken bones—yet everything felt… fine.
"W-Where the hell am I?" he murmured, his voice shaking.
"Oh? You're finally awake."
Kuro's head snapped toward the voice. The Doctor stood there, smiling as if nothing had happened.
"You F*CKER!" Kuro roared. "Why the hell did you attack me?!"
"It was part of the evaluation."
"Evaluation my a**!" Kuro snarled.
The Doctor merely chuckled and handed him a sheet of paper.
"These are your results."
Kuro snatched the paper, his eyes scanning over it.
"You're… technically a Category 5" the Doctor admitted. "But the truth is—it's unclear if you're even a Retainer at all."
Kuro's gaze flickered up. "What do you mean?"
The Doctor leaned back, folding his arms. "Your body heals faster than a normal human's. You have slightly more physical strength than the average person. But beyond that? You're still incredibly weak." His voice turned cold.
"You shouldn't become a Ranger."
Kuro's fingers curled into fists.
"You'll only end up dead."
The words hung in the air, heavy and final.
"And the pay for a Category 5 Retainer isn't worth the risk," the Doctor added. "You'd be better off working somewhere else."
Kuro exhaled sharply. "I'll be paid 100,000 runes a year."
Silence.
The Doctor's expression changed.
"…What?"
"That's what my contract states."
For the first time, the Doctor looked genuinely shocked.
"Are you serious?"
Kuro didn't answer.
The Doctor sighed. "You've been unconscious for four hours. You can leave now."
Kuro stood up and turned to go.
But at the doorway, he hesitated. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something. Then, without another word, he left.
The Doctor remained seated, lost in thought.
His fingers tapped against the table. His lips curled into a dark, eerie expression.
What is the Chairman thinking…?
His eyes flickered.
There's no way… He can't be that man's descendant…