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Autumndusk, The COU Castle, The Meeting Room, Time: 6:40 AM
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The room hushed, each member of the Archsentinels fixing their attention on Bada. Freya leaned back on her volcanic throne and poked Varian to wake up, her fiery aura tempered by the gravity of the situation. "Wakey, Wakey, lazy bushman."
Varian stirred slightly, lifting his head from the table with a yawn, his expression transitioning from drowsiness to alertness. "I'm up..."
Aziz's frosty demeanor remained unchanged as he focused his penetrating gaze on Bada, his cool demeanor showing no hint of his internal thoughts. "..."
Bada unfolded the newspaper, revealing the headlines and the content that awaited their attention.
The room collectively leaned forward, anticipating the news that had drawn them together in this early morning meeting.
The headline is written as follows: "The New Rising Hero! The Lucky Inquisitors defeat The Gray Phoenix."
"As you all know," Bada began, his tone measured, "the recent victory over the Gray Phoenix and the eldritch creature has been the talk of the city. The citizens look to us for guidance and reassurance." He met the eyes of each member present, emphasizing the importance of their roles as Archsentinels, the guardians of their realm.
Freya's fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of her chair, her fiery eyes locked onto Bada as he continued. "Our actions have consequences beyond the immediate battles we fight. The city celebrates the festival, and the people look to us for leadership. The question is, how do we rank 'The Lucky Inquisitors' for their heroic deeds?"
A murmur of agreement and contemplation rippled through the room.
Varian straightened in his chair, his forest-green eyes showing a spark of interest.
Aziz's fingers tapped softly on the arm of his throne, a display of restrained contemplation.
Erik and Kiara exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of seriousness and determination.
Magne was the first to respond, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I think we should reward them with the fairest of acknowledgments, and perhaps even triple the promotion they've earned!" Her excitement was evident in her words, her eagerness to celebrate their achievements spilling over.
Kiara shook her head, her tone more measured as she voiced her disagreement. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Magne, we must be cautious and prudent in our decision. We ought to maintain a balance when it comes to promotions and base our choices on a thorough assessment of their feats."
Her eyes shifted to Bada, a silent request for him to provide the necessary details. Bada nodded to her before clearing his throat, preparing to elaborate.
"Indeed," Bada began, his tone composed and factual. "Their accomplishments are noteworthy. They managed to neutralize the leadership of Gray Phoenix, including its directors, and successfully took down three of their key associates."
"In addition to this, one of their members, James Woodheart, faced and defeated a 'Beta' class Eldritch known as 'Swamp Purger' singlehandedly." As he spoke, a low hum of murmurs rippled through the room, a mixture of surprise and admiration coloring their reactions.
Erik's irritation was palpable, his voice edged with a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Are you telling me that this new generation can achieve such feats effortlessly? When I started, it was just me against a band of thieves. Now they can conquer a whole district and an Eldritch at the same time?"
His incredulous tone highlighted the stark contrast between his past challenges and the seemingly rapid progress of the current generation.
Freya could only roll her eyes at him, "Oh. I'm sorry, mister 'I work the hardest in here.' We didn't know you had to go through all those things." She stated in a sarcastic tone, knowing that Erik would hate it.
"Oi, Oi, OI! Don't you dare mock me, you magma sludge! You think you are the greatest between all of us!" Erik stated her hypocrisy, who could whistle at him and flip him off?
The room was filled with a shared sentiment, a blend of amazement and a touch of envy.
The Archsentinels understood the significance of their decision, realizing that the promotion they bestowed would not only reflect the achievements of 'The Lucky Inquisitors' but also set a precedent for future endeavors.
Bada continued, addressing their concerns and offering a perspective that aimed to find common ground. "The path they tread is indeed different from ours, Erik. Times have changed, and our world is in a constant state of flux.
Bada sighed, "Our evaluation should be based on merit, the tangible impact they've had, and the potential they hold. Remember, our purpose is to protect and ensure the betterment of our city."
Freya, who had been quietly observing the discussion, interjected with her boldness. "Perhaps we should consider a tiered approach," she suggested, her voice carrying a hint of a challenge.
"They've displayed exceptional competence, and while we shouldn't undermine the significance of their achievements, we can also reward them incrementally, setting goals for their continuous growth."
Varian, who had been leaning back in his chair, his eyes half-lidded in his usual drowsy state, spoke up in agreement. "I concur with Freya's suggestion. Balance and progression are not mutually exclusive. We can acknowledge their accomplishments while also encouraging them to aspire for more."
Aziz, ever the voice of reason, weighed in with his perspective. "Our decision holds weight, for it not only recognizes their achievements but also imparts a message to the entire city. We must show that excellence is not an endpoint, but a journey that demands constant dedication."
As the Archsentinels engaged in this debate, they finally concluded.
"Then it's settled. We will promote them to the next rank only. Any objections?" Bada's gaze swept across the room, searching for any signs of dissent. No hands were raised, indicating unanimous agreement among the Archsentinels.
"Very well," Bada affirmed, rising from his throne. "Thank you all for your time. You are now dismissed, and I encourage you to return to your festival duties as soon as possible."
With a bow from Bada, the meeting drew to a close. One by one, the Archsentinels began to leave the room, each pursuing their unique methods.
Freya, in her usual bold fashion, attached herself to Bada, making her presence known. "Hey, Hunbun~ Let's go on that date you promised~" Bada could only look at her in fear before he was picked up by her with just a single arm.
The couple could walk into the corridor and display to everyone that the fable 'Captain of Archsentinels' isn't the one in charge of her.
"Haha! I shall now, go visit the magnificent thing that's called the Sea!" Magne, bursting with boundless energy, hurriedly dashed out, leaving a trail of enthusiasm in her wake.
"Ugh... Radix." Meanwhile, Magnus let his roots take control, allowing the natural growth to guide his exit as he sauntered lazily toward the doorway.
"..." Aziz's departure was marked by an act of unparalleled finesse. He manipulated the fabric of reality itself, creating a rift that he stepped into before sealing it shut behind him, and disappearing from view.
"You moron! You promised a date today as well!" Kiara found common ground with Erik as they left together, a sense of camaraderie apparent in their departure.
"Not my fault! That you always dress c-c-cu-" Erik struggled to get his word out as their plans for today were evident, reflecting the bonds that could be forged even amid differences.
Kiara decided to drag him by the ears so they could get dressed up properly.
"Ahaha~ I will now play the song of solitude!" Isozaki, true to his musical nature, strummed his guitar as he exited the room, serenading the meeting's conclusion.
"Alright, music man. Time for you to get out." However, his exit was cut short as Enzo, ever the gentleman, politely ushered him out with a gentle nudge, ensuring the room was vacated.
As the Archsentinels dispersed, the room was left with a lingering sense of unity. The decisions made during the meeting would shape the future not only for 'The Lucky Inquisitors' but also for the city itself.
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