Back at Unit Zero HQ, Kyle was preparing for an urgent summoning from the elders, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew this meeting would revolve around Josuke, the boy he had taken under his wing. As he put on his uniform, he felt a mix of excitement and concern; he had a strong instinct that the elders would not be pleased with his decision.
With a flicker of energy, Kyle teleported to the capital city, appearing in front of a massive Japanese gate that loomed over him. The gates swung open with a creak, and Kyle strode in confidently, his playful demeanor intact. He was met with shrieks from a group of girls who rushed towards him, clamoring for pictures.
"Take a picture with me!" one girl shouted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Before he could respond, a voice rang out. "Stop this nonsense at once!" The commanding tone belonged to the commander of Unit Two, who was not amused by the commotion.
Kyle shrugged it off, grinning as he continued his walk toward the meeting room, unfazed by the commander's authority.
Inside the meeting hall, Commander John Shaw awaited him. A muscle-bound man in his forties, John was as strict as they came, always upholding the orders of the ranger community. Despite their differences in personality—Kyle being the easygoing joker and John the no-nonsense leader—they shared a mutual respect for each other's roles.
"Yo, Johnny!" Kyle greeted with his signature playful tone, earning an eye roll from John as they headed into the circular meeting room.
The hall was grand, with ten elders seated at a high table that encircled the room, the Grand Elder sitting at the head. He was the oldest among them, having lived for 17 centuries, his wisdom palpable in the air.
As the door shut behind them, Commander Shaw took position by the entrance, ensuring no interruptions. The atmosphere shifted as the elders turned their attention to Kyle.
"Morningstar," began one elder, his voice stern. "We have a report of a devil, or rather, a hybrid devil rampaging in Shinji Forest in Soryu City. Is that correct?"
Kyle responded nonchalantly, "Yeah, and your point?"
One elder slammed his palm on the table, shaking the room. "Foolish boy! Not only do you lack respect, but you also fail to comprehend the consequences of your actions. Adding a devil to our ranks is against everything we stand for. This boy is the son of Ragnar!"
Kyle's expression darkened as he interjected, "You're clearly oblivious to the fact that ever since Ragnar's death, rogue forces from the underworld have been increasing every day. You can't just sit on your hands!"
Another elder chimed in, "That's why we have protocols and rangers. You don't just do as you please. The boy should be executed."
Kyle sighed deeply, his frustration evident. "Yeah, protocols, yet I've had to watch my comrades die. Explain that to me! This is the problem with your organization. You hold on to the past, to rules that destroy everything. Just admit it: you're scared."
"Scared of what?" one elder challenged.
"Scared of the potential of future generations," Kyle replied, his voice rising. "That's why you try to limit them with your ridiculous rules. Executing a boy who barely knows who he is or where he came from—an orphan!"
An elder shot back, "You are a mannerless boy! You have no respect for your elders. That boy is a threat; the blood that runs through him is evidence enough!"
Kyle laughed derisively. "What a meaningless excuse! Respect is something people earn, and you elders don't deserve a drop of mine."
Tension thickened in the room, and all eyes turned to the Grand Elder for a final decision. He raised his hand, silencing the arguments. "Commander Kyle Morningstar, based on what you are saying, are you implying that this boy could be of great help to the ranger community?"
"Yes," Kyle replied, unwavering.
The Grand Elder nodded slowly, mulling over the implications. "Then go and do as you please."
The remaining elders gasped in shock, their protests drowned out by the Grand Elder's authority. Kyle stood up, a smirk on his face as he prepared to leave. "If this meeting is over, I'll be taking my leave."
The Grand Elder agreed with a slight nod, and as Kyle turned to teleport back to HQ, he added, "Oh, and before you make any attempts to harm that boy, know this: you'll be hearing from me."
With a flicker of energy, Kyle vanished from the room, leaving the elders in stunned silence.
The meeting had lasted for an hour and a half, but the echoes of Kyle's defiance lingered long after his departure. The elders were left to grapple with the implications of their decisions, while Kyle, full of resolve, plotted his next steps to protect Josuke and navigate the treacherous waters of the ranger community.