It been 6 months, after the event of the possessed human and the devil. The vibrant city of Elaris was bathed in the soft glow of blue, the signature color of the Blue Star Festival, an event that held deep significance for the people of Elaris. The streets, houses, and buildings were all adorned with blue decorations, with every corner featuring the emblematic blue star that symbolized the country's origins. The festival was a time for unity and reflection on the nation's history, with everyone joining together in a grand celebration of their shared legacy. The atmosphere in the city was electric, and within the heart of it stood the Unit Zero headquarters, transformed for the occasion. A massive hologram of a blue star hovered above the center of the courtyard, casting a soft glow over the area, while inside, the walls were lined with blue ribbons and banners. The staff of Unit Zero, from the most senior commanders to the youngest rangers, had all donned their best attire, each piece reflecting the blue theme of the festival. For Josuke, this was his first time celebrating in the heart of the city. It was a momentous occasion for him away from the orphanage, surrounded by people who had become his family. He had spent the morning sending texts and making phone calls to those who mattered to him. Even as he stood in the headquarters, he could feel the energy of the festival, the warmth of the city, and the sense of belonging. Arthur, Hinata, Ace, and Lily were all dressed for the event, each person's personality shining through in their attire. Josuke, though still adjusting to the customs of the city, couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. The team had gathered in Kyle's office for a briefing. Kyle stood at the front of the room, exuding an air of relaxed authority, his blue-tinged outfit a perfect fit for the occasion. He was smiling, but there was an underlying seriousness in his tone as he addressed the team. "Alright, listen up, everyone," Kyle said, his voice booming through the room. "This is our first time participating in the Blue Star Festival events, so we've got a lot to prepare for. Normally, we celebrate in our own way, but this year, we'll be joining the city-wide festivities." Josuke glanced over at Arthur, who was standing stiffly at the side, his usual calm, unreadable expression in place. "You know, Arthur, it's not a sin if you smile from time to time," Josuke teased with a mischievous grin.
Arthur shot him a sharp look. "Mind your business, you dummy," he replied flatly.
Josuke chuckled. "Hmm, you know Kyle's right. You could lighten up a bit emo."
Arthur glared at him. "Stop calling me that," he grumbled, grabbing Josuke by the collar. "You dummy!"
The two exchanged playful insults, Josuke calling Arthur "an emo," and Arthur countering by calling him a dummy. Their back-and-forth continued until Maya stepped in, her calm demeanor acting as the perfect counterbalance to their bickering. Kyle, watching the exchange with a chuckle, decided to finally put an end to it. "Alright, alright, enough of that. Let's get back to business." He cleared his throat and turned to the team with a more serious expression. "As I was saying, we're entering the Team Battle, the Commander Battle, and a few other challenges. This is our chance to show what Unit Zero can do." Before the briefing could continue, Maya interjected with a raised eyebrow. "You're forgetting something, Kyle." Kyle snapped his fingers. "Ah, yes! Let me introduce a new member to the team." He gestured toward the door. "Silver, you can come in." The door creaked open, and in walked a figure clad in a full ranger uniform. The helmet was so heavily covered that no part of the person's face was visible, adding an aura of mystery. The newcomer's stance was rigid, almost mechanical, and their presence was intimidating in its severity. They walked into the room without saying a word, but their cold energy was palpable. The figure finally spoke, their voice flat and emotionless. "Hi, I'm Silver… or rather, 007." There was something about Silver's voice that set him apart from the rest of the team. It was detached, distant almost as if Silver didn't want to be here at all. Josuke tilted his head, sizing up the new member, but Silver's blank stare behind the helmet only heightened the feeling of discomfort. Ace raised an eyebrow. "Well, that was… dramatic," he commented, clearly not impressed by Silver's cold demeanor. Arthur, who was already irritated from his earlier exchange with Josuke, narrowed his eyes at Silver. "What's this about?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion. "Another stoic loner who thinks he's too cool to talk? Really?" Kyle smiled in a way that almost seemed apologetic. "I know Silver can come off as a little… detached, but he's one of our top recruits. He went through the academy, has combat experience, and even has the ability to summon a Fullbringer. He'll be an asset to the team." Josuke blinked, clearly surprised. "Wait, what? He can summon a Fullbringer?" He shot a sideways glance at Arthur. "That's more than you can say, huh, emo?"
Arthur's face darkened at Josuke's comment, his usual calm slipping for just a second. "I'm not emo," he muttered under his breath, irritation creeping into his voice. Maya chuckled lightly from the side, clearly enjoying the banter. "Looks like you two are already getting along." Silver stood still, not reacting to the exchanges around him, his helmet preventing any glimpse of his expression. His posture remained as rigid as ever, almost robotic in its precision. Kyle continued, undeterred. "Silver may not be the most outgoing, but his skills are undeniable. We'll need him for the festival events, especially with the challenges ahead. And, I'm sure once you all get to know him, you'll see he's not as cold as he seems."
Silver finally spoke, his voice as emotionless as before. "I'm here to serve. That is all."
The room fell silent for a moment. Josuke glanced at the rest of the team, exchanging uncertain looks. Despite Kyle's assurances, something about Silver didn't sit well with them. He wasn't like the others in Unit Zero, not by a long shot. But then again, every team had its quirks, right? Kyle clapped his hands together, breaking the awkward silence. "Alright, that's enough for now. We've got a festival to participate in! Silver, I expect you to work well with the team. Everyone else, get ready for the upcoming events." As the team nodded and started to disperse, Josuke couldn't help but glance at Silver one last time. There was something off about him, something Josuke couldn't quite place, but for now, he'd keep his thoughts to himself.
The Blue Star Festival was only just beginning, and though Silver was now a part of Unit Zero, Josuke knew there were still many more mysteries yet to unfold mysteries that would challenge both the team and their bonds with each other.