As the night deepen, the atmosphere in the Unit Four dormitory was tense. Eira sat beside Arden, her posture stiff and her fists clenched. Arden was muttering under his breath, still stewing over his defeat earlier in the day. His pride had taken a blow, and it was evident he hadn't come to terms with losing to Josuke.
"He's been a ranger for less than three years," Arden growled, slamming his fist on the table. "Three years, and he made me look like an amateur! It's infuriating!"
Eira leaned back in her chair, her ice-blue eyes narrowing. "Calm down, Arden. Focus on the fact that I won. That should at least restore some of our unit's reputation."
Arden scoffed, his tone bitter. "Your win doesn't erase my loss. Unit Zero is making a mockery of us, and I can't stand it."
Before Eira could respond, the door to the common room creaked open, and one of their teammates, a young man with short-cropped brown hair, stepped in. His expression was serious. "Eira, the commander wants to see you."
Eira frowned, immediately sensing that something was wrong. "What does he want?"
The teammate shrugged but added, "He doesn't look happy."
That was enough to make Arden sit up straighter, his concern momentarily overshadowing his frustration. "What do you think he's going to say?"
Eira didn't reply, standing up and smoothing her uniform. She glanced at Arden, who looked back at her with a mixture of worry and curiosity. "I'll find out soon enough," she said curtly before following her teammate out of the room.
As they made their way to Commander John's office, Eira's mind raced. She knew exactly why she was being summoned. Her reckless attempt to attack Hinata after the match had been over the line, even for someone with her temper. But the moment had been fueled by anger anger at Arden's loss, at Unit Zero's arrogance, and at Josuke's interference. Still, she couldn't deny that her actions had been foolish.
When they reached the commander's office, her teammate stopped outside. "He wants to speak with you alone," he said, his tone low. Eira nodded, steeling herself, and entered the room.
The moment she stepped inside, she was met with the piercing gaze of Commander John. He was seated behind his desk, his hands folded neatly in front of him. His vice commander stood to the side, but as soon as Eira entered, John waved a hand dismissively. "Leave us. I want to speak to Eira alone."
The vice commander hesitated for a moment, glancing at Eira with a look of sympathy before exiting the room and closing the door behind her.
Eira stood at attention, her hands behind her back. "Good evening, Commander," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the room.
John leaned forward, his dark eyes sharp and filled with restrained fury. "Take a seat, Eira," he said, his tone cold.
She obeyed, sitting down in the chair across from his desk.
John wasted no time. "First, let me congratulate you on your victory today," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth.
Eira nodded slightly. "Thank you, Commander."
His eyes narrowed. "But let's not beat around the bush. What was that stunt you pulled on the stage?"
Eira's stomach sank, but she said nothing, letting him continue.
"Almost killing your opponent," John said, his voice rising slightly, "is not behavior befitting a ranger especially one of mine. You were fighting a child, Eira. Even worse, a royal. Do you understand the consequences of your actions?"
Eira nodded, her expression neutral but her heart pounding. "Yes, Commander. I am aware."
"Then recite them," he said sharply.
She hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice quieter now. "Twenty-four years imprisonment and permanent removal from duty or any line of work. And in the case of killing a royal… torture and execution."
John slammed his hand on the desk, making her flinch. "Exactly. So tell me, why? Why would you risk not only your career but the reputation of this entire unit? If it hadn't been for that Josuke of Unit Zero intervening, you'd be gone by now it would have been Execution on sight. And not just you Unit Four would have been disbanded entirely."
Eira clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Commander, with all due respect, why haven't you confronted your younger brother, Commander Kyle, about Josuke's actions during his match? He smashed the back of that heavy blade into Arden's side, causing severe damage. Arden's still recovering! If my actions are seen as reckless the he's action should be as well "
John's expression didn't change. "I have no reason to speak with Kyle. Arden started that exchange with a dangerous attack, and Josuke simply responded in kind. This isn't about Arden. This is about you and your reckless behavior."
Eira lowered her head, her voice barely audible. "If that's the case, Commander, I apologize for my actions."
John leaned back in his chair, his gaze unyielding. "It's not me you have to apologize to. You're lucky that Unit Zero isn't pressing charges for attempted assault on a ranger. But that doesn't mean you'll go unpunished."
Eira's jaw tightened, but she remained silent.
"After the event is over," John continued, "you will be suspended for three months. During that time, you are forbidden from engaging in any hunts or pursuing rogue devils or monsters. Any violation of this order will result in permanent suspension and removal from duty. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Commander," Eira replied, her voice stiff.
John's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "That's all. You can go."
Eira stood, saluted, and left the room without another word. But as soon as she reached her quarters, the anger she had been holding in erupted. She slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing through the dormitory.
She paced back and forth, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration and resentment. John's words rang in her ears, each one stinging more than the last. Her actions had been reckless, yes, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had been singled out. Josuke's intervention, his strength, his speed—it all grated on her.
Finally, she stopped, leaning against the wall and taking a deep breath. "I'll show them," she muttered, her eyes blazing with determination. "I'll show all of them that I'm not someone to be underestimated."
As the night deepened, Eira's thoughts turned darker, her mind filled with plans to prove herself. But for now, she could only wait—and prepare.