The news of yesterday's monster attack quickly spread across the the country. Among the highlights was Victor's act of heroism, which captured the attention of everyone—including his students.
Class 3, known for its lively atmosphere, was buzzing more than usual as the students excitedly discussed their professor's deeds.
"Did you see that?!" Angela shouted, standing on a desk at the front of the room. "Did you see how Professor Noir took down those monsters?!"
The entire classroom erupted into cheers, Angela's energy infecting everyone.
"Angela, maybe you should step down before you hurt yourself," Jerard said nervously from his seat nearby.
Ignoring him, Angela grinned. "Our professor is a member of the SSDC! How cool is that? We can brag about this to the other sections!" She raised a fist dramatically. "Come on, let's spread the word about how amazing he is!"
A collective cheer filled the room, and the students rushed out, eager to tell everyone in the school about Victor's heroic feat.
*
Meanwhile, Victor stood outside the imposing SSDC headquarters, taking a moment to observe the towering building before stepping inside. As he entered, he was immediately greeted by Nicholas, who was holding a cup of coffee.
"Oh, Victor, I thought we agreed to meet at seven?" Nicholas said, glancing at his watch. "No matter. Follow me—I'll show you to your office."
Victor nodded quietly, adjusting the brown uniform Nicholas had given him the day before. It was the official attire of the SSDC.
The two climbed to the third floor, where Nicholas opened a door bearing Victor's name. Inside, the room was simple and tidy. A desk sat directly across from the entrance, with a small nameplate resting on top. A trash bin was neatly placed to the side, and next to the door stood a coffee machine and water dispenser. A large board adorned one wall, leaving the rest of the space relatively bare.
"This will be your office," Nicholas said, gesturing around the room. "I kept the decor minimal since I wasn't sure about your preferences. Feel free to personalize it however you like. Just let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you," Victor replied, his tone calm. "Honestly, this is fine as it is. I don't need much."
"Good to hear," Nicholas said with a nod. "Now, make sure to head to the meeting hall at seven. It's on the secret floor."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "Secret floor? How do I get there?"
"Take the elevator and press the 'S' button," Nicholas explained. "It'll scan your fingerprint, and once your identity is confirmed, it'll take you directly there."
Victor nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. I'll be there."
"Good luck on your first day, Victor." Nicholas turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "Oh, and congratulations on what you did yesterday. That was impressive."
Victor gave a faint smile, his voice steady. "It was nothing… but thank you."
Nicholas left, and Victor sat at his desk, quietly preparing himself for what lay ahead.
*
At exactly seven o'clock, Victor stepped into the elevator, scanning the buttons until he found one marked with an 'S.' The moment he pressed it, the elevator whirred to life, carrying him to an unknown destination. When the doors slid open, he was greeted by an expansive hall.
At its center stood a grand circular bronze table adorned with detailed designs. Around the table sat several individuals, most of them unfamiliar to Victor, except for Nicholas, who waved at him from across the room. A maid approached and guided Victor to his designated seat, placing him near Camila.
'Hmm, it's her… the woman from yesterday,' Victor thought as he settled into his chair.
Moments later, the elevator chimed again, and an elderly man with thick white hair and a long beard entered, accompanied by a younger man. While the younger man took a regular seat, the elder walked to an elegant chair at the head of the table, its distinct design signifying his authority. The room fell silent as he sat down.
The old man leaned back and addressed the group. "Good morning, everyone. It's been a while since I've seen you all together in one place."
A young man leaned at the table let out an exaggerated sigh. "The only reason I'm here is because Grimstone requested it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered showing up."
"Mr. Everhart, when will you learn to show some respect to those above you?" a woman interjected sharply.
"Quiet, Suya," Everhart replied dismissively. "I still don't understand why women are allowed to be leaders in the SSDC when they clearly can't measure up to us men."
The woman, unfazed, sipped her tea. "Is strength determined by gender now? Narrow-minded as ever, I see."
"You—"
"That's enough," Camila cut in, her tone firm. "You're in Mr. Dingergan's presence. Act accordingly. Or is this really the kind of behavior you want to show our newest member? You're ruining our reputation."
"New member?" a man asked, glancing at Victor. "Ah, so that's why there's a fresh face here. Is he replacing Tomas?"
Nicholas nodded. "Yes, we're here to discuss the new leader of Squad 7." Gesturing toward Victor, he introduced him. "This is Mr. Victor Noir, a professor at the Sorcerer Academy."
"A professor, huh?" Everhart said, smirking. "So, you must know a lot about spells. I'm Rowan Everhart, by the way—better known as the Prodigy of Spells."
Victor held back a chuckle at the self-proclaimed title, but his expression remained polite. "Victor Noir. Pleased to meet you, Rowan."
'Too formal,' Rowan thought with a scoff, leaning back in his chair.
The room quieted as the elderly man in the elegant chair spoke again. "I am Vamos Dingergan, the founder of the SSDC. It was so nice to meet someone as intelligent as you, Mr. Noir."
Victor nodded respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Dingergan."
Vamos continued, gesturing around the table. "I want you to meet the leaders of the ten squads in the SSDC. Let's start with the leader of Squad 10, S-rank, Jordan Malaeborn."
A cheerful man with round glasses and a warm smile waved. "Good morning!"
"Next is the leader of Squad 9, S-rank, Cruok Bailey."
A burly man with a thick beard nodded. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Noir."
"Squad 8 is led by Darn Kelly, also an S-rank."
Darn, the man who had earlier questioned Victor replacing Tomas, remained silent, his scarred face betraying no emotion.
"The leader of Squad 6, S-rank, is Chloe Suya."
A tall, elegant woman adjusted her glasses and greeted him. "Good morning."
"Squad 5's leader, SS-rank, is Darren Quaveler."
"Hello," Darren said, his demeanor mysterious but approachable.
"The leader of Squad 4, SS-rank, is Tayra Borden."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Noir," Tayra said warmly, her kind eyes reflecting her reputation for generosity.
"Squad 3 is led by Marty Prioneerr, an SS+ rank."
"Good morning, Mr. Noir. A pleasure," Marty said, his muscular frame concealing his gentle smile.
"The leader of Squad 2, SS+ rank, is Camila Damsel."
Camila simply sipped her coffee in acknowledgment.
"And finally, the leader of Squad 1, SS+ rank, is Rowan Everhart."
Rowan smirked. "Surprised to see me leading the top squad?"
Victor met his gaze evenly, his tone calm. "Not at all. It's clear the SSDC values skill and strength."
The room remained tense as Rowan leaned back, a faint smirk lingering, while Victor sat silently, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.