The grand hall was filled with state officials and high-ranking members of the government. Seated at a round table was the head of the guild, Kagiura, directly across from President Haruna, who looked visibly furious.
Haruna: "How dare you suggest hiring Balancers from other countries, Kagiura? Aren't you the Head of the Balancers' Guild? Why haven't you trained new Balancers?"
Kagiura smiled faintly and replied calmly: Kagiura: "Creating Balancers isn't within our control, Mr. President. A Balancer's grade is determined by fate, not training or preparation. How do you expect me to summon Grade A or S Balancers to handle this threat?"
Haruna (angrily): "The country doesn't have the budget to hire new Balancers! How do you expect us to shoulder these costs?"
Kagiura (still calm): "But, sir, all of Japan only has five Grade S Balancers. How can we repel the impending danger with such a small number?"
Haruna: "I am merely the mediator between the three primary guilds in Japan. Finding solutions for this disaster is your responsibility, Kagiura."
The meeting ended with Kagiura leaving the hall, muttering to himself: Kagiura (angrily): "In truth, this isn't my problem—or anyone's, for that matter. This is the world's problem. How can we protect our country from such dangers when all they care about is the state's budget? Damn that old man!"
Kenny slowly opened his eyes, finding himself in an unfamiliar room. The ceiling was adorned with golden engravings, and silk curtains swayed gently in the light breeze coming through the window.
Kenny (thinking to himself): "Where am I now?"
As he tried to process his surroundings, memories of the incident flooded back into his mind. His breaths became ragged, and his heart raced.
Kenny: "Haa… Haa… Haaa…"
He fell off the bed and crawled toward the door. Just as he was about to open it fully, a tall, imposing man appeared in front of him. It was Tatsuya, a Grade A Balancer.
Tatsuya: "Stop, Kenny! You shouldn't be moving right now. You're injured."
Kenny (shocked): "How does he know my name?"
It dawned on him that he was standing before Tatsuya, one of Japan's most renowned Balancers.
Tatsuya gently picked Kenny up and placed him back on the bed.
Kenny: "Where am I?"
Tatsuya: "You're in the Balancers' Guild Hotel."
Kenny (in disbelief): "The Balancers' Guild Hotel? That famous place?"
Tatsuya: "Yes. In fact, everyone else in that Gate died. You were the only survivor. We found pieces of the others:
Mr. Hans. Miss Raya. Mr. Naruka. Mr. Haruma. And Mr. Takumi. As for the rest, we couldn't recover anything. I'm sorry."
Kenny sank into a deep silence, his mind replaying everything: Morgula, the system, Raya's desperate attempts to survive, and Takamura's cowardice as he fled in the crucial moment.
Kenny (hoarsely): "Alright. I need to leave now."
Tatsuya placed a firm hand on Kenny's shoulder, stopping him.
Tatsuya: "You shouldn't move just yet. We need you for a few things here."
Kenny (nervously): "What would the Balancers' Guild want with someone like me—a Grade E Balancer?"
Tatsuya: "You're the only survivor of the incident. This isn't about your rank; it's about investigating certain crimes."
Kenny (gritting his teeth): "So you're saying a Grade E Balancer is suspected of killing higher-ranked Balancers?"
Tatsuya: "Please, I didn't say that. But we need to follow procedures."
Tatsuya: "If you're able, I'll show you around the hotel. Come with me."
Kenny (coldly): "Fine."
Kenny followed Tatsuya out of the room. The surroundings were nothing short of extravagant. The hallways were lined with crimson carpets, and the walls were adorned with paintings reflecting rich cultural heritage.
As they reached the grand hall, Kenny's eyes widened. The place was filled with the world's elite, celebrating in opulence.
Classical music played gracefully in the background, and the clinking of glasses echoed amidst the luxurious atmosphere.
Kenny (in awe): "My god… I've never seen anything like this in my life."
Tatsuya smiled faintly and said: Tatsuya: "Yes, my friend, this is the perfect life."