Drake Myers had no idea that his slightly high-profile behavior outside the exam venue had already drawn significant attention—especially from Shunshiro Hoshina, who kept a close eye on the new recruits for the Defense Force.
Though the commotion outside didn't last long, the area around the Defense Force base was covered in surveillance cameras. Kikoru Shinomiya, already a figure of interest, was closely monitored by Hoshina.
Her talent aside, her family background demanded caution.
"It seems there are some remarkable individuals among this batch of recruits," Hoshina muttered, narrowing his eyes as he stood before his desk.
With his mushroom-shaped haircut, small stature, and sharp teeth, Hoshina bore a slight resemblance to a certain soldier-turned-captain from another universe.
"It's just the written test," Mina Ashiro responded calmly, flipping through Kafka Hibino's file with an indifferent expression. Though she found Kafka intriguing, she knew talent wasn't something that could be forced. Born without it, one was unlikely to gain it later.
"Haruto Izumo, heir to the Izumo Corporation, graduated top of his class from Tokyo Extermination University…"
"Ichika Furuhashi, valedictorian from Hachioji Extermination High School, known for her striking red curls…"
"Aoi Kaguragi, a rising star in the Self-Defense Forces, with her bronze-toned skin and sharp, short haircut…"
These individuals were all elites who didn't even need to sit for the written test or the second-round interviews.
Next on the list was Reno Ichikawa, but Hoshina didn't recognize him.
"And, of course, our commanding officer's daughter, Kikoru Shinomiya… Huh?" Hoshina's eyes widened as he scrutinized the surveillance footage.
"What is it?" Mina, sensing something unusual, glanced up to see his astonished expression.
"Who is this? Drake Myers? He blocked Kikoru's attack?" Hoshina immediately ordered an investigation. "Get me his written test scores and everything else about him. A kaiju cleaning company, huh?"
He handed the live footage to Mina, who observed it carefully.
Drake and Kikoru had only exchanged brief blows before Drake drove off, leaving the Defense Force officers little time to react.
"An ancient martial arts family? Or maybe a combat suit?" Mina speculated.
Hoshina frowned. Drake's slightly sickly appearance didn't align with someone from a martial arts lineage. Moreover, his fighting style seemed instinctive and unrefined, as though relying purely on natural ability.
Hoshina's suspicions were rooted in his own background as a member of a prestigious martial arts family.
"If it's a combat suit, we'll need to assess it up close," Hoshina said. "Don't worry, Captain. I've already assigned someone to investigate Drake Myers' records. We'll have answers soon."
Mina nodded, recognizing the unusual talents emerging among this year's recruits. Someone who could emerge unscathed from Kikoru's attack was undeniably exceptional.
Meanwhile, Drake drove straight to the kaiju processing site, arriving within twenty minutes.
Not every kaiju incident warranted full deployment of the Third Division. The captain and vice-captain prioritized the most critical threats, while smaller squads handled less severe situations.
At the site, the cleanup was nearly complete. The kaiju wolf, classified as a Level 2.4 threat, had already been dismembered. The kaiju cleaning company's job was to process the remains, extract materials for sale, and clear the battlefield.
Kafka Hibino was hard at work, demonstrating his usual reliability. By the time Drake arrived in his work uniform, the team was nearly finished.
"Aren't you supposed to be taking the exam? Did you change your mind?" Kafka asked sternly, his concern evident. He had hoped for a companion on this journey and worried Drake might be losing interest.
"Relax, senior. The exam was too easy, so I finished early and came back. After all, work is important!" Drake replied with a laugh.
The wolf-like kaiju was far weaker than the mastiff-like one from before, leaving Drake somewhat disappointed.
"If that girl hadn't gotten in my way, I wouldn't have missed out on the fun," he thought to himself.
By the time the kaiju cleanup was done, the core materials had already been packed up and taken away. The attacking squad had been particularly aggressive, likely rushing to complete their mission.
Young people these days are so impatient, Drake mused, feeling a tinge of regret.
"You've changed a lot," Kafka remarked, still amazed by the transformation in Drake over such a short period.
"Thank you, senior. As long as it's a positive change, that's all that matters," Drake replied with a warm smile.
Kafka nodded, appreciating Drake's newfound confidence and energy. Being around younger people seemed to reinvigorate him.
Having arrived too late and finding the kaiju too weak, even the system in Drake's body didn't react. Accepting this, he settled for a meal and drove Kafka back to the company.
In the span of just a few hours, Drake's details had reached the hands of Kikoru Shinomiya, Shunshiro Hoshina, Haruto Izumo, Ichika Furuhashi, and Aoi Kaguragi.
At the Third Division's base, Hoshina studied Drake's comprehensive file, his narrowed eyes reflecting deep contemplation.
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