The sleek hovercraft ascended silently, leaving the Dawn Breakers' villa behind. Inside, the three A-rank escorts, Commander Elise Dubois and Agents Lena and Sophia, wasted no time in preparing Kenji for the S-rank meeting. Their professional demeanor, however, quickly softened when their eyes met his.
"Alright, Kenji-sama," Elise began, her tone shifting from formal escort to something more akin to a personal tutor. "This meeting isn't just about strategy; it's about politics and prestige. Every S-rank holds immense power, and they all have their own quirks."
"First rule," Lena chimed in, "when you enter, you'll be introduced in order of rank. Number One, Number Two, and so on. They'll state their full name and their primary combat specialization. You'll do the same when it's your turn."
"Don't interrupt," Sophia added softly. "And when someone speaks, listen. These are the most powerful beings on the planet; respect is paramount, even if some of them don't always offer it back."
Elise leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. "There will be a lot of posturing, a lot of bravado. Many of them are veterans, some have been S-rank for decades. Don't be intimidated. Your power speaks for itself. But also, don't be overtly arrogant. Show confidence, but not disrespect, unless you intend to challenge them."
They spent the entire ride explaining the intricate customs of the S-rank council: the subtle nods, the specific seating arrangements, the unspoken rules of debate, and the expected courtesies. They covered everything from appropriate spiritual energy suppression (to avoid overwhelming lesser-ranked individuals) to formal address. Kenji absorbed it all, his intellect, now subtly enhanced by the System's analytical capabilities, processing the complex social dynamics.
As the serious briefing wound down, Elise leaned back, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So, Kenji-sama," she purred, "now that the heavy stuff is out of the way… a top-tier S-rank like yourself, just popped up, no prior records… Are you, by any chance, single?"
Lena giggled, her emerald eyes sparkling. "And are you looking for marriage anytime soon? Because I'm sure there are plenty of eligible A-ranks who'd be absolutely thrilled to capture the heart of the 13th S-rank."
Sophia, ever the shy one, merely blushed and nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on Kenji. The three beauties were fawning over him, their collective admiration palpable.
Kenji, feeling a strange surge of confidence that was a far cry from his old timid self, allowed a small, flirtatious smirk to play on his lips. He met Elise's gaze directly. "Well, Commander Dubois," he said, his voice smooth, "my focus has been entirely on training and survival lately. But I suppose a hero needs someone to come home to, eventually." He winked, "Perhaps someone who can keep up?"
Elise's eyes widened, a delighted flush spreading across her cheeks. "Oh, Kenji-sama, I'm sure I could keep up just fine," she replied, her voice husky.
The hovercraft began its descent. "Alright, S-rank, we're here," Elise said, her professional demeanor instantly returning, though a lingering hint of a blush remained. "This is as far as we go. Good luck in there."
They landed on a hidden rooftop platform atop a massive, obsidian skyscraper. The three women escorted Kenji to a pair of enormous, reinforced doors, flanked by silent, armored guards who radiated immense spiritual power.
"They're waiting for you," Lena said, offering a final, warm smile.
Sophia gave a small, encouraging nod.
"Don't worry, Kenji-kun," Elise whispered, her eyes meeting his one last time, a promise in their depths. "You'll do great. And we'll be waiting." With that, the three of them stepped back, leaving Kenji before the imposing doors.
The S-Rank Assembly: A Shocking Revelation
Kenji took a deep breath, adjusting his uniform. He could feel the immense, concentrated spiritual pressure behind the doors—a nexus of power unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He pushed the doors open.
The room was vast, circular, bathed in a soft, ethereal light. Around a massive, holographic table sat a dozen figures, each emanating an aura of incredible power. They were the S-rank Spiritual Fighters, the guardians of humanity.
At the head of the table sat an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of millennia. This was Number One.
A stern-faced woman with a military bearing was Number Two.
Then, there was Kaito "The Sunflare" Kazama, sitting with his usual arrogant slouch, yet a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. He caught Kenji's gaze and gave a subtle, almost imperceptible nod.
The introductions began, formal and deliberate, each S-rank stating their name and specialization.
"Number One: Grandmaster Hiroto – Universal Spiritual Arts."
"Number Two: Commander Anya Petrova – Strategic Spiritual Warfare."
"Number Three: Kaito 'The Sunflare' Kazama – Solar Spiritual Manipulation."
The introductions continued, each name a legend, each rank a testament to unimaginable power. Kenji listened, his mind absorbing every detail, preparing for his own introduction. He expected to be last, as the newly awakened Number Thirteen.
"Number Four: Guardian Akemi Tanaka – Earthbound Spiritual Constructs." A calm, composed woman with an air of quiet power.
Kenji blinked. Wait, Tanaka?
"Number Five: Lord Valerius – Ancient Blood Arts."
The introductions continued, each one pushing Kenji's internal clock further. Six, seven, eight... ten, eleven, twelve.
He waited, heart pounding, for the introduction of Number Thirteen. But it never came.
Finally, the Grandmaster, Number One, turned his ancient eyes directly to Kenji. "And now," he announced, his voice resonating through the chamber, "let us welcome the latest pillar of humanity's defense. The one who has shattered all expectations, whose raw power and rapid ascent have reshaped the very fabric of our understanding."
The Grandmaster gestured to an empty seat directly beside Kaito Kazama.
"Welcome, Number Four: Kenji 'The Dawn Breaker' Tanaka – Primal Spiritual Manifestation."
Kenji's eyes widened in surprise. Number Four? Not thirteen? He was already among the absolute elite. He glanced at Kaito, who offered a subtle, knowing smirk. The challenge had already begun, and Kenji had just taken a massive leap ahead.