“It’s remarkably convenient that a full meeting of the executives is being held the very day after I joined,” I remarked as we walked.
On our way to the venue for the regular meeting, I had voiced a sudden doubt.
“True. But I assure you, it’s just a coincidence. I had originally planned to report on the Guided Exploration at this meeting, which is why I pushed the rookies' training until the last possible second. And, between us, there was a plan to promote one of the three instructors—excluding myself and you—to the First Unit. The Guided Exploration served as their evaluation. I intended to seek approval for the promotion of whichever candidate I selected during today's session.”
I see.
So that was the "true motive" behind the question she had asked me before the training began. She likely wanted to see how they would handle an unforeseen crisis even in their capacity as instructors. She certainly likes to walk a fine line...
I wondered if one of those three had truly been on the verge of being handpicked for the First Unit.
“Heh, don't let it weigh on you, Orun. All three of them were originally active in their own parties; they have their own attachments to consider. Besides, since that was all off the record, they don't even know about the plan. From our perspective, we were desperate for a front-line attacker to join our ranks. Your addition is the best possible outcome for the clan.”
If she put it that way, I suppose I didn’t need to worry too much.
◇
We arrived at the meeting room. I followed Selma inside.
The other members appeared to have already gathered; only two seats remained vacant. A quick scan of the room revealed that the participants were all remarkably young. Their average age seemed to be somewhere in their thirties.
The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky was a clan with over fifty years of history. Normally, it wouldn't have been strange to see more veteran members, but this was likely the fallout of last year’s incident, where most of the old guard had been purged. I didn't know the full details, but word was that those forced out had been involved in corruption and were ultimately condemned by the Grandmaster.
The clan had lost its momentum during the internal turmoil that followed, but over the past year, it had begun to regain its former vigor.
“Everyone is here. Then, we shall begin the regular meeting. First, there is something I wish to say to you all.”
As I took the seat closest to the entrance, the Grandmaster confirmed everyone’s presence and gave the signal to commence.
“Most of you likely know this already, but allow me to introduce him formally. This is Orun Doura, who joined the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky as of yesterday.”
Since the Grandmaster introduced me first, I stood up. Every eye in the room turned toward me. Most of those gazes were heavy with appraisal, making me feel quite out of place.
“He was formerly a member of the Hero Party, but he left them recently. There will be a detailed report on the specifics later, but after his departure, he accompanied us on our Guided Exploration. Two days ago, he was the powerhouse who soloed the 92nd-floor boss, the Black Dragon.”
The Grandmaster provided an eloquent summary of my background.
“Beyond his combat power, he possesses a wealth of knowledge unfamiliar to us, including information on the 93rd floor—territory we have yet to reach. Even more noteworthy is the fact that he effectively managed his previous party's operations single-handedly. He is impeccable not only in his combat ability but also in his knowledge and management skills. Therefore, despite him being a new recruit, I intend to appoint him as Albert’s successor and seat him as an executive. His membership in the clan and his assignment to the First Unit are already finalized, but as the promotion to executive requires the consent of two-thirds of the current leadership, I would like to put it to a vote now.”
I’m honestly a little overwhelmed. This is far more praise than I expected...
“Now then, we shall vote. Those in favor are—”
“Grandmaster, wait.”
Just as the Grandmaster took a breath to call for the vote, one of the attendees intervened. He was an intellectual-looking man in his late thirties wearing glasses.
“Before the vote, I wish to question his resolve. Orun-kun, was it? Are you prepared to devote your very life to this clan? We have a vast number of members under our wing. A single judgment of yours could potentially ruin their lives. You understand the weight of that, I assume?”
The man in glasses fixed me with a piercing, needle-like stare. I could feel his deep affection for the clan through his words, as well as the sheer weight of the resolve he brought to this table.
I could have offered him platitudes and flowery words. But there was no point in lying here. I decided to give him my honest thoughts.
“I do not intend to 'devote my life' to the clan as you all do.”
Several people in the room grimaced at my blunt statement.
“However, I have been prepared for the consequences since the moment I signed on. When I became an explorer, I made a vow: to grow strong enough to protect what is precious to me, and to lose nothing, no matter what absurdities the world throws my way. As a member of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky, I will do everything in my power to protect my comrades, regardless of the situation. Is that answer unsatisfactory?”
To me, the individuals who make up the organization are more important than the organization itself. This clan has over half a century of history, and I respect the desire to treasure that legacy.
But a clan is supported by its people. Without them, the clan is nothing more than a name. That is why I will protect the members. I’ll leave the task of "protecting the clan" to the other executives.
“Has everyone reached a decision?” the Grandmaster asked. “Then, we shall vote. Those in favor of appointing Orun as an executive, please raise your hands.”
The Grandmaster called the vote. Every single person gathered in the meeting room raised their hand.
In that moment, I officially became an executive of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky.