In the splendid meeting room of Aurora Sentinels' main HQ, a table took center stage, surrounded by eight meticulously placed chairs. Amidst the expanse, Guren Ichinose, a 45-year-old X-Ranker and esteemed senior member, occupied only one seat, engrossed in reading. A gentle knock echoed, prompting Guren to invite entry without lifting his gaze.
"Come in," he uttered as the door yielded to a young man's arrival. Around 23 years old, the newcomer sported silver hair cascading to his neck and captivating lavender eyes.

"Guren Sensei, I'd like to discuss something with you," the young man's voice conveyed a sense of gravity.

Guren glanced up, offering a welcoming smile as he addressed Yuichiro, his dedicated student. "How's everything going?" Guren inquired, his tone warm and encouraging.

"Everything's progressing well. Um, Sensei... It's about..." Yuichiro paused, momentarily hesitant.

"Take a seat first," Guren gently urged.
Yuichiro pulled a chair, settling into it as the atmosphere awaited the weight of his words.
"Please, share what's bothering you," Guren asked, meeting Yuichiro's gaze.

"Why does Advin have to be part of this organization?" Yuichiro averted his eyes as he voiced his concern.

"I anticipated this from you," Guren sighed in response.

After a brief pause, Yuichiro continued, "The entrance exam for this year has already passed, and Advin didn't take it. So why?"

"We're well aware of all that. There was a meeting yesterday. Eventually, the decision was made for Advin to join the Aurora Sentinels," Guren explained.

"That's unfair. Other candidates proved their eligibility. How can we recruit Advin without assessing his abilities?" Yuichiro's expression soured with a frown.

"Yuichiro, it's imperative that this boy becomes part of our organization."

"Why, though?" Yuichiro questioned.

"Advin's inclusion is regarded as essential due to his direct lineage as Simon Damen's grandson, the original founder of our organization," Guren clarified.

"Even if he's related, rules exist for a reason. Why bend them for someone as evil as him?"Yuichiro pressed on.

After a brief pause, Guren posed a thought-provoking question, "To whom do we voice our grievances when those who establish rules are the ones breaking them?" He awaited Yuichiro's response.

"So, all the senior members have sanctioned this decision? What's going on? Is the organization now recruiting demons?" Yuichiro's frustration became evident as he poured out his sentiments.

"Yuichiro, Advin isn't inherently bad."

"Come on, Sensei. We're all aware of his past actions. Advin may be Simon Damen's grandson, but he's not the legend his grandfather was. I admire Simon Damen, but I can't help but despise Advin. He nearly caused the world's downfall twice," Yuichiro expressed candidly.

"Don't direct your aversion solely at him. If you feel hatred, direct it towards the demon within him," Guren responded, his voice low and serious.

"But he's the one controlling that demon. Why did Simon Damen seal Okami within such an incapable person? He placed too much faith in him," Yuichiro added. He waited for Guren's response before continuing, "There's something else too. How can you overlook the fact that he was an apprentice of Satori Ryuichi? He..."

"You're mistaken," Guren interrupted. "He can't be considered an apprentice. Satori was responsible for the Damen family's demise and Advin's abduction. And remember, it was Advin who ended Satori's life." He paused. "Advin is capable and fundamentally good. That's what I believe."
Yuichiro fell silent. Accepting that Advin could be a good person was a challenge for him.
"Don't worry, Yuichiro. He won't do anything harmful. I guarantee it. He was just a child when he lost control over the demon. But he's grown since then."

"Grown? His sense of goodwill and kindness has been implanted. All thanks to Akira Daiki, who's altered his memories. We can't disregard the fact that he's dealing with amnesia. Who knows what might happen next!" Yuichiro argued.

"If he joins, it would be easier for us to monitor him. Yuichiro, there's much you'll come to understand in due time." Yuichiro averted his gaze. Guren patiently waited for his response before continuing. "Yuichiro, I'm entrusting Advin to you."

"What? You mean he'll become a B-ranker?" Yuichiro reacted. As an S-Ranker, Yuichiro supervised Squad 10, which included Levin and others.

"Yes," Guren affirmed, leaning back in his chair.

"He deserves to be in the A-rank. It's not fair."

"I understand. Nothing in this organization goes as planned. After all these years, you should realize that," Guren explained.

Yuichiro pursed his lips. "Where can I locate him?"

"Contact Shinya. He monitors Advin's actions discreetly."

"And what if he refuses to join? We hold exams annually, yet he never participates. It seems he's not interested at all."

"You'll have to enforce it. It's not coming from me; it's one of Albert's orders," Guren explained plainly.

Yuichiro frowned, standing up. "I'll do my best." He departed, reluctant to carry out the task but unable to refuse the CEO's orders.

"Advin will surely surpass Simon. That's what I believe," Guren contemplated thoughtfully.
And with that, Guren's musings concluded, leaving the situation suspended in uncertainty.

☆☆☆

In the laboratory, Shinya was engrossed in preparing an antidote when Yuichiro strolled in, slumping into a chair with evident exhaustion.

"What's troubling you?" Shinya inquired, turning his attention to his friend.

"Just drained," Yuichiro sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Can't request leave, though. Got a mountain of work. But I'm here to talk."

"About?" Shinya prompted.

"Yesterday, there was a meeting. They've all decided Advin should join Aurora Sentinels. Guren Sensei thinks it's necessary," Yuichiro explained.

"Ah, Albert's doing," Shinya remarked with a touch of disdain. "He didn't show for the exam, so Albert's pulling strings. He's constantly scheming, but everyone seems blind to it, just following him without question."

"Easy, Shinya. We can't speak freely," Yuichiro warned.

"This isn't like you, Yuichiro," Shinya countered. "Straight shooter, remember?"

"Let it go. Guren Sensei's on our side. He's genuine, unlike the rest, keeps a check on Albert," Yuichiro reassured. "You're keeping an eye on Advin, right?"

"I specifically monitor changes in his life force energy," Shinya clarified. Reaching into a drawer, Shinya retrieved a tablet-like device and handed it to Yuichiro, who touched its screen, revealing a world map.
"Do you see the blue dot?" Shinya asked.

"This one?" Yuichiro pointed.

Shinya nodded. "That's his location. Currently in Osaka. The color changes indicate shifts in Advin's ki energy-blue for stagnancy. Each color denotes something specific. For instance, if Advin were to tap into the power of Okami, the dot would turn red. That's how it operates," Shinya explained.

"Ah, so spying on his actions isn't your intent," Yuichiro mused.

"Exactly. Intruding into his private life would be unethical. I don't even know what he looks like. I only notify others if he utilizes the Okami's power. That's the purpose behind creating this device."

"Exactly where in Osaka is he?" Yuichiro asked, his mind preoccupied.

"Zoom in, and you'll see. But this device isn't precise about his location," clarified Shinya.

Yuichiro, intrigued, asked, "In what way?"

"Let's say Advin is in a restaurant. The device will indicate he's there but can't specify which person in the restaurant is Advin," Shinya explained.

Understanding, Yuichiro nodded and zoomed in on the world map, pointing at a spot in the heart of Osaka. "Here, he's right in Namba."

"Yesterday, he was in Tokyo," Shinya remarked.

"It means he keeps changing his location," Yuichiro frowned, contemplating the situation.

"Not exactly. From what I've noticed, he's mostly in either Tokyo or Osaka. That simplifies things," Shinya clarified, crossing his arms.

"Alright. Lend me this device," Yuichiro requested.

"No problem. Just make sure not to break it," Shinya grinned.

"Sure," Yuichiro smiled, turning to leave.

"What would you do if Advin refused?" Shinya asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Yuichiro paused, pondering for a moment. "What else do I need? See you later." With that, he exited the room, leaving the question hanging in the air.

☆☆☆

The family gathered around the table, sharing breakfast together. As Zac finished eating, he stood up, catching Tokou's attention.
"You didn't drink the milk," Tokou scolded, glancing up at him.

"I'm not hungry anymore, and I'm running late for school," Zac explained.

"Let him go, Mom. He has to head to Tokyo," Hiyono chimed in with a giggle.

"Alright then. Take care of yourself, eat on time, study attentively, and call me when you get there," Tokou instructed.

"Okay," Zac mumbled, stealing a glance in Steve's direction. Steve, engrossed in his breakfast, hadn't even spared him a glance.

But why would he? Steve wasn't Zac's father. Despite Tokou and Steve being related by blood, they weren't his parents. Tokou was his aunt, and Steve, his dad's younger brother.

There was a time when Zac was unaware of all this, but now he knew. He had learned the bitter truth of his life. Darrin's death had been a trigger, and a part of his memories had come back. He had a past he wished he could change, but as he stood there, he understood: one's past can never be undone.

Arriving at the hostel, Zac checked his watch-8:00 AM. Determined not to miss school, he hurried to his room, slipping into his uniform and grabbing his bag (though it was empty, a student should carry one, of course).

A pink folded paper by the pillow caught his eye. Zac pocketed it before leaving the room. It took him five minutes to reach the class, but as he glanced at his watch again, he realized he was already 15 minutes late.

"May I come in?" Zac asked as he entered.

All eyes turned toward him, some with a subtle smile playing on their lips.

"Wait outside," the teacher ordered, furrowing his brows. Zac glared in response.

"Didn't you hear me? Get out and wait. We need to discuss a lot," the teacher said, clearly irritated.

"What have I done?" Zac thought as he complied, walking out and leaning against the wall. "Great, I have to wait for the next 40 minutes," he grumbled to himself.

Pulling out the paper from his pocket, he unfolded it, revealing a simple "Thank you" with signatures underneath. He squinted but couldn't decipher whose signatures they were. Crafting a paper helicopter, Zac let it soar through the air, watching until it landed.

In class, Dawn was clearly excited, clenching her fists in anticipation. "I just can't wait," she whispered.

"Me too," May responded, both of them exchanging silent giggles. Others in the class shared meaningful smiles with each other.

After 40 minutes, the teacher emerged from the classroom. "Follow me," he instructed, striding ahead.

Zac sighed inwardly. "As if I were some culprit," he thought, trailing behind the teacher.

Ayumi and Levin joined them, quietly following. They halted in front of the staff room. The teacher entered, with Zac following suit. Outside, Ayumi and Levin positioned themselves strategically to observe and listen in. The teacher handed Zac a piece of paper. He glanced at the teacher, then shifted his focus to the paper, carefully reading the lines written on it.

"Regrettably, my mother-in-law has passed away, and I am responsible. My father-in-law is a good man. Additionally, my wife is unwell, and I am her sole caregiver. I kindly request an extended leave for the duration of one year due to these circumstances, compounded by my own fever.
An ailing husband, Zac Damen."
After reading the note, Zac lifted his gaze.

"Could you explain this?" The teacher's brow furrowed deeply.

"It's a game, Sir," he replied calmly. Levin and Ayumi exchanged glances.

"A game?" the teacher questioned.

"Yes, Sir. It's the 'Truth or Dare' game. Player 1 starts by asking another to choose 'truth or dare.' If Player 2 picks 'truth,' Player 1 asks a question, usually embarrassing, which Player 2 must answer honestly. If Player 2 opts for 'dare,' Player 1 challenges them to do something, often embarrassing or risky, which they must do, typically involving sharing an embarrassing story or performing an embarrassing act," he explained.

The teacher's initial anger dissipated. "Tell me the name of Player 1," he demanded, attempting a stern tone.

"It's against the rules of the game, Sir," he replied with a serious expression.

The teacher held his gaze for a few moments before speaking again, "Ensure proper behavior next time. Consider this a warning. You can go now."

"Thank you, Sir."

Zac stepped out, meeting Ayumi and Levin's glares. He hesitated, holding back his words, and simply walked past them.

"What on earth?" Ayumi seethed, gritting her teeth.

"We're being too lenient with him, aren't we?" Levin remarked to her.

"Yes, we need a better plan," Ayumi agreed as they both made their way to the classroom, their determination evident in their stride.

☆☆☆