"Let me take you to our great master, our sensei and the head of this organization—Master YoYo," Cyrus said with a smirk.
Ray followed cautiously, his curiosity and skepticism growing with each step. They entered a grand building with an aura of secrecy.
As they pushed open the doors of the head office, Cyrus shouted loudly, "Master! I'm back from the mission!"
A voice called out from the room, filled with warmth and delight. "Ohh! My boy has arrived!"
Ray's first glimpse of Master YoYo was… unexpected. The man was sitting on a luxurious sofa, a large mirror in front of him. He was carefully setting the strands of his remaining hair, clearly attempting to dye them.
"What the hell?!" Ray exclaimed, unable to contain himself. "This is your master?"
"Yes," Cyrus replied, unfazed.
"This old, tired, retired man? How can he possibly be the head of such a dangerous organization? Is this some kind of joke?" Ray asked, his voice dripping with disbelief.
"Hey! Shut up!" Cyrus retorted defensively. "He's not old. He's the youngest and most handsome man in this organization!"
"But… that mustache. It's silver white!" Ray pointed out.
Cyrus hesitated, then shrugged. "Oh, let it be. He probably forgot to dye his mustache along with his hair."
Master YoYo, seemingly ignoring their banter, turned to Cyrus. "So, Cyrus, how was the mission? Did Ana trouble you a lot this time?"
"No, Sensei," Cyrus replied with a grin. "She's strong enough to handle any situation and just as smart as you."
Master YoYo chuckled. "Good to hear. So, is there something important that brought you all here? Anything special?"
Ana stepped forward, glancing at Ray before addressing Master YoYo. "Yes, sir. We have a situation."
Master YoYo's eyes narrowed as he looked at Ana. "By the way, Ana, I know you prefer short hair, but today you're looking even more like a boy. Did your hormones get excited in the wrong way?"
"Master," Cyrus interjected, trying to stifle a laugh, "I think you should wear your glasses."
"Oh, right! You're absolutely correct, Cyrus," Master YoYo admitted, slipping on his spectacles.
Ray whispered under his breath, "He can't even see properly… how can he be the master of this organization?"
"So, who's this new boy with you?" Master YoYo asked, his gaze finally settling on Ray.
Cyrus quickly explained the entire story, detailing Ray's encounter with the Soul Devourer, the loss of his family, and his determination to join the team.
Master YoYo turned to Ray. "So, what's your name, young man?"
"My name is Ray," he replied confidently.
"And why do you want to join our team? Any special reason?"
Ray took a deep breath and spoke with conviction. "Sir, I returned to this city after 15 years, hoping to reunite with my family. But I found out they were already gone… killed by those creatures. My mother's clone was killed right in front of me. I don't want anyone else to experience that kind of pain. I want to join this team to protect others, to ensure no one loses their loved ones because of these monsters. I want to exterminate them completely and make their species extinct. I promise to dedicate my life to this mission and serve the team with all my soul. That's all, Master."
There was a brief silence as everyone absorbed Ray's heartfelt words.
"What an interview!" Cyrus exclaimed, breaking the silence. "I wish I'd given such an impressive speech when I joined. I could've become the next Master!"
Ana smirked. "Yes, Ray, you were confident. I'm impressed."
The other team members nodded in agreement, murmuring their approval.
Master YoYo, however, remained silent. Then, after an awkward pause, he suddenly said, "Oh! I forgot to wear my hearing aids. Can you repeat all that?"
Ray's jaw dropped, and the room fell silent for a moment before Cyrus clapped him on the shoulder with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Ray. I should've mentioned—Master sometimes can't hear properly."
Master YoYo adjusted his hearing aids and smiled warmly. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes! Cyrus, if you've brought him here, there must be something special about him. I trust your judgment."
Master YoYo turned back to Ray. "Alright, young man. If you truly want to join us, you'll need to sign this letter. It states that if you ever become a clone, we'll have to kill you without hesitation. Do you accept?"
"Yes, sir," Ray said firmly.
"Good. Ana, take the team and get back to work. Cyrus, stay behind and explain the basics to him. Ray, welcome to the organization," Master YoYo said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Master," Ray replied, a newfound determination in his eyes.
As Ana and the others left, Cyrus grinned. "Alright, newbie. Let's get started."
Ray nodded, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.