The warmth of the penthouse's fireplace hummed gently beneath the buzz of conversation. Outside, snow fell lightly over the mountain range, but inside, tensions were rising.
Gendai stood near the center of the lounge, arms crossed and voice steady. "Alright, everyone—grab a seat. Let's talk leadership."
They all settled in, but Raijin couldn't help raising an eyebrow as he looked at the couch.
"You two sitting together?" he pointed between Riah and Gendai. "Same couch? Same time? Did I hit my head during training, or is this real life?"
Riah rolled her eyes. "Relax. We talked. Worked things out. Let's move on."
Tojo leaned forward. "So, the question—who should be the squad's captain?"
Raijin grinned confidently. "Obviously me. I'm the flashiest, the fastest, and my awareness is top tier."
Riah laughed. "Flashy doesn't mean functional. You barely kept up during that free-for-all with Kazimir and Xavier."
Raijin scoffed. "I was holding back."
Gendai smirked. "Sure, pal."
Xavier calmly raised his hand. "I think Tojo should be captain. He's the one always organizing the missions anyway."
Riah nodded. "You're not wrong. He does take charge naturally."
Gendai chimed in, her voice thoughtful. "But Kazimir's just as valid. Even if he won't say it himself."
Angelly, arms folded, cut in. "No. Just because he's the strongest doesn't make him the leader. Kazimir only does what he thinks is right. He moves alone. Always has."
Riah leaned forward, tone sharper now. "That's a lie. Kazimir thinks ahead for everyone. His awareness in combat is unreal. He's the type to put himself last every time."
Angelly shook her head. "You're biased."
Tojo spoke up before Riah could respond. "She's not wrong, though. In the dungeon, Kazimir figured out the trap mechanisms before they even activated. He created an escape route, protected everyone, and didn't flinch when things got rough. He is captain material."
Riah turned her glare back to Angelly. "Honestly, why are you even part of this discussion? You haven't contributed to a single successful mission. You're not even official Astral Legion. You're just here… leeching off the rest of us."
Angelly looked down, lips pressed tight.
"Exactly," Riah said coldly. "You just exist."
Tojo, trying to defuse the tension, brought things back. "Look, Kazimir and I come up with most plans together. But if you're asking who's actively calling the shots—it's me. I'm fine with that. Kazimir… he doesn't want it."
Gendai tilted her head. "So he is the better fit. He just refuses to wear the crown."
Angelly, voice desperate, blurted out, "Then Lilly should lead. Everyone trusts her."
Lilly, startled, blinked. "I… just try to help and keep peace."
Angelly nodded quickly. "Exactly! That's leadership."
Xavier shook his head. "Lilly's too unpredictable when she's excited. It's still between Tojo and Kazimir."
Just then, a door down the hall creaked open. The group turned, expecting something—maybe a late entrance from Kazimir.
But no one came.
Raijin sighed dramatically. "He's not coming out, huh?"
Riah shook her head. "He's been in his room all day. Didn't even join for breakfast."
Gendai added softly, "Maybe he's tired. He's been carrying a lot lately."
Xavier took a breath and raised his hand. "Alright. Let's decide. All in favor of Tojo as squad captain?"
One by one, hands went up around the room.
Xavier smiled. "That settles it. Congrats, Tojo."
Tojo stood slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess that makes it official…"
He looked over to Riah. "And yeah, I like that name you came up with. High Alpha Alliance—it sticks."
Riah gave a satisfied nod, eyes briefly flicking toward the hallway where Kazimir's door remained closed.
Riah (inner monologue):
You didn't have to say anything, Kaz. But we all still felt you.