A tense silence filled the S-rank council chamber after Kenji's shocking introduction as Number Four. All eyes, from the stoic Number Two to the perpetually smirking Kaito, were on him. Kenji took his assigned seat beside Kaito, feeling the immense weight of his new rank. He was no longer just a strong fighter; he was one of the planet's absolute pillars.
Grandmaster Hiroto, Number One, cleared his throat, his ancient eyes sweeping over the assembled S-ranks. "Now that we are all present, let us address the reason for this urgent convocation." His gaze hardened, and the casual energy that had permeated the room instantly evaporated.
"The intelligence gathered from our deep-space spiritual probes, combined with analysis of recent dimensional breaches, confirms our worst fears. The entity approaching our dimension is not, as we initially feared, a mere Demon Lord." The Grandmaster paused, letting the revelation sink in. "It is an Archbishop."
A collective gasp went through the room. Even Kaito's usual confidence seemed to waver slightly. An Archbishop. These were beings of profound, ancient evil, rarely seen even in the deepest, most corrupted dimensions. They commanded legions and possessed power that could shatter worlds.
"An Archbishop, named Malakor, the Shadow Weaver," Grandmaster Hiroto continued, his voice grim. "It's far more powerful than any Demon Lord we've ever encountered. Its mere presence destabilizes dimensional barriers. We are witnessing the precursor to a full-scale, targeted invasion."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "I'm afraid that if we show weakness, if we falter, Malakor's arrival will signal to others. More will come. Not just more Archbishops, but eventually, the very beings of cosmic terror that our ancient texts warn of: the Seven Deadly Sins themselves."
A palpable dread settled over the chamber. The Seven Deadly Sins – mythical, cosmic entities of pure evil, thought to be mere legends even among the S-ranks.
Grandmaster Hiroto's voice grew even more serious, tinged with a profound sadness. "My time is drawing to a close. My spiritual essence, even as a Number One, is finite. I am getting up in age, and my body will not be able to sustain the necessary power once this occurrence truly happens. When the Sins begin to emerge, when the full force of this invasion descends upon us, it will be up to your teams to fight for Earth and all of humanity."
The weight of his words was crushing. The responsibility for the fate of the entire world, thrust upon their shoulders.
"Are there any questions?" Grandmaster Hiroto asked, his gaze sweeping the room.
The silence that followed was thick with the enormity of the news. After a few moments, Number Two, Commander Anya Petrova, spoke first. "Grandmaster, do we have any intelligence on Malakor's specific abilities? Its weaknesses?"
The Grandmaster provided detailed tactical information about Malakor's shadow manipulation and psychic assaults, outlining potential vulnerabilities. Other S-ranks then asked about current global spiritual energy reserves, defensive strategies, and potential alliances with other dimensions. Kenji listened intently, absorbing every piece of information. He understood why Kaito had been so obsessed with reaching Ultra SS-rank; it was their only hope against such an overwhelming force.
Once the questions quieted down, Grandmaster Hiroto's gaze, clear and penetrating, settled directly on Kenji.
"Kenji Tanaka," he said, his voice ringing with a new command. "Your rapid awakening and unparalleled growth are a beacon of hope in these dark times. Your spiritual density is already nearing the pinnacle of S-rank. Therefore, your team, the Dawn Breakers, has a special assignment."
Kenji straightened, bracing himself.
"Your primary objective is to help you break through to Ultra SS-rank," the Grandmaster stated. "We have detected over 100 B-ranked dimensional portals across the globe, all on the verge of overflowing and breaking out. These are lesser threats, but their combined pressure could destabilize our dimension further."
He looked directly at Kenji, his gaze unwavering. "Your mission, Kenji, is to ensure none of them break out. You have one week. Whether you dive in alone or go with your team, you must clear them all. This is a critical test of your capabilities and a necessary step towards your breakthrough."
A chilling warning followed. "Some of these B-ranked Dungeons may change to A-rank, or even S-rank once you're inside. Be extremely careful. The world cannot afford to lose an S-rank, especially not one with your unique potential."
The message was clear: Kenji was humanity's best, perhaps only, hope for an Ultra SS-rank, and they were throwing him into the fire to forge him.