"The benefits seem reasonable. However, we have conditions. We do not wish to be under constant surveillance. Also, if a situation exceeds our capabilities to handle, or if we are occupied with other matters, we will not respond to summons." Takeru stated directly after hearing the offer.
"Agreed. We would never force you into suicidal missions beyond your capabilities." Hazama nodded without hesitation.
"Understood. We need to discuss this among ourselves. Please step outside." Seeing his quick agreement, Takeru gave a slight nod.
"Of course. I'll be right outside. Please call for me when you've finished discussing." Seeing Takeru's demeanor and the others' eager expressions, Hazama smiled and left.
"Alright, everyone. Share your opinions. Whether you wish to join, have reservations, or have requests, speak freely." Takeru addressed the group.
"I have no objections and agree to join." Yuta was the first to state his position.
"I'll follow the team leader's decision." Yui declared. While tempted by the offer, her trust in Takeru led her response.
Takeru glanced at her and nodded slightly.
Following their lead, the others gradually expressed their views.
No one raised significant objections. Fundamentally, they were still ordinary people at heart. Even with extraordinary powers, their mindset hadn't drastically changed.
They held inherent respect for military institutions. Serving in such a capacity didn't feel beneath them, and if anything, it carried a sense of honor...
Even Yukino, Tsumugi, and Sylphin, coming from privileged backgrounds, saw no reason to defy the state.
Takeru didn't comment further. Confronting the nation was neither desirable nor beneficial. With substantial welfare offered, refusal seemed unnecessary. Thus, everyone unanimously agreed to accept the recruitment.
"Good. Regarding the team I mentioned earlier… even after joining, I have no intention of allowing random individuals into our group. I will clarify that we operate as a unit and will not collaborate with other recruited ability users. Anyone wishing to leave the team may do so now."
After the collective decision, Takeru looked at everyone seriously.
"Having you continue to lead us is ideal. I don't wish to leave." Yukino stated promptly.
"I don't want to leave either!" Yui added excitedly.
"Us too!" Mio and Ritsu quickly chimed in.
Ultimately, no one chose to leave. They weren't foolish. Having Takeru's guidance within the military structure would offer protection and prevent them from being easily bullied.
"Alright. I understand." Takeru showed a faint smile seeing their unanimous decision.
"Lieutenant Colonel Hazama, please come in. We accept your proposal, but we have a condition." Takeru called out.
"Please state it." Hazama soon entered.
"After joining, we will operate as a team. You cannot separate us for any reason. Additionally, our team will not necessarily collaborate with other ability users. Admission to our team will be subject to our own assessment." Takeru stated plainly.
"Forming a squad? Understood. That's within our authority. May I ask the current size of your team?" Hazama considered for a moment before agreeing.
"Besides everyone present, there are two more members." Takeru replied.
"Understood. One more question… are you confident you can maintain discipline within your team?" Hazama asked after a brief hesitation.
"Of course. As evident so far, no one in our team has misused their abilities for wrongdoing, correct?" Takeru immediately grasped the implication and responded.
"Excellent. We actually intended for ability users to elect their own captain… someone to oversee all ability users. We were concerned about finding a suitable candidate, but that seems unnecessary now. I look forward to our cooperation." Hazama extended his hand.
"Pleasure working together." Takeru shook his hand.
"Next, I will escort you to the newly established National Ability Users' Institute for registration." Hazama saluted Takeru formally.
"Understood. We will cooperate." Takeru nodded calmly.
"Regarding the two additional members you mentioned, may I ask where they are?" Hazama inquired further.
Upon hearing this, Takeru had Yui and Umaru step forward. Two agents were dispatched to fetch Ui from her school and Taihei from his workplace...
Meanwhile, Takeru and the others followed Hazama to the Institute. After about an hour's drive from the school, they arrived at a distinctive estate. Inside, they found lavish facilities.
"Considering your uniqueness, this estate will serve as your base. You may come here anytime and are welcome to reside in the adjacent buildings." Seeing their curious glances, Hazama explained.
Takeru nodded in understanding without further comment. Soon, the vehicle stopped before a large building.
Sensing the structure, Takeru noted several interesting aspects. The building's construction felt exceptionally sturdy… comparable to standard shelters.
Beyond its robust frame, the interior contained several conference-style rooms, areas filled with extensive training equipment, professional gear, and even a subterranean firearms training range...
"Please enter. Next, we need to conduct a preliminary assessment and have professionals register you." After disembarking, Hazama addressed Takeru respectfully.
Upon entering, the staff inside showed deference. Soon, Takeru's group was led to a spacious room equipped with fitness gear and specialized mannequins.
"To gauge your initial strength, we need to conduct some tests. We will record the results and assign classifications. Rest assured, all ability details will remain confidential." Hazama explained sincerely.
"Classifications? What do you mean?" Takeru asked curiously.
"We categorize based on destructive capability or specialized support capabilities, ranking from highest to lowest: S, A, B, C, D, E, F."
"This system aligns with our monster threat assessments and helps assign appropriate missions, preventing underqualified individuals from undertaking overly dangerous tasks." Hazama elaborated.
Takeru nodded. The explanation seemed logical, though he understood deeper implications… assessing their potential threat level and determining the force required for containment should hostilities arise.
Despite this insight, Takeru didn't challenge it. Instead, he nodded, curious about the testing methods.
Destructive power was divided into ability-based and physical. For instance, the one called Nakagawa Ayako wielded ice-based magic. Her ice arrow's potency was classified as E-rank. Another man, a warrior-type, demonstrated E-rank destructive power with his sword strikes...