Kyle was finally on his way to the academy.
For real this time.
Behind the wheel sat none other than the Surveillance Chief himself.
"You really didn’t have to drive me," Kyle said. It felt strange having someone of Pascal’s stature personally see him off. Sure, they had been the ones to abduct him in the first place, but a man in his position undoubtedly had dozens of subordinates who could have handled something as simple as this.
"Considering the rather unconventional way we arranged our meeting, this is the least I can do." Pascal replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Kyle let out a quiet huff. "What was that skill anyway? I didn’t even realize when I lost consciousness."
Pascal nodded. "I’m not surprised you failed to notice. If anything, it only proves that despite your strength, you still have much to learn."
Kyle answered with a wry smile. "Is that your way of trying to recruit me?"
Pascal shook his head. "No. I’m merely stating my opinion."
The traffic light turned red, bringing the car to a smooth halt. After a brief pause, Pascal spoke again.
"Cadet Kyle, regardless of the decision you make, ensure that the details of today’s discussion remain between us. Especially anything related to the raid."
Kyle blinked in surprise.
"There are several organizations similar to the League," Pascal continued. "You’ve fought some of their members before."
Kyle silently nodded.
"Groups like them will seize this opportunity to strike. Once our strongest warriors are forced to focus on the raid, the rest of the country will inevitably become more vulnerable."
"That does sound like the perfect opportunity," Kyle admitted.
If someone like the man he had killed back then led even a small team of criminals into Montclair while Veronica was away, the city could descend into chaos before anyone had the chance to respond.
Nightwalkers, especially the Special Grades, served as the guardians of their respective territories, standing as an unbreakable wall against those who sought to invade.
With most of them gathered in one place, countless jurisdictions would be left exposed, offering criminals the perfect chance to seize control.
"I understand," Kyle said as the car rolled forward once the signal turned green. "I won’t say a word to anyone."
Not that he had ever intended to. He understood just how critical this operation was.
"I trust you on that," Pascal replied, steering the car around the corner.
Silence settled between them for a while before Kyle finally spoke again.
"Tell me something. If I agree to join this program, does that mean I won’t be attending the academy?"
"Not exactly," Pascal answered. "You’ll spend most of your time at one of our training centers under our supervision. We’ll provide accommodation and take care of everything you’ll need. That said, you’ll still return to the academy from time to time to learn the fundamental rules and regulations of our world. In a way, you’ll be taking two intensive courses at once."
Kyle gave a thoughtful nod before asking another question.
"And I assume I’m not allowed to discuss any of this with anyone."
Pascal shook his head.
"Anything that could reveal even the slightest detail about the operation is strictly confidential. You’re not to share it with anyone." He paused briefly before adding, "Not even Miss Veronica. Despite being part of the mission herself, you are not permitted to discuss it with her."
Kyle nodded.
Before long, they entered a quiet road lined with towering trees on both sides.
The weather was pleasant, and with the lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see, the drive felt unexpectedly peaceful.
From the steadily rising terrain, Kyle could tell they were nearing the academy. He had been told it was nestled deep within the mountains.
Neither of them spoke another word until Pascal brought the car to a stop beside the entrance to a forest trail. Waiting there was a man dressed in a martial arts uniform, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.
"He’ll take you to the academy," Pascal said.
Kyle gave a nod and reached for the door.
Just as he was about to step out, Pascal spoke once more.
"Once you’ve made your decision, contact the headmaster. He’ll inform us."
Kyle paused for a brief moment before replying, "Okay... I’ll probably let him know by tomorrow."
Kyle believed there was still a great deal to consider, but one day should be enough for him to reach a decision.
Pascal gave a small nod. "Your luggage will be delivered to your room."
With that, he drove away.
Kyle turned toward the bald man waiting by the trail.
"Follow me."
No introductions needed here, it seemed.
Kyle simply fell into step behind him.
Together, they walked down the forest path, making their way toward the infamous academy.
....
"Was it really wise to tell him about the mission?" the man asked, a deep frown revealing his disapproval.
Arlong gave a quiet hum. "I trust my judgment based on everything I’ve seen so far. Before long, you’ll understand as well, Arthur."
The man standing before him was Arthur, the Captain of Team Alpha and one of the strongest Nightwalkers in the world.
Naturally, he had also been selected for the operation scheduled for the nineteenth of October, which was why he had been informed about Kyle’s potential involvement.
Even so, the fact that they had disclosed details of the mission before Kyle had even decided whether to join did not sit well with him.
"He’s impulsive, Director," Arthur said. "If I had to compare him to anyone, I’d put him in the same category as Ava. I have nothing against people like them, but if we’re going to recruit someone like that, I’d rather have them serving under my command."
"And that’s exactly how you lose the trust of your warriors," Arlong replied, interlacing his fingers. "That boy despises restraints, yet you’re asking me to place a leash around his neck and hand him over to you."
"I would train him until he understood why that way of thinking prevents anyone from ever reaching their true potential," Arthur declared with unwavering certainty.
Arlong shook his head.
"You’re mistaken this time, Arthur. That boy will flourish as long as he’s free to make his own choices. He’s proven that time and time again."
"By breaking the law."
A faint smile appeared on Arlong’s face.
"Hmm. You’re right. But tell me, would he still have to if I gave him the freedom to act?"
Arthur’s brows knitted together.
"What do you mean?"
Arlong simply shook his head.
"Don’t concern yourself with that." He leaned back in his chair before continuing, "As for your doubts, if you truly believe he isn’t worth the effort, then test him yourself. I have no objection. But when the operation begins, I don’t want my most trusted warrior doubting the man assigned to reinforce his team."
Arthur almost scoffed.
A young man who had awakened barely a month ago was supposed to reinforce the strongest unit in Guhang?
Ridiculous.
"Very well," Arthur said at last, his voice calm but filled with frustration. "Then I’ll show you how hastily you’ve judged him."