An hour later,
Training Room B
"Captain, we have a total of thirty applicants, and we are allowed twenty slots per squad. I also included my file there," Ken added and placed the folders on the table.
"Thank you, Ken. You're already in my team so that's one less slot," Blue said with a smile and Ken's expression brightened. "How many squads do we have here in The Phantom?"
Ken sat beside Blue. "A total of fifteen squads, including ours. Even if we're only allowed twenty members, we can ask the Madam if you want to add some more. Almost all of the squads have more than twenty members, except Captain Ryzel with only twelve members."
"T-Twelve? Isn't that too little?" Blue exclaimed with disbelief and bewildered expression. "Even for someone with Ryzel's caliber, based on what I researched, that's not enough."
Since Blue wasn't able to sleep early, he spent his time reviewing Ryzel's impressive profile. There's a reason why many agents admire Ryzel, and it's because of Ryzel's incredible stats. Ryzel was able to purge carrier laboratories twice as his predecessor, and Blue's jaw dropped when he saw Ryzel's test scores. Every section was perfect, except the psychological exam which Ryzel did not take.
That intrigued Blue so he filed it for later recall. Also, he typed it on his phone just in case he forgot.
Ken just shrugged his shoulders. "He's capable, that's why. Boss Trevor and Madam allowed him because they trust Captain Trevor's judgment. He never compromises his squad's safety, and when it comes to dangerous missions, he always goes alone."
What the fuck? Alone? This explains Seven's outburst, Blue thought and ran his fingers through his hair, the heaviness in his chest coming back and the unpleasant knots settling in his stomach.
"They let him go alone? That's not allowed according to the rulebook. Section 5 states that a squad must have a minimum of ten members when going on a mission. What if something happened to Ryzel? Do they even care about him?"
Ken just stared at Blue's flustered expression in confusion, as the latter stood up with a scrunched expression. Ken observed Blue's reaction with a sigh. "Captain, Boss Trevor cares about Captain Ryzel so Boss Trevor has Captain Ryzel's squad tailing him." Ken's curiosity was piqued when Blue's tensed expression relaxed. Hmm. I need more information before I conclude my observation, Ken thought and nodded to himself.
Blue cleared his throat and regained his composure when he felt Ken's scrutinizing gaze. "Good. Why don't you invite the applicants inside so we can start?" Blue diverted Ken's attention and he was able to breathe a sigh of relief when Ken smiled and nodded.
Get a hold of yourself, Blue. Why are you so affected? So what if Ryzel goes to missions alone? Not everyone needs your help. Not everyone needs... a hero.
Blue chuckled breathlessly and went outside for some fresh air. "That's right. He doesn't need saving, especially from someone like me."
"Who are you talking to?"
Blue's heart almost went out of his throat at the sudden question and glared at the person in question. "Fuck. Do you want to give me a heart attack?"
Ryzel stepped back and shrugged off his shoulders. "You're blocking the way. I'm going to continue with my practice and... keep it down. I don't want to lose my focus."
Blue felt irked at that. "Why do we have to adjust ourselves for you? We have as much right to do what we want." This unfair treatment doesn't sit well with Blue.
Ryzel sighed. "Winters, I think you're getting the wrong idea here, and I'll forgive you this time because you're new."
"What do you mean?" This time, the two are attracting attention. Ken immediately approached the two.
"Captain, what's going on?" Ken asked Blue who's now sporting a sour expression. Ken glanced at Ryzel and the latter maintained a blank expression.
"I'm just making a statement here, Ken. Just because he's the best agent doesn't mean that he has the right to order us anything he wants," Blue gritted out, even more annoyed that Ryzel looks unaffected.
"Ken, why don't you tell your captain why my archery training shouldn't be disturbed? Or did you forget to mention it to him?" Ryzel glanced at Ken who cursed out loud and chuckled awkwardly.
"That's right, Captain. I forgot to tell you," Ken said in a whisper and scratched his brow.
Blue's frown deepened. "What is it?"
"Um, Captain Ryzel won the archery championship last year, and being undisturbed during his training is part of his reward. I'm sorry. I was so busy with the applicants that it didn't cross my mind," Ken smiled apologetically and Blue sighed, patting Ken on the shoulder.
"That's fine. It's not your fault." Blue then turned to Ryzel. "Fine, you win this time, but I'm watching you, Ryzel. You can't always do what you want."
"Do your best, Winters. Now, out of my way." Blue stepped back and stared at Ryzel's back with a deep frown as he expelled a frustrated breath. Ryzel glanced at Blue's defeated expression and smirked. You're amusing, Winters, Ryzel thought and headed to his dojo.
"Go inside. Nothing to see here," Ken shooed the agents and patted Blue's shoulder. "Sorry again, Captain. I know I was forgetting something but my mind was so preoccupied with the selection. The sports week will happen in five weeks so Captain Ryzel is training hard. There's a huge reward at stake for the overall champion after all."
Blue blinked slowly, his lips twitching for a smirk. "That's interesting. What's the reward?" Blue's irritation was replaced with intrigue.
"Hmm. You can ask Boss Trevor anything you want, as long as it's reasonable. Captain Ryzel acquired his training rooms and other privileges by winning during the sports week. Also, their squad was the overall champion and a strong team to beat. I heard that they're aiming for the championship again."
Ken noticed Blue's sinister smirk and swallowed. "Let's finish the selection and practice hard, Ken. We are going to beat Ryzel." Ken widened his eyes, realizing the difficulty of beating Ryzel. "Trust me, Ken. We will win," Blue promised and Ken had no choice but to nod. There's a reason why Ryzel's squad kept on winning. They're unbeatable.
Blue rejoiced at the news. Finally. This is Blue's opportunity to put Ryzel in his place. If Blue wins, he can accomplish his mission sooner. He can finally keep Ryzel in line and uphold the agency's rules.
On the other hand, Ryzel took a deep breath and released his arrow. The arrows slashed through the wind and landed on the target with an echoed thud. With a determined gaze, Ryzel grabbed another arrow. Ryzel needs to win. The huge mission will happen a week after the sports week.
Ryzel needs to win that reward for his squad. Anyone who dares to stand on his path will be obliterated. The released arrow swiftly pierced through the space and sliced the first arrow in half. I'm in my top form, but I need more practice. Ryzel reached another arrow from his quiver and released the arrow. When it hit the target again, Ryzel smirked.
Let the games begin.
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