Inside a tall tower within the Imperial Palace, all six members of the Jaegers had assembled.
After briefly introducing themselves, everyone took their seats and waited for their superior to arrive.
The handsome blond young man with golden eyes, Run, glanced at the two empty seats at either side of the long table.
A thoughtful look appeared on his face.
"Two main seats. So there are two commanders?"
For an elite squad as small as the Jaegers, having that many leaders would normally be unnecessary.
After all, too many leaders often led to disagreements in decision-making.
"How exciting..."
Seryu hugged Koro tightly, her face full of anticipation as she secretly observed her new teammates.
The somewhat plainly dressed blue-haired young man, Wave, took a sip of tea and asked curiously,
"There are still two people left? It's almost past the agreed meeting time, isn't it?"
The conference room doors swung open.
Uesugi Ryu slowly walked in, glancing at the watch on his wrist.
"Perfect timing. Not a second off."
The moment Seryu saw him, her face lit up with delight.
She stood up and waved enthusiastically.
"Mr. Uesugi!"
Of course, Uesugi Ryu already knew exactly who was in the room.
Not just their identities. He even knew Seryu's and Kurome's measurements.
No misunderstandings. He simply had an excellent memory.
After his intelligence increased, practically everything he had ever seen in his previous life was etched permanently into his mind.
Putting on a surprised expression, Uesugi Ryu replied,
"Seryu, it's been a while."
He pulled out a chair and sat down with his back facing the door.
"Mhm... mhm..."
Seryu nodded repeatedly, clearly overjoyed to see a familiar face.
"So, Mr. Uesugi is one of us too? I thought you were a merchant."
Everyone's gaze immediately focused on Uesugi Ryu.
Everyone except Kurome.
She was completely absorbed in eating her cookies.
Anyone meeting Uesugi Ryu for the first time would inevitably be drawn to those golden eyes that seemed to burn eternally.
It was not simply because of their striking color.
The power contained within them was deeply intimidating to anyone weak enough to meet his gaze directly.
A deep seriousness flashed through Run's eyes.
Sitting closest to Uesugi Ryu, he could feel that intense discomfort most clearly.
Run also had golden eyes, but compared to Uesugi Ryu's, his seemed utterly inferior.
Wave leaned back until his shoulders pressed tightly against the chair.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously.
His expression turned grim.
No matter how he looked at him, Uesugi Ryu did not resemble a merchant in the slightest.
He felt more like a humanoid Danger Beast.
During his naval service, Wave had seen many powerful Danger Beasts.
The oceans contained even more super-class Danger Beasts than the land.
He had once caught a distant glimpse of one.
The feeling was exactly the same as now.
The okama scientist dressed in a white lab coat, Dr. Stylish, was instantly captivated by Uesugi Ryu's golden eyes.
His face filled with intoxicated fascination.
The body beneath his lab coat twitched with excitement.
"What incredible fashion~~"
Sensing the strange atmosphere, Kurome looked up with a cookie dangling from her mouth.
Her teeth left a crescent-shaped bite mark on its surface, crumbs scattering onto her combat skirt.
She casually glanced at Uesugi Ryu before immediately returning her attention to her snacks.
Uesugi Ryu lightly tapped the table, producing a dull knock.
With a smile, he introduced himself.
"Uesugi Ryu. A humble merchant."
"No need to be so nervous. We're all comrades here."
Dr. Stylish adjusted his glasses and leaned forward eagerly.
He extended both hands, intending to shake Uesugi Ryu's hand.
Uesugi Ryu had noticed that burning gaze long ago.
He crossed his arms over his chest, showing absolutely no intention of reciprocating.
He was not remotely interested in being touched by Dr. Stylish.
That would be revolting.
Still, Stylish's research capabilities were impressive.
There might be opportunities for cooperation in the future.
So he did not make a scene.
He simply replied expressionlessly.
"Let's skip the handshake. Nice to meet you."
A trace of disappointment flashed across Stylish's face.
He licked his lips and threw Uesugi Ryu a flirtatious wink.
There was even a hint of apology in his voice.
"My mistake. How forward of me. I am Dr. Stylish. Please take care of me."
A shiver ran through Uesugi Ryu, goosebumps instantly rising on his arms.
Bols placed a cup of tea in front of him and quietly introduced himself.
Just as Seryu opened her mouth to say something, the doors were suddenly kicked open.
Esdeath, wearing a mask, strode inside.
After questioning them, she immediately attacked, quickly becoming very well acquainted with everyone.
The sounds of intense combat filled the room.
Uesugi Ryu, Dr. Stylish, and Bols did not move.
They simply sat there, calmly drinking tea.
Because Uesugi Ryu had altered part of the story, Seryu had never encountered Sheele and Mine.
Her arms had never been severed by Sheele, and thus she had never undergone further body modifications.
Esdeath's test ended quickly.
A satisfied smile appeared on her face.
Everyone immediately recognized her identity and stood before her.
Uesugi Ryu slowly walked to Esdeath's side.
Esdeath glanced curiously at his left hand.
Unusually, Uesugi Ryu was wearing a black glove.
Naturally, this was to conceal Black Marlin.
He could have hidden it using his Illusory Clone, but that would have been troublesome.
Wearing a glove was far more convenient.
Uesugi Ryu was already used to such methods.
Storing it in his system inventory would also be inconvenient.
Unlike a weapon, a ring could be used the moment it was worn.
If an emergency arose, he would have to take it out and put it on first.
Esdeath did not ask.
Instead, she turned to the six before her and announced loudly,
"I will serve as captain. Uesugi Ryu will serve as vice-captain."
After saying that, Esdeath turned and walked out.
"Now, follow me!"
[System adaptation complete!]
[Detected host's current identity: Vice-Captain of the Imperial Special Police Force, the Jaegers.]
[Automatically selecting faction...]
[Congratulations, host. Reward obtained: Ordinary Attribute Point x1]
Uesugi Ryu was overjoyed.
The system had finally awakened.