Alex, ever the optimist, grinned and slapped me on the back. "Cheer up! Here, check this out. This'll lift your spirits." He handed me a sheet of paper—my application form.

"This is a copy of the one we submitted. Check if everything's correct."

I scanned the form quickly. Everything seemed fine until I spotted something strange near the bottom. "Hey... everything looks good, but what's this 'Polyright' thing that's ticked?" I asked, pointing at the box.

Alex scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Oh, that. It means you can have multiple relationships. You know, you can even have more than three wives."

I froze. "Wh-what the heck?! Why did you tick that box?!" I yelled, feeling my face heat up in embarrassment.

"Come on, don't be like that," Alex replied casually, as if this was no big deal.

Seriously, what is with this guy? Does he think I'm some kind of playboy like him?

"Wait," I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Did you apply for Polyright too?"

Alex shook his head, laughing. "Nope."

"Then why did you ticked that box for me?!"

He shrugged again, completely unapologetic. "I don't really know how it works. I thought Polyright was something bigger, so... I just wanted to see how it goes."

So you used me as a rat for your little experiment? Seriously? feeling the beginnings of a headache creeping in.This guy is unbelievable.

Alex smirked, clearly proud of himself. "Well, I'm already popular with a lot of girls, so I figured it's about time you step into the spotlight too."

How many girls does he have? Wait, no, that's not the question... How does he even manage that? Just the thought of dealing with that many relationships made me feel sick. That's exactly why I try to stay out of it.

Well, I guess that's what popular guys like him get...and I'll gladly pass on that circus.

Alex smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "I'm the winner in this, loser," he said mockingly, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Yeah, laugh all you want," I shot back, my voice flat. "But I'm still not doing this." I leaned back, crossing my arms, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. "And look, I don't usually talk about these kinds of things, but one thing is for sure—I'll marry only one girl. That's all." My tone was final, and I meant it.

Alex, still grinning, shook his head. "Dude, that's so boring," he said, as if the very idea of having just one partner was absurd. "In the Familia, you've got to be popular with women, you know? It's kind of a legacy you have to carry."

A legacy? I scoffed internally. Sure, every boss and Executor in the past might've been popular, but that doesn't mean it's some unbreakable rule.It was an unwritten tradition, not a law we had to follow.

"Sorry, you can carry that one on your own," I said, dismissing his ridiculous notion with a wave of my hand.Honestly, I couldn't care less about this nonsense.

There were far more important things on my plate—like the Executor job I'd just been handed. If, someday, I meet a girl who understands me, then maybe I'll think about that stuff. But that's later. Right now?I sighed inwardly, my focus sharpening.I've got bigger priorities.

I cleared my throat, cutting through the moment. "So, when can I change this in my application?" I asked, hoping I could fix this nonsense.

Alex's smile widened, like he was savoring the situation. "I don't think you can change it anymore. It's been days since we submitted it, and I'm sure they've already recorded everything on their system." His grin practically screamed 'enjoy your fate, sucker.'

I turned to Cedric, desperate for a second opinion. "Is that true?" I asked, holding onto a shred of hope.

Cedric's expression was unreadable as he nodded. "Yeah, he's right. Give it up, Tyson."

′What the heck is going on today? I was away for few days, and suddenly these guys are pulling these kind of stunts on me. Are they getting back at me for something? No, wait... These guys are sadists.′

Alex's tone shifted, turning slightly more serious as he leaned in. "Listen, Tyson, it's about time you finally make some new friends in familia and say goodbye to your normal life."

I sighed, already tired of where this conversation was headed. "Yeah, I know, but why do you make it sound like I suck at making friends?" I asked, my tone edging toward defensive.

Alex smirked again, as if the answer was obvious. "Because it's true. Except for Iris and your tiny friend circle, tell me—who else are you friends with?"

His words hit harder than I expected. "Um, that's—" I started, but I couldn't finish. He's not wrong...

"See? That's exactly what I'm talking about," he said, shaking his head as if I had just proven his point.

"But they're my friends, alright? I don't think I'm the same introvert I used to be."

Alex, with his usual smugness, countered, "That's because you've known them for a long time. You feel comfortable with them. You've just decided not to make any more friends. You're still that same person, Tyson. Don't think you can hide from yourself."

He's right. His words sunk in deeper than I liked.No matter how much I've grown, I'm still...closed off. I stick to the people I know and avoid branching out. I have kept my circle small. Trusting new people isn't exactly easy, and after everything I've been through... maybe I've become a little too comfortable in my shell.

It wasn't like I wanted to be that way, but it was easy to fall back into old habits—staying quiet, blending into the background. People like Alex... they fit in anywhere. They make friends without effort. I'm different, and deep down, I know it.

I let out a small sigh, shaking my head. "If you knew all of that about me, then why did you tick the Polyright box?" I asked, trying to figure out his logic.

Alex smirked again, almost proud of his decision. "That's so you can be a little more popular with women. Who knows? You might get a few someday."

I don't even care about that... Popularity, attention from girls,—it all sounds like pointless noise. My mind drifted back to what truly mattered to me—becoming a strong Executor, someone worthy of the title.

Alex leaned back, patting the bulky stack of books with a grin. "Get ready, Tyson. Your life's going to take a big turn after the execution exams."

I raised an eyebrow at him, feeling the weight of the moment sink in a little. "What if I fail?" I asked, half-testing, half-serious.

Without missing a beat, Alex's smile didn't falter. "Simple—you die."

″....″

He chuckled. "What's wrong?"

"No, nothing. Just surprised at how casual we've become about these things," I said, shaking my head.

"Yeah, I was thinking the same," he replied, amused. "Yeah, and I'm surprised you're not as scared as before. You've changed, Tyson."

"I guess..." I muttered. Had I really changed that much? Once upon a time, the mere thought of death would've paralyzed me. Now, it felt like just another obstacle to navigate, like a bad habit I'd grown numb to. Is this what life in the Familia does to you?

As the thoughts spun in my head, a knock on the door jolted me back to reality.

"Come in," Alex called out, his usual confident tone still intact.

A guard stepped inside and bowed slightly. "Sir, the elders are requesting Tyson's presence."

The elders... Damn. My stomach knotted instantly. I hate dealing with them. Their cold, calculated eyes. Their unspoken authority. The way they could twist words and pressure you without lifting a finger.

I had to think fast. "A-Alex, I think I should head home. You know... study for the exam tomorrow," I said quickly, already grabbing the hefty books and stuffing them into my bag like they were some kind of excuse.

I slung the bag over my shoulder and began to inch toward the door. "Well, bye!" I said, desperate to escape the impending doom that was a meeting with the elders.

But before I could even take a step, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.

"Where do you think you're going?" Alex said, his grip keeping me rooted in place. "You can study here too."

I froze, my mind scrambling for a way out. "But... I really don't want to meet the elders, you know that!" I protested, glancing back at him, hoping for some sympathy.

Alex's expression softened, but his hand didn't move. "Look, I get it, Tyson. But the elders have been waiting for you since morning. It'd be rude to run off now, don't you think?"

I stood there, weighing my options. I could make a break for it—just sprint out the door, make some excuse, anything—but no. Alex was right. Dodging them would only make things worse.

"Okay, fine. I'll go," I muttered, giving in to the inevitable. There's no use delaying it. Might as well face them head-on. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and turned toward the door.

As I reached for the handle, Alex called out again. "Hey, Tyson."

I glanced back, noticing a rare, serious look in his eyes. "Don't you think it's about time you talk to Serena? Make up already? It's been so long, and seeing you two like this...it's making me sad."

I hesitated, my hand freezing on the doorknob. Serena. Her name hit me harder than I expected.

It's been a while, hasn't it? Since we've talked...since everything. Did I do something wrong? Why are things so complicated with you now? What happened to the way things used to be?

I narrowed my eyes at Alex, my frustration bubbling up again. "Your sister is the one playing cold character. If anything, you should talk to her," I said, shutting the door behind me.

--

Alex sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. "Those two are literally the same, so close it's almost ridiculous. Why can't they just make up already?" he muttered, closing his eyes as if the weight of the situation exhausted him.

Cedric, seated nearby, glanced at Alex before speaking. "It all started that day, right?"

Alex nodded slowly, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. "Yeah... ever since Yuki died, they've been acting like this."

Cedric's gaze softened. "Let's give them some time. I'm sure they'll eventually work things out."

"Yeah," Alex agreed, though there was a hint of doubt in his voice. "Even though they act distant, they still care about each other. It's just hard for them to admit it." He turned his eyes to the window, watching the world outside, lost in thought. "I wonder how Yuki would react if she saw them like this," he said quietly, the mention of her name filling the room with a somber atmosphere. Yuki's absence had left a scar that neither of them could fully heal, especially Tyson.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

--

Standing in front of the door, I could feel my stomach twisting. Behind this door were the elders, the people whose judgment and power shaped the Sun Familia. I took a deep breath, bracing myself.

Alright... here we go.

I knocked lightly, my hand trembling just a bit.

"Come in," a gruff voice responded from the other side.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the room, immediately hit by the thick smell of cigar smoke. Three elders sat at a old royal sofa, all dressed in sharp black suits. Their eyes were sharp, like they could see right through me. One of them, puffing casually on a cigar, glanced at me but didn't say a word.

I stepped forward, closing the door behind me. My hands instinctively moved behind my back, a posture of respect. They might look like old men, but their experience and power....terrifying.

But what really bothered me? Was their spiritual beliefs.

Not that I disrespect their views... but man, they take it way too seriously.

"Good evening, Elders. I heard you requested my presence," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"We've been waiting for you. It's been a long time, Tyson." one of them said, his voice calm but with that underlying edge of authority.

"Yes, it has," I nodded politely.

"We heard you completed your Executor training. Congratulations," one of them, the cigar smoker, said while exhaling smoke.

"Thank you very much," I replied, keeping my posture formal. Inside, I wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.

"Actually," one elder continued, "We considered inviting Darius, but it seems he's as busy as ever."

Darius Wolfe...I'd heard of him—one of the original elders and the head of C.O.R.E. (Crisis Operations and Recovery Experts). A bit of a legend but I've never met him, and it's like his organization is a ghost—no one talks about it.

"That's unfortunate," I replied.

"Don't worry," another elder said with a slight smile. "You'll meet him eventually."

Great... something to look forward to.

"Now," the elder continued, his tone shifting to something more serious, "tomorrow is the Execution Exam. I trust you're well-prepared?"

Prepared? I had only found out about the exam a few minutes ago. My mind flashed back to Alex and Cedric earlier today, pulling me into their antics instead of letting me focus.If these guys had any idea what my 'preparation' really looked like... I swallowed hard, forcing a smile that barely hid my unease. "Y-Yes, I'm preparing well."

"Good," the elder said, sitting back. "You know the current situation of our Sun Familia. This might be our chance to show everyone what we're capable of."

The elder next to him nodded. "In the exam, you're not only representing yourself, but the Sun Familia as a whole. Keep that in mind."

"Yes, I understand.″

The elder with the cigar gave me a long look, blowing out a slow stream of smoke. "We know your achievements and what you're capable of, Tyson. We expect a lot from you."

"Yeah," another chimed in. "Don't disappoint us."

"I'll do my best not to disappoint you," I said, still standing rigidly with my hands behind my back.

Can we end this already?

One of the elders leaned back, suddenly changing the subject. "By the way, is Alex still planning to chase after that Tempest?"

How do they know about that? I blinked, surprised. I tried to keep my face neutral as I answered. "It seems like it."

The elder let out a low chuckle. "That kid... always diving headfirst into danger without knowing what's really out there."

Danger? I frowned slightly, trying to wrap my head around the situation.It's just a book, right? How dangerous could it really be?

One of the elders shifted his gaze toward me, his eyes sharp and penetrating. "What do you think, Tyson?" he asked, his voice laced with expectation. "What are your thoughts on the Tempest? And what are you planning to do?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of their stares. My honest opinion?I wanted to say it was a waste of time, that this so-called "Tempest" was nothing more than a glorified myth. Chasing after a book that supposedly dictates fate? It's absurd. Your choices define your fate, not some ancient text. The whole idea felt like grasping at straws, searching for answers in places that didn't exist.How could a book dictate destiny? And even if it did, who's to say it matters?

I took a breath, forcing myself to steady under the pressure. "Honestly... I think chasing after the Tempest is pointless. I don't see any real merit coming from it."

The idea of letting some mythical object control your life? It goes against everything I believe. You make your own path, not some predestined plan laid out in a book.

The room grew silent. I glanced at the elders, their expressions unreadable, but I knew they were scrutinizing every word, every hesitation. Yet... there was Alex. He believed in it. No matter how much I doubted, he was resolute about the Tempest. And that was enough to complicate things.

I straightened up a bit more, steeling my resolve. "But... if Alex is determined to find the Tempest, then as his friend and an Executor, I'll support him. No matter what."

Even if I don't believe in it, I can't abandon Alex. I'll see it through—not for the Tempest, but for him.

The elders exchanged looks, their smirks subtle but noticeable. "That's all we wanted to hear," one of them said.

Then elder in the center leaned forward, his eyes suddenly sharp and cold. "The Tempest... it's not as pointless as you think. It doesn't just hold Alex's fate—it holds the fate of this entire world."

My blood ran cold. The world's fate? I stood there, trying to make sense of his words.

What the hell does that mean?!

"I apologize, but what do you mean by 'the world's fate?'" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

"Don't worry," the elder replied with a cryptic smile. "You'll understand soon enough. But know this—when the Tempest is found, it will bring destruction. Everywhere, that's for sure"

Destruction... everywhere?

My heart skipped a beat. What the hell is this Tempest? My mind was spinning. Alex always hinted that the Tempest was more than just a book, but this? Destruction? It didn't make sense.

The elder leaned back, his tone softening again. "You should rest, Tyson. Tomorrow is your Execution Exam, after all."

Rest? I nearly laughed internally. I still have tons of studying to do thanks to those idiots—who's resting? I am already feeling the weight of those bulky books in my bag.

But I gave a polite nod. "Yes, I understand. I'll take my leave now." With that, I turned and left the room,

As I walked out of the room, my mind buzzed with questions.The world's fate? Destruction? The elder's words lingered, wrapping around my thoughts like a shadow I couldn't shake. Whatever the Tempest was, it was far more dangerous than I had anticipated.

Alex... what are we really getting ourselves into? I couldn't deny the unease bubbling beneath the surface. Yet, Alex was determined, almost stubborn about it. That alone made it hard for me to dismiss.

Suddenly, a familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Hey, Tyson!"

I turned to see Alex and Cedric approaching. Speak of the devil, I thought as Alex strolled up, his typical nonchalant grin plastered across his face. "So, how did it go? What were the elders talking about?" he asked.

"They were just asking if I was prepared for the exam," I replied casually, but his expression immediately shifted, almost like he'd been caught red-handed.

In a near whisper, he leaned closer. "You didn't tell them about me, did you?" he asked, clearly referring to his latest reckless stunt.

"If I had," I said, giving him a deadpan look, "you wouldn't be standing here right now."

Alex let out a nervous laugh. "You're right, hahaha," he said, scratching the back of his neck.

Seriously, this guy... If he's that scared, why does he keep doing this stuff in the first place? I sighed internally.

"Anyway, I'm done for today. I'm heading home," I said, turning to leave.

But before I could take another step, Alex grabbed the strap of my bag from behind. "Wait, where are you going? I told you, you can study here, right?" he said with a playful grin.

I raised an eyebrow. "You were serious about that?"

Cedric chimed in, nodding. "Of course. Tomorrow's the exam, and Marcus is coming in the morning to drive you to the examination center. You should stay here, eat dinner, and rest."

Rest?I wasn't about to get trapped here. There had to be a way out. I quickly opened the exam instruction manual, skimming through it for anything that would allow me to leave.

I'm sure I saw something that could help me escape this situation...Then, my eyes landed on it.

"Actually, there's a practical exam section. I have to stay for four days, which means I need to go home and pack my things," I said, hoping it sounded convincing.

But Cedric, sharp as ever, smiled and handed me a suitcase. "Don't worry, I've already packed everything for you. Check if it's all there."

Ugh, this guy is impossible. I took the suitcase reluctantly. "But I can focus better at my own place," I said, still trying to find an out.

Alex, not one to give up easily, pulled out a key and spun it on his finger with a mischievous smirk. "Oh? But I know a place where you can study in peace."

I eyed the key curiously. "Where?"

With a flourish, Alex handed it over. "The Execution Office room," he said. "You can study there without any distractions."

I stared at the key in my hand.Wait, this is...My curiosity spiked. I had always wanted to see what the Execution Office looked like.

"Take it as an apology for earlier," Alex added with a grin.

I tried to hide my excitement. "Fine, I'll take you up on that offer," I said, slipping the key into my pocket.

Alex clapped his hands. "Great! Cedric, shall we?"

Cedric nodded, and I raised an eyebrow. "You guys are going out?"

"Yeah, we've got some business to take care of," Alex said. "But don't worry, we'll be back soon. Study well."

They both started walking away, and Alex threw one last glance over his shoulder. "Yeah, study hard!" he called, flashing me a cheeky grin before disappearing down the hall.

I sighed, shaking my head.What a day. With a shrug, I started heading toward the Execution Office, anticipation bubbling up.I can't wait to check it out.

As I reached the stairs, I spotted Serena climbing them, heading toward her room. Serena... I thought, pausing.I still don't know what her deal is. Seriously, I don't understand girls at all.Then, a thought crossed my mind. Well, Alex did teach me some techniques for getting closer to girls. Maybe I should give it a try...

I approached her with a smirk. "Hey, Serena," I called out, catching her attention. She glanced at me briefly before looking away, but I wasn't about to let her slip away that easily. *Let's see if Alex's advice actually works.*

I quickly stepped in front of her and did a classic wall slam, blocking her path. For a moment, we stood there, facing each other, the silence hanging in the air.Okay... now what? My mind went blank.What do I even say next?

After a brief, awkward pause, I leaned in slightly and blurted out, "Are you blushing?"

Serena narrowed her eyes, completely unfazed. "No. Not at all," she said flatly.

Of course not... I internally cringed.This is going horribly wrong.

Before I could say anything else, she kneed me right between the legs. I doubled over in pain, barely able to stand as I gasped for air. As she walked away, she tossed a casual remark over her shoulder. "Try that on other girls, idiot."

I winced, still kneeling on the floor.That was a terrible idea. Why did I ever listen to Alex?I slowly got back on my feet, clutching my stomach.No, this is my fault. Serena's different. I should've known better...

Shaking off the pain, I continued walking toward the Execution Office room.What a bad day... But as I reached the door, my excitement returned.This is it—finally, the Execution Office.

I slid the key into the lock and turned it. The door creaked open, revealing what awaited me inside.

As I opened the door, a unique smell greeted me, mingled with the soft hoots of owls echoing from outside. Flicking the light switch, the room illuminated, revealing tall bookshelves filled with old yet well-preserved books and neatly arranged charts. The white curtains fluttered slightly in the breeze, framing the windows. The red carpet underfoot had an intricate pattern, lending the space an air of elegance. On the walls, a large world map hung, alongside an empty taskboard that hinted at the tasks yet to come.

In the center of the room stood two black polished couches facing each other, separated by a table likely intended for work—an old calendar resting atop it. *This place sure looks royal and classic,* I thought, taking in the ambiance. It seemed as though someone had been keeping this room clean and orderly over time.

Closing the door behind me, my gaze finally landed on the desk of the Executor in the far corner. The wooden desk boasted a sturdy lamp and a chair that looked both large and inviting. "The Executor's chair," I mumbled, brushing my hand along its surface. As I settled into the chair, the cold wood pressed against me, surprisingly cozy. Even though there are other big offices, this room is where the Execution Team does its work and holds their meetings. It feels more like a hangout spot for them.

Sitting in the Executor's chair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. It feels amazing to sit here, I realized, understanding what Alex meant. With a deep breath, I pulled out the books from my bag. "Okay, time to study, I guess," I muttered, opening the first book.

Hours seemed to drift by as I read.What is an Executor, anyway?. An Executor is someone who supports the boss of the Familia, leading the Execution Team that handles all missions and operational tasks. The team executes the plans and decisions made by the boss, but each decision must also get the Executor's approval. He has it easy—all he does is attend meetings and wander around with his team. Meanwhile, the real work falls on my shoulders.

As I continued, my thoughts became more introspective. Ihave to manage budgets, oversee Familia affairs, handle all the paperwork, and most importantly, stay in the shadows to protect the boss.I could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on me.Protecting the Familia is my duty; it's like carrying the entire weight on my shoulders.But in a strange way, it showed how much they trusted me.I can't let them down.

Just then, a knock on the door broke my concentration. "Come in," I called, and the door opened to reveal a guard in a black suit.

"Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but would you like to have dinner?" he asked.

"I'm not hungry yet, but I'd like a coffee," I replied.

"Understood. I'll prepare your coffee right away, sir," he said before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Sir? Did he just call me sir? I pondered, confusion swirling in my mind. Is it because I'm about to become Executor? Or maybe it's the chair... I chuckled to myself. It has its own powers, apparently. But it felt weird to have someone older than me address me that way, I should tell him to not call me that again.

Leaning back in the chair, I thought about my earlier encounter with Serena. Trying that on her was a terrible mistake; I can still feel the pain from it. It was my first time attempting such a move, so I couldn't blame myself entirely. Then a memory struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Wait a minute! Kiera! I recalled our earlier confrontation, where I had tried the same wall slam technique on her. How embarrassing! I felt my face heat up as I buried my face in one hand. What if she sees me as pathetic?

Would she accuse me of sexual harassment? Am I going to jail? A wave of panic washed over me, but then I reassured myself. I don't think she would go that far; after all, we're teammates now. Still... why am I thinking about this when I should be studying?

The owls outside hooted louder, pulling my attention back to the present. Speaking of teammates, I need to assemble mine. So far, I only had a documentation specialist; I needed to find commanders who could lead the Execution Team. But how? I sighed, wishing I had answers.

Suddenly, the hooting intensified, as if the owls were competing for attention. What owl is making that noise? I wondered, glancing toward the window. My curiosity got the better of me, and I opened it, immediately spotting a horned owl perched on a nearby branch.

Ah, a horned owl, I noted, relieved to see where the noise was coming from. But the creature seemed to be in distress, its hoots sounding strange and almost painful. As I watched, I noticed blood dripping from its feet onto the branch below. What happened to you?

To be continued...