Teleporting the both of them to Gregor's house, Sero anticipated the door opening again, seeing Luna rush out.

"I thought you guys would be at the association building today," the succubus asked with a raised eyebrow, though she was nonetheless pleased to see them both.

"We were," Sero replied, stepping past her into the house. "But Enzo and Dante said we could take the day off, since they've got everything covered. So we figured we'd come here to see how you and Nala were doing."

As they entered the living room, they saw Nala sitting on the couch, watching TV while eating a bag of sour candy. The Shadereaper glanced up at them, a small smile on her face. "Hey, Sero. Hi, Amaya."

"Hey, Nala." Sero said, taking a seat next to her. "What are you watching?"

"Oh, just some old show about these monster hunters," she replied, shrugging. "It's alright, I guess. There's this one character who's really cool. His name's Slayer or something."

Amaya sat down next to Sero and laid her head on his shoulders. "That sounds cool. I like that name," she said. "What do you think, Sero? Think you could ever be a monster hunter?"

"Aren't we all technically monster hunters already?" Sero smiled wryly. "I mean, we've pretty much been slaying monsters left and right the past couple of days."

Nala grinned. "Yeah, but I mean like in a cool job or something. I could totally see you as a hero. You've got the brains and the brawn for it."

"Or the villain," Luna interjected, earning a glare from Sero.

"If you really want me to be one, I'll start by slaying you."

"H-hey, I was just kidding..."

Amaya snorted, lightly punching Sero's arm. "At any rate, we've been told to relax, so the four of us can actually do something together since we haven't done that in a while."

"Like what?" Luna asked, trying to change the subject. "To be completely frank, the city is mostly under construction, so we can't exactly go out and do anything."

"True," Sero mused, "Amaya and I need to be on standby anyway, so maybe we could try doing something simple..."

"Baking." Nala immediately suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always wanted to try baking desserts."

The other three shared a look between themselves.

"Well... alright then," Sero said with a shrug. "I guess we could try that. Amaya, you got any ideas on what to make?"

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Maximillian scowled as he felt a familiar presence walking up to him from behind.

"You know, it's been a long time since I saw you use your abilities for somethin' other than fightin'," Madison remarked as she stood next to Maximillian. "I swear, the last time I saw you, you were locked in a heated fight against Enzo for no good reason."

"Madison," Maximillian nodded to the Deathwalker. "When did you arrive in the 25th Zone?"

"Last night, hun. Dune was gracious enough to fly me out here right after the fight with the Catastrophe," Madison folded her arms as she watched Maximillian control metal and reconstruct the frames of the destroyed buildings. "Speaking of, how'd that go? I reckon we've never faced anything as strong as one before."

"It was... challenging," Maximillian admitted with a sigh, looking out across the 25th Zone. "That mutt Enzo and I actually struggled against Apep, but Dune came in the nick of time. Or was it later than he should've? Regardless, it only made me realize just how weak I am."

Madison chuckled. "Ah, Maxy, you're always so hard on yourself. Just 'cause you lost to someone doesn't mean you're weak."

"I didn't-! We didn't lose to Apep," the Iron Tyrant scowled. "It wasn't even a match, it was a fight to the death."

"Wasn't talking 'bout the Catastrophe, hun," Madison teased with a smirk.

Maximillian opened his mouth, then closed it. As much as he wanted to snap at her, as normal as Madison may have seemed on the surface, he knew very well just what kind of person she was. If anything, a common fear of Madison was one of the few things Maximillian, Enzo, and even Dune himself shared.

"So? What are you doing now?" Maximillian wisely decided to keep his annoyance in check.

"Well, I've already set myself up with the medical teams here, so I'm takin' a break before I go back and work my magic," Madison glanced at her nails. "What about you, Maxy? Anything exciting planned?"

"If by exciting, you mean being made to reinforce the framework of every goddamn building that was destroyed for free? Then no, nothing else besides that."

"Oh? But I heard the Silverbloods were fixin' to work with us. You don't have any plans with them?"

"I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you," Maximillian grunted. "They're an annoying bunch, if you ask me."

"But... they're often considered highly respectful, on account of their traditions. Furthermore, the Five Serpents are the kindest, which is a stark contrast to their looks," Madison blew softly on her fingers. "Only us Janitors are seen as the bad boy-types."

"A group of seven ex-criminals turned mercenaries for hire? Wow, it's like you'd have expected nothing else," the Iron Tyrant replied sarcastically, causing Madison to roll her eyes.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Well, at least we're honest about it. I prefer that to people pretending to be something they're not," she shrugged. "And besides, who doesn't love a bad boy?"

"I'm not a- please don't group me into that category."

"Why not? We're all criminals in the grand scheme of things. Just some of us have a better PR team," Madison winked before walking away, "I'm gonna go check on the others."

Maximillian breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't that Madison was stronger than him or Enzo. Actually, as the default medic of the Janitors, Madison was at the very bottom of the list when it came to sheer power and strength. Rather, instead of strength, it was more so the way she conducted herself in battles and fights. Maximillian shivered as he recalled the last time he'd gone on a mission with her. Honestly, he'd rather fight Apep again than to fight against her.

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"My dears, are you alright?" Gregor rumbled as he, Cassandra, and Gwyndolyn finished clearing out the A-rank outbreak, watching as the portal snapped shut.

Cassandra nodded happily, her expression unfocused as Gwyndolyn flashed a thumbs-up.

"All good here, sir. Think it's about time to head back to the 25th?" Gwyndolyn asked.

"I believe so," Gregor agreed. "Let's get back to the 25th and make sure everything's in order there. The 16th Zone should be safe for now."

The trio piled into a small private jet that had been commissioned by Dune to fly them back to the 25th. Cassandra immediately made for the lavishly appointed bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. Gwyndolyn chuckled and sat down next to Gregor out in the main conference area.

"Thank you for your hard work, my dears," Gregor began, nodding towards the passed out Cassandra in the back. "You've both been of great help in quelling the monster outbreaks."

"Oh, don't mention it, sir," Gwyndolyn said with a smile. "It's our pleasure to serve."

Gregor chuckled, a low rumbling sound like thunder. "If only I could get the boys to cooperate like you two do."

"Oh, we're all a family here, sir," Gwyndolyn said with a wink. "Even if we don't always see eye to eye, we're always there for each other in the end." Behind her, Cassandra began to snore softly.

"Family, huh?" the Conqueror murmured. "I wonder how Nala's doing."

"I wouldn't worry, sir. I might not know much about Sero, but if he's earned the respect of Enzo to be considered a student of his, then I'm sure your daughter is in good hands."

Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, of course. I shouldn't underestimate Sero's abilities. Still, it's difficult not to feel a little protective, you know?"

The private jet lifted off, soaring through the air as they began to head back to the 25th.

"Sir... if you don't mind me asking... why did you choose us to be on the Janitors? And why stop with the seven of us?"

Gwyndolyn's question took Gregor by surprise. He paused for a moment, considering his response. "To answer your second question, there was really no end number I was planning to stop at. Quite frankly, I believe the Janitors could always use more members."

The Conqueror leaned back in his chair, pondering for a moment. "Enzo was the first one I came to, asking if he would like a second chance to do right by his sins. From there, I just happened to come across the rest of you who were down in life, for one reason or another. It was more of a happenstance than anything else."

"But why me? I've always been... different. Not a criminal, per se, but not exactly normal, either."

"My dear, criminal or not, those with heavy burdens are always welcome to be a part of my Janitors," Gregor smiled kindly, "As for why you... well, it's quite simple, really. I saw something in you, something that I knew could be useful. And I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, even if that means being given a task that they might not necessarily enjoy."

He paused, thinking for a moment. "And, of course, there's the fact that you're one of the few people who can understand what it's like to be different. To be an outcast. To be feared and misunderstood. I think that makes you particularly well-suited for this group of similar misfits."

"Well, I did have a scandal that nearly turned the music industry upside down..." Gwyndolyn chuckled, trying to downplay her past. "I guess I was just curious. All of us know a bit about what the others have done, but you're the only one we don't know about, sir. Any reason why?"

Gregor gave her a thoughtful look. "I have lived a long life, my dear. I have seen many things, and I have done my fair share of good and bad. I have secrets, yes, but sharing them would not necessarily help you understand my intentions or my goals. Perhaps one day, when the time is right, I will reveal more. For now, let us focus on the task at hand."

Gwyndolyn nodded. Despite Gregor never talking about his past, the Serenade knew that her, along with the other five members of the Janitors, fully trusted him, and wouldn't ever doubt his intentions. They were all here because they believed in what he was trying to accomplish, and they would follow him until the end, no matter where his secrets might lead them.

"Do you think you'd allow Sero to join the Janitors if he wanted to, sir?" Gwyndolyn changed the subject, picking up her cup of coffee.

Gregor gave an amused chuckle. "You wound me, Gwyndolyn. You make it sound like I have some sort of veto power over who can or cannot join the Janitors. In truth, it is the other members who decide who should be invited. They each have their own criteria for who they think would make a good addition to our ranks. As for Sero, I cannot say for certain. I'm sure if he were to express an interest, the others would give his application due consideration."

"Is that so?" Gwyndolyn raised an eyebrow. "I'm pretty sure me and the others are fine with anyone you choose to extend membership to. Plus, I don't think most of us knew that you considered our opinions when recruiting members," she set down her cup. "I'm only asking because it's been a while since we added a member, even though I was the newest one."

"Has it? How long ago did you join?"

"Roughly... six months ago?"

Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it has been some time since we've had anyone new join our ranks. I suppose it's because we've been busy with our own tasks and assignments. But rest assured, Gwyndolyn, if any new members were to be added, I would take your opinion into consideration."

The Serenade smiled gratefully. "Thank you, sir. Maybe I'll tell the other members so that they're aware of this."

"Please do. To backtrack, why did you ask about Sero? Did he express any desire to join us?"

"From what I've heard, he's adamant on not joining any guilds, but he hasn't exactly taken a stance on joining mercenaries branches. I just thought maybe it'd be something he's interested in," Gwyndolyn explained. "Not that I have personal preference on whether or not he does join, but even I have to take note of how strong he's becoming."

Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "I see. I won't deny that Sero is quite powerful, even for one of his age. However, I think his reasons for not wanting to join a guild are more personal than anything else. He's not against working with others; it's just that he prefers to do things his own way. And while we do respect that, it's important to remember that being part of a group comes with certain responsibilities and expectations. But, as I said, that is something for the others to decide."

The Serenade seemed to ponder this information for a moment before speaking again. "I suppose I can understand that. Still, it's not every day that you come across someone as strong as him who can copy the skills of other Ascendants."

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In Gregor's kitchen, Sero sneezed, sending out a cloud of flour everywhere.

"Hey, watch it! You're gonna get that flour everywhere!" Amaya called out as she handed Nala a bowl of cookie dough. She immediately tried to wrestle it back before the Shadereaper could eat it.

"Yeah, sorry," Sero sniffed with a frown. "It's weird. I felt like someone was talking about me."