"Why would Michael just be standing there?" Ridlus thought.
"I have to give them a satisfactory answer. I can't believe Shom left me here to answer all the technical questions when I've barely been in talks with the team for a week."
"They spent that whole week on recoup and leisure. All I know about them are from that brief interview and, well, their files Shom had me sweep through."
"Well, we're waiting," Tylan edged him.
The managers weren't used to seeing Tylan at meetings. He never really prioritized the corporate part of being a hunter.
"Well, Michael is analyzing his environment and weighing possible options. He and one other hunter in the division are fond of this act," Ridlus replied.
"Shom has yet to outwardly criticize this act of theirs, so I believe that's why they still lean on what seems to be a bad habit."
"Hmmmm. The best of hunters shouldn't rely on others to correct their flaws," Tylan said.
"Well, the other with the same habit I mentioned is your brother. So take that into consideration," Ridlus responded.
"Hmm." Tylan looked around and nodded. "You're right, Ridlus. This is all on Shom. I mean, you can't expect newbie hunters to be the best at self-assessment early on in their careers," Tylan said. "Forgive my remark earlier," he added.
All the managers were in silence, Lola as well. A couple of the captains present didn't take it as lighthearted as it was intended.
Captains all command a team. Tylan himself is one.
All captains of various divisions relay information through their managers. They are in charge of resource allocation, communication, funding per unit, etc.
They also work the books, making sure this hunter business stays profitable.
"Hey, look at Shom go. He's pretty much taking this whole thing as a solo raid."
"You're right," one manager agreed.
"None of the youth seem to have made a kill. None—" the president got cut short. "None but that girl. Zoom in," Tylan said.
"Is that Zeta? Correct me if I'm wrong, Ridlus, but she's Lush's sister, right?"
"Well, yes, she is," Ridlus replied.
"Her marksmanship is no joke. The way she wields her extension," Tylan noted.
None of the other captains picked up on this.
"Her mana skin as well—it doesn't cover the most amount of surface, but that much is still no joke."
"You said she's been on just two raids proper?" Tylan asked.
"Well, not just her—the entire group."
The president looked at Tylan. His stare was intense.
"This young man," the president thought.
"Ok, what's going on?" Lola asked.
"She's incredible," Tylan said.
"Huh?" Ridlus questioned. "Now I'm confused," he said. "What do you mean?"
"Well, she's able to assert herself despite the overwhelming presence of Shom. Her grit and guts alone must be far ahead of her teammates," Tylan replied.
"At least her teammates present. I can't say about those not."
"He just wants to exclude his brother from the discussion," everyone thought.
"Ok, here comes a Wolfbear. They're a level up from the regular Manbear Shom's been feasting on."
"There, it's dead," one shouted. "Yeah, 'cause Shom killed it," another replied.
"He was so fast, the camera couldn't even get ahold of his attacks," Lola thought.
"The only way the kids will have a chance in hell to show their sets is if Shom's inactive."
"I think we should call him off, at least for now. Let's see these kids go at it already," one manager stated.
"Well, who else thinks that's a good idea?" the president said with a negative nod as well as a smile.
"What is Mr. President doing? Why the nod?" Ridlus thought.
"No," Tylan exclaimed. "If they're to show their sets, then they should do so with Shom still active."
"Making things too easy doesn't make them hunters—they'd be regular awakeners. Hunters find a way."
"If we want to keep this new division, then they have to make it a point, with their own skills, in this very situation—not some restructured pass by removing Shom."
"How dare yo—"
"I agree," the president said.
"Enough talk. Let's watch."
In the dungeon.
"Wow. How has Shom been able to move at that speed consistently? He's not slowing down," Miles noted.
All of them were basically just running in behind Shom. It was a constant cycle. They locate a monster. The monster drops before any of them can react.
"We are getting nowhere if things continue like this," Miles said.
"I fear you're right," Rose supported.
"Well, that's true, but I mean, look at Zeta. She's still chasing after the captain at max speed," Charles added.
"You're right. She seems to be faring a lot better than Michael today," Lin added. "You think it's because Rean isn't here?"
"Am I really going to keep this up? My strength and speed are almost depleted. My mana's still high, but he's just not giving me room to work my magic. Wow. So this is how skilled A ranks actually are."
"I may be A rank in title, but I am yet to achieve anywhere near its peak. In fact, I fear some experienced B ranks could give me a run for my money," Zeta noted.
She stopped. She fell—not of exhaustion, but...
"What—oh no. Zeta!" Lin exclaimed.
"I guess that's about her limit," Miles added.
Rose just looked on, sad.
Shom noticed the commotion and turned backward.
"Hey guys, what's with all the—" He got interrupted.
She had stopped. She fell not of exhaustion, but as a ploy. She needed Shom distracted, and in that moment, she mustered all she could and zoomed right past Shom.
"I'll be the one getting first kills from now on!" she shouted.
"What? Did she just bait the captain?" Rose shouted.
Shom looked on. He smiled, he grinned.
"Well, I'm not going to make it that easy for you now, am I?" Shom shouted.
"That girl. She shows potential, that's for sure."
"Didn't I say no more talking?" the president cut an inevitable discussion before it could start.
"Collect your thoughts, and then we'll assess them all."