The grand auditorium thrummed with a palpable energy, a sea of faces representing every shade and species within the D, E, and C ranks of the Blue Flame Protection Agency.
Eight hundred souls, a vibrant tapestry of ambition and nervous anticipation, had gathered for the unveiling of the legendary Rank Rumble. Moss stood amidst the throng, Tiger's stoic presence a few steps to his left, Shiline's gentle aura radiating beside him. His own expression was a mask of focused intensity, every fiber of his being attuned to the pronouncements to come.
A soft, almost delicate tap on the central microphone echoed through the vast space, cutting through the low murmur like a focused beam of energy. Director Arkea stood on the elevated stage, his presence commanding even in stillness.
"Testing, one two three. Good morning, fellow agents. I trust none of you have allowed your training to stagnate during this interim." His gaze, sharp and perceptive, swept across the assembled ranks, a silent assessment of their readiness. "The Rank Rumble," he declared, his voice resonating with the weight of tradition, "serves two crucial purposes. Firstly, it is the crucible through which those who aspire to the esteemed B rank and beyond must prove their mettle. And secondly," a significant pause hung in the air, drawing every eye to him, "it is through this very tournament that the BFA will choose its next leader – my successor."
A collective gasp rippled through the auditorium, the previous buzz completely extinguished by the weight of Arkea's words. The future of the Blue Flame Agency, the mantle of leadership itself, would be decided here.
Arkea gestured to three figures who stepped forward to stand beside him, each radiating an aura of formidable power. "Allow me to introduce the esteemed Core-3 of the BFA: Milian Zenith, the respected leader of the swift and strategic Zenith race; Mucher Karadara, the unwavering leader of the resilient and powerful Karadara race; and Sukurada F.M, the enigmatic and potent leader of the disciplined Force-Master race."
Milian Zenith, his movements carrying an almost imperceptible swiftness, stepped to the forefront. His voice, clear and commanding, brooked no argument. "The Rank Rumble will unfold in three distinct stages. The first stage will consist of individual matches contested between agents of Rank D and E. These initial clashes will be personally overseen by Director Arkea and myself. Victory in these matches will grant the opportunity to challenge agents of Rank C, allowing for a rapid ascent for those who prove exceptional.
However," his gaze sharpened, "failure carries its own consequence. Should you suffer three defeats, you will be eliminated from the Rumble, remaining within your current rank. Understand this: while the heat of battle may be intense, the use of your unique weapons and abilities is permitted. However," his voice took on a steely edge, "the intentional taking of a life is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate and severe repercussions."
Next, Mucher Karadara, his imposing frame radiating a sense of unyielding strength, took his turn. His voice was a deep, resonant rumble that echoed through the auditorium. "The second stage will shift the focus to teamwork. These will be team battles, and their supervision will fall under my responsibility. Partners will be selected randomly by the BFA's systems, ensuring diverse team compositions: each team will consist of one woman and two men. Only the top ten performing teams will advance to the final, decisive stage. Again, utilize your abilities and weapons strategically, but remember the absolute decree: no killing."
Finally, Sukurada F.M, her presence exuding an almost palpable intensity, stepped forward. Her voice, when it rang out, was sharp and precise, each word carrying a weight of unspoken power. "The final stage is where true leaders are forged. The top ten teams from the previous stage will be promoted to the esteemed B rank.
However," her gaze seemed to pierce through each individual in the audience, "only one among you will be chosen as the honorary A-rank agent, the leader who will stand as Director Arkea's successor. This ultimate decision will be determined through a series of three-member team fights, a brutal elimination process until only a single, worthy individual remains. As with the previous stages, your abilities and weapons are your tools, but the sanctity of life remains absolute: no killing."
Director Arkea stepped forward once more, his gaze sweeping over the now utterly silent assembly. "There will be mandatory two-day rest periods between each stage of the Rank Rumble, allowing for recuperation and strategic planning. Every single one of our 800 agents will participate; this is not a request, it is a compulsory trial by fire. Agents of E rank will compete on the 2nd floor of the training facility, D ranks on the 4th, and C ranks on the 3rd. The Rank Rumble commences tomorrow at precisely 0800 hours."
A collective breath seemed to escape the assembled agents as the weight of the Director's words settled upon them. A nervous energy began to stir as they dispersed, a flurry of hushed conversations breaking out as they made their way to their designated floors.
Back in their assigned quarters, holographic posters had materialized on the walls, each displaying the intricate brackets of the first stage, clearly outlining the initial matchups. Moss's eyes scanned the board, his finger tracing the lines until it landed on his name. His first opponent, standing between him and his aspirations, was a single word: Mark.
END OF CHAPTER 2