Extra's Ascent

The moment for finality had arrived. Eric Aldaman had to make his choice.

Up until now, watching two powerful individuals from entirely separate walks of life vie for his allegiance had been amusing, almost thrilling. It gave him a fleeting sense of importance, as though he were a prize worth fighting over. Their intentions, however, were far from selfless. Eric understood that. Each had their own goals, their own agendas, but for a while, he had let himself enjoy the illusion of being needed.

That time was over.

No more weighing offers. No more standing at the center of a tug-of-war. No more enduring Marvelous Kennedy's smug grins as she pitted her charm and resources against Gerald's authority. It was time to bring this to a close. A decision had to be made not later, not eventually, but now.

"I understand why both of you are eager to have me on board," Eric began, his voice calm but unwavering. "But I am just one person, one body, one mind. I can only go to one of you. That's not to disregard my current employer, Dravin Ramprandt."

Even in his absence, Ramprandt could not be omitted from this equation. The man had given Eric more than just a job, he had offered trust, guidance, and something Eric rarely found in others: belief.

Had it not been for Ramprandt, he wouldn't be standing here, considering offers of this magnitude. If not for the work he'd done under his supervision, Hector the so-called Wonder Ice wouldn't have been defeated. That victory had brought with it a ten million credit bounty and recognition from major player in the mystic world like the man before him.

Ramprandt had opened doors. No, he had flung them wide. Turning his back on the man now felt like betrayal, yet knowing who Ramprandt was as a person, Eric was certain the man would never hold it against him. If anything, he'd support the decision wholeheartedly.

Taking in a breath, Eric made his choice.

"Considering everything... I've made up my mind." He looked directly at Gerald. "It would be my honor to serve the Executive Bureau of the Mystic Order."

Silence fell.

Was that the outcome they had expected?

Perhaps not. Gerald's expression barely shifted, but the faint stiffness in his eyes hinted at surprise. As for Marvelous Kennedy, her reaction was less composed. She hadn't anticipated this turn, not in the slightest.

Marvelous had never seen Eric as the kind of man who could be lured by coin, not after the incident. Others would have pounced at the opportunity to exploit her after that crash, wringing out money, apologies, leverage, but not Eric. He had remained dignified, refusing to take advantage even when he had every right.

But this, this wasn't about charity or exploitation. It was business. A fair deal: his skills for her compensation. No strings. No manipulation.

And still, he turned her down.

"I see…" Marvelous said quietly, her voice laced with something between disbelief and disappointment yet contentment. If that makes any sense.

Gerald, on the other hand, gave a short nod, composed as always. "Then it's settled. Welcome aboard."

"So how does this work?" Eric asked, genuinely curious. "Do I sign a contract or make an oath or something?"

He wasn't familiar with official Mystic Order procedures. For all his combat experience, recruitment rituals were foreign to him.

"Typically," Gerald explained, "aspirants participate in a group-based recruitment assessment. They undergo a series of rigorous trials to test their potential. But in your case, we'll forgo that process."

That shouldn't come as a surprise. The timing didn't line up. Recruitment season was still three months away. Waiting would be impractical.

"You'll be brought in under a special exemption, with my personal recommendation," Gerald continued. "Your capabilities speak for themselves. We've already seen what you can do."

He then laid out the specifics. Eric's entry would bypass formal assessments. Instead, he would be added to the Bureau's roster through a direct referral. No need to prove himself again, his actions had already spoken volumes.

Marvelous sat quietly, sipping from a glass of red liquid on the table before her. Her silence felt like a storm held at bay.

"Come Monday, report to the head office for registration. We'll handle the basic formalities then," Gerald instructed. "Once that's done, you'll be issued an ID and assigned to my division. Work will begin immediately."

Though Gerald had streamlined the process, the administrative necessities remained. His name had to be entered into the official Bureau registry before he could operate under their banner. Only then would he receive credentials and begin active duty.

What exactly would his responsibilities entail? That remained vague. Gerald didn't offer precise details, but he did hint that Eric's assignments would involve dealing with mystics who operated far outside the law.

"Very well, Mr. Aldaman," Gerald said, stepping toward the door. "I'll see you Monday."

Eric accompanied him, holding the door open in a show of respect.

"Monday it is," he confirmed, his tone carrying a note of conviction.

Gerald handed over a card with the Bureau's address and his personal contact details. With a final nod, he departed.

Eric turned back inside only to find Marvelous still seated on the couch, leisurely sipping from her drink.

"Aren't you going to leave too?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Soon," she said, placing the glass gently on the table. "But I have one last question."

"Go ahead," he replied, gesturing for her to speak.

"Why?" Her voice was soft, but there was steel beneath it. "Why choose to become a Mystic Order officer over earning two hundred thousand or more, if you negotiated well? Why walk into danger and leave behind a man you call a friend?"

She wasn't looking for platitudes. Honor, duty, justice. Those were excuses. She wanted the real reason. The one buried beneath all the moral rhetoric.

Eric stared at her for a moment, then answered with three simple words.

"For my children."

No embellishment. No flourish.

Just that.

It was enough to silence Marvelous Kennedy. Enough to end the conversation without another word.