Apocalypse: becoming the hidden Ruler

Gasps murmured across the room.

"If Maxen had shown any sign of pulling back—any hesitation at all—he would've lived," Rosaline said coldly. Her gaze landed on Gideon like a knife. "Your man made his choice."

Kael cleared his throat. "Gideon, do you have any objections?"

Gideon's expression darkened. He looked toward Xander, but the old man remained silent, expression unreadable.

Finally, Gideon stood. "Your people are impressive, Xander. But don't think the Havoc Division will forget this."

He turned and walked out without another word.

Then, for the first time, Xander spoke. "Let me speak with them alone."

Kael nodded. "OK. I'll excuse myself. Leader Xander, I'll leave the rest to you."

Before leaving, Kael gave Axel a long, unreadable glance.

As the door closed, silence settled.

Only the Obsidian team and the ever-silent Xander remained in the room.

"Axel." The old man's voice rang out suddenly. Axel, caught off guard, froze for a moment.

"Here!" he answered quickly.

Xander scowled. "Get fucking out. Wait outside."

"…Understood." Axel turned and walked out without protest. Zane followed, casually tossing him a wink.

Axel sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected this. In the end, the entire team had shouldered the blame—just to protect him.

Back in the room, Xander tapped his fingers on the table, the sound sharp in the silence. His eyes swept over the team like a hawk circling prey.

"So," he said calmly. "None of you have anything to say to me?"

Millers and Kaia visibly shrank in their seats. They knew this tone—Xander wasn't calm because he was forgiving. He was calm because he was furious.

"Sir… I'm sorry," Vince finally said, guilt weighing heavily in his voice. "We caused trouble."

The others were about to chime in, but Xander suddenly slammed his hand down on the table with a crack. The solid wood split at the impact.

"Don't give me that fake-ass apology," he snapped, rising to his feet. "You think I'm stupid?"

No one dared respond.

"You really thought you could cover this up from me? They might not know you two, but I do." He pointed sharply. "Vince, you always look down when you lie. And Rosaline—if someone actually tried to assassinate Axel, you would've killed the bastard on the spot."

Vince and Rosaline both flinched. "Sir—"

"Did I ask you to speak? Shut it."

He walked slowly around the room, hands behind his back, voice low and dangerous. "So you wanted to protect Axel. You tried to pull one over on me—an old man. I suppose that means you're ready for your punishment."

The room dropped ten degrees. Everyone tensed.

"Three months' salary. All of you."

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Silence. Not because it was harsh—but because it was shockingly lenient. Havoc Division was going to lose their minds over this.

"Sir—" Vince started, but Xander glared at him.

He narrowed his eyes. "What, you're not happy with the punishment?"

"No! Very satisfied!" Vince and Kaia said in unison, practically tripping over themselves.

Xander snorted and sipped his coffee.

"Axel's a good kid," he muttered. "Maxen, on the other hand? Garbage. A fourth-level Awakener who never killed a damn thing in the wild, just threw his weight around in Langford. He even dared set his sights on our people? Hmph. Got what he deserved."

He took another sip, then added, almost offhandedly, "Capturing Crowe was a big win. Axel's rough around the edges, but he's got grit. As long as he doesn't go completely off the rails, we'll have his back."

The tension lifted. Everyone exhaled in relief, watching the faint smile creep across Xander's face.

"Thank you, sir," Vince said gratefully, quickly refilling Xander's cup.

"Now get the hell out of here."

No one lingered. They filed out of the room in a rush, not wanting to tempt fate.

Alone, Xander tapped his teacup gently, staring at the door with a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Interesting kid. Don't let me down."

Outside the hearing room, the Obsidian team finally relaxed.

Axel, still anxious, stepped forward.

Vince met his worried look and gave a small shake of the head. "No need to panic. Sit. We'll talk inside."

He retrieved a sleek black box from the trunk of the car, the Obsidian team insignia etched into the top.

Soon, the group had gathered in a private suite at one of Everton's most luxurious hotels. Gold-trimmed furnishings sparkled under the chandeliers. Annabelle, wide-eyed with wonder, immediately pulled out her phone to take pictures.

Axel hadn't said a word since the hearing. His thoughts were all over the place.

For so long, it had been just him and Annabelle against the world. Suddenly, someone else had stepped in—shouldered the weight, protected him. It didn't make him emotional. It made him confused.

Sensing this, no one pushed him. Instead, Millers kept him company, casually pointing out the landmarks outside the window.

Finally, Axel stood up.

"Captain. Rosaline. Everyone… thank you."

Vince waved it off. "Sit down."

He handed Axel the black box.

"This is for you. I didn't give it earlier because I wasn't sure how things would go in there. But it's yours now."

Axel took the box and opened it carefully. Inside was a sleek black jacket, matching trousers with sharp lines, and a set of compact, high-tech devices nestled neatly beside them.

"Axel, take out the booklet and stand up."

Vince's voice was calm as always, but Axel could feel a weight behind it that made him straighten up without hesitation.

"Open it and read after me."

Axel opened the slim blue booklet. Just one line was printed on the page.

> "The wasteland is finally here. I volunteer to join the Whisper Syndicate."

Axel rarely saw Vince this serious. He drew in a deep breath and read the line aloud, his voice steady.

> "Don't fight for fame or profit. Take it as your duty to protect all human life. I will become a sharp blade, and live and die with Krythos."

A few short lines. But they meant everything.

"Axel," Vince said, nodding toward the window, "take a look outside."

Axel turned. Everton's streets buzzed with life—cars rushed by, people in sleek outfits chatted and laughed. A vibrant metropolis, full of motion and color.

"Most people think humanity has already found peace. But we haven't—not really. We still have to watch out for the infected. And for what's beyond the wall."

"Our peace depends on the top-tier Awakeners who hold the beast kings at bay."

"And the infected? Deep Sea Pharmaceuticals and the Law Enforcement Bureau keep them in check. Barely."

Vince paused, his tone shifting.

"I know you joined the Whisper Syndicate for the benefits. And I won't judge you for that. But I have to ask you now—do you want this responsibility? Really want it?"

His question hit Axel right where it hurt—cutting straight through his defenses.

Axel lowered his gaze, thinking for a long moment. Then he lifted his head.

"…I might need time to understand what this really means. But I do know one thing—I'm willing to fight. I'll stand with Obsidian."

Rosaline's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she glanced at Vince. Both of them finally relaxed.

Vince smiled. "Honestly, I expected you to just say 'yes.' But I like your answer better. Because now, you finally see us as your own."

He extended his hand. The rest of the team followed suit, one by one.

"Welcome to Obsidian, Axel."

Sunlight spilled across the polished dining table. The crystal chandelier above glittered, casting golden reflections across Axel's face.

Behind him, Annabelle sat quietly, watching her brother's stiff back and trembling hands. A smile curled at the corner of her lips.

"It's warm," she thought. "Today… the sunlight feels warm."

Axel looked at their hands, looked at each face—then slowly reached out, placing his hand on top of theirs.

"From now on, Obsidian is your second home," Vince said, giving him a firm clap on the shoulder.

"What are you still standing around for?" Kaia grinned, holding up the uniform. "Try it on already."