Wood Style And Sharingan

"???! When did I say I wanted to join the Executive Department?"

Smith was utterly stunned by Jiang Lei's words. He hadn't agreed to anything yet—and now suddenly he was reporting in?

"I've already submitted your information. All the formalities are complete," Jiang Lei replied nonchalantly, pulling a few items out from behind him. "Here's your Executive Department badge and mask."

"Hey, Dad, are you even listening to me?!"

"I'm listening. You say your piece, and I say mine," Jiang Lei replied, dead serious.

Smith stared at him in disbelief. "So what—you're really just going to ignore what I think?"

"You don't want to join the Executive Department? Then give me a good reason."

Smith opened his mouth, but Jiang Lei cut him off.

"The pay for missions in the Executive Department is much higher than that for ordinary students. I've already talked to Old Wang. Once you're in, for every mission you complete, you'll earn three medium-grade spirit stones and ten third-level demon cores."

That shut Smith up.

The moment Jiang Lei mentioned the rewards, Smith's eyes lit up like fireworks.

"Wait, I can earn spirit stones and demon cores from every mission?"

Jiang Lei nodded, clearly satisfied with the shift in his son's reaction. "That's just the compensation for intern members. Once you reach level three and become a full member, the rewards will be even better."

Smith hesitated for only a second.

"Do you really need to ask?"

"I'm in!" he declared without a hint of regret. "Just say the word, and I'm there."

Spirit stones and monster cores? That was more than enough to seal the deal.

"But let me warn you," Jiang Lei said, his expression suddenly serious. "The rewards might be generous, but the missions are far more dangerous too. You need to be mentally prepared."

Smith gave him a deadpan look. "You're telling me to think it over after you already submitted my information?"

"You're making it sound like I tricked you." Jiang Lei shrugged and handed Smith the items he'd brought.

"Here. This is your gear."

Smith took the items and inspected them one by one:

A white combat windbreaker, its collar embroidered with the exclusive insignia of the Huaihai City Executive Department—a blood-red lightning bolt.

A white mask adorned with a crimson round moon pattern, sleek and intimidating.

A space ring, crafted from spatial abilities and spirit stones. It contained an independent pocket space used to store inanimate objects—especially helpful during field missions.

A silver nameplate, used as a pass to enter or exit Huaihai City and other zones under jurisdiction. Only one member of a team needed to carry it for the whole group to pass through checkpoints.

Smith ran his fingers over the silver nameplate. At the top were four small, dark golden characters reading "Huaihai College." Below that, in larger script, were the words: "Blood Moon".

A blood-red lightning bolt marked the base.

"Blood Moon, huh?" Smith muttered.

Jiang Lei nodded. "That's your codename. Members of the Executive Department must never reveal their true identities during missions. Everyone goes by code names for their own protection."

"So what's your codename, Dad?"

"I don't need one," Jiang Lei said proudly. "Just hearing the name Jiang Lei is enough to make enemies wet their pants."

Smith rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. I get it. You're legendary."

With that, he picked up his new gear and headed back to his room.

Honestly, Smith hadn't planned on joining the Executive Department at all. But with rewards like spirit stones and demon cores—and now, a path to investigate the Burning Clan from the inside—it was an offer he couldn't pass up.

He wasn't about to let some lunatic clan who wanted him dead roam around unchecked.

They tried to kill me once… and I never let things like that slide.

---

The Next Morning

Location: Executive Department HQ

The Executive Department was considered the cutting edge of Huaihai College. But despite its importance, its exact location remained shrouded in mystery.

That was because the Executive Department's main base wasn't on the campus—it was stationed atop the massive city walls surrounding Huaihai City.

The high walls were the city's greatest line of defense. Heavily protected and off-limits to outsiders, their surveillance and management were entrusted solely to the Executive Department.

Dressed in his newly issued combat gear—with only the mask left off—Smith followed Jiang Lei up the stairway to the city wall.

It was Smith's first time climbing the high walls.

Standing atop the massive structure, dozens of meters tall and ten meters wide, he gazed over the vast stretch of Huaihai City. From this vantage point, everything below looked small and manageable.

The wall encircled the entire city, a testament to human tenacity against the monster tide.

At the top, roughly thirty Executive Department members stood gathered—those who weren't currently on assignment. Each wore different masks, making them hard to distinguish at a glance, but all exuded a formidable aura.

Jiang Lei stepped forward to address the team.

"After discussions with the headmaster," he began, his voice stern and commanding, "we've decided to expand the Executive Department."

"Previously, joining required at least a third-level rank, or a B-rank power for single-system users. Now, we're opening up a new path."

"If you've awakened your powers within the last six months and reached at least second-level intermediate, or if you possess a B-rank single-system or double-C-rank dual-system ability—you qualify."

He looked around the group.

"And so, today, we welcome a new member."

All eyes turned to Smith.

Jiang Lei motioned him forward. "Smith, introduce yourself."

Smith stepped up calmly. He had rehearsed this the night before.

"Hello, seniors," he said, bowing slightly. "My name is Smith. I possess dual S-rank abilities—Wood and Spirit Eye. I look forward to learning from you."

Whispers passed through the group.

A dual S-rank freshman?

Impressive.

In the Executive Department, identities weren't disclosed externally, but internally, transparency was essential. Teamwork during missions demanded deep understanding of each member's abilities.

Jiang Lei continued. "Smith's codename is 'Blood Moon.' Mingyun, he'll be joining your team starting today."

"Yes, sir!"

A tall figure wearing a bright cloud mask stepped forward and nodded. "Blood Moon, with me."

Smith put on his mask and followed the man.

As they walked, he leaned closer and asked quietly, "Teacher Yun Ming… is that you?"

The man paused, turning his masked face toward Smith. Then, he chuckled softly.

"You recognized me that quickly?"

"I recognized your voice."

Yun Ming gave a nod of approval. "You're right. But from now on, while in the Executive Department—or during missions—you refer to me by my codename. Also, I'm no longer your teacher."

He looked back over his shoulder.

"I'm your captain now."

Smith nodded. "Understood, Captain Mingyun!"

"Good," said Mingyun. "You've come at the perfect time. We're heading out for a mission soon."

He led Smith to the mission prep area.

Inside, several teams were already checking their gear and receiving briefings.

"Your first mission is more observation than combat," Mingyun explained. "But stay sharp. Even a routine task can turn into chaos out there."

Smith glanced down at the silver nameplate hanging from his neck.

Blood Moon.

He had joined the Executive Department for the rewards—but also for something more personal.

This is just the beginning. One day, I'll uncover everything about the Burning Clan… and burn them to the ground.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

pàtreøn (Gk31)