SSS Awakening: I Can Create Skills By Will

Chapter 155: A Squad Meant for the Dark

Arthur didn’t look surprised when Lyra said she wanted to recruit him.

He had already seen it coming.

The moment she started talking about the ritual formations and the abyss worshippers, the direction of the conversation became obvious.

He leaned back slightly in the chair and thought it through.

He had already encountered a ritual guardian before.

Not only that, he had fought and killed it.

Very few explorers could say the same.

On top of that, he had seen the ritual formations with his own eyes. He understood how they looked and how they felt. The traces of tainted mana didn’t escape his senses easily.

Arthur rubbed his chin lightly.

And that was also her reasoning.

He had the knowledge.

He had the strength.

And more importantly, he had already proven he could deal with the kind of threat they were investigating.

In other words, he fit the role perfectly.

Arthur lifted his eyes and looked at Lyra again.

"You said you want to recruit me."

Lyra nodded once.

Arthur tilted his head slightly.

"That means you’re leading the squad."

Lyra didn’t hesitate to answer.

"Yes."

Her tone remained calm, but there was quiet confidence behind it.

"The responsibility was assigned to me recently."

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"So you’re also choosing the members yourself."

"That’s correct."

She crossed her arms loosely.

"I was given the authority to recruit people suitable for the task."

Arthur nodded slowly.

That explained a lot.

If someone else had been in charge, things might have gone differently. But Lyra was careful with her decisions.

Which meant the squad wouldn’t be random.

Arthur leaned forward slightly.

"How many people are already in?"

Lyra answered immediately.

"Five."

Arthur’s interest grew.

"From this division?"

She shook her head.

"Different squads. Different divisions."

Arthur sat back again and let that sink in.

"So you’re gathering people from across the stronghold."

"Yes."

Lyra continued.

"They were selected based on ability and experience. Each of them brings something valuable to the group."

Arthur nodded again.

"And if I join..."

Lyra finished the sentence for him.

"You’ll be the sixth."

The number was small.

But that wasn’t surprising.

This kind of squad didn’t need numbers. It needed people who could handle difficult situations without hesitation.

Arthur felt a small spark of excitement in his chest.

A small team... strong members... and missions involving the abyss.

That alone sounded interesting.

He had never planned to stay stuck doing regular missions forever.

Those were useful for building experience and resources, but eventually they would become repetitive.

Arthur wanted something more.

Something that pushed him further.

Something that let him test his limits.

Working with a specialized squad sounded like exactly that.

He didn’t even realize he was smiling slightly.

Lyra noticed.

"You seem pleased."

Arthur chuckled.

"I am."

He stretched his shoulders lightly before answering.

"I’ll join."

The words came naturally.

No hesitation.

Lyra studied him for a moment.

Then she extended her hand.

"Welcome to the squad."

Arthur stood up and took her hand firmly.

His grip was confident.

Lyra held it for a moment longer than necessary, then said quietly,

"I have high expectations for you."

Arthur met her eyes.

"I’ll try not to disappoint."

They released each other’s hands.

Lyra stepped back slightly and her expression became more serious again.

"Now that you’ve accepted, there are a few things you should understand."

Arthur nodded.

"I’m listening."

Lyra rested her hands lightly on the desk.

"The work we’ll be doing isn’t ordinary."

Arthur already guessed that.

"Investigating the abyss worshippers means entering dangerous territory."

She spoke calmly, but the meaning behind her words carried weight.

"These people operate in the shadows. They prepare rituals inside dungeons and manipulate monsters for their own purposes."

Arthur folded his arms.

"And no one knows exactly why."

"Not yet."

Lyra’s gaze hardened slightly.

"But whatever they’re planning, it’s large enough to concern the entire kingdom."

Arthur let out a slow breath.

So it wasn’t just a stronghold problem.

This reached much higher.

Lyra continued.

"That’s why this squad exists."

She looked directly at him.

"We need people who can face those situations without hesitation."

Arthur gave a small smile.

"I didn’t join to sit around."

Lyra nodded.

"I know."

She paused before adding,

"I’ve heard about your... strength."

Arthur scratched the back of his neck.

"People exaggerate."

"Perhaps."

She didn’t argue.

"But strength alone isn’t enough."

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"I figured."

Lyra continued speaking.

"You’ll need to push yourself further than usual."

Arthur didn’t mind that.

"If that’s what the job requires."

Lyra watched him carefully.

"Are you prepared for that?"

Arthur’s answer came easily.

"Yes."

There was no dramatic tone in his voice.

Just simple confidence.

Lyra seemed satisfied.

"Good."

She straightened slightly and moved back behind the desk.

"The squad meets regularly in a separate training hall."

Arthur nodded.

"Your private hall?"

"Yes."

She glanced at him briefly.

"That’s where we train and discuss operations."

Arthur smiled.

"So you’re the one training everyone."

Lyra didn’t deny it.

"Someone has to keep them disciplined."

Arthur laughed quietly.

"I’ll try to survive."

Lyra allowed a faint smile before returning to her usual calm expression.

"For now we aren’t starting missions yet."

Arthur tilted his head.

"No missions?"

"Not until the squad is fully prepared."

She opened a document on the desk.

"Everyone needs to understand their roles first."

Arthur thought about that.

It made sense.

A team like this needed coordination.

Throwing them into a mission immediately would only create problems.

"So what happens first?"

Lyra answered without looking up.

"Training."

Arthur nodded.

He expected that.

"We’ll start by learning how to work together."

She finally looked at him again.

"Your first meeting with the squad will be tomorrow."

Arthur straightened slightly.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

Lyra closed the document.

"Dawn."

Arthur chuckled.

"That early?"

"You’ll get used to it."

Arthur nodded.

"I’ll be there."

Lyra gave a small approving nod.

"Good."

The conversation slowly came to an end after that.

Arthur stood up from the chair.

"Thank you... Commander."

Lyra waved her hand lightly.

"No need to be formal all the time."