Chapter 14

If Vincent was to describe who Jack reminded him of, it would be Kamui from the original D.Grayman world. When he fixed up Vincent’s anti-akuma weapon, he used the same type of machines Kamui used to fix/dissect Allen. It was still far from the level of ES’s torture though, so Vincent easily bared through it.

Jack: Now then, it's time for your examination and then your place in the Black Order will be decided afterwards by the generals, who just so happen to be having their annual gathering. Even general Cross decided to come here. Ah, we're here.

After promising to meet up with Sophie and the others later, Vincent rode an elevator down with Jack. He was then greeted by the sight of 5 people sitting on thrones looking down at him as if analyzing him. Well, 4 of them. The last one looked bored out of his mind as he drank alcohol. If it wasn't already obvious, that person was General Cross, the original mentor of Allen Walker.

The other 4 were also generals, but Vincent didn't really remember their names except for Klaud Nine who he hoped would teach him based on her personality. All he knew was that at all costs he would avoid becoming apprenticed to Cross. He didn't want to waste time clearing away his debt even if he developed an insane ability to cheat at gambling… On second thought...Nah, he could just buy the cheating skills of characters from “Cheating Craft” if need be.

Anyways, after weighing the pros and cons in his head, Vincent was eventually shoved forward by Jack to his surprise. Before he could understand what was happening, he was already being lifted up by tentacles connected to a figure made of light that seemed to be in the shape of a woman.

?: Do not be afraid. I won't harm you.

Vincent knew he wouldn't be harmed, but he didn't know what would happen after he was examined. He had a strange soul thanks to becoming a shinigami, and he didn't know how much info about him would be leaked out.

After what seemed like a few minutes, the being of light spoke.

?: 90% synchronization.

Everyone who heard what the being said gaped in shock. Well, Cross didn't, but he still lifted an eyebrow when he heard it.

Klaus: It is the third highest synchronization in the history of the black order. He doesn't seem that old to me…

?1: This must be a sign that he will have an important role in the future.

?(mysterious being): He will be the one to end the earl’s plan of humanity's destruction. He will be the one that will lead humanity to the light in its time of greatest despair…

Everyone in the room couldn't believe what they heard. Even Cross was drinking less alcohol as he tried to process what had just been said.

Klaud: I would like to take the boy under my tutelage as my apprentice. He needs a capable mentor if he's going to unlock his full potential.

?1: Hold on, I'm clearly much better suited for teaching humanity's savior than you.

Cross: I'll take him. If he's capable of saving the world than he can handle all my debts. It'll teach the boy the way the world works.

?2: If it's showing him the cruel parts of the world than he's better off with me.

?3: Let's let the kid decide.

Cross: Fine. Boy, get your ass over here.

?1: Like that's giving him a choice.

?2: Boy, choose me, I'll teach you how to fight.

Cross: I can beat your ass any day of the week and you know it.

Klaud: Enough, boy, choose your teacher. Ah, my name's Klaud Nine by the way.

Vincent: ...My name is Vincent... can you be my teacher?

Klaud seemed surprised at Vincent's sudden question.

Klaud: I can, but why do you want me?

Vincent: You remind me of my mom. (B: Pfft!)

At Vincent's sudden reason, Klaud's eye twitched.

Cross: Ahahaha! Good for you Klaud, looks like you won't need a man to knock you up anymore. Give me a call if you ever wanna get to work on getting your new son a sib-

Klaud had already had the monkey on her shoulder transform into its ape form and it was already jumping at Cross who seemed to have just received the best news of his life.

Of course, Cross jumped out of the way before it got him.

?1: Enough you two. This isn't a time to fool around. Boy, are you sure about your decision?

Vincent: (nod)

?1: Alright then. I understand that you've never had such a young apprentice before, so I advise you to seek advisement on how to treat him properly.

Klaud: I know how to treat children.

?1: Alright, then it's decided. Vincent...er, what's your last name?

Vincent: I don't have one.

?1: ...Alright then. Klaud, give him yours. If you're going to be his guardian then having the same name makes sense.

Klaud: ...Fine. Boy, don't expect me to baby you. I'm gonna mold you into the perfect savior that humanity oh so desperately needs.

Vincent: (nod)

?1: Then, Vincent Nine, from now on General Nine will act as both your guardian and mentor. Does anyone object to this?

(Cross fighting a giant monkey off in the background while trying to object...)

?1: Then this meeting is over. Vincent, you may now leave. Klaud, you'll stay here at the European Branch while you oversee the young lad's training. The saviour of humanity is our top priority.

Cross: (grin) Yeah, have fun with your new son. Hahahaha! This is the best day of my life. You know what, I don't even care that he's not apprenticed to me anymore! I will never let you live this down! Hahaha!

As Vincent left back up the elevator with Jack, the last thing he saw was Klaud staring daggers at Cross who was laughing his ass off.

Jack: Great for you, Vincent. It's not everyday that you're prophesied to be humanity’s saviour. I can't way to see the look on Alex’s face...