Cadre Eligibility Review
In the Calione Mansion located in the Incheon Foreign Quarter, there were those who hid in the shadows beneath the name Calione, much like the earth spiders seeking refuge under shade awnings to escape the piercing midday sun.
"We will now begin the eligibility review for Eugene Han Calione's promotion to cadre."
In Conference Room 1 of the Calione Mansion gathered dozens of family bosses who had come solely for this one day.
"Considering that the subject of this review is the heir, Young Master Eugene Han Calione, I, Parnello Ramichi, will serve as chair in place of Don Vito Calione, but only for this occasion."
As Parnello struck the gavel to signal the start of the review, everyone present tore open the envelopes in front of them and began reading the contents.
"The documents before you detail the actions of 'Eugene Han Calione' since he was named heir. Please refer to them as needed."
Murmurs mixed with various emotions began to erupt from those reading the contents at Parnello's words.
"Heh, so it was the young master who passed judgment on that Blunti."
"Taking down Blunti single-handedly...? Blood will tell, after all."
"The evaluations from the enforcement team are impressive too. He's already fulfilling the role of an enforcer..."
Amid the blend of admiration and surprise, there was one person uniquely plunged into confusion.
"The young master placed second in the academy entrance exam? And he formed a club in just one day...?"
This story felt oddly familiar. Antonio Bivalt, boss of the Bivalt family who had come for the review, couldn't hide his bewilderment.
This... This is exactly what my son told me...!
His son, Jinwoo Bivalt, who had just entered the academy. Despite nagging him to take heir classes, the boy whined that he didn't want to become a mafia boss, so Antonio had sent him off to gain more experience.
And what were the stories that kid always blabbed about when he came home?
'Dad! I met this weird guy?'
'Dad, am I trash? The duel started and ended in one shot? That guy's got something special.'
'Dad! I joined a club. What club? Dunno, it's the one our boss made. No way it'd be a joke.'
'Why call him boss? 'Cause he beat me...! And I feel like he's gonna do something big.'
'Our boss's name? Eugene... something? Dunno, I don't remember. I just call him boss.'
To think that Eugene was none other than Calione's heir and Don Vito Calione's successor, Eugene Han Calione...
I thought Eugene was a common name, but who would've guessed that damn kid was under the young master's wing...!
Of course, Antonio Bivalt didn't dislike Eugene. Quite the opposite—he liked him. Vito Calione was his longtime friend and boss, so Vito's son Eugene was like a nephew to him.
In other words, his reaction was pure shock.
Antonio glanced at Parnello, who was presiding over the meeting. Parnello Ramichi. There was no way he didn't know about this.
Their eyes met in midair, and Parnello gave a slight smile and nod, signaling he'd explain everything later.
"Parnello. May I ask one thing?"
One of the men seated in the conference room raised his hand abruptly.
"Of course, as many as you'd like."
"Frankly, some parts are hard to believe if we're saying the young master did all this alone."
He began reciting from the paper as he spoke.
"Just days after starting heir training, he passed judgment on the Blunti family as an enforcer, blocked the Triad's entry, and even brokered a deal with them. Did he really accomplish all this purely on his own, without any outside help?"
Several other bosses nodded in agreement. The feats listed were beyond imagination.
Passing judgment was one thing, but securing second place at the academy and forming the academy's first-ever club in a single day? Was the "academy first" title that easy to claim?
However.
"Yes. I swear on my name, Parnello Ramichi, that all of this was achieved through the young master's own power."
Before the name of the man who had written legends alongside Don Vito Calione, all doubts evaporated.
"...Then I believe it."
"If Parnello says so."
Parnello's oath carried immense weight. He was the most incorruptible, loyal, and trustworthy man who had devoted the last decade-plus to the Calione family.
"I'm glad your questions have been resolved."
With that, Eugene's promotion to cadre was effectively confirmed. Even if he hadn't been in the organization long, he was still Calione's heir and an adult. It was just happening a bit sooner than usual.
"That said, doesn't a Calione cadre need a district to manage? What district are you assigning the young master?"
At the question from another corner, Parnello snapped his fingers.
"Excellent question. It's only natural to assign a district with the cadre title. However, the young master refused a district assignment."
"The young master refused?"
"Yes. He seeks only the influence of a cadre position."
Districts were invaluable to cadres. A cadre's influence depended on how much sway their district held over surrounding areas and how much revenue it generated.
"The young master said he would establish his own district at the academy."
Thus, Eugene chose to create a new one. Not overlapping with other Calione bosses, not inheriting an old one, but pioneering a fresh territory to plant his own family flag.
"Judging by your expressions, we can proceed to the vote right away."
Parnello scanned the bosses' faces, nodded, and picked up the small wooden gavel before him.
"We will now vote on the promotion of 'Eugene Han Calione' to cadre. Those in favor, please raise your hands."
Every hand shot up in unison.
Unanimous.
All the cadres raised their hands, figuring the young master had no reason to encroach on their nearby districts.
"Unanimous. With this, 'Eugene Han Calione' is hereby declared a cadre of the Calione family, effective immediately."
Parnello smiled and struck the gavel three times.
And so, Eugene Han Calione officially became a Calione cadre.
"...That punk stirring up trouble again?"
Oblivious to it all, he stared at his smartphone and let out a sigh.
[Ranger Club] A rare combat-oriented club even among bronzes. They specialize in fetching materials from hunting grounds that support clubs need. That's why students who can't join upper-tier clubs flock here for achievements, as it's one of the bronzes with the most field action.
Sea-a and Youngje were providing real-time intel in the Familia group chat. Someone clicked their tongue at it.
"Worried I'll lose to a bunch of kids joining just for achievements? In their dreams."
In the sub-room of the Recipe Development Club. Jinwoo Bivalt sat in a chair, phone in hand, ignoring the club members busy cooking behind him.
"Jinwoo-ssi, try this. Does the seasoning seem right?"
"Freshman, taste this too."
"Mine's the least spicy, so start with mine!"
"Whoa, ladies. Calm down. My stomach's got plenty of room left."
Jinwoo Bivalt was experiencing the pinnacle of bliss right now.
"Trying to bully such a great club... Don't worry, senior sisters. As long as I'm here, those guys won't lay a finger on you."
Jinwoo had come to the Recipe Development Club on Eugene's orders. To the Rangers threatening them, he was a godsend savior and future comrade.
Perhaps that's why the freshman who boldly declared he'd protect them just seemed adorably cute to the club members.
Of course, oblivious Jinwoo only thought:
...This place is paradise!
Beautiful women in aprons, smiling happily as they cooked. And they were all older sisters. Having them feed him their handmade dishes? It was pure nirvana at the academy.
He was happily accepting their food when—
"Ooh, smells good. Cooking something?"
A man with a bow on his back grinned as he entered the sub-room, and the atmosphere instantly chilled.
"Who are you? The Recipe Development Club isn't accepting outsiders right now."
Jinwoo's blissful moment shattered by this intruder; he scowled and glared at the man.
The newcomer looked puzzled at the sudden hostility. He strode right up to Jinwoo and tilted his head.
"A first-year? What's a freshman doing here? Don't tell me you're a new member of the Recipe Development Club?"
"...None of your business."
Bow on the back, practical field gear, machete at the waist. Taking in the outfit, Jinwoo realized this was from the Ranger Club.
"No business? Then get out."
Eugene's order was to protect the Recipe Development Club. Safety first, so Jinwoo swallowed his anger and tried talking it out.
But the man just smirked.
"You think I'd come all this way and leave empty-handed?"
He pointed at the dish Lee Se-ri was holding.
"Lee Se-ri. That looks tasty. Give me a plate too, yeah? Just came back from hunting a nearby dungeon—starving here."
He demanded food as casually as if it were routine. As Jinwoo grimaced—
He suddenly noticed someone trembling behind him.
Lee Se-ri, hiding and shaking. That's when Jinwoo realized his mistake.
From the moment this guy entered, they weren't safe anymore.
And what he needed to do.
Especially since everyone here was...
"Hey."
Jinwoo clenched his fist and advanced on the still-smirking bastard.
The man looked puzzled at Jinwoo's sudden approach. Jinwoo flipped him off right in the face.
"You think this is your house? Go eat at home, asshole."
"...What?"
Jinwoo Bivalt. In front of women, he became endlessly strong.