Kaito and Wei Chen bid farewell to the Guardian, Fei Qiang Fei, and continued their tour through the Fei Clan's territory. The bustling energy of the Enclave slowly gave way to a more serene landscape — winding paths framed by flowering trees, and distant waterfalls feeding crystal ponds.
Eventually, they arrived at the Ei Branch, a sprawling estate surrounded by lush gardens and elegantly carved stone pavilions. The air here carried a quiet nobility — a place of peace amidst the clan's endless pursuit of power.
As they entered the courtyard, servants in traditional silk robes lined up, bowing deeply. Their eyes, full of curiosity, lingered on Kaito — the quiet boy who had already earned whispers within the clan.
From the steps of the main hall, Lei Fei and Geo Fei approached — Mei Fei's parents.
"Welcome, Kaito," Lei Fei said warmly. "From this day onward, the Ei Branch is your home."
Geo Fei's smile was soft but radiant. "We're honored to have you with us. May you grow strong and wise under our care."
Kaito bowed slightly. His expression remained unreadable, but his mind recorded everything — the tone of their voices, the servants' movements, even the faint energy threads flowing through the estate's walls.
---
The servants led him to his quarters — a beautifully furnished room overlooking a vibrant garden. The carved wooden walls were lined with flowing patterns, and the faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air.
"I can unpack myself," Kaito said coldly.
The servants froze, then bowed and quietly exited. Alone, Kaito ran his hand across the desk — smooth, polished wood, embedded with faint runic threads for energy stability. Even luxury here is functional, he thought.
Later, during dinner, Lei Fei and Geo Fei spoke cheerfully about the branch's history and the family's values.
"We'll make sure you receive the finest education and training," Lei Fei said proudly. "You'll attend the academy soon. There, your potential can truly shine."
Kaito nodded lightly. "I understand."
To them, it was obedience.
To him, it was calculation.
He listened more than he spoke, absorbing details about the clan's politics and the Ei family's place within it. Every word was a thread — and Kaito was already weaving them into his plans.
---
Four years passed.
Kaito had grown into a calm, distant young man — composed, disciplined, and unreadable. To the Ei couple, he was the perfect child: quiet yet respectful, brilliant yet humble. They had grown to love him as their own son.
Mei Fei's laughter often echoed through the halls, her bright personality the perfect counterpoint to Kaito's cold silence. Despite his distant demeanor, she treated him like an older brother, unaware of the vast abyss behind his eyes.
One evening, Kaito stood by his window, gazing at the moonlit gardens.
Four years… the Ei Branch, the Fei Clan, the Elysium Gate — all pieces on the board.
Soon, I'll step into the academy. The real game begins there.
A knock broke his thoughts.
"Come in," he said.
A servant entered and bowed. "Young Master Kaito, breakfast is prepared."
Kaito nodded. "Understood."
---
At the breakfast table, Kaito looked at Lei Fei and Geo Fei. "I'll visit my parents tomorrow."
Lei Fei smiled warmly. "That's a fine idea. They've been waiting to see you."
The next morning, sunlight spilled over the city like liquid gold. Kaito made his way to his family's home, his steps steady, his face calm.
When his parents saw him, their joy was genuine and overflowing.
"Kaito! You've grown so much!" his mother said, her eyes shimmering.
Kaito smiled — a perfectly measured expression, one he had practiced a thousand times. "Mother, Father," he said softly. "It's good to see you again."
They spoke at length about life, about family, about his future.
When the topic of the academy arose, Kaito's eyes brightened with feigned excitement.
"Three days from now, I'll enroll in the Min Academy!" he said, his voice full of false enthusiasm.
His parents beamed, proud beyond words.
To them, it was joy.
To Kaito, it was necessity.
He listened patiently as they shared stories and dreams for his future. He played the role of the perfect son, every smile a mask — every word a calculation.
When the visit ended, he bowed and promised to return soon. As he walked away, the warmth faded from his expression, replaced by the cold clarity that had defined him for two lifetimes.
Min Academy, he thought. A stage filled with threads yet unseen. And I — I'll be the one to pull them all.