Thirty days had passed in Auréline without Enette having returned yet. Abel, on his side, had not received any mission. The new unit he was supposed to join with Enette had still not returned to the continent. Abel therefore stayed at home. He did nothing but study and try to learn more about the world.
"Hmm… I'm really bored. The only moments that change my monotonous daily life are when I go visit Enette at the hospital. And then there's my father, who feels obliged to work even though I earn a decent living. I think he feels obligated to do it so that his nine year old son doesn't have such a big responsibility. Anyway… that's not what's most important right now. I simply need to think about what I plan to do while waiting for Enette to wake up or for my new unit to arrive."
"My dear, your father is home. He brought company with him, and I would like you to come with us."
"Mom, I told you to knock before coming in. Yes, I'm coming give me one minute."
"Company? Who could it be… My mother looked worried. Maybe I should take my sword with me, but at the same time, if he sees me armed, he'll be more likely to attack me. And I don't really want to fight inside my apartment. Worst case, I still have my powers."
Abel extinguished his oil lamp before standing up from his chair and heading toward the door. As he stepped into the dark corridor, he caught a glimpse of a shadow. He didn't know who it could belong to. He slowly approached the light coming from the living room, trying to remain discreet.
"If you wish to surprise us, then do better next time. Come, we have something to discuss with your father."
Abel was surprised that the man had managed to see him despite his training to remain discreet. The man in the living room was not just anyone, yet Abel had no choice but to go there. He resumed a normal pace and headed inside. To his great surprise, there were three unfamiliar people in the living room. They were very rude, Abel thought, because they were sitting while his parents were standing in front of them.
The man who had noticed his presence was an old man. He was accompanied by two young men one looked around twenty years old, the other about fifteen. The two young men had black hair with a violet reflection, like Abel's father. Their eyes were orange, just like the old man's. However, the old man's hair was long, white, and styled like a Viking's.
Abel sat down on the second couch and invited his parents to sit as well, but the man gestured for them not to move. Abel's face tensed.
"They are also at home, and this is my home. If I invite them to sit, that is my right."
"I understand that, but if I ask them to remain standing, it is because a reason obliges me to do so. And whether this small apartment belongs to you or not, I do not care. Here, I decide the order of things."
"You are an old man, which means you do not know how to assimilate Qephraï."
"Of course I don't. But that doesn't prevent me from being an exceptional warrior. The two young men accompanying me are fortunate enough to know how to do it just like you."
"So he doesn't know how to assimilate Qephraï, yet he's still strong. Some time ago, I wouldn't have believed it, but after seeing the man who fought Anastasia, I can only believe it for now. Damn it. Why are there three of them? I have absolutely no advantage against them. I can only listen. Damn it, the kid I reincarnated into really has a talent for attracting trouble."
"Sir, one question remains in my mind. But unless I'm mistaken, we are obviously from the same family, aren't we?"
The question Abel had just asked caught the attention of the man and the two young men accompanying him. They looked dissatisfied, but the old man, on the other hand, seemed pleased. He crossed his arms, taking up even more space.
"Hm. Even if we have similarities, asking that is bold. Despite your young age, you seem different as if you were actually an adult in a child's body. Perhaps children nowadays mature faster than in my time. But yes, you are right. We belong to the same family. Although we are distant, the Verdalys are a sub-branch of the clan. Some of you still live within the clan. You are few, but you are not erased."
He continued.
"I have a proposal for you. I would like you to reintegrate the clan, despite your father having fled for reasons that concern only him. I did not bother chasing after him because he brought me nothing. But you interest me. That is why I am here."
"I assume that if I join your clan, I will no longer be able to be part of my troop. That won't please the lender of my troop. And what do I gain from this? As you said yourself, the Verdalys are not the most important branch of your clan."
"Hehe, you really make me laugh, kid. As for your troop, you have nothing to worry about. If they try to hold you hostage, we will be diplomatic. And if that doesn't work, then we have the means to respond. The Kashime clan is one of the three great clans. Even the greatest troops fear the Three Clans. If you return to the clan, you will be able to learn better, and no one will bother you."
"And within the clan, a bit like in a troop, if you manage to climb the ranks, you can make your family the head family. The clan name would then change. But before that, you must succeed. The Kashime have been at the head of the clan for ten thousand years. Genetics also play a role. My two sons here will become leaders after my death. I'll let you decide."
"I see. How much time do I have to give you a proper answer?"
"Five minutes."
"He's serious… Only five minutes to decide something this important. His proposal is tempting, but I have an important attachment to my troop. Still, they are my family. Becoming the head of a clan would be something good in this world. I need to know more."
"I have several questions before making my decision. First, what does it mean to be the leader of one of the Three Clans?"
"In terms of prestige, it is much better than being the leader of a troop and better than being a Decarque. Of course, Archons are still above us."
"Alright. Thank you for your honesty. Second, is it possible to be an Archon and also have a troop while being a clan leader?"
"That's an interesting question. You ask it as if it were your goal. Ambition is a good thing. But honestly, I don't think it will ever happen to you. Still, I will answer. Yes, it is possible to be an Archon, a troop leader, and a clan leader at the same time. It is rare, and not everyone seeks it. Only the Rushi clan is in that situation."
"Rushi… that name sounds familiar. Damn it."
"The name Rushi sounds familiar. Could you remind me who he is?"
"Oh, Rushi Tokinada. I'm surprised you've heard of him. If he interests you, don't even imagine confronting him. His continent is the second most powerful. Only Aiki Zhion can sit at his table."
"Right… Tokinada is Anastasia's cousin or something like that. And Aiki Zhion… every time I hear about him, he's described as extremely dangerous. Even more dangerous than Rushi Tokinada. I definitely don't want to cross their paths."
"One last question. Where is your clan located?"
"Our clan is on the Huīmò continent the seventh and weakest continent. The Archon there is useless, if he hasn't already been annihilated. Our presence prevents conflicts. It's a long journey. We'll pay for first-class train travel. We must head far north, while this place is far south. Quite ironic. Now that you have all your answers, give me your response."
"Alright. I accept. I will be there in two weeks, the time I need to prepare."
"Very well. We will be waiting."
The three men then left the apartment. Abel and his parents remained standing in the living room, an oppressive silence crushing the space. Abel noticed a trace of resentment on both his parents' faces, but he knew he had to take matters into his own hands.
"Dad, if I accepted, it's only because one day I will become the head of the clan. And I also want to know why you left the clan without asking to return."
"Abel, you don't understand. Becoming the leader is impossible. You don't realize the strength they possess. That man can't even assimilate, yet he brings to his knees everyone who can. You should never have accepted. If I'm telling you this, it's because I left for the same reason. They annihilated an entire family when I was there. They all died. They said their branch was becoming too dangerous."
His voice trembled.
"Do you understand? It is impossible to become the leader because they will take care of you before you can even imagine surpassing them. But I can't blame you. Just know that if, once we are there, you feel the desire to leave the clan, talk to me, and we will leave. Now, you must inform the leader of your troop. Your departure will be faster than you imagine."
"Tell me… why did the fact that they killed one of the families force you to leave the clan?"
"Because I was friends with them. They were good people. During the massacre, I managed to save one of the children of that family. When I arrived on the continent, I entrusted him to a man who could protect him so he could live in peace. I've never seen him again. Anyway… if we must leave, then we must prepare."
The next morning, Abel left early to go see Anastasia. Standing in front of her office door, he felt stressed. He knocked, and Anastasia answered, telling him to enter. Abel stepped into the room and approached the desk. Anastasia looked surprised to see him there.
"Good morning… What are you doing here? I didn't summon you. Your presence here isn't trivial. It worries me. What do you want?"
Abel stood straight in front of the desk, hands behind his back, rigid as a pole. His face radiated discomfort. He avoided Anastasia's gaze, unable to look her in the eyes.
"What's wrong with you? You won't even look at me. What are you doing in my office?!"
"I'm leaving…"
"You're leaving? Leaving where?"
"I'm returning to my clan. They came to see me, and I accepted to rejoin them. But in exchange, I must leave your troop."
"What you're telling me is a serious problem. I refuse. Contact them again and tell them it's no longer possible."
"I'm sorry, but it's impossible. Thank you for everything. I will vacate the apartment. I'm leaving in two weeks."
Still standing, Abel turned around to leave the room. As he reached the door, his hand on the handle, Anastasia stopped him.
"Wait! I can't let you leave like this. I want to speak with the clan leader."
"Alright. I'll inform him of your request, but I can't guarantee anything… Oh, and one last thing Enette is coming with me."
"What?! Absolutely not! What are you playing at? Are you trying to destroy my troop from the inside? You know as well as I do how much of a treasure Enette is and…"
"I'll stop you right there. I would never do that. Enette has never won a single fight since I've known him without my help. He would already be dead otherwise. And anyway, I won't force him. I'll simply inform him of my departure and my proposal. If he accepts, he joins me. If he refuses, he stays with you. It's that simple."
Abel turned the handle and left the room, leaving Anastasia speechless and alone.
Abel then went to the hospital where Enette was hospitalized. He left him a note on the bedside table so he could read it when he woke up, no matter when that happened. Abel looked at him one last time it might be the last. He left the room with a smile, but his eyes reflected a deep sadness.
The two weeks before departure passed much faster than expected. Fortunately, the family didn't have many belongings, since all the furniture belonged to the troop. They sat together in the train. It was the same class as when Abel had arrived in this new world everything was identical. Abel lowered his head and looked at his hands clasped on his knees.
"Did I really make the right choice? I returned to this world hoping to have no regrets, to make no mistakes like in my previous life. But I realize that no matter what we do, we are forced to make choices that can be regrettable. This journey reminds me of Anastasia… she was a good person. I will probably never see her again… No, what am I saying? I'll see her again once I become stronger. And if Enette doesn't come, it'll be the same I'll see him again someday. I may be living in the body of a ten-year-old child, but deep down, I'm still an adult… and yet, I know nothing."
The train journey was extremely long. Fortunately, they were traveling in comfort. When they finally arrived on the continent, the clan's city was located just above a town. Both benefited from being so close. Upon arrival, the clan leader was informed. Abel explained the situation: that Enette would be coming, that his family would ensure he wouldn't be noticed by others, and that Anastasia wished to speak with him. The clan leader sighed.
"I thought this would go more smoothly. I'll have to make another trip. But I can't allow her to come here that would be a display of weakness. I'll leave tonight. If you have any questions, address them to my eldest son. Thank you for coming."
The clan leader guided the family through the streets of the clan city, leading them to a traditional house. The entire clan lived in this style of home the more important the family, the larger the house. The Verdalys were given a large house with four bedrooms. The clan leader then left them to settle in.
A few days later, in the city of Auréline, Anastasia was still in her office.
"I should go to the hospital. I could either wait for Enette to wake up and make sure he doesn't go with Abel… or I could take his note and burn it so he never reads it. I'd make up an excuse for why Abel isn't here…"
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Exhausted, she told them to enter. The door opened, and an unknown man stood before her. Anastasia placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to draw but she was interrupted once again.
"Calm down. You don't need to become aggressive. I am the leader of the clan where Abel is."
Anastasia sat back down and relaxed quickly. The man walked toward the desk and sat down without being invited.
"Damn… he's really imposing. He even scared me when he opened the door. His aura is strange… but he seems friendly."
"Good morning. Sorry, my nerves have been on edge lately. I suppose Abel informed you of several things. First, his departure is a real problem for me. Normally, this kind of thing doesn't happen. I should declare war over this behavior. And second, you are allowing Enette to leave my troop even though he has nothing to do with your clan."
"Indeed. But know that you don't really have a choice. I can't afford to lose young Abel, and one of his conditions was that Enette comes with him. I accepted. So be it. By chance… are you related to Tokinada?"
Anastasia raised her head in surprise.
"Yes. That's one of the reasons why you don't have the advantage. I assume you are part of one of the Three Clans. When I learned that, it truly became a thorn in my side. But know that Tokinada will stand on my side if you choose violence."
"He is not on your side. I contacted him during the two weeks Abel was preparing. Unfortunately for you, he sided with me. He will not intervene if a conflict arises."
Fear spread across Anastasia's face.
"So you have no choice but to accept. But know this you disgust me for having placed all your hopes on Tokinada. Now, I want your answer immediately."
"Alright… I… I give up Abel and Enette."
"Excellent. And of course, one of my clan members will monitor you at all times. If I learn that you went to the hospital where Enette is, I will come personally. And next time, my visit will not be friendly like today."
The man stood up and left the room. Anastasia collapsed into a fit of nerves, tears streaming down her face. She had been played like a fool. Abel had taken away key elements of her troop. All she could do now was hope that Enette would return to his leader's troop.
The Verdalys family was finally settled. They were sitting in the vast living room when someone entered the hall it was the clan leader.
Abel walked toward him and extended his hand.
"You could knock before entering people's homes."
"Hehe, sorry. Sometimes I forget good manners… But now, we can get to serious matters. To integrate the clan, you will have to kill another clan member in a one on one combat."