As a 2nd level Silver power, having long since had a practitioner over the 5th Step of the Heavenly Realm, House Deshar had several weaker forces that served under them. Zarel was from a 2nd Level Copper power, the noble house of Zental.
Barely qualifying as a Barony with their 5th Step Earthly Realm patriarch, the founder of House Zental, had given his second son into servitude under Lady Amoreta after her marriage, in order to gain backing in House Deshar. Growing up knowing that he was the main connection between his house and their overlord, Zarel had completely given into his work, and soon became known as Amoreta's hound, one of her closest attendants, who she trusted to do all kinds of work.
Knowing how shrewd this guy was, Stratos immediately had his guard up. After displaying some of his abilities in the forest, as there was no way that guy would underestimate him any more, he now had to consider what his best option was. Feigning ignorance and finding a way to get into the courtyard safely might be safer in the long run, but it was more dangerous now as he couldn't put up any guard, lest Zarel notices. But if he made it clear that he knew who came after him, even if he gets back safely now, Amoreta would increase her efforts to kill him in the future.
'Sigh. Chip, analyze Zarel's movement and let me know if he begins to show any signs of attack'
After saying that, he immediately sped up in the direction of the courtyard, trying to close the distance even if it brought him closer to Zarel.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack! Zarel, Zarel, run back and immediately warn the Chief of Guards of an impending enemy attack!"
'What nonsense is this brat speaking', "Stratos, what rubbish rumours are you spreading, are you trying to disturb the calm of this place"
"Zarel, how dare you speak to me like that, you're nothing but a servant! Are you trying to hide the attack? Are you part of them? Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
'Damn, this brat definitely knows something, that's why he's acting so weird. But there was no enemy attack, so what is he saying?'
But before he could say anything further, a patrolling squad already noticed the commotion and started to head over.
"Young Master, what's going on here?", Cale was one of his fathers adventuring buddies back in their wondering days, and after getting hitched down by marriage, Cale had decided to come work for the Deshars. Being a 1st Step Earth Realm practitioner, even though he was too old to advance much further, that was already decent enough strength to serve in the Deshar army. After retiring, he had achieved the 3rd Step and now worked as the captain of the guard squad in the East Courtyard.
"Yesterday, as I was returning back home, I noticed some spies trying to sneak into the East Courtyard. Thankfully, I was far away, so even though they also noticed me I managed to go hide in the forbidden ground. Afterwards, I heard some fighting so I thought the guards had come to rescue me. I didn't hear anything a while after, so I came out and saw that the people after me where already dead or gone. I thought all this was very strange, so I came back to warn you guys when attendant Zarel started trying to silence me after I explained to him what I had seen."
'Damn, what a wicked brat, that's a complete fabrication. He definitely noticed something, and is now trying to lie against me.' Zarel was all of a sudden flustered, wondering when this guy had learnt to lie like this. He, of course, knew that this wasn't true. But if he said so, he would just be putting himself in more danger. "Hehe, I just thought that our young master here must have been too excited by something he saw in the forest and started making up fabrications'
Cale was aware of the conflict between Stratos' family and Amoreta. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on right now, but he might as well use this opportunity to deal a blow. With his identity as a veteran and his captain position, he had a bit of wiggle room
"Zarel, are you colluding with enemies? Beat him and then lock him up until we can get to the bottom of what's going on. Let's see how your mistress would get you out now that you're committing crimes against the family. Stratos, where did you see this? We need to investigate immediately"
As one of those types who liked pushing around weight gained under someone else, Zarel had a lot of enemies. Especially among those in the East Court. After all, those here all had family situations similar to that of House Zental, but just because Amoreta had been able to gain more influence thanks to her husband, House Zental had been using that connection to suppress some of the weaker vassal houses. With this chance, they would be sure to make things difficult for him. After all, with the backing of Cale and Stratos, even if there where consequence, it would fall on those 2 and not them.
After pointing them in the direction where the altercation took place, Stratos was finally able to return home. But before he could relax, he was immediately knocked down as he stepped into the house.
"What have you gotten yourself into now. You unfilial son, always giving your old man a headache". With a massive grin, his dad was looking down at him.
......….
Bronze 1: Practitioner below the 5th Mortal Realm
Bronze 2: Practitioner above the 5th Mortal Realm
Copper 1: Practitioner below the 5th Earthly Realm
Copper 2: Practitioner above the 5th Earthly Realm.
Silver 1: Practitioner below the 5th Heavenly Realm.
Silver 2: Practitioner above the 5th Heavenly Realm.
Gold 1: Practitioner who has Achieved Nirvanic Rebirth.
Gold 2: Practitioner who has Mastered a Mystical Law.
Kingdoms are Powers that focus on Bloodlines
Sects are Powers that focus on Practitioner Methods
Republics/Associations are Powers that focus on Esoteric Methods
Unfamiliar terms would be explained as the story progresses further, but just wanted you guys to be aware of the power rankings beforehand.