Back in the old house where Claude grew up. Loads of people have gathered as they pay their respect to the two elders. Claude continued to stand in the corner not saying a word nor making a single expression.
"Is Claude alright?" a person asked Alex.
Alex just smiled assuring them his fine, but after they've returned from the shrine and came home to the academy. He has made no reaction at all nor has he been himself lately.
"Claude?" Alex slowly approached the boy who looked like a statue. When he notices the boy was unmoved, he left him alone and continued to host the event.
On top of the hilltop stood a single tree, Claude was standing by Alex as they spread the two elders ashes. While everyone we're all in tears, Claude did not shed a single drop. As the guest, all left one at a time, Claude was still unmoved and continued to stare at the tree.
When Alex approached him so they can head home, he saw the young boy expression change, he looked cold, "Claude?"
"Father, I promise you... I'll... I'll kill them all..." he cried
What Alex feared most finally happened, "Claude... It's not your fault."
"I'll get stronger and kill them all," he continued crying
Alex sighed as he ponders if whether telling him the truth now would relieve his anger or would it end up losing him too. He kneed down as he embraced the young boy, "I'll always be here for you..."
-----
As season change, loads of changes happened in Claude life, in an instant he became a man and was no longer a boy who smiled happily.
"Professor Levin congratulation..."
"Chairman well done..."
A group of people greets Alex, Levin and his research them as they have successfully created the machine to configure the AMSD at the same time anyone can use it with no side effects on them.
"It's Master Cromwell."
The group of people made way as the elder man slowly approached them, he was surrounded with the rest of the Cromwell family at the same time two men in black beside him and the elder butler. "Alex, you've done us proud. Levin good work."
"Grandfather thank you..." he said
"Elder Master Cromwell, it's my honor," he said
As the elder checked the surrounding area, he notices one person was missing, "Where is he?"
Alex smiled, "He's in the lab..."
Apart from the research team and the Elder Master, no one knows that it was Claude who actually invented the machine and successfully created the new AMSD device that everyone can easily use. The new AMSD device that Claude invented was in the form of a black bracelet, but those with power, of course, can have it customized. But professional engineers can only configure the device since it had a very demanding configuration required and coding.
"Don't worry grandfather his fine, he rather works than attend such gathering," Alex said
"The clan gathering will be coming soon, you and Claude better show yourself or else I'll drag you both..." He frowned
"Grandfather, don't be like that, I'll be there but if Claude does not wish to attend please let's not pressure him." he pleaded.
"Fine..." He said as he left with his servants.
Back in the academy lab, Claude was busy working on a project.
"Young Master..." the man in a suit said as he quietly steps inside.
"Uncle Chen, how can I help you?" he said as he got up from his stool.
He then handed him a silver case. "The Master asked me to hand this to you..."
Butler Chen then left without further explaining the purpose of the case. Claude then placed the case on the table and opened it, inside were different magic gemstones and minerals that can be used to boost once magic. Also, a small note was attached inside.
[You and your father better show up.]
Claude sighed as he saw the note, he felt awful if he rejects the gift at the same time it would be bad if he does not do what he was asked. Since his grandparents passed away he never attends any gatherings or event since then, apart from Alex's birthday and Elder Master he has tried to avoid it. Since Alex never pressured him nor does Alex wishes to go as well, both of them have avoided attending any social gathering.
The Clan Gathering is an event in which every family members of each Clan meets, not only that sub-leaders from each clan are present as well. The purpose of the event is to exchange achievements and future proposal to each other. There are eleven main clans who rule the different area of the city, each clan also rule over different sub-family clans. The Capital City is home to the King and two clan members from the eleven clans.
When it comes to power, the King holds great power amongst the clans. Since they are born with a special ability which only they possess. Within the eleven clans, the Cromwell family is in part with the two clans living in the city when it comes to power. However, since the two clans live in the capital, they possess more power since they rule over powerful families as well.
Later that evening, Claude was still working in the lab when Levin came back.
"You better get some rest, the Clan Gathering is coming," he said
Claude ignored him as he continued to focus on his work, Levin notices a silver case on the table and went to check it out. When he opened it his eyes could not believe what he was seeing, such materials are impossible to get, but when he saw the note he could only sigh as he understands who it came from and its purpose.
"So they came here..." he said
"Hmmm..." he replied
"Have you eaten?" he asked
"I'll go home once I'm done..." he said
It only took a few minutes when Claude finished what he was doing, he left without a word and also left the silver case. Levin just watched him vanished as he went to check what he was doing. When Levin saw what he was doing he just smiled, he did not expect the boy would surpass them in such a short time. He got his phone out and send a message to someone.
Alex was preparing dinner with Martha, for he knows around this time Claude will be coming home. He paused when he felt his phone vibrate from his pocket.
[Levin: Will be realizing the ACW soon, he just finished modifying some of them.]
Alex put his phone away and did not bother replying to it, it is indeed a great achievement but he felt like his losing his son, the sweet cheerful boy was no longer there. Despite a few months have passed by yet Claude has not returned to his usual self.
At that moment, someone has stepped inside the house.
"Young Master, welcome home." Butler Walden said
"Good evening." he replied, as he walked down the hallway he saw his father standing "Father, Good evening."
After hearing the boy sweet voice he finally snaps back to reality, "Claude your home, come let's have dinner together. Did great-grandfather visit you?"
As both of them headed to the dining hall, Claude sat down beside Alex.
"His man did, he sent me a present also asking me to attend the Clan Gathering," Claude said whilst picking some dishes to his plate.
"So will you go?" Alex asked
"If father go then I shall too..." he replied
Alex smiled, "Then let go out tomorrow and get our suit."