Pixel was not the only one to make her mark on Zou during that time, Micah had contributed greatly towards the studies of Electro sciences and had developed a variety of different tools.
Any major weapons or dangerous weapons had been strictly controlled by Duke Baan in order to prevent damage being done to Zou.
If used in times of need when there was a threat they could not deal with, they would be very helpful but if they were distributed among the people of Zou, it would only be used by those that wished to harm others and further their own goals.
Instead of having many people being armed with such weapons and being ready to use them against each other, it was better to keep them as a back up plan for when their home was in danger.
It was the same for the vitamins or supplements that had been created, if distributed to the wrong people then it would only help them train their forces faster.
If they were produced on a large quantity then more people would need to know how to make them which would make the blueprints or recipes even more vulnerable to being stolen and landing in the hands of those that would use them to do harm.
Micah was tinkering with his inventions then he removed his goggles. "Is it about time?"
He climbed down from his seat and looked at his clothes. "This is no good. I must dress up nicely if I am to meet up with the lady."
It had been a while since he had stepped outside and his clothes were a mess.
The smell on his body had become stronger so he quickly ran to wash himself then dressed himself up.
He checked his appearance once more before going to say his farewells to his family.
Meanwhile the heirs of the Meridian family were gathered together in front of Rufus who inspected their appearances. "You have all grown so much. I have called you all here so that we can discuss how we will proceed with your next test. Pixel does not need to participate but she has agreed to join too but her performance will not affect the rest of you."
It was not beneficial to keep putting Pixel up against the other heirs due to her showing them up each time and her not being able to inherit the family head position.
Rufus had asked if she wished to participate due to there being little benefits to her taking part, the results she would show would not affect her position in the family so Pixel did not need to participate according to the family rules.
All heirs were required to take the test while others were exempt, those that were not required to would still have the chance to join.
Anyone that took part would be given the same opportunities and would benefit from it if they had been successful.
Rufus continued. "This test was supposed to be held between your tenth and twelfth birthdays but it has been delayed for various reasons. The extra time has given you all more time to develop and I hope you have all used your time wisely."
Each of the heirs had developed to become their own person and would be tested on how they had improved since the previous tests and lessons which had been passed onto them.
The test was supposed be held much earlier but Rufus had delayed it for various reasons.
One of them was that it was far too dangerous for the children to be tested at their ages, anything could happen and it was better if they prepared themselves better.
Although the remaining elders voiced their thoughts on the trial being delayed, Rufus had regained control of the family and the previous incident had made others speak against him.
Rufus did not have the desire to keep his position for long and only wanted the family to gain the next leader which would be best fit for the role.
He would pass on the role once he found the right successor rather than choosing quickly from the heirs.
He did not agree with the elders who were busy trying to push one of the heirs into inheriting the position when they had still not yet matured.
The heirs listened quietly as Rufus went over the basics of the test and how long they would have to prepare before they set out.
Pixel was listening quietly while observing the others in the room. 'Hmm.. big sis Felice has become more beautiful. Maximillion has become more playful I think? Let's see… Cleo has become more adorable while there is now a more cheerfulness about her now compared to the past. Milo.. I have not run into him for some time but he has become much more reserved and quiet.'
Meanwhile within the Glutt family, the Glutt family head had gathered many people together. "We have made contact during our last venture outside and have confirmed our plans. That old man has delayed as much as he can but he had to give in eventually. This is our chance!"
A young hyena Mink which was around the same age as the heirs showed a cold and crazed look. "Finally I can get my hands on that little mouse."
The head of the Glutt family let out a cold snort. "Tear her to pieces. The damage she has done to our family could not be recovered easily so we must make her pay for it."
Although they did not suffer directly, those related to them had been imprisoned or had to pay compensation to the Meridian family so it had affected the relationship of those families affiliated with them and had cut off some of their connections.
It did not help that they had been under suspicion for being involved with the incident due to it being close to the hunting event.
The Glutt family had to be extra careful to avoid being implicated and exposing any of their wrongdoings.
It was not easy for them to live in a more restrained and careful way for a long time while many of their future plans were forced to be put on hold.
They continued to venture off the island and continued their trading with nearby islands they passed by while waiting for their chance, they could not act so quickly against the Meridian family due to them only being able to slightly disrupt their operations and had set their sights on those at the top.
Attacking a couple of boats or disrupting the trade of the Meridian family when they were outside of Zou would only cause the Meridian family to raise their guard up again so they waited and plotted until their time to strike came.
They did not just wish to bring harm to Pixel and had a much larger scheme which was about to unfold.
There would be no more influence from those on Zou and the amount of protection that could be provided to those taking part in the trials would be limited.
Those that joined to protect or assist the heirs would be unable to act out as they pleased due to being in a foreign place where they wished to continue doing business.
Each person was making their preparations to leave Zou and the ships that would carry them were already waiting for them to get on board.