The tension in the village began to rise as the trial came to an end. Three of the candidates were kicked out as soon as the trial began and were inflicted with heavy soul damage, unable to provide the Elders with any information about the trial.
"Only Aldrich and Carl are left", Kale said, walking up to Erik.
Erik noticed that the people had divided into two major factions. Those loyal to Erik and supported Aldrich and the radicals who wanted Carl to be the next head of the family believed that significant changes were required in the family.
Erik was getting worried, but he decided to believe in his son.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from within the Dungeon. "A-Aldrich"? Erik walked towards the figure.
It was Carl. Kale rushed to his son, "He did it", holding him tight.
The Faction supporting Carl rejoiced while the other Faction looked towards the gloomy figure of Erik.
"Aldrich.." the rage was about to fuel Erik's eyes when suddenly, Carl spoke, "I am sorry, Dad, I lost", before passing out.
Just then, the Dungeon shook as a bright light enveloped the village.
"Hey Dad, missed me?" it was Aldrich, walking with a medal in his hands. He had considered his options, whether to reveal the swords or not. "The Elders who will oppose will find new ways to pull me down. I should save some cards for later" he decided to keep the swords and spirits as his trump card.
Erik rushed towards Aldrich, hugging him tightly.
"D-ad," Aldrich could not resist the strength of a 7-star warrior.
"You did it, son" Erik looked at Aldrich, proud of his son. The supporters of Erik sighed in relief, whereas the other party had disgruntled expressions.
"How did Aldrich face something even Carl, a two-star warrior, couldn't?", One of the Elders spoke up.
Aldrich looked towards the Elder, "The final test wasn't combat related; it was the test of will. "Aldrich presented his medal to the people, further solidifying his position as the family's successor.
The Elders tried to argue, but Erik stopped them, "The kids are tired. We can listen to the story of every candidate, and it can be presented in the court meeting a week later. Any objections?" Erik looked at everyone present.
"None", Kale said, taking his son to the healers.
"How's Mark?" Aldrich asked as he walked towards the village.
"He is recuperating. He told me that you saved his life" Erik patted Aldrich's head. "Good job; as the family head, you will need some valuable allies ",
Aldrich entered the room where Mark was resting and noticed that no one of Mark's family was present.
"Hey, Mark" Mark sat on the chair, noticing Aldrich's arrival.
"Hey cousin",
"You can call me Aldrich." Aldrich walked towards Mark, "And you did a good job. "
"Aah", how long had Mark waited for these words? For someone to compliment him for his efforts.
"Thanks, Aldrich", Mark said with a big smile.
"You are still weak. Come and stay with me. We will train together", Aldrich proposed to Mark.
Mark stood up, taking support from a cane. "I am sorry, Aldrich, but I want to prove my worth of my own hard work, not riding on your success."
"But I will show you my resolve, and you can always count on me to help you", Mark said.
Aldrich grinned, "Okay. Don't disappoint me then."
As the trial concluded, the Elders started leaving the village, returning to their mansions.
Erik stood in front of Aldrich with a severe expression on his face. "So when did you gain so much strength to defeat high-ranked monsters" Erik referred to his feat of achieving 1000 points in one go.
"I cannot tell him I am not Aldrich. He might consider me a demon who took over the real Aldrich's body." Aldrich tried to run his brain to escape this situation when an incident from past life flashed in his mind.
Aldrich looked towards the sky, speaking in a grim tone. "I know who was behind my mom's murder.",
Erik's eyes shook as if his hidden secret had been revealed.
"So he knew as well", Aldrich continued, "I know that you thought I was too weak to know the truth. So I wanted to prove to you that I will get strong enough to take revenge for my mom."
"I meant to tell you someday, Aldrich"; Erik walked towards Aldrich, holding his hand." But your father is powerless against the mastermind behind the attack. Your dad is pathetic; who can't even protect his own family" Erik went down on his knees, breaking into tears.
"It's not your fault, Father. Those who did this to Mom will pay" Aldrich looked towards Erik. "We will beat them together".
"Yes", Erik said as he stood up, clenching the pendant.
Erik didn't speak as he turned away, returning to his room. "This should make people believe I have a reason to grow stronger", Aldrich said. "Aldrich's mother was killed by the Elf king. This news got popular after the crimes of the Elf king were brought to light",
"Elves do bring bad taste to my mouth", Aldrich thought. "Those bastards rushed to a server under the Dragons, betraying the treaty they had signed between the Major races to resist the Dragons."
"I still remember slitting the king's throat. I look forward to killing him again" Aldrich licked his lips, entering his room.