(And before we begin, let me remind you of an ironclad rule that must be adhered to during the underage conference. This rule was set at its inception and shouldn't be broken at all costs by both adults and children alike; Failure to comply could lead to consequences that are out of your control, regardless of your status.) Adred's warm tone briefly turned cold, almost as a warning to any potential troublemakers who might disrupt the event.
(The heavenly order is known for its impartiality to every living being. Therefore, I don't need to elaborate on the consequences for those who violate its rules,) he added.
(Now, let me clarify the ironclad rule that takes precedence above all others at the underage conference. This rule must be followed without exceptions or questions. At the underage conference, it is common for children to interact and try to build connections. However, if any conflicts arise among them, they should be allowed to happen. Unless it is a life-threatening situation, no one is permitted to intervene. Whether it is parents observing their foreplay from the upper floor or the organizers preceding the event, no one is allowed to violate this strict rule that has been upheld since the beginning, and this chamber of Genesis-bound will ensure its enforcement. I understand that every child is precious in their parent's eyes, but this rule is essential for their mental development. Therefore, I hope you comprehend and let things unfold as they may.)
Up to this point, some people had hesitant expressions, while others nodded in understanding. However, in the end, everyone tacitly accepted this rule and refrained from voicing any complaints.
(Thank you for your cooperation. Now, let me address the young ones. You are free to debate things you disagree with and even use any armaments you possess to your advantage. We may be able to partially suppress your background, but not entirely. Therefore, your success in this event will ultimately depend on your background advantage, mental skills, wits, and hole cards. Before you object, I acknowledge that this may seem unfair to some of you who come from less privileged backgrounds. My response is simple: toughen up; life has always been unfair, and only personal strength matters. This is precisely why this underage conference was organized: to fine-tune your beliefs and prepare you for life's challenges)," he concluded.
Afterwards, Adred explained some additional basic rules and dos and don'ts. Finally, the underage conference commenced.
*****
At the corner table, after the event commenced, both Sarah and Jary got up to leave for the upper floors.
Well, not before they assured their children and equipped them with all protections they could.
During time frame, Void, with hopeful eyes, asked his aunt, (My sweet aunt, please tell me you weren't fazed by those shitty rules. I know you won't let us suffer the slightest grievance in your presence, right, right! After all, didn't you boast about being unsuppressible and could decimate this chamber with a flick of your finger. So, why don't you give us a little help in cheating our way through~ Ah *ouch*)
(Language, boy, language!) Before he could finish, Sarah flicked a finger on his forehead. This caused Void's blank pupils to break into sparkling tears. He looked really pitiful.
Nonetheless, Sarah was unfazed by his display of play-to-get. She flicked him again. (Stop acting. There's no way I am going to let you cheat instead of learning among your peers. Also, why do you need my help? Unless you are thinking of going around 'creating trouble'?)
(No, no, no. How could that be! I am the most innocent child in the universe. I am even afraid to kill an ant. Aunt, how could you accuse me of being a troublemaker? I-I'm truly hurt now,) Void, whose hopes got crushed, couldn't take the accusation and defended himself.
Meanwhile, the other three who overheard him were speechless at his audacity.
(Ohhhh!) Irish exclaimed in amazement.
(Narcissistic yet shameless. Truly, a miracle oddity for his age, surpassing even your mother in her heyday,) Jary grinned and nodded in approval.
(Liar, pretender.) Sora couldn't stand it and exposed him on the spot.
Subsequently, Sarah had black lines hearing him. She looked at his still aggrieved expression and couldn't help but curse his scoundrel behavior, which reminded her of 'her'.
(Rascal, stop making a scene. Alright, I'll help you, but only once when I deem it necessary. Otherwise, I will risk exposure to my 'enemies', understand?) Sarah helplessly relented.
To this, Void nodded solemnly but couldn't help smirking in his head, [Rule no.7 taught by aunt; "Use everything at your disposal, if it helps you in any way." Kukuku, aunt, I guess this is what they call biting one's own tongue.]
Unaware of biting her own tongue, Sarah and Jary said their goodbyes and disappeared.
***
After they left, silence reigned among the three: Void, Sora, and Irish.
Irish looked around, unsure of what to do, while Sora stood there, her thoughts swirling. She was contemplating whether to associate herself with this narcissistic brother of hers, knowing his penchant for creating trouble for fun, especially in this grand stage where numerous geniuses gathered.
Soon, Void broke the silence by declaring, (I'm leaving!) With that, he started walking.
Nevertheless, before he could take a step, Sora clung to his sleeves, (Onii-chan, you can't just leave us like that! You have a duty to protect us.)
Hearing her nonsense, Void tilted his head back and looked at her weirdly, (I don't recall signing up for any protection mission, right?)
In response, Sora argued, (It's not about a mission, onii-chan. It's your responsibility as a brother to protect your favorite sister and her friend.)
(And as twins, we are always supposed to stick together, right?)
Speechless, Void retorted, (Your logic makes no sense. And why do I need to be your bodyguard? It's not like we were thrown into a den of wolves, right?) Suddenly, Void paused and looked around, noticing the glances from some kids thrown their way, or more specifically towards Irish - the princess of this event. (Probably not?)
Sensing the glances from nearby, Irish flinched and looked pitifully at him.
[Damn it, this girl is copying my tactics. What a quick learner. Like hell I'll believe this girl is a damsel princess,] Void involuntarily cursed.
(By the way, onii-chan, who are you planning on bullying today?) Sora innocently inquired. After all, she knew her brother the most. He wouldn't attend occasions unless they seemed fun. That's why, if it were questioned who is the one among these two twins who left their home - Ever-lasting garden - in the past two years the most and interacted with the outside dimensional pocket, then it would undoubtedly be Sora. Unlike lazy Void, who wanted to be a shut-in and immerse himself in books of the library and video games.
Void pulled out of his thoughts, involuntarily replying, (Nah, I just want to catch some fish... No, I mean, Some Protagonists and Antagonists of this world!) 🌀♦