The Next morning for the human continent...
Before the assembled guests were invited to the Old Continent, a sudden window appeared, leaving everyone in awe.
[The Merciless Clan has completed the mission with an S score and secured the top rank on the ranking list for all seven paths.]
No one grasped the full depth or significance of the message, but a unanimous understanding prevailed – The Merciless Clan, having ventured into the fracture, had not met their demise on the other side.
Iskar City...
As they left they returned and now, on the balcony of The Dalma mansion, Fray, Elisa, Casper, and Adam gazed at the blue sky, observing the fractures slowly closing. Suddenly, messages appeared in several windows.
[The Old Continent has been closed.]
[The next opening will be after 16 days.]
"Two weeks, finally some time to rest," Adam muttered, relieved from the constant danger in the Old Continent, where sleep was a luxury, as in the entire nine days they had just three opportunities to sleep.
"I don't feel tired anymore. I can return right at the moment, " Casper said with a smile on his face.
"Yes, the body regenerates after coming back; injuries and fatigue are eliminated. But it's still necessary to reset your mind," Fray explained. "Adam and Casper, go and take a much-needed rest; unfortunately, Elisa and I won't be able to."
"Why !?" Casper asked, confused.
"Well, the head of the family will likely convene a meeting soon to share his orders and plans for the Old Continent, and we must be present," Elisa explained.
....
As Fray and Elisa anticipated, while Fray was having breakfast, a servant abruptly approached, announcing a family meeting in the grand throne hall. Fray promptly left for the gathering.
Upon arrival, he faced a towering wooden door, which swung open to reveal a hall adorned with immense windows and a luxurious throne at the far end. Below the throne, eight offspring of the family stood in two orderly rows. Fray's gaze was drawn to the two men positioned at the apex of each row.
On the right, a man with dark hair in his twenties commanded attention with an air of seasoned authority. Dressed in finely tailored attire, he exuded a quiet confidence. His dark eyes held a depth of experience, and a faint scar on his cheek hinted at battles overcome. This man was Oliver the firstborn of the family.
Conversely, on the left, a teenager radiated youthful energy and charisma. Clad in unique, vibrant attire that seamlessly blended tradition with modern flair, he bore an enigmatic charm. His piercing gaze and the distinctive warm smile hinted at his gentle personality the youngest of the family.
As Fray entered the grand hall, he noted Erma, his older sister, standing on Rafael's side. The siblings shot him glares filled with annoyance and aggression, but Fray, undeterred, approached the area where Erma stood.
"Hey, Erma," he greeted, but she responded with a dismissive silence, her annoyance evident. Ignoring her, Fray stood in contemplative silence until Elisa arrived taking her place on the opposite side.
(So, there are only ten left; they were fourteen last time I was here,) Fray pondered, glancing at his remaining siblings.
The history of bloody battles among the siblings was not uncommon in this family. In the cutthroat dynamics of the Dalma family, displaying any sign of weakness often led to dire consequences, even death.
As Fray reflected on the past, he could recall a time when there were more than twenty offspring in the family. Now, only ten remained, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of this family.
Swung!!
Suddenly, the door swung open for the last time, revealing the family head with Montaser, the old butler, and a Knight in black armour, Sir Aric, the commander of the Dalma family knight troops. Fray observed Sir Aric's dark hair, eyes, and moustache as he walked with a stoic presence.
Then, with a cold expression and eyes void of warmth, the head of the family entered the hall. Irno Dalma, in formal clothes, sported a trimmed beard, dark hair, and dark eyes, with a muscular, medium-height physique. Without uttering a word, the family head ascended to the throne, Montaser and Aric flanking him.
The air in the hall tensed as the family awaited the impending discussion. Iron Dalma took his seat on the throne, and a heavy silence settled, thick with anticipation.
The family head lounged on his throne, his voice resonating deeply as he announced, "We have a lot of matters at hand, so I'll delve straight into the subject. I'm sure you're already aware of what happened yesterday." He continued, "The family council convened, and we decided that the family needs to enter the Old Continent at the next opening. While we are uncertain about the dangers within, the return of the group calling themselves the Merciless Clan suggests opportunities and rewards. Therefore, we've resolved to form several teams for exploration."
The family head leaned forward, emphasizing the importance of his words. "There will be a team comprised of our strongest knights to represent the family. Additionally, I offer each of you the opportunity to establish a personal team if you wish to explore independently. Alternatively, you can choose to join the squad representing the family."
He paused, allowing the weight of the decision to settle among the family members. The air in the hall grew tense as they absorbed the implications of the forthcoming journey into the unknown. Irno Dalma concluded, "Make your choices wisely."
Oliver raised his hand boldly, breaking the initial silence. "I will establish a team," he declared with a determined look. Rafael followed suit, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Count me in as well," he chimed in.
To everyone's surprise, Fray, who had been relatively silent until now, also raised his hand. "Me too," he affirmed, a quiet determination in his voice.
The sudden revelation left the siblings astonished, their eyes fixed on Fray with a mix of surprise and disbelief. The head of the family, intrigued, inquired, "So, who will be joining your teams?"
Oliver's row, with a man named Liam and others, promptly declared their allegiance. "I will join Oliver's team," Liam stated, and the rest of the row echoed with unanimous agreement.
Erma, on Rafael's side, raised her hand with determination. "I will join Rafael, Patriarch," she declared. Much like Oliver's side, the rest of the row joined in solidarity.
As the spotlight shifted to Fray, none of his siblings raised their hands. Erma, wearing a sly grin, sent an unspoken message to Fray. Moving her lips without uttering a word, she conveyed, 'I told you, you're not welcome.'
But not just Erma Fray could feel the looks of the siblings's disapproval, and the subtle sense of mockery emanated from them.
The family head then directed his attention to Elisa, knowing her decision could sway the balance. "Elisa, what about you?" he asked.
As the question hung in the air, all eyes turned to Elisa. Her influential role within the family was undeniable. If she decided to join one of the two teams, the delicate balance between them would crumble. Rafael and Oliver held little hope for their cause.
Rafael thought with a disappointed expression, (Elisa will join the family squad for sure.) This sentiment echoed in the minds of all the siblings, creating an air of expectation.
However, Elisa's response defied expectations. With a stoic expression, she announced, "I will join Fray's team."
The declaration sent shockwaves through the hall, shattering the anticipated equilibrium. The siblings, including Rafael and Oliver, were left in stunned silence.
Surprise flickered even in the head of the family's eyes, leaving Aric, Elisa's commander, thoroughly confused. Montaser, however, sported a small, knowing smile.
"Alright, but you should have at least four members; find two others before the second opening," the head of the family declared, fixating stoic eyes on Fray and Elisa.
"Understood, Patriarch," Fray responded calmly.
Montaser maintained a calm expression, thinking, ( So, none of the siblings will join the family squad.)
"You are free to explore the continent as you wish. Keep the rewards, but declare them along with any useful information to the family. Additionally, try to uncover pertinent details about the group calling themselves the Merciless Clan," the head of the family emphasized, laying out the parameters for the siblings.