Finally, the war has come to an end, or so Mozak thought upon hearing about the agreement with the Inup tribes. Although it's unfortunate to give up part of their territory, he sees it as a small price for peace. At 17 years old, he had actively participated in the conflict for the past three years. Due to the high need for soldiers, the von Abel family had to enlist warriors from the branch families. Along with his father Eskil, mother Flora, and late brother Artur, he had to fight. His younger sister Alja was left at the estate under the care of the butler and a few soldiers.
While Mozak's parents managed to survive the war, his brother Artur met his demise in the second year, falling to the formidable warrior Waswa the Strong. Fueled by grief and anger, Eskil, undertook a mission to assassinate Waswa, who had caused significant harm to the von Abel family. Despite Eskil's Gold Core rank, capturing Waswa proved elusive, with the warrior consistently slipping through their fingers. The pursuit led Eskil deep into Inup-tribe territory, where, on the verge of capturing Waswa, he faced an unexpected onslaught.
Confronted by ten Gold-rank Inup-tribe warriors, Eskil narrowly escaped by sacrificing his life essence. While he managed to take down two Gold-rank warriors, the toll on his life essence was severe, causing his power to drop to Silver rank. The family's pursuit of justice proved to be a costly endeavor.
Mozak only knew this because everyone was talking about it. He still hadn't seen his father since they both went to different camps. While his father was made a general because of his strenght, Mozak could only be useful as cannon fodder with his bronze rank and since there was a lot at stake in this war, his father was powerless to give him a favorable position.
The last three years have been a living hell for Mozak. But despite all this, he managed to survive. While most friends he made at the camp all died, he managed to survive every single time. Of course, there were many times where he could've succumbed to his wounds, but he was able to survive long enough for the healers to mend him. So, against all odds, he is alive while many others who were stronger died.
However, tomorrow marked the day Mozak would finally leave and return home. Anticipation built within him as he looked forward to reuniting with his parents and sister. While the sorrow of losing his brother still lingered, Mozak had grown accustomed to the grim reality of war and death. Additionally, he considered himself too feeble to seek revenge.
Caught in his thoughts, Mozak was interrupted by Ceryl. "What are you thinking about, looking so gloomy?" Mozak explained his musings and learned that Ceryl was waiting for the next carriages to arrive.
"Why not go on your own? You're already a silver rank; it shouldn't take you long to get to Xenia," Ceryl suggested.
Mozak responded, "True, but after fighting for so long, I just want to relax now that the war is over. And besides, I can't leave without saying goodbye to you."
"You're right," Ceryl acknowledged.
Ceryl had been with Mozak for the last two years, one of the few people who managed to stay alive alongside him. Hailing from a merchant family, Ceryl, being bronze rank and above the age of 14, was also sent to war. He was a year younger than Mozak, but after the last battle, he progressed to the silver stage while Mozak remained stuck at bronze.
"When are you leaving?" Ceryl asked.
"Tomorrow. The butler sent an air carriage to pick me up,"
Ceryl, astonished, remarked, "Even my dad can't afford that. You Von Abel people sure have a good life."
Mozak agreed with a simple "Yeah."
Curiosity lingered as Ceryl inquired, "What are you going to do now that the war is over?"
"I don't know. I'll probably be sent to the academy as I'm turning 18 soon. Afterward, I'll take care of my parents and sister and consider marriage,"
Ceryl, looking for excitement, suggested, "Why not aim for something bigger? Become super strong and take revenge on these Inup tribes?"
"I lack the talent. I'm still just a bronze rank, and I doubt I'll get much stronger," Mozak admitted.
"Don't be so down, man. I have full confidence that you'll become someone strong. There's no one I know that's better at staying alive than you."
"Well, that makes one of us."
"Come on, man, believe in yourself," Ceryl encouraged.
While discussing how Ceryl would likely take over his father's merchant company, the carriages arrived, signaling Ceryl's departure.
"Don't be down all the time and believe in yourself. If you ever need help, you can look for me in Xenia. Take care."
"Yeah, you too," Mozak replied.
Ceryl was the only friend he made in his three years at the camp, hailing from a merchant family in the capital, Xenia. Despite not being from a prominent family, Ceryl showcased remarkable talent, defeating numerous warriors of the Inup tribe. They became friends after facing a silver-ranked warrior together and held on until reinforcements arrived. They were both sent to the heal tents where their bond solidified, and became great friends.
......
At the Von Abel estate, the elders and grand elder gathered to decide on a new patriarch.
"I nominate Morgan. He's healthy, strong, and experienced enough to lead the Von Abel family back to prosperity. ," the first elder suggested.
"That won't work. Morgan's too ambitious. He's still pushing for more war, wanting to claim lands from the Inup tribes. If he takes charge, we'll see more bloodshed and lose more Von Abel lives. We've already lost too many in the war; we need to keep the peace," argued the 4th elder.
"Absolutely. We're aiming for peace. Our patriarch should be someone not overly ambitious but also not a pushover, so we won't be bullied by other families," added the second elder.
"Other than Morgan, we lack someone with both experience and strength to lead. My vote strongly goes to Morgan as the patriarch," stated the first elder while shaking his head
"Are you out of your mind? More bloodshed, Onno? Aren't we tired of wars?" The 4th elder replied.
"No, I'll make sure Morgan's ambition is in check and won't harm the family."
To halt the ongoing discussion, the grand elder intervened, stating firmly, "That's enough. I've decided on Morgan as the patriarch. No one else is qualified enough to lead the family."
"By your will, grand elder." All the elders bowed and slowly everyone left the hall
And so, without much discussion Morgan von Abel took on the mantle of patriarch for the Von Abel family,