Mozak clenched his fist, reflecting on the war and his personal growth. Despite three years of relentless fighting, he had only managed to ascend from a low-bronze rank to a high-bronze rank. This progress fell short, especially when considering that even Copper-ranked warriors could cultivate to high-bronze rank in that time frame. It was a bitter realization that weighed heavily on Mozak's shoulders.
The internal struggle persisted, and Mozak pondered deeply. He faced the harsh truth that his talent might be a limiting factor in his cultivation. The frustration of not being able to reach higher ranks gnawed at him. After much contemplation, he reluctantly accepted the reality and decided to focus on what he could control.
Determined to contribute to his family and make a difference, Mozak resolved to channel his efforts in areas where he could be usefull. If he couldn't ascend through sheer power, he would strive to be a valuable asset through intelligence and strategic thinking. Mozak envisioned himself assisting in the governance of the estate, employing his wits to navigate the complexities of family affairs. Additionally, he was determined to support his sister in any way possible, showcasing a resilience that transcended physical prowess. The war may have highlighted the limitations of his strength, but Mozak was determined to forge a path where his intellect and resourcefulness could shine.
As Mozak wrestled with his internal battle, his parents were at the estate of the head family. The first elder called for attention, addressing the gathered individuals to acknowledge their contributions during challenging times that led to significant losses for the von Abel family. After numerous clashes with the Inup tribes over eight arduous years, they had finally come to an end with a peace agreement, though not favorable.
"I promise, in my name, Onno von Abel, we shall retake our lands," declared the first elder, sparking admiration and hope among the onlookers. The desire to reclaim their lands was particularly fervent for Eskil, who had lost his son during the war and sought revenge. In contrast, Flora, a healer, dreaded the prospect of another war, having witnessed the devastating toll it took on the von Abel family.
With everyone's attention back on the first elder, he proceeded to make important announcements. "In the elder council, we have decided to make Morgan Von Abel the patriarch. I expect everyone to attend the ceremony in three months." While Morgan's appointment wasn't surprising due to his formidable power, many harbored disappointment, knowing well of his ambitious nature.
The second announcement regarding changes in estate management sent shockwaves through the gathering. The war had inflicted significant damage, causing many branch families to decline in power. Now, any family without a gold-rank expert would no longer be allowed to manage an entire estate and would have to relocate to rural housing in Celestia City. This meant relinquishing their estates, a prospect met with resistance and arguments.
Amidst the heated discussions, Eskil clenched his fist, realizing that as a silver-rank warrior, they would have to leave. The first elder, using Prana to amplify his voice, intervened, "We know this is hard to accept for everyone, so we have decided on some leeway. We will provide extra support for managing the state and allow them to stay if anyone gets a family member who is able to attend the elite academy and finish in the top 100. Understand that this only applies to the elite academy and not the regular academy."
A hush fell over the crowd as they comprehended the challenge and opportunity presented by the offer, recognizing the difficulty of securing a spot in the elite academy.
Amidst the contemplations and reunions at the head estate, there were whispers and discussions far away at the Hens estate to the north of Felicia. In a council meeting, the atmosphere was tense.
"We must attack the Von Abel family now that they are at their weakest. This is our one and only chance to get rid of them before they regain their power," vehemently declared Mayne Hens.
Gemma Hens, however, opposed the idea, cautioning, "We cannot. The royal family will not allow it, and we will be targeted by the other families. Although the Von Abel family has suffered a lot, they still warded off an invasion by these barbarians. They have too much goodwill at this moment, so we should refrain from direct confrontations."
The grand elder, endorsing Gemma's perspective, added, "Yes, that's right. But I heard about their plans for the Elite academy. I shall instruct our youths to prevent them from entering and make life as difficult as possible for them. This way, we can hinder them from regaining their lost power, and it will be easier to get rid of them in the future."
While discussions unfolded at the Hens estate, elsewhere, the overarching topic was how to exploit the vulnerabilities of the von Abel family in their weakened state. Unbeknownst to the von Abel family, storms of conflict and manipulation were brewing in the shadows.
Back at their estate Mozak decided that he wil make of every single opportunity to be useful to his parents, so he already decided to read some books on how to manage an estate. While he may not have a lot of power he is hardworking and had great discipline. To master a sword technique he once stayed awake for 2 days doing the exact same slashes more than a thousand times, although he fainted after wards and his mother had to heal him, he stil mastered it pure by dedication. So mozak decided that he was going to do the same with these books.
While he has only been studying for a few hours Mozak decided to finally take a good long sleep in his own bed for the first time in three years
Back at home, mozak who was determined to make the most of every opportunity to be useful to his parents,immersed himself in the extensive realm of estate management. Aware of his limitations in terms of raw power, he relied on his tireless work ethic and unyielding discipline. These were qualities that had defined him throughout the grueling years of war, and now, he sought to channel them into a different battlefield — one of strategy, governance, and leadership.
As he delved into the intricate details of estate management, Mozak encountered a myriad of challenges and complexities. From financial planning to diplomatic negotiations, he absorbed knowledge with the same intensity that had fueled his combat training. Mozak knew that to contribute effectively to the recovery and prosperity of his family, he needed to understand the complexity of running an estate.
Drawing parallels to his past achievements, Mozak recalled the rigorous training that had led him to master a sword technique. The commitment to perfection, the countless repetitions, and the eventual physical toll, as he once stayed awake for 2 days to master it — all of these experiences served as a testament to his unwavering dedication. He was determined to apply the same level of diligence to his newfound pursuit.
Despite having only scratched the surface in his initial hours of study, Mozak felt a burgeoning sense of accomplishment. The wealth of information he acquired began to shape his understanding of the responsibilities that awaited him. Mozak's goal wasn't just to be knowledgeable; he aimed to become an asset, a beacon of support for his family in these challenging times.
After more than 10 hours of studying. Mozak decided to reward himself with a well-deserved rest. He retreated to his own bed, cherishing the simple luxury of a peaceful night's sleep — a luxury that had eluded him for t amidst the turmoil of war. As he closed his eyes, Mozak envisioned a future where his newfound knowledge would contribute not only to the recovery of the von Abel family but also to their triumph in the intricate dance of estate management.