Just as he's pondering his next steps, Eclipse's voice cuts through his thoughts, sharper and more serious than usual. "Impressive progress, Kairos. But before you get too comfortable, there's something important you need to know. The trial ahead is more than just a test of strength and strategy—it's going to be a battle for survival. You're walking into a PvPvE scenario, where the other houses are likely planning to turn on your family as soon as the trial begins."
Kairos's eyes widened, the room growing still as if all life had been drained from it, the gravity of Eclipse's words sinking in. "What do you mean? Are you saying the other houses will team up against us?"
"Exactly. Four houses, each with its own strengths and tactics, will see your family as the greatest threat. The moment the trial starts, they'll likely target you in a coordinated attack. This isn't just about completing the trial; it's about outlasting them all. They'll try to eliminate your family early on to reduce the competition."
A chill ran down Kairos's spine as the reality of the situation hit him. This wasn't just a trial—it was an all-out war disguised as a test. The other houses were preparing to eliminate the Aurelians before they even had a chance to begin. His mind raced, trying to grasp the implications. "So, it's going to be us against all of them? Four houses against one…"
"Yes. And that's why I'm telling you now, Kairos. The others have no idea what's coming. They'll be caught off guard. But you—you have a chance to prepare, to warn your cousins if you choose, or to use this knowledge to gain the upper hand." Eclipse's tone was firm, yet there was an edge of urgency to it. "This will be a true test of your resolve and cunning. You've grown stronger, but this trial will push you to your limits. You'll need to be ready for anything. Remember, the Dark God System is your edge, but it's your decisions that will determine the outcome."
Kairos felt the weight of the responsibility pressing down on him. This wasn't just about his own survival—it was about protecting his family, ensuring they didn't walk into a slaughter. "I understand," he replied, his voice steady but laced with determination. "I'll be ready, and I'll make sure my family is too."
The weight of his new understanding bore down on him like an anvil. Without thinking, Kairos suddenly blurted out, "I've changed my mind. I'll be the captain of our team."
The room froze, his cousins staring at him in surprise. Orion raised an eyebrow, his usual calm demeanor slipping into confusion. "Kairos, what are you talking about?"
Lyra, usually the first to support him, crossed her arms, clearly skeptical. "Since when did you decide this?"
Caelum, never one to shy away from challenging his cousin, smirked. "You? The captain? What makes you think we'll just follow your lead?"
Alaric, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she assessed Kairos, her voice calm but laced with curiosity. "This isn't like you, Kairos. What's going on? Why the sudden change?"
But Kairos didn't look at them. His eyes were locked on his grandfather, Aztar, sitting at the head of the table. "Grandfather," he began, his voice firm, "I need your approval. If I'm to lead, I need the authority to command my cousins. This trial... it's going to be unlike anything we've faced. We'll need to be united, and we'll need to act quickly. I know what's coming, and I can guide us through it—but only if you grant me that authority."
The room fell silent as Aztar studied Kairos, his expression slowly shifting from surprise to something more serious. Crystal, sitting beside him, looked between them, sensing the tension. Aztar leaned back, a rare look of contemplation crossing his features. "You understand something the others don't, don't you, Kairos?" he asked, his tone more inquisitive than accusatory.
Kairos nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I do. I'm asking you, Grandfather, to trust me with this responsibility."
Aztar's eyes narrowed slightly as he weighed his grandson's words. There was something in Kairos's demeanor—a seriousness and maturity that hadn't been there before. He saw the determination in Kairos's eyes, and it struck him that this was not just a bold declaration, but a genuine plea for the safety of their family.
After what felt like an eternity, Aztar finally nodded. "Very well, Kairos. You have my approval. You will lead your cousins in this trial."
A ripple of shock and disbelief passed through the room. Orion, Lyra, Caelum, and Alaric exchanged glances, still processing what had just happened. But Kairos didn't waver. He turned to his cousins, his gaze steely and his voice firm. "I know this is sudden, but I need you to trust me, just this once. I know you have doubts. But I swear to you, our survival depends on it."
The room was still thick with tension, but something in Kairos's tone, his seriousness, and the confidence with which he spoke, began to sway them. One by one, his cousins nodded, albeit reluctantly.
"Alright, Kairos," Orion said, the first to speak up. "We'll follow your lead."
"Just don't get us killed," Lyra added with a faint smile, her trust in him clear despite her reservations.
Caelum simply shrugged, his usual bravado tempered by the seriousness of the situation. "This better be good, Kairos."
Alaric, ever the pragmatist, gave a slight nod. "You have our attention, Kairos. I hope you know what you're doing."
Kairos nodded, feeling the weight of his newfound responsibility settle on his shoulders. "Thank you. I won't let you down. Tomorrow, we'll face whatever comes our way—and we'll face it together." With his grandfather's approval and his cousins' slight trust.
As the dinner concluded, Kairos felt the gazes of his cousins on him—some curious, others skeptical, but all of them respectful. With his grandfather's blessing and the trust of his cousins, he stood from the table, his mind already racing with plans and strategies.
That night, Kairos couldn't afford to rest. He slipped out of his quarters, the moonlight casting long shadows across the Aurelian estate. With a quiet whisper, Eclipse's presence stirred in his mind. "Kairos, time is of the essence. If we are to survive the trials, we must prepare."