Chapter 14: The Kairous Clan Gathering
After the intense training session in the Outer Forest and his run-in with Vikram, Rudra returned to the academy dormitory. His body ached slightly, but the excitement of progress overshadowed the fatigue. His interface displayed glowing notifications, reminding him of his mission rewards.
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Mission Complete: Frenzy Trial
> Rewards:
10,000 EXP
Skill Scroll: Thunder Blade Mastery
Rare Artifact: Core of Lightning (Bound)
Title: Lightning Ascendant (+10% lightning-based skill damage)
Rudra smirked as the EXP poured in.
> Rudra's Status
Level: 25
EXP: 300/3000
> New Skill Unlocked:
Thunder Blade Mastery
Description: Grants mastery over lightning-infused sword techniques, increasing precision and damage.
Holding the shimmering Core of Lightning, Rudra felt its energy merge with his system. His aura grew stronger, now sparking faint blue arcs around his body.
"Guess I'm officially in the big leagues now," Rudra muttered, staring at his enhanced stats.
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A Surprising Reunion
The next day, a message from his family summoned Rudra back to the Kairous Clan's estate. After months at the academy, he was excited to meet his family again. Nand and Rhea accompanied him, curious about the legendary clan that Rudra rarely spoke about.
Arriving at the grand gates of the Kairous estate in Rura City, Rudra was greeted by a familiar voice.
"Well, if it isn't the rising storm himself!"
Rudra turned, grinning as he saw Samrtha, the cheerful S-rank talent he'd met during the artifact incident. She was casually leaning against a carriage, her confident demeanor unchanged.
"Samrtha?" Rudra said, surprised. "What brings you here?"
"I'm on official business with your family," she replied, smirking. "Looks like we'll be seeing more of each other."
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The Kairous Clan Hall
The Kairous Clan's ancestral hall buzzed with activity. Elders sat on elevated seats, discussing matters of importance, while the patriarch of the family, Rudra's grandfather, Kairous Devdan, presided at the head of the room. His presence alone was commanding—a man whose aura exuded both wisdom and immense power.
"Rudra!" Devdan's stern face softened into a rare smile as he gestured for his grandson to step forward. "It's good to see you thriving, boy."
Rudra bowed respectfully. "Grandfather, I've returned with progress and resolve."
Nand whispered to Rhea, "Man, this place is intimidating. And his grandpa looks like he could crush me with a glance."
Before Rudra could reply, his father, Kairous Arjun, approached. A battle-hardened man with an A-rank Blazing Vanguard talent, Arjun greeted Rudra with a firm handshake and a proud smile.
"You've grown, Rudra," Arjun said. "We've been hearing about your achievements at the academy. The clan has high hopes for you."
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Family and Laughter
After the formalities, the atmosphere lightened as the family shared a hearty meal. Nand quickly became a favorite at the table, his endless appetite and jokes earning laughter from even the stoic elders.
Nand grinned. "So, Uncle Arjun, do you think I could marry into the Kairous Clan if I impress you guys enough?"
Arjun chuckled, while Rudra facepalmed. "Fatty, you're unbelievable."
Samrtha leaned toward Rhea. "Does he always talk this much?"
"Always," Rhea replied, smiling.
As the meal continued, Rudra's mother, Kairous Anjali, a gentle yet sharp woman with a B-rank healing talent, asked him about his goals.
"I want to protect our clan and the people I care about," Rudra said earnestly. "But I also want to uncover the secrets of my talent and surpass every limit."
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The Villain's Plot
Unbeknownst to Rudra, the shadows surrounding the Kairous estate grew darker.
In a hidden chamber beneath the city, a meeting of the Veil Syndicate—a notorious faction of infiltrators and assassins—took place.
"Rudra Kairous is becoming a threat," a masked figure said, his voice cold and calculating. "We must strike at the clan soon, or risk their influence in the upcoming trials."
Another figure nodded. "Our agents are already inside the estate. When the time comes, the Kairous heir will fall."
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The Elder's Warning
After dinner, Rudra was summoned by one of the clan's high-ranking elders, Kairous Vaidyanath, a master strategist and B+ talent holder.
"Rudra," Vaidyanath began, his voice grave, "your growth has been impressive, but strength often invites enemies. The Kairous Clan has its share of rivals, and not all of them fight honorably."
Rudra nodded, his expression serious. "I'll protect our family with everything I have."
Vaidyanath smiled faintly. "Good. But remember, true strength is not just in power—it's in knowing when to use it."
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A Mission from the Patriarch
As the night grew late, Patriarch Devdan summoned Rudra privately.
"Rudra, there's something I must entrust to you," Devdan said, handing him an ancient scroll. "This artifact contains the coordinates to an ancient dungeon. If you seek to grow stronger, you'll find what you need there. But be cautious—the dungeon is no ordinary place."
Rudra accepted the scroll with a determined nod. "I'll prove myself worthy of this responsibility."
Devdan's eyes glinted. "Good. Because the future of the Kairous Clan may depend on it."
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System Notification
As Rudra returned to his quarters, the system interface glowed with a new notification.
> Mission Unlocked: Defend the Kairous Legacy
Objective: Protect the Kairous Clan from the Veil Syndicate. Investigate and neutralize their operatives.
Rewards:
15,000 EXP
Artifact Fragment (Ancient Relic)
Title: Protector of the Clan
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Rudra's Status Update
> Level: 25
EXP: 500/3000
Next Level: 2500 EXP required
Skills:
Thunderstorm Aura
Frenzy Mode
Lightning Chains
Thunder Blade Mastery
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As Rudra stared at the new mission, he clenched his fists. The weight of his responsibilities grew heavier, but so did his resolve.
"Nand, Rhea, Samrtha," he murmured to himself, "let's see how far we can go together."