Sitting in his room behind a desk, Alexander was wearing a bathrobe, having just recently showered. His damp hair was loose and unkempt. Alexander contemplated the day's events, feeling the wound dealt to him by Lioness through his partially opened robe.
His thoughts were interrupted when he glanced at the large communication device placed on his desk. The sight of it made him sigh in annoyance as he thought to himself, Soon it will be time to have a meeting with the faction my parents sold me to. Alexander rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "Or as they put it, my new family."
In the new era of Ascenders, five factions held dominance over the world. While each faction believed that the path to ascension must ultimately be walked by the individual, they differed greatly in how this path should be approached.
The Spirit World Progeny was one such faction, basing their techniques on Nature, Ascended Beasts and the Spirit World. Then there was the Great Consciousness, a scientific order that believed the best way to achieve ascension was by manipulating the three core aspects: the Vessel, the Conscious Mind, and the Soul. Alongside them stood the Adaptive Crusaders, a highly organized militaristic group that believed ascension could be achieved through learning and adapting under harsh conditions. The Heralds of Change, by contrast, maintained that the method of ascension should be decided solely by the individual.
Lastly, there was the New Dynasty, a faction founded by descendants of a powerful empire from the previous era of Ascenders. This was the faction Alexander would be forced to join if he passed their trials.
The New Dynasty's interest in him stemmed from his father, a distant relative to some of the faction's members, which by extension made Alexander part of their bloodline as well. The faction placed significant value on blood connections. Alexander's parents, seeking to further their own status and position, intended to exploit this connection. However, neither of them was Ascended, which led them to use Alexander, their son, who was.
While Alexander could easily escape the influence of his parents, he could not evade the grasp of a major faction like the New Dynasty. They knew of his blood ties and had no intention of letting him go easily.
Soon enough, the communication device produced a holographic image. It did so without Alexander authorizing it, as if the machine had no regard for his privacy. In truth, it was merely the New Dynasty representative initiating the meeting.
Still, Alexander disliked that they hadn't even allowed him the courtesy of answering the call on his own terms. Nevertheless, there was no point in dwelling on it; he would have to handle the situation as he always did—by doing his best.
The holographic projection didn't depict any person; instead, it merely undulated to signify when someone was speaking. Alexander found the voice rather peculiar. It wasn't distorted but somehow indistinct.
"Alexander, it's a pleasure to be speaking with you," the voice began. "On behalf of the New Dynasty, I must say we're glad you made it through the first trial. After all, it would be very unfortunate if you failed to live up to our expectations."
Alexander maintained a calm and focused expression, as he was well accustomed to such conversations. Despite the representative's pleasant tone, he knew there were veiled meanings behind the words.
Before replying, Alexander carefully considered the representative's statement. The mention of "expectations" likely hinted at repercussions for failure. Finally, he responded, "Well, it cannot be said that I do not strive to please."
The indistinct voice chuckled before continuing, "That's good to hear. And I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that we are grateful to your parents for bringing you to our attention."
Likely meaning my parents got whatever they wanted out of the New Dynasty after they sold me off to them, Alexander thought with annoyance. However, he ensured that none of it showed on his face.
The representative's tone then shifted to one of explanation. "I'd also like to inform you that we've ensured the other factions are fully aware of which group you'll be joining after the trials conclude."
Outwardly, Alexander maintained a pleasant expression, but inwardly his irritation was growing. They don't even have the decency to make it seem like I have a choice!
The representative then posed a question. "I'd like to hear it from you personally—why have you decided to join us?"
Alexander wanted to scoff at the question, but he restrained himself. Still, his growing frustration allowed a hint of sarcasm to creep into his voice. "I simply wish to see my family prosper, whether that be my old one or my new one."
The representative chuckled again. If they noticed his sarcasm, they didn't seem to care. "That's absolutely wonderful to hear. But there's just one last thing I must ask. You do realize that by joining us, you won't simply be joining a faction—you'll be joining a family, so to speak. Blood is often said to be thicker than water, and we'd hate for an unsteady hand to cause a messy spill."
Alexander understood the implicit threat perfectly. Once he joined, the only way to leave would be through death. He answered in a straightforward manner, "I would never intend for my blood to be spilled."
The representative seemed satisfied and prepared to end the conversation but offered one final remark. "Excellent. I wish you luck in the trials to come—and the life that lies beyond them."
As the hologram faded, Alexander stared at the communication device with contempt. He muttered in a cold, determined voice, "The life that lies beyond will see me free."