11 New Hopes Arrival (1/2)
That morning Hittan was at home with his entire family and he found it hard not to compare the last time he left the village with today. He had caused his family to face shame and punishment for him yet now he was the pride and joy in their hearts. He understood that his motives may have been selfish to interfere with fate, but he was certainly grateful to be able to fix that mistake. Even he started to wonder if his actions had led to a karmic debt to the world and one day he would have to repay, in full.
”Son, your mother and I will not be able to accompany you on this journey so you must practice caution. Also, establish a good relations.h.i.+p with the other 6 members of your team as they represent the leading candidates for leaders.h.i.+p. They can be the base on which your idea of equality can be built but if mistreated they could be your strongest opposition.”
”I know what to do father.”
”My darling boy, I need you to promise your mother that you will not needlessly endanger yourself. Also, during this period, for most juniors, it is not uncommon to hear of marriages popping up. I will not stop you in this pursuit as long as you are happy and you treat her properly.”
”If I pick anyone, mother you can be sure you will approve of her.”
”Sweet talker! I do not expect you to be like your father and settle for one wife. Given the limitations of the G.o.dbeast inheritors in producing offsprings both male and female clan members tend to have more than one wife or partner.”
”... Okay, but I'm sure I'll follow father's footsteps.”
It was at this time that his grandfather Fan joined the conversation. ”Grandson, I understand you may want to follow your father's footsteps. But you must keep in mind you are different and unique even amongst others in the village. As such the village may request that you consider an arranged marriage. As your grandfather, I will not allow anyone to pressure you but as the Chief, I will say that there is a good reason for such a request.”
'Is this the Karmic debt already demanding payment?? How can I tell him no, given what he's done for me, what he sacrificed and endured for me? But Kaija is the reason I'm even here in this timeline. How long will it take me to find her? I don't know, but I'm willing to look and to wait for her if necessary. If this is to strengthen the village then I must work harder so an arranged marriage will not be necessary.'
”Grandfather I will keep it in mind, but I ask for some time before a decision is made.”
”That goes without saying, my boy! As long as you consider it the Elders will not find it unreasonable to wait.”
”HAHA, that a boy! Unlike your father who flatly refused those old geezers, you are at least tactful in your responses. Here, at least you have one grandfather that brought you something to send you off!” Eying Fan, Jalil proceeded to take out a ring and handed it to Hittan. To which Fan could only roll his eyes and lament that he was indeed one-upped!
Hittan recognised that the ring was a spatial crystalline pocket ring.
Jalil continued his bragging as he encouraged Hittan to look inside the ring by allowing his soul to form a connection. ”I know you have a good storage ring given by your other grandfather. But this one is of the highest quality and I've left treasures inside that you'll find useful!” Smiling from ear to ear one could see the smug look on his face as he stared at Fan while speaking the entire time.
'...Medicine pills, Sapphire armour and a Corundum Blade standing 6 feet tall! Grandfather has returned my armour and weapon from the previous life! Was I meant to always have these things?'
”Thank you grandfather, thank you all. I will not disappoint your expectations.”
…...
High Sun (Noon in this world) had approached and Hittan made his way to the Great Hall. It seems he was the last to arrive.
”Apologies team, it appears I have kept you all waiting.”
”We weren't waiting that long and you're right on time.” Glancing, at the 3 suns high in the sky Edan welcomed Hittan to the group.
”Though this team is in part forced upon us by the village Chief and maybe some of you are currently unwilling to call all of us 'brother'. It is something I genuinely hope we can achieve over the next few years, true kins.h.i.+p. As for leaders.h.i.+p, I will keep to the decision of my grandfather. This world values strength above all other and this may never change so let this ”position” motivate you to improve, as I too will strive to improve! However, gaining strength without a worthy cause is pointless, lonely and one you will come to regret.” As. .h.i.ttan tried to find the words that would best motivate and unify them he kept his main purpose at the forefront of his mind.
”Hittan, if you don't mind can you tell us why you are so strong and why you are trying to gain strength?” Sahar couldn't help but fidget while dragging up the courage to ask what they all wanted to know.
”I don't mind at all Sahar. Firstly, I am not ”strong” but I do have some skills. These skills I will share with you all, similar to what Edan has learned if you are willing to learn from me. The latter of your two questions is simple, I want the strength to protect my loved ones from any and all threats. But I also… want to change the view that the village has towards King Beast legacies and to do that I need to show my 'strength'.”
Hittan had offered upfront the idea of teaching them knowing full well that the Elders of their families would have enquired about the possibility of them learning his movement skill.
”Well said young Challenger.”
The group immediately turned around to greet the new speaker. ”Greetings, Senior Evaluating Elder!”
”Oh yes, my name. I am Elder Fahim of the Phoenix Clan, but you will address me as Headmaster, of the Sky Element Academy once we leave the village. It is time to leave, I trust you all have made the appropriate preparations.”