Chapter 428 - TELLING A SOB STORY (1/2)

Taiki Iekami looked at his nephew and realised that the man was still in worn-out clothing from the previous night. Furthermore, he was covered in dirt and sweat after a rough journey across the ocean. He had to be uncomfortable.

”Take a shower first, and meet me downstairs.” He said. ”I will explain everything over breakfast.”  ​​

Kaito weighed his options and nodded. He knew this was not a conversation that he should have while still in his current filthy state. He would think clearer with fresh clothes and perhaps, some food. His current priority was understanding Martial Island so that he could leave it. And Taiki was his only chance at getting answers to his questions.

About thirty minutes later, Kaito walked down the stairs and found his uncle without trouble. The open floor space combined the living room, the dining room and the kitchen, creating a large and spacious area. The design eliminated barriers, allowing one to see across most of the ground floor.

Taiki ushered him to a seat at the white dining table. A basic breakfast was on the table with two place settings. Kaito lifted his brows in question at the simplicity of the meal compared to the grand house. His uncle noticed the small movement and responded with a small smile.

”This house is my private residence. The Iekami clan has a residential district, but I am more comfortable living on my own. I do not like keeping full-time maids or butlers.” His tone seemed to hide something dark.

”You know seem a bit too young to be my uncle. The age gap between you and my mother must be quite significant.” He commented before starting his meal.

”I was about ten years old when you were born,” Taiki explained.

The two of them continued eating in silence. Kaito continued observing Taiki with care, trying to find an answer to the kind of person he was. However, so far, he could only tell he was a powerful and disciplined man with a lot of control over his emotions.

When Kaito finished his meal, he did not waste time.

”Tell me about my options for leaving this island.” His tone had an intensity that did not permit opposition.

He did not ask for special information like the location of the place or the routes out of it. He did not imagine that such details would be useful. He was a stranger on the land, without allies or basic knowledge. If the island was as reclusive as it seemed, he would not be able to even walk around without attracting attention.

Taiki sighed. ”To understand your way off the island, you should know what kind of place Martial Island is. This island is a place of power and strength. It is a place designed to allow the strongest people in the world to thrive.”

”I am not sure about the time the state was formed. But according to our history, it was a deserted island that served as a global but private centre for combat. Champions from around the world would come to this place periodically and fight for titles and spoils.”

”Champions who were obsessed with being the top in the world were unwilling to return to their homes. And the patrons who were obsessed with power would also spend their days on the island preparing for the next event.”

”With time, Martial Island transformed from a simple secret arena for fights to a secret destination for fighters. And after that, it became the permanent home of people obsessed with improving strength. Of course, the world moved on from revering physical strength to wanting other forms of power.”

”Martial Island became more reclusive, even though they continued amassing power in the outside world. However, the families who knew of Martial Island and revered strength established themselves in this place. After a while, the power structure settled, leading to a prosperous age.”