In the middle of the hills sits a glamorous castle with ample space inside as well as outside. The private road connecting it to Zapotes City is well kept and every twenty feet a street lamp can be seen. There are a couple of cell towers throughout the hills disguised as trees. Some antennas could also be spotted through the building. In the middle of the castle area there is a high rise building. Inside the top floor of the building in the meeting room, a group of 20 people can be seen seated around a table. The inside of the room is well illuminated by sunlight and a smart board can be spotted at the front of the room. The cool air conditioned room provides comfort for the attendees of the meeting. Sitting at the front there is an imposing slender figure wearing glasses, a blond man with blue eyes, this man is the current head of the Deus family, Joseph Deus. On his right, the old head of the family, Victor Deus, sits, a gray haired blue eyed man with a powerful presence. On Joseph’s left is his younger brother, John Deus, a blond man with light brown eyes.
“With the recent attack on Zapotes High School by the Lunarian Rankers as a distraction to steal Saintess Amelia’s Staff, I will start to expand the Deus Guild into more countries around the globe in order for us to have more access to different resources.” Joseph spoke. “The only country we operate right now is America. We have partnerships with other guilds in other countries, but it would be for the best to open international branches.”
“I don’t see a problem with the current system.” A muscular man, Albert Deus, commented. “We exchange resources with guilds from other countries. Why increase our workload.”
“The Magical Engineering Department should be our next focus as everyone is well aware, magic technology helps us become stronger, but we don’t have access to all the materials around the planet because of the trade restrictions some countries have placed on certain materials. If we open a branch in those countries, then our teams would be able to research those materials without restrictions in that country.” Joseph replied.
“Those are excellent points, sir.” An overweight woman, Alana Fair, said. “I believe if we get access to those materials, we would be able to better fight the Lunarian Rankers. I have a couple of talented individuals in R&D that are capable of doing wonders.”
“Then what are we going to do about energy efficiency? As it stands now you have to use a lot of Magical Energy when using magic technology?” Albert smugly pointed.
“Right now we have tested some methods that have reduced energy consumption by ten percent.” Alana stated.
“I say we dedicate some resources to that. I believe magic technology will take off in the next few years and we don’t want to be behind other guilds.” John said. “Besides, having more resources belonging to our guild will help us in our fight against the Lunarian Rankers.”
“I trust your judgment, John.” Victor said. “If this lets us be closer to exterminating those Otherworlder bastards, then that is great.”
As soon as Victor spoke his opinion no one dared to say anything back and agreed to the decision. They began to plan on contacting universities of the countries with the best restricted materials to scout local talent. Alana was tasked with assembling a team that will be in charge of researching the materials. Joseph estimated they would have a fully operational branch in other countries in a year. Albert began to smirk.
“In this attack from the Otherworlders, there was an idiot that shouldn’t have fought.” Albert commented and Joseph glared at him. “Only an idiot with no Magical Power would fight. Oswald is the only human with no Magical Power, he is a disgrace to our family.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Albert, cut it out.” John said while feeling overwhelmed by the pressure being emitted by Joseph. “He is doing his best.”
“That talentless brat is worthless to us. That is why he is not even considered as a candidate for the family head like your son or mine.” Albert continued. “Your mother died protecting that kid and your sister lost an arm. That kid has brought us negative value.”
“YOU BETTER SHUT YOUR MOUTH!.” Joseph yelled as he stood up and walked towards Albert. “Oswald is my dear son, he has done nothing wrong. The Lunarian Rankers were the ones to attack.”
“Do you know why no one else other than you and John are defending him? Not even Uncle Victor, his grandfather, is standing up for him.” Albert said as he stood up face to face with Joseph. “Everyone here knows he is a worthless waste of space. It was a smart idea to send him to a public high school rather than to Rosemary High School. We don’t need him dragging down the school founded by our ancestors. ”
Joseph’s pressure expanded to the whole room and everyone in the meeting room felt as if they were suffocating. Joseph grabbed his glasses, tossed them away and in a quick motion that no one could follow punched Albert right in the jaw. Albert was launched into the ceiling and came back down into the ground. Abert was screaming in pain as he tried to stand up. Victor glared at Joseph.
“Meeting dismissed.” Victor said. Everyone, but Joseph, John, Victor, and Albert left the room. “Joseph, I expect better from you as the family head.”
“Father, I can’t stay still when he is talking about my son like that.” Joseph argued. “Oswald has been trying hard to train in close combat, I believe he will be able to obtain his Adventure’s License.”
“Then, he will have to prove himself at the tournament.” Victor said. “It’s better for him to stay out of our matters, but if wants to be accepted by the others he will have to prove himself.”
Victor exited the room with an unimpressed expression. Albert managed to stand up and glared at Joseph.
“You think you are the big shot, just because Uncle Victor made you the head.” Albert said. “I’ll make sure my son is the next head. Your young daughter, Carmen, stands no chance. And John, your son, Leon, won’t be able to compare to Joshua. Joshua will win the tournament.”
“Albert, just leave. Go to the hospital.” John said. Albert glared at both of them and left the room. “Joseph, you should manage your temper. I know May would be happy for what you did. But you have to think as the family head.”
“I know, but I can’t let it go. Everyone else in this family treats Oswald as someone worthless. Only May, you, and your children support him.” Joseph said. “I can’t ask for better siblings, you and May are supportive.”
“Joseph, both me and May will always admire you.” John said. “You are our older brother. You have done a lot for us. Thank you!”
“I appreciate you guys.” Joseph said. “I better get going to the hospital to check on Oswald or else Liliana will get angry at me. He will probably get discharged tomorrow. I’ll catch you later, John.”
Joseph fist bumped John and then exited the room. John was left alone in the room thinking about what had transpired.
“Mom, I wish you were here. Oswald would not be shunned by the rest of the family if they saw you supporting him.” John said. “I hope Leon becomes the head or else someone else will conspire against Joseph. Not even Father stands up for his grandson, he harbors resentment for Oswald.”
John exited the room with a hint of sadness in his face. He knew that after his mother died the Deus family became unstable and a storm was brewing. His hope was that the tournament would not be a catalyst for the whole family to crumble down, not now that they needed unity to stand up to the Lunarian Rankers.