The hall of elders was a simple room. It consisted of an elevated table, which could comfortably seat six people on one side but was often used more like a conference table by the elders whenever they met on a semi-annual basis.
The presiding elders had a straightforward but difficult role: to administer the Kepler Medical Institute, the Kepler Public Hospital, and the various Kepler Clinics spread throughout Delphi.
Running a medical school was an expensive endeavor and required the clan to constantly replenish medical stores, keep an up-to-date library, and manage instructors, students, and supervising physicians. It was also necessary to ensure that newly established one-star physicians were competent before signing off on their residency.
Over 5,000 students attended the Kepler Medical Institute every year, and over 300,000 patients were treated at the clan's hospitals and clinics annually. These figures were naturally limited to Delphi and did not extend to other cities and outposts in the province, any of the other eleven provinces, or the capital, Olympia.
Suffice it to say that it took as much, if not more, effort to run Delphi's hospital system than it took to administer the city government.
"I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll start with my wish to the fox," said Sorin to the six presiding elders. He took careful note of their attitude towards him. Elder Adrian of the Sovinger Branch, despite speaking up against him, wasn't overly hostile to him. Conversely, Elder Samson of the Lucian Branch was obviously hostile to him, while Elder Simon of the Abberjay Clan was the most hostile to him despite having a fair and benevolent demeanor.
"I was a cripple, and my organs were failing. I had only a few months left to live. After working at the clinic in the Bloodwood Outpost, I'd almost resigned myself to my fate. I had enough coin on hand for a single wish, and if that failed, I was as good as dead.
"On that fateful morning, I dragged my failing body up the steps. I made a pitiful offering to the fox, holding no great hope for success. And for a moment, I thought I'd failed."
"Sorry to interrupt, but do you mean to say that you asked for the fox to heal you?" asked Elder Nolan from the Abberjay branch. "Because if so, that is an expensive gift. One that even hundreds of thousands of gold coins worth of demon cores would fail to secure."
"I am aware," said Sorin. "Which is why I was puzzled when the fox gave me the perfect solution to my condition: the Ten Thousand Poison Canon." He looked up and gauged the reactions of the elders. Unsurprisingly, they began speaking in hushed whispers.
"Are you sure it's called the Ten Thousand Poison Canon?" asked Elder Claudius from the Rosair branch.
"I'm positive," said Sorin. Given the distinct characteristics of his cultivation art, he knew that it was impossible to hide it. "It was introduced as a divine cultivation art, and involves assimilating poisons and mana in one's blood, and ignores the core entirely. I'm not sure what—"
"Enough!" Elder Claudius cut off. I have read the introduction to the Ten Thousand Poison Canon and can assure everyone that this is an adequate description. But I cannot allow young Sorin here to divulge the cultivation method, as doing so will increase the chances of information leaks."
"Are you insinuating that us elders would be so brazen as to sell the Kepler Clan's top secrets?" questioned Elder Samson.
"Of course not," said Elder Claudius. "But protocol exists for a reason."
"Agreed," said Elder Simon.
"Can you please clarify, Elder Claudius," said Sorin. "You say you've read the introduction to the Ten Thousand Poison Canon? Do you mean to say that the clan has a copy of the Ten Thousand Poison Canon in its library?" He'd already suspected as much, especially since his discussion with Asclepius.
"Our clan naturally possesses the original copy of Asclepius's divine cultivation art," said Elder Claudius. "The deity himself penned it before his passing. Fortunately, this explains why the fox was able to grant this wish in the first place, even with a trivial offering. In a sense… it's deeply related to your bloodline." He gave Sorin a meaningful look.
"It still seems like an unfair trade," said Elder Adrian. "And everyone knows the fox doesn't engage in unfair trades."
"I believe most of us have already deduced why this wish could be realistically granted," said Elder Simon. "Please continue, Sorin."
"I believe much is already known to the elders, so I'll keep the explanation brief. Having regained my cultivation and knowing full well that I would likely be prohibited from practicing medicine, I decided to become an adventurer.
"I eventually joined a team led by Stephan York, a core member of the York Clan. I went on several adventures with them, risking life and limb for riches and, eventually, for the defense of the outpost.
"I also had less than pleasant dealings with Marcus, though I hesitate to speak about him. From what I was told, his fate wasn't to be envied."
"Elder Ignis informed us that he'd gone missing during the demon tide," said Elder Simon. "And we received news a few months back from Governor Marsh that his body was discovered half-rotted and half-buried beneath a building. An autopsy confirmed that he was riddled with corruption. Rest assured that we would never blame the mysterious death of a third-forging cultivator on a blood-thickening junior."
"Then the rest is fairly straightforward," said Sorin, relieved that they wouldn't be questioning him further on Marcus's situation. "I became an apothecary at Marcus's suggestion. The demons attacked the outpost shortly after that, using a strategy that involved poison. I was lucky enough to awaken as a hero while purifying the outpost's aqueduct before too much damage was caused.
"Stephan York had already awakened as a hero, and in the battle that ensued, my remaining companions awakened as well. The outpost succeeded in repelling the once-in-a-century attack from a dryad and a satyr, and I slew over ten two-star demons.
"Shortly after the Wish Fire Festival, my companions and I set out toward Delphi, conducting multiple investigations and extermination missions and successfully unraveling some key demonic conspiracies. We arrived in the city yesterday and paid a visit to the Hero Association in the afternoon. I arrived at the manor first thing in the morning, sorted out some issues, then reported for our meeting."
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He looked from one elder to the next. "Do you have any questions or concerns?" The elders shook their heads in turn, giving the floor back to Elder Simon, the leader of the six.
"I believe that covers most of our questions," said Elder Simon. "We were mostly concerned about your miraculous recovery. The truth will end hours of meaningless debate by the council of elders on the topic. In truth, we long suspected that you cultivated the Ten Thousand Poison Canon. What we didn't expect was the fox's intervention.
"As for your accomplishments since then, we are naturally pleased to have a young member of the clan show so much promise. We hope that you continue to surprise us, though we do expect that you will seek permission from the clan before engaging in any risky activities.
"Which brings us to the next point: your intentions. As I'm sure you are aware, the new clan leader is your uncle, Reeves, Mockingjay Kepler. The clan's new young master is his most promising son, Fineas Mockingjay Kepler. Since you are no longer the young master of the clan, and your parents have already passed, the elders have agreed to give you free reign as long as you follow certain guidelines."
Sorin found it interesting that they hadn't expected a wish from the fox but had still suspected the Ten Thousand Poison Canon. Had they assumed his parents had passed it down to him? He didn't see how that was possible unless, of course, it was part of the inheritance engraved on his bones, and the fox had simply brought the information to the surface.
Since it wasn't pertinent to the discussion, he set the matter aside for now. "My intentions are simple, Elder Simon. Firstly, I wish to visit my parents' grave and offer my respects to my ancestors."
"That is something that should be done yearly," agreed Elder Simon. "Typically, at the clan's ancestral sacrifice. But we will naturally make an exception for you since you were absent for so long at the Grand Elder's direction." His hostility hadn't diminished, but Sorin could sense approval in his tone that wasn't there before.
"Many thanks for accepting my request," said Sorin. The second matter I wish to pursue is continuing my studies as an apothecary. The Ten Thousand Poison Canon is very well suited to concocting poisons, and it would be a sin to waste such a talent."
"Agreed." It was Elder Nolan who spoke. "You might not know this, as it's a closely guarded secret, but the Abberjay branch consistently produces cultivators with poison affinity. Efforts have been made to spread this to other branches, but thus far, it's only caught on in the Mockingjay branch and the Sovinger Branch."
"It would be in the clan's best interest for Sorin to join the apothecary team," agreed Elder Simon. "The Grand Elder expressed his wishes in this regard, and I see no reason not to acquiesce, especially given Sorin's enthusiastic pursuit of the apothecary profession."
"I'm glad we agree," said Sorin. Lastly, I intend to continue adventuring with my team." These words brought a frown to half the elders in the room and a surge of aggression from Elder Maric from the Defensor Clan. Our team consists of five heroes, and the Shrine Descent is coming up in four months. We intend to participate in the event to the fullest of our capabilities."
"That sounds highly inappropriate," said Elder Samson. "Given how much confidential Sorin carries and might divulge."
"Indeed," said Elder Maric. "It will also be very difficult to ensure his security. I suggest denying this request."
"With all due respect, elders, I wasn't asking for permission," said Sorin. This time, his words thoroughly provoked the elders. "I was merely informing the clan of my decision."
"I see your fall from grace has resulted in more than a loss in status," said Elder Maric. "As the head of security for the clan in Delphi, I must ensure that you have a proper escort at all times. And something like the Shrine Descent will make it extremely difficult to protect your life."
"Why don't we discuss this in private before committing to a course of action?" suggested Elder Nolan. "Perhaps we can agree on how young Sorin might participate."
Once again, Elder Simon cut them off. His friendly and patient demeanor changed as he leaned over the conference table. "Just so we're on the same page, Sorin Abberjay Kepler: You stated that you were simply informing us of this decision and will go regardless of what we say. Is that correct?" It was an obvious trap and one that Elder Nolan was gesturing frantically for him not to jump into.
"That's what I said," confirmed Sorin. He was fully committed to avoiding participation in active politics. Any relationships he made would be based on a reasonable exchange of benefits and not something ephemeral like power. "It's like you said: I'm not the young master anymore and should be given leeway to do what I wish as long as I follow certain guidelines. Unless adventuring with my team doesn't fall within these guidelines?"
"Indeed, it does," said Elder Simon, rapping his fingers on the table. "But I find your words rather disrespectful."
"Then, I guess that just means that I was never cut out to be the next clan leader," said Sorin.
Elder Simon gave him a long and hard look. "I'll be sure to add these words to your file and send that file to the Elder Council. I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time discussing the meaning of your words and any ramifications they might have."
"It's not for me to comment on the actions of the Council of Elders," replied Sorin. "Now, are we done here, or do you have any additional questions?" What had started as a pleasant albeit tense meeting full of discovery and encouragement had iced over. Five of the elders were now glaring daggers at him, and Elder Nolan, his immediate superior, and Elder Claudius, a branch ally, were shaking their heads in disappointment.
Sorin wasn't sure what they expected, but Sorin was done playing nice. He'd come to improve himself and to find the truth behind his parents' death, nothing more.
He wasn't here for politics. He wasn't here to establish relations and positive working relationships.
He was here for his self-interest, pure and simple.
"We'll continue this discussion in your absence, Sorin," Elder Simon finally said. You may visit the ancestral tomb at dawn tomorrow. Elder Maric will be your escort. Your employees, Percival and Clarice, may accompany you to offer their respects to their late employers.
It was an obvious dismissal, so Sorin left the room and joined Percival, who'd been waiting patiently on the other side of the door.
"How did it go?" asked Percival.
"Better than expected, but not great," admitted Sorin. "Now, let's get back home and prepare some offerings. I've been away for three years, so I have a lot to make up for."
***
The next day, Percival and Clarice accompanied Sorin to the ancestral tomb, where the stern Elder Maric awaited them. He first conferred Sorin a new violet identity medallion that cemented his status as a special and protected individual, then said not a word as he opened the golden door to a large room filled with ancestral tablets.
The room was divided into seven sections, one for each of the six family branches and a special section dedicated to Sirius Abberjay Kepler. The ancestor who'd brought their clan to glory had fallen in the Cataclysmic Emergence, and his three sons, who were also honored in this section, continued his legacy.
Sorin first lit up four sticks of incense, one for Sirius and one for each of his three sons. He kowtowed three times and held his head against the ground as Percival and Clarice unpacked the offerings.
He remained in this position for thirty minutes—three times longer than normal, just as there were three portions of luxurious food and three portions of alcohol.
Finally, having performed his homecoming ritual, he located his parents' tablets. They were kept with the tablets of other direct descendants of Sirius Abberjay Kepler. The other five branches were not direct descendants according to the patriarchal line but were instead the results of successful adoptions into the family that had then intermarried with the main line to ensure that each branch could practice the clan's cultivation arts and continue its legacy as the top Physician Clan.
"Mom, Dad," said Sorin softly. "I'm back." He had a lot to say to them, but nothing he dared speak out loud. He offered the same triple offering as he had his ancestors, then offered an unconventional offering: his blood. He sliced open his hand and dripped acidic blood onto a specially prepared slab of two-star stone, which bubbled and hissed until all the blood was spent.
Just as before, he kowtowed three times and kept his forehead pressed to the ground, weeping until no tears were left in him.
I'm back. Back to find the truth and bring those responsible to justice!