Ren walked through the long haul of the abandoned building that his family had taken over after the clan's move. This time they had made their way further north, settling in some abandoned ruins that looked like they had stood for ages. He was currently walking to a meeting that his father was holding with a few of the other powerful family heads. After Erith and Ray's disappearance, one of Ren’s seven elder brothers had to take their place, driving the horde in a different direction. He, of course, did not survive the ordeal. Ren cared little about that and it seemed his father didn’t either, but it had opened an opportunity. A crack in the elder's reputation had emerged, and despite his denials, suspicion now surrounds him regarding the disappearance. All it would take was one push and his control would topple, leaving Rens, father in charge. Or at least that was what he would insist on every time anyone had a conversion with him in the past few days. Ren was unconcerned with the plotting. He was content finally being recognized as one of the strongest members of the family. From a young age, Ren was consistently in competition with his siblings. Only the strongest family members received proper support, leaving the weaker ones to fend for themselves. Ren was the youngest of the 7, making it an uphill battle for him since day one. Two years ago, he'd fallen to the bottom of the rankings after his last brother's success in gaining a spark, but he didn't care. He reveled in the challenge. From that day on, he dedicated himself to intense physical training, transforming into a formidable warrior who defeated two of his brothers in combat, even without a spark. His newly gained spark meant only one brother remained his equal. However, Ren knew this wouldn't be permanent. He checked his status, reflecting on his accomplishments for the past week.
Status
Name: Ren Elborn
Leval: 12
Ascension: 0
Class: Headsman (rare)
Mana: 190/190
Stamina: 500/500
Stats
Strength 78
Endurance 50
Dexterity 38
Intelligence 19
Wisdom 19
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 2
Endurance 2
Dexterity 1
Intelligence 1
Wisdom 1
Skills
Axe proficiency, Reckless swing, Off with Their Heads
Titles
[First threshold], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Advanced Incarnate], [Underdog]
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
He was happy with the growth but was going to have to push harder for the next few weeks if he was going to join in the fight against the elder. That sounded like a fun fight and even if his father's ambition meant nothing to him, he would not miss the chance to face another opponent several times stronger than him. Nothing in this world gave him more joy than asserting his dominance over someone, and when he got to crush someone who should be stronger than him, that would be the sweetest victory of them all. Making it to the end of the hall, he knocked on the large steel door that led into their dining hall. It was not long before one servant who worked for the family opened the door and let him in.
“Welcome young master.”
The young woman said to him with a bow. Ren grunted in response, walking into the room.
“Ahh, welcome, my son. We have been expecting you.”
A tall, bulky man said from his seat at the head of the table. He was well-dressed and clean-shaven. Ren gave a brief bow toward his father. While he did not care for how vain the man was, he had to respect him as the strongest member of his family. He was the only member that Ren did not have confidence in beating once he passed the second threshold. He knew his father was only level 75 and that the elder was nearing the first stage of ascension, but he still had full confidence that his old man could fight him one-on-one for at least 20 minutes.
“Please come take a seat,” his father said, gesturing to the third seat on his left.
Ren followed his instruction and made his way to the chair his father had indicated. Passing the four family heads that his father had invited to this meeting. He took his seat next to his two elder brothers, who were still ahead of him in the hierarchy.
“Now that everyone has arrived, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for your presence. I'm confident you understand why we're here, but let me reiterate for clarity. The geezer, our clan leader, has enjoyed excessive impunity for an extended period. I know I am not the only one at this table who has lost a loved one to that old man's schemas, and I will not be the last if we don’t do something about it.”
“While I may agree with your sentiment, how would you propose we out the elder from his position? He is still the strongest member of our clan and none of us can approach him in level without him noticing.”
One guest asked. Ren recognized the man as the head of the Zain family and the father of Shin and Chio.
“My friend, have patience; everything will become clear when the moment is right. For now, just know that my family will oust the elder on our own and all we ask for is your support after it is done.”
The heads of the four families nodded. Ren did not understand why his father was bothering with this meeting. In the end, even lacking the four families' support, they would eventually submit; after all, might makes right.
“Given that there is no risk to your families, should my endeavor prove unsuccessful, would you all formally commit your support in the event of my triumph?”
The room stayed silent for a moment before the Zain family head spoke again.
“You will have my support.”
The heads of the Crestshine and Rheihram families followed his proclamation.
“You will have my support.”
Upon their proclamation, the final family head sighed before finally agreeing.
“You will have my support.”
“Good. With that matter settled, let me treat you all to a wonderful dinner.”
Ren’s father said. And with a snap of his fingers, several servants brought out plates of the finest meat that the clan could take with them during the move. With the preparations finished, Ren licked his lips. First, he would reach level 30, then he would get to hunt the most dangerous prey that he had ever faced.