The city was still buzzing late at night. The people refused to end the celebration early. More and more people were trying to find places of enjoyment. Some drank, some ate while some danced on the streets.

The city's police force kept the regulations rather loose although they kept a watchful eye. Order from the very top has been to let the people celebrate and only interfere if there's unduly ruckus. They especially avoided the pleasure street.

The only place all the cacophony of the celebration didn't reach was the Eh compound. There was darkness within the estate. The training fields once filled with practising fighters and new aspirants are now sitting empty. Within the main house, the upper brass of the family was locked in a serious meeting.

"What did the doctor say?"

The man who had asked the question was sitting on a big round table along with four other people. He sat while closing his eyes, a deep frown plastered on his face.

"Fractures in his wrist as well as a dislocated shoulder. We are looking at a minimum of three months of healing time."

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A woman, who was also sitting at the table, replied to the man.

There was a collective sigh within the room.

"When it rains, it pours." Another person remarked.

"Prefect Paol, I suggest we should advance new members. We have a few people who are ready in my opinion." The last member in the room suggested.

Eh family's prefect opened his eyes and asked a question.

"I agree… When's the next tournament?"

The woman replied, "According to the list, the Harbinger Tournament is set to begin next month."

"So we have 60 days, more than enough to select a new representative. I think we should start our selection process tomorrow. No need to waste anymore time being hung over our loss. It's better we start focusing on getting the championship back to our family." Prefect Paol stated while looking over everyone present in the room.

A chorus of agreement rang in the meeting as everyone seemed to be of the same opinion. Each of them knew the wolves had smelled blood in the air and they would come. It's now a race to see who can ready a viable representative to designate as the first challenger for the champion.

"Ray will ask questions. How should we answer him, Prefect?" The woman to his right asked.

"He's injured and incapacitated at this moment. The only thing he should be doing is going on a vacation and focusing on healing his injuries. He has been a fighting champion for over two years. Over fifteen successful championship defenses, a legendary reign by all accounts." A person stated with a few approval nods from the others.

"Even still, he's stubborn and might think we are discarding him after his loss." The woman replied with caution.

"I will talk to him." Prefect Paol replied, " I too am in agreement with others here. A championship reign this long is bound to take a toll on his body and mind. He needs rest and he will see the reason if I talk to him."

Paol gazed over each and everyone one last time before ending their meeting.