"Oh, we've been hearing about your training! How did it go?" Mrs. Meriam Jane's mother asked with genuine curiosity.
"It was absolutely fantastic. I've made significant progress since my last visit," Ashylene replied, beaming with pride.
"We're excited to witness her skills first hand," she added enthusiastically.
"Next week's tournament will be the perfect opportunity for her to showcase everything she has learned," Mr. Daniel, Ashylene's proud father, confidently exclaimed with a smile on his face.
"Absolutely," Sarah said with a warm smile gracing her face. However, behind the gentle facade, her furrowed brow betrayed the intense emotions of frustration and disdain she harbored towards Ashylene as they prepared to confront each other.
With a brief pause, Ashylene responded in a kind tone, assuring, "No need to worry. I'll gladly demonstrate it for you." Mr. Elton Jane's father greeted the situation with an amiable smile and added, "Ah, the joys of sibling rivalry!"
Amidst their lively conversation, Jane, Sarah, and Tanaka eagerly shared heartwarming stories of how they first crossed paths and the beautiful bond that blossomed into a lasting friendship.
They excitedly discussed their future plans as comrades, painting a vivid picture of the adventures that lay ahead on their collective journey.
Their intention was to skillfully illustrate their intellectual prowess to their parents and thereby forge strong bonds between the two factions of these divergent families.
Ultimately, they aimed to expose Ashylene's ignorance and deem her unsuitable for a leadership position.
"I can't understand why Miss Ashylene declined my invitation to join me," Jane expressed, her sadness evident as she glanced at Ashylene's parents.Ashylene's mother and father looked at their daughter with disappointment.
"Why would you do that?" they asked, puzzled by her decision.
Ashylene took a brief moment to gather her thoughts before responding, her gaze fixated on Jane, who wore a slight but noticeable smile.
The silence between them spoke volumes, as they shared an unspoken understanding.
As Ashylene processed the situation, she couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. However, she took a moment to collect herself before responding.
"I apologize for not being able to accept your invitation. The truth is, I was already in a committed relationship at that time."
"Oh, so you're talking about that boy," Jane responded with a mix of curiosity and surprise, glancing over at Sarah and Tanaka.
"Wait, you mean you're actually friends with that outsider?" Tanaka exclaimed, his expression clearly showing astonishment.
"I'm sorry, could you clarify what you mean?" Ashylene's father inquired, wanting to understand the conversation better.
Sarah couldn't help but be concerned as she thought about the situation. "Ashy is in trouble," she pondered, before carefully choosing her words.
"He's known for being the weakest student at our school.
Even Tanaka and I, who are still new, are aware of this fact." Her expression showed concern for Ashy's well-being but it was all fake.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"Ashylene, my dear, I implore you to reconsider your company with individuals of his kind. It is vital that we uphold our family's esteemed reputation," Ashylene's father cautioned, casting a stern gaze upon her.
"It's understandable that she's still young," Jane's father assured Ashylene's father, attempting to bring comfort."I understand that, but it doesn't quite make sense.
While her younger sisters behave maturely, she seems to act more childishly," he replied, expressing his confusion.
"Let's catch up later, Ashylene," her mother, Mrs. Rachel, mentioned before smoothly shifting the conversation.
"Speaking of which, there's news that the Orime group is active again," Ashylene's mother shared casually as she sipped her red wine.
"Oh yes, I've heard about it too," Jane's mother chimed in.
"With concern etched in his voice, Ashylene's father shared a chilling rumor: children with extraordinary talents were reportedly being abducted by both affiliated and unaffiliated groups," he said, taking a thoughtful sip of his fine red wine.
As their parents conversed, Jane, Sarah, and Tanaka cast a collective glance towards Ashylene, their gaze filled with unmistakable animosity.
"Why do they hold such animosity towards me? One would think they have more important matters to occupy their minds," Ashylene pondered silently while sipping from her glass of refreshing water.
Unlike the others at the table, she chose not to partake in any alcoholic beverages, be it wine or beer.
It was a decision she had always stood by, regardless of the circumstances.
Sarah couldn't help but roll her eyes as she watched her fill her cup with red wine.
"Trying to be all miss holy on us," she thought with a smirk.
Jane's father, on the other hand, expressed his relief that Ashylene hadn't come across anyone from that group. Rumor has it they are a force to be reckoned with, and few have been able to escape their grasp.
"Of course, that's absolutely true," Tanaka began to say before Ashylene interrupted her.
"Well, actually, they did come after me," Ashylene replied calmly as she reached for another glass of water.
"What? Did someone actually assist you?" asked Ashylene's father in disbelief as There was a moment of confusion as everyone directed their attention towards her.
"How many were they?" he inquired.
Sarah, Tanaka, and Jane looked at her with surprise in response to her statement.
"No, I was alone since I was on isolation training," Ashylene replied.
"What happened? How did they even find you?" her mother questioned, mirroring the shocked expressions of the rest of the group.
The Orime group consisted of both chosen individuals and ordinary people, and its purpose remained unclear.
However, it was known that their goal was to dismantle the existing world order and create a society without those who possessed special abilities.
"Well, the individual who approached me had command over earth-style powers. Presumably, they believed that someone with that ability could counter electric users.
Unfortunately for them, they were mistaken," Ashylene declared with a smile directed at everyone present.
"What do you mean?" Ashylene's father asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm saying, father, he couldn't even last a minute against me," Ashylene said, maintaining a calm demeanor that surprised everyone.
Sarah looked at Ashylene with her mouth agape, her fist clenched as anger fueled within her.
"Apparently, when I questioned the guy before he escaped, he mentioned their plans to take over something this year and recruit new members for their group," she added.
"That sounds serious. I'll need to inform the Government about this," both Jane and Ashylene's fathers stated in unison.
"Ashylene doesn't lie, which means something significant might happen soon," Ashylene's mother chimed in.
"Hey, Sarah, are you okay?" Ashylene asked with a playful smirk on her face.
"Yeah... yeah, I'm just relieved that you're alright," Sarah replied with a smile on her lips but a glint of coldness in her eyes.
"Wow! My daughter is amazing! So you've become stronger? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Her father exclaimed with joy radiating through his smile.
"I was going to tell you; I just hadn't found the right moment yet," Ashylene replied, displaying a contented smile.
Everyone at the table praised Ashylene, but the other three, Sarah, Tanaka, and Jane, were just acting.
The two families gathered for about an hour before Jane and her parents prepared to leave.
While Ashylene, her parents, and Jane's parents were conversing, Jane, Sarah, and Tanaka were conversing about Ashylene.
"What a liar," Sarah exclaimed as she bit her nail, her eyes wide open, expressing her disbelief and envy for her sister.
"What if she really did beat one of the Orime group's members?" Tanaka asked, looking over at Ashylene.
"It's probabily a lie and still it doesn't matter Orime group or not we are gonna beat her next week," As Jane's playful expression swept over Tanaka and Sarah, a sense of mischief lingered in the air.
Her parents bade farewell with a promise to invite their daughter's friends over the next time, driving away with their beloved child.
Ashylene's father beamed with pride as he congratulated his daughter for her victory against an Orime's minion, causing her sisters to scowl in envy.
However, Ashylene's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of an ominous event looming on the horizon. She knew there was no time to waste on petty rivalries and strode towards her home, determined to take control of her destiny.
Meanwhile, in a hidden enclave, three enigmatic figures sat around a triangular table, their voices barely audible as they contemplated their future plans. "It's time," they whispered, their hidden motives shrouded in secrecy.
As the three mysterious figures continued their discussion, they were surrounded by a hundred individuals emanating an undeniable aura of strength and conviction.
The gathering formed a massive triangle shaped formation with the three at its center. Suddenly, the three stood up and turned towards the hundred, their voices ringing out in unison.
"We, the Orime, will no longer tolerate the world's injustices and will fight against the rank disparities among men and women. No longer will our loved ones fall victim to the curses of the chosen.
Join us in realizing our ultimate goal of creating a world of unparalleled equality for all," they passionately proclaimed.
The impassioned crowd erupted into cheers and repeated the phrase "We are the justice, we are the future, and we are the peace" three times in unison.
The three then raised their hands together, shooting a bright green light into the sky, forming an eagle-shaped symbol of freedom and hope.
The gathering had made their intentions clear, their resolve unshakeable, and their ambition limitless. The Orime's quest for a new world had officially begun.