After Nova had declared the emperor’s return, a message was sent to Miko’s home.

“All core members and in-laws of the Dragna are hereby ordered to gather at the royal palace for an emergency Clan meeting.”

Receiving this summons, Nova, Leon, Sasha, and Momo left for the palace.

“You guys can stay here for the time being. I think you’ll be safer here than going back to your home.”

Sasha said to the trio before leaving. They were sitting in the living room, feeling a bit nervous. Well, at least Sora and Hina were.

“Man, this couch is more comfortable than it looks.”

Ace was bouncing on the couch a little bit.

“As laid back as always. Aren’t you worried about Miko?”

Sora was a bit annoyed.

“I am, but I doubt he’ll be executed with parents like that. Not to mention, he’s the Dragna clan’s Progenitor’s proxy.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“More importantly, do you guys know what the members of the Dragna clan are like? Other than Nero and Nova I don’t really know much about the others. You know, because I spent most of my time gaming.”

“What they’re like? I’ve never met them, so I only know what I heard in stories and what was posted on the net.”

Sora turned to Hina.

“What about you, Hina? You’re born and raised here after all.”

“I know a little bit. A few of the clan members were acquainted with my grandmother. I even met one of the branch leaders.”

“If I remember correctly, the clan is divided into five branches right?”

Hina nodded.

“The five branches are made up of the descendants of Tia’s five children she had with Augustus Dragna. Apparently, each branch has its own customs and rules, while the leaders are said to be incredibly strong. Strong enough to be ranked among the world’s strongest. In a way, the reason why the Dragna empire is considered a world power that can stand on the same level as Powerhouses like the Asgard Empire, Zebul Empire, and Sanskrit Federation, is entirely because of them.”

“Oh? That’s impressive. As the clan leader, Nero must be as big as a monster as I heard.”

Ace said with some excitement.

“What are you talking about? The Dragna clan doesn’t have a leader. There are branch leaders, that’s it. Nero is a branch leader too. He may be the emperor, but from what I heard he only controls the empire. The Dragna clan itself is a different matter.”

Meanwhile, Nova, Momo, and Miko’s parents made their way to the royal palace. The guards on duty saluted with the utmost respect.

“So, who do you think will be absent?”

Nova asked out of nowhere.

“Why do you think someone will be absent?”

Sasha asked.

“Because we’re all self-centered.”

“Point taken.”

They were walking in the royal yard which was filled with statues.

“I’ll bet on Rihan. He hasn’t been to the last seven annual meetings and doesn’t care about the clan issues. I doubt he’ll come now.”

Said Leon.

“I agree, but what about Gian and Gamion? Those two have been gone longer than Rihan. If we didn’t have photos, I would’ve completely forgotten what they look like, despite them being my older brothers.”

Said Sasha.

“Umm….is this really the time to do this? I mean this meeting is definitely about Miko.”

Momo asked.

“Don’t worry. If anyone pushes for Miko’s execution or exile; I’ll just leave the clan, go back to Niflheim, and come back with an army to wage war.”

“That’s a big problem, Aunty!”

They entered the palace and made their way to the center of the palace. There was a large golden door with a dragon entangling with a Phoenix on it. Nova pushed the door and a loud creak echoed in the halls. The group then walked inside. Inside was a huge round white table with a dragon emerging from the sea in the center. Dozens of chairs were around it. There was also a raised platform with five seats with the numbers 1-5 on them. Behind them was a golden staircase that led to a throne at the top. The throne was white and gold with azure and pure gems in it. There was also an insignia of a dragon entangling a Phoenix on it.

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“What? Are we the only ones here?”

Nova looked around the empty room.

“Why call us here if you’re gonna be late?”

“Forget it. For now, let’s take our seats.”

At Sasha’s suggestion, they all took their seats around the table. Nova sat between Momo and Sasha, while Leon sat on Sasha’s free side. They sat in silence and not even a minute later someone came in.

“Oh, Aunty and uncles. You’re all here.”

The person who entered had the appearance of a teen. He had a mischievous look to him, but he was also good-looking. He had purple hair like Nova and Sasha, but his was cut short, and his blue eyes were a bit darker than Momo, Nova, and Sasha’s. He was dressed in a white shirt with a laughing joker on it, dark jeans, a white belt, and black and white sneakers.

“Aeon.”

Momo was surprised to see him.

“I didn’t expect you to come.”

“What are you talking about? My cousin is in a pinch, how can I not be there for him?”

Aeon walked towards the table and sat beside Momo.

“What are you planning?”

Momo whispered to him.

“How rude. I can’t be worried about Miko?”

“No, but you have that look in your eyes. I just know that you’re planning something.”

“Momo, leave him. Even Aeon knows when to behave himself.”

Sasha folded her arms in front of her and glanced at him.

“Right?”

“Hahaha.”

Aeon only laughed nervously and leaned back in his seat. Later on, people started coming in one after the other. Soon all the seats were filled except for one around the table, the five on the platform, and the throne.

“Only Krow and the branch leaders aren’t here yet.”

Momo mumbled.

“Sorry, I’m late. I had to handle cleaning up Miko’s mess.”

Krow walked in. He went to sit at the chair nearest to the branch leaders.

“Hey.”

Leon gestured to Sasha.

“Yeah.”

She looked around. Across from where she sat was everyone who was believed to be working with Krow. It was an obvious division of the clan members’ stance.

“Well, isn’t he acting bold? He doesn’t feel the need to hide those who are on his side.”

Nova had an amused smile on his face, as he rest his elbow on the table and leaned his head on his palms.

“Hey, little sister. It looks like these people are plotting against us”

Nova boldly pointed at everyone.

“Can I kill them?”

“?!”

Everyone on Krow’s side of the table tensed up. A threat from Nova can’t be ignored.

“Stop it with your jokes, Brother. They actually believed you were serious.”

“I see. I guess you’re right.”

Nova chuckled a little. The tension left their bodies. Krow’s expression was calm from start to finish.

“Hahahaha!”

That’s when a laugh came from Nova’s side.

“You still the joker, JR.”

It came from a woman with azure hair. She was rather attractive and was dressed in a teal dress.

“My beautiful wife! You were here?! I’m sorry I didn’t notice you.”

Nova's eyes lit up

“Come and sit with your husband. There’s a free seat here.”

He pointed at where Aeon was sitting.

“No, I’m fine. I’m sitting with the rest of my branch. Please stay where you are.”

“I see. Then I’ll do as you say.”

“Uncle, were you really going to throw me out of my seat just now?”

Aeon asked, but Nova only smiled and didn’t reply.

“Sorry, we’re late.”

A group of people walked into the room. Everyone stood up and saluted upon seeing them. The only exceptions were Krow and Nova.

“You may be seated.”

Said the one at the front. He was a slim man who looked like he was in his early 20s and had a strict expression. His hair was well-kept and was the perfect mixture of azure and purple. He was wearing black and purple suit, and had a dragon-shaped ring on his finger.

“The Secundus Branch greets its king, Lord Rouge!”

A section of those gathered once again stood up and shouted at the top of their lungs. This included the woman Nova was calling his wife. Rouge nodded and sat on the seat with the number two on it. When he sat, the Secundus branch members did the same.

“I really hate this ritual-like entrance. It’s really a waste of time.”

Someone sighed and started walking towards the platform. Another section of those gathered stood up and shouted.

“The Tertitus Branch addresses its leader, Master Alexus!”

The person walked up to the platform and took a seat in the seat with the 3 on it. He was dressed quite sharply in a gray suit and wore glasses that hid his bright blue eyes. He had purple and azure hair, that was cut short and well-groomed. He gave off the expression of a scholar as he sat in his seat.

“I think it’s kinda fun.”

The next person approached the platform. To follow the previous ones, another section stood up and shouted rather excitedly.

“The Quartus Branch sings for its beautiful leader, Lady Ecko!”

She was a beautiful woman with long curly azure and purple hair, and looked like a teenage girl. She was dressed in bright-colored jeans, a dark top that revealed her flat stomach, and for some reason an unfastened floral kimono that was used as an overcoat.

“Thank you, thank you! I love you all.”

Ecko was all smiles as she sat at the seat with the number 4 on it.

“I don’t really care either way. As long as it boosts our troops’ morale, I don’t mind using it.”

The last person started approaching the platform. As usual, a different section stood up, they made sure to salute as well.

“The Quintus Branch salutes our commander, General Andreas!”

He was dressed in an azure and black uniform with gold buttons on it, and was wearing black gloves with eyes on the back. He had a stoic expression and like the others had azure and purple hair. He had a muscular build and was the tallest of the four by nearly a foot.

Nova lifted his hand.

“Yo, Rouge.”

“What is it, Junior?”

“Where’s the old man? I mean, only the Primus Branch didn’t get to greet their leader.”

Rouge started rubbing his temples with a frown.

“He’s out there in the hall.”

“Then why didn’t he come inside?”

“Because he’s drunk!”

Ecko burst out laughing.

“He got depressed by the news of Darius’ death and started to drink away his sorrows, the weakling.”

Andreas clicked his tongue.

“We tried to bring him here, but it became a pain in the ass, so we just left him outside.”

Alexus didn’t seem to care.

“I see. Then I’ll go get him.”

Nova stood up and went out of the room. He soon came back dragging someone, who looked identical to him. It was his father, the emperor, and leader of the Primus Branch, Nero.

“Primus Branch, greet your leader!”

Nova shouted. Everyone from the Primus Branch, including Sasha and Momo stood up and shouted.

“The Primus Branch drinks with its granddaddy, Big Baller Nero!”

“Hahahaha!”

Ecko burst out laughing.

“I still can’t believe he changed his greeting to that….”

Alexus sighed. Rouge just held his head while Andreas didn’t seem to care.

“Now to the platform.”

Nova lifted the drunk Nero overhead and threw him at the platform. He hit the seat with the number 1 on it and laid out with his butt sticking in the air.

“……..”

Rouge decided to ignore him and continued.

“All of the branch leaders are here, so let the meeting begin.”

He seriously scanned everyone’s face.

“The issue of today’s meeting is Gamiko Dragna the third, aka Miko!”