Finn: “Brother, according to your plan, our family will be split into two groups, one that stays behind, one that attends the event and searches for Ryan. Care to explain in detail?”

  Lucien glanced at Pelta. She gave a small nod and stepped forward.

  Pelta: “I’ll handle the briefing.”

  Ava: “Looks like Brother Lucien finally ran out of words for the day.”

  Selena: “He did speak more than usual. His throat must be feeling it.”

  Pelta: “The core plan is simple. Those who remain at the estate will be responsible for defense, support, internal operations, and the expansion of our alliance with the tribes. Most of the family will fall into this group. Only three members will be permitted to leave the region for the external operations. Brother Lucien will be one of them.”

  Finn: “On that point—I have a proposal.”

  Lucien: “Go on.”

  Finn: “We’ve already established Arika’s possible ability to trace Ryan. And we’ve also committed to assisting her to get her revenge. So... what if we let her take the lead in the search? We assign one of us to accompany her, help her, get the job done and treat their team as the primary recovery unit. We’ll of course support them. This way we will hit two birds with one stone”

  Ava: “It makes sense. That would relieve pressure from the field team. So... who’s volunteering?”

  Finn smiled faintly. “Why not give the one who caused all this a chance to clean it up?”

  Max: “Oh, hey—what kind of joke is that? That’s not fair. You can’t decide that without me. I refuse.”

  Selena: “Sounds interesting. Let’s do it, Lucien.”

  Max’s eyes went wide. “No, no, no. Brother wouldn't agree to this. Right? You wouldn’t. Come on, answer me.”

  Ultimare mockingly replied,“It’s not fair to make this decision unilaterally. Even if he’s responsible, he deserves to be treated fairly. I call for a vote. Raise your hand if you agree.”

  Of the eight present, six raised their hands. Only Max and Lucien, still deep in thought abstained.

  Max: “Doesn’t matter. Final word’s his anyway.”

  Lucien finally looked up.

  Lucien: “I can’t do much if this is what everyone wants.”

  Max clutched his head with both hands.

  Max: “No, no, no—fine. If that’s how it is, then tell me. Who are the other two going with Brother Lucien?”

  Pelta: “That hasn’t been decided yet.”

  Max: “Then let’s decide now. I nominate Finn. He’s always acting like he knows what he’s doing. Maybe Ava too. We could use someone cold out there.”

  Ava: “I’m not going anywhere. Just letting you know.”

  Finn: “Same. No matter how you look at it, I’m more useful here.”

  Ultimare: “If my brother needs me, I’ll go. I have no problem with that.”

  Pelta: "If I may, I’d like to join the field team as well."

  Ava: "You? Why? Aren’t you meant to manage the estate? Wouldn’t that go against your actual purpose? Just stay here with me and help keep everything running."

  Pelta: "I can do both. I’m part Mirror Wraith—I can create a clone of myself. The two versions of me stay linked, sharing all sensations and memories. That way, I can be in the field and still fulfill my duties here. I’d also act as a living bridge of communication between both locations."

  Max: "Whoa, that’s a fascinating ability. But what if your clone dies? Would you feel it? Would it hurt you?"

  Pelta: "No. I wouldn’t be affected."

  Lucien suddenly spoke, “Team One will consist of First Sister Selena, First Brother Alaric, Second Sister Nova, Ava, Pelta, and Daisy.

  Team Two myself, Finn, and Ultimare. In addition to the said member A clone of Pelta will also accompany us, mainly so I can monitor things and manage thing even when I am away and as a secondary way of communication

  As for the newly formed Team Three, it will consist of Max and Arika.”

  Selena: “You’re keeping almost every powerhouse here. You sure you’ll manage?”

  Ava: “Don’t worry, Finn. I will handle your work. Probably better than you would have.”

  Finn: “I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”

  Max: “Only if you did.”

  The meeting did not end with the first hour. Nor the second. Nor the third.

  It stretched far into the night. Pages turned endlessly, strategies flowed like ink across parchment, and every voice in the room had its moment to rise—whether in question, suggestion, dissent, or raw speculation. Banter laced with hidden meaning flickered between siblings who, until recently, could hardly share a corridor without tension. Ideas collided, reformed, and gave birth to new frameworks. It was not orderly, but it was productive. It was not harmonious, but it was aligned.

  By the morning, the Sinclair's had reached a conclusion.

  They now understood what was at stake.

  This was not merely about retrieving Ryan.

  It was about becoming a power so great that no one could ever challenge them in any way.

  This was a transformation. A metamorphosis of the house itself.

  From that moment on, the air inside the estate changed.

  Everyone began honing what they had and learning what they didn't have unlike before when it was merely for experiment or education this time it was for survival, they were totally focused to reach the next level. The enemy may be unknown, with their motive unclear. But the preparation? That had begun.

  And for the first time in their history, the House of Sinclair was not defined by division or doubt.

  They moved together.

  The impossible had occurred.

  The earliest matter to be resolved was security.

  And for that new levels were introduced surveillance area was increased golems and protective dolls now were even present in the outer circles as well.

  C.L.A.Y the house system was given instruction to monitor everything 24/7

  The next Immediate issue was the tribal settlements isolated, vulnerable, and tactically exposed.

  A new plan was drawn.

  The current locations would be vacated. All tribal inhabitants would be relocated to secure zones closer to the gate 1, hidden within the natural barriers of the surrounding terrain.

  New housing was to be constructed immediately, fully integrated with sustainable resources and needs.

  As for the old villages?

  It was decided that, They would remain standing.

  Uninhabited. Hollow. Redressed with illusion and subtle enchantments, they would serve a new purpose: traps for the curious and the foolish. Lures for spies. Graves for those who miscalculated.

  The moment the decisions were made, the house moved.

  Golems, already prepared, received their commands and mobilized without hesitation. They began construction at once, hauling material, inscribing runes, stabilizing terrain. They worked under Ultimare and Ava’s watchful guidance. No corner was overlooked. No structure was left vulnerable

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  Within three days, it was complete, a village nestled within the mountain, rivaling a small town in scale. Its buildings, houses, and council assembly hall could put those of any city to shame, all equipped with modern amenities

  At the edge of the newly founded village stood the office, Currently housing Lucien Sinclair, Who happens to be waiting for someone as he sat in the chair, introspecting.

  My body feels stable now. Actually, it feels even better than before. The astral plates have fully become a part of me. I can tell by how I move and breathe. Still, I need more training.

  Before, whenever I tried to use my ability to see into the higher realm, I couldn’t move at all. Even at just three percent, it was impossible. But at one percent, I can move, see, and react, though I still can’t do much inside that state. Right now at this level I can only see higher realm that to not completely, just for a brief moment.

  Even so, my understanding of rhythm has improved drastically. I can now feel energy and notice when it changes within about forty meters. The progress is slow, just like I was told, but it’s steady. I just need more practice and more sparring.

  I’m very curious about the plates, how they work. I asked Max to attack me with water, but the plates didn’t react or absorb it. That means not all elemental powers will affect them. I need to find the right kind of energy. There are eighteen plates, and each one must match a different type. Eighteen plates, eighteen attributes.

  He slowly closes his hand into a fist and looks at it with quiet focus.

  Someone knocked on the door and enter.

  Finn: "I’ve brought her, brother."

  Arika stepped into the room, and her eyes were immediately drawn to the man at its center, a figure who radiated a commanding presence that demanded attention.

  She saw Lucien not just as a man, but as someone of immense stature, powerful, composed, and unquestionably capable.

  His gaze alone seemed potent enough to pacify a rampaging elephant, steady and unflinching. There was something in his expression, a delicate balance between stern resolve and distant indifference. To Arika, he was like the embodiment of beauty and fear, an elegant child of both grace and terror.

  Arika bowed down as she said,“I greet the Lord of the Sinclair's.”

  Lucien: “Raise your head. There’s no point in formality, You're Arika, aren't you?”

  She straightened herself, visibly uneasy under the cold efficiency of his tone yet trying not to seem as someone weak.

  Arika: “Yes, my lord.”

  Lucien: “Did Finn inform you of the details? The plan?”

  Arika: “Yes, he explained that we must move to this new village, along with the other details about our roles. My lord, if I may I… I wanted to ask—”

  Lucien (cutting in without a change in tone): “I’ve read your file. It contains the necessary details about the ones taken—your people. Their last known locations, the nature of their capture, potential threats and places they could have been kept. I am impressed you gather this much information within three days.”

  A beat of silence passed before she spoke again, her voice softer now, shaded with restrained hope.

  Arika: “Thank you, my lord. If we are on this topic, Could you perhaps tell me… when do we act on this matter? I suggest a quick response before they start moving them to other places, my research says we have around 13 days before that”

  Lucien: “Good, in that case, let's do it Today.”

  Her eyes widened.

  Arika: “I… I didn’t quite understand.”

  Lucien: “I’m saying we retrieve them today. We move now.”

  Arika: “Are you suggesting we proceed with the operation immediately, without additional strategy or reinforcements? With only the few of us?”

  Lucien: “Pretty much, it would be just you, me and my younger brother max.”

  Her expression faltered. Shock leaked into her features like water through cracks.

  Arika: “Understood. But… are you certain three is enough? Their forces include trained mages and well-armed warriors.”

  Finn with a pretty visible smug weighed in, “You’ll see soon enough.”

  Lucien: "I’ll be accompanying you only for this first mission. Consider it… observation. The three of us will move through each known location tied to the kidnappings. We’ll recover your people and remove any opposition we encounter. Every stronghold within reach will fall. Afterward, you and Max will continue—independent, mostly. That’s how it’s meant to be, isn’t it, Finn?"

  Finn:“ Absolutely, oh ya, I forgot to tell you this Arika this max you see is specially assigned to your squad. Feel free to use him however you like to achieve our combined objective”

  Arika: “You assigned your brother to me? What does that mean”

  Finn: “You told us you’d help find Ryan if we helped you, right. This is us keeping our end of the bargain. We’ve formed a new unit—just you and our brother, Max. Together, you’ll retrieve your people, get your revenge, and uncover Ryan’s trail, obviously you will receive other help and resources as well. Any objections?”

  Arika steeling herself, voice steadying, “None. If anything, this is more than I expected.”

  Lucien’s eyes never left her, unreadable and steady.

  Arika:“ this Max… who exactly is he? And how good is he and how does this unit operate?”

  She turned to Lucien, seeking clarity, but it was Finn who answered.

  Finn: “He’s strong. Capable. So fear not, he is definitely not a dead weight, But he’s... difficult. A little wild. You’ll need to control him. Think of him not as a soldier, but as a blade. And you are the one who must learn to wield it.”

  Arika’s unease crept back into her voice.

  Arika: “Wield him? Like a weapon?”

  Finn:"Listen. He’s our brother, but that means nothing here. Beat him if you have to. Use him, break him, mold him into whatever you need. Make him work like a beast if the job demands it. He won’t complain and if he does, tell us.

  You’re the leader of this squad. He’s beneath even a subordinate. Order him. Hurt him if you must. If treating him like a slave gets results, then treat him like one. I can even lend you a whip, use it to keep him in line."

  The shock on Arika’s face was now impossible to conceal. Her lips parted, searching for words that didn’t come.

  Arika: “Okay…”

  Lucien rose from his chair without ceremony.

  Lucien: “It’s time. No reason to delay.”

  Arika: “Yes… my lord.”

  Finn stepped closer. His voice dropped to a near whisper, spoken only for her to hear.

  Finn: “And one more thing. Based on how you perform today, we’ll decide who takes over your training. So make sure to prove your worth. If you are lucky, my brother might take interest in you”

  The flicker of doubt in her eyes faded. Something colder settled behind her gaze, resolve sharp and focused.

  As she turned to follow, Finn called after her.

  Finn: “Arika.”

  She stopped, glancing back.

  Arika: “What is it?”

  Finn: “You’re in charge of Max. But don’t forget your place with Lucien.”

  Arika nodded. She already knew offending Lucien was not an option.

  Arika followed Lucien the way a duckling trails its mother close, attentive, and quietly tense. Even looking at his back was enough to send a chill down her spine.

  As she walked behind him, her mind raced with thoughts of their earlier conversation.

  What had it really meant, giving her free rein to use his own brother, a fellow Sinclair, as a weapon? A tool? A slave?

  Was there some hidden agenda she was missing?

  Yet, more than confusion or doubt, what burned inside her was resolve. She would do whatever it took to get her people back. She would have her revenge.

  It didn’t matter what these people truly wanted.

  It didn’t matter if she was just a pawn in their game.

  If getting used by them is my only way to my goal, so be it.

  She didn’t care. She would sacrifice anything, become anything, to protect her people and to destroy those who had wronged them.

  As Arika looked at his back and felt the surrounding silence, she spoke.

  Arika: "Lord Lucien, would you please tell me which place we will be targeting first?"

  She received no response, only the sound of the air moving around them.

  Arika: "Lord Lucien?"

  She began to grow visibly anxious. Why hadn’t he responded? Had I made a mistake? She spoke again, this time with the most formal tone she could manage.

  Arika: "Lord Lucien, I was hoping you could share what our action plan is for today."

  To her surprise, again there was no sound except the rustling of leaves.

  Arika's anxiety had now reached its peak.

  What is this? Have I done something unknowingly to offend him? When? Did something happen in our previous conversation?

  Well, my first impression was definitely not that good. It was pretty flat, and I tried to act very diplomatic even though I don't have much experience. Is it because of that? How do I fix this? He is clearly a very important individual. I can't lose him.

  Arika stood behind him, about to mutter something, when Lucien finally spoke.

  Lucien: "Come out, Max. We have to leave now for the job."

  Arika was surprised by the sudden calm, serene voice that carried such command, but she immediately regained her composure.

  Max suddenly jumped down from a nearby tree just a few meters ahead of Lucien and Arika, closing the distance in a blink.

  Max: "Sorry about that, brother. I thought taking a little nap would improve my performance. You can't really blame me, though. Those constant sessions with Selena and Alaric make it very hard not to faint afterward."

  Arika looked at him. With his messy brown hair, he looked like someone dragged straight from bed and thrown onto a battlefield.

  So this is Max... the one they’ve assigned to me as a weapon, she thought, analyzing him.

  Noticing her keen gaze, Max smiled.

  Max: "You, young lady, must be the infamous Arika who can help us find our baby brother."

  Recalling the role assigned to her by Finn, Arika responded with confidence.

  Arika: "Yes, I’m Arika. And I hope you’ve already been informed that you are assigned to my team as a subordinate. Lord Lucien has made it clear I’m not to go easy on you and that I’m to keep your behavior in check."

  Still smiling, Max responded with a slight taunt.

  Max: "Lady, my sweet lady, you’ve got to learn how to chill. It’s not like—"

  Just as he was about to release something potent along with his words, Lucien cut him off with his presence alone, silencing Max before he could continue.

  Lucien: "We will attack three locations today: the mining camp, two warehouses on the outskirts of the nearby town."

  Arika's eyes lit up with resolve.

  Arika: "Got it. Should I prepare a carriage or something? These locations are quite scattered. Traveling between them will be an issue."

  Lucien: "Meet me at the base of the mountain."

  The moment the words reached her ears, he disappeared as if he had never been there.

  Max: "Seems like that Finn of yours hasn’t told you about our brother’s habit."

  Arika: "What habit?"

  Max: "He’ll ignore anything he deems irrelevant or unworthy. Simply put, he’s just a lazy jerk. Though he doesn’t mean any harm, so don’t mind it."

  Arika: "Ignoring what’s irrelevant... is that why—"

  Max: "Yes. That’s why he didn’t respond to your question. In the end, he would’ve had to say the same thing to me again if he answered you there."

  Arika: "I see. But since you know what I asked, does that mean you lied about taking a nap and were peeping on us? From where? And why?"

  Max: "From the office. I just wanted to see who I’m working with, that’s all. And I didn’t lie. I was napping with open eyes. My ears just happened to hear that conversation."

  Arika: "That is what’s called peeping."

  Max: "Anyway, are you going to walk at this speed? My brother might already be at the base by now."

  Arika: "What? How can that be possible? It’s around 150 kilometers from this point to the base entrance of the mountain. Even using the secret route, it’s still about 80 kilometers."

  Max laughed.

  Max: "You’re silly, Captain. Let me help you."

  He crouched, then suddenly picked her up and began sprinting.

  Max: "Do tell me the way. I’m not quite familiar with this place."

  Arika, gasping for air: "What are you doing? Put me down!"

  Max: "Hold on tight. I’m not responsible if you fall. You can cover your face if you can’t breathe. Feel free to use my coat."

  Arika, shouting: "What the hell are you doing?"

  Max: "Getting you there quickly. It’s more efficient. It won't be that long. Just hold on to your consciousness."